1^st Sunday of Advent, Year C: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: What we should do as we wait for Christ’s coming

Readings: Jer 33:14-16; 1 Thess 3:12-4:2; Lk 21:25-28,34-36

Dear friends in Christ, today marks the beginning of a New Year in the church (Year C) and a new season (the season of advent). Advent is a season of special preparation and expectation for the coming of Christ. It is a four-week preparation period leading up to Christmas.

In a special way, advent is a time that prepares us for the coming of Christ in three ways: first, it prepares us for the commemoration of the historical birth of Christ, that is, Jesus’ first coming in history as a baby in Bethlehem (Christmas); second, it is a time of preparation for Christ’s daily coming into our lives in mystery through the Sacraments, through the Bible, and through the worshipping community; and third, it is a preparation for Christ’s Second Coming (Parousia) at the end of the world to reward the just and to punish the wicked. It is a time that calls us to devote special time to penance, sacrifice, and prayer in preparation to receive Christ in our lives.

The term Advent comes from the Latin words ad-ventus and ad-venire, which simply mean “to arrive” or “to come,” respectively.” The three readings of today’s Mass speak of this coming. The first reading describes the coming of the upright branch from the family of David. The gospel speaks of the second coming of Jesus, the son of David. The second reading speaks of the kind of life people should live in expectation of the second coming of Christ.

After the reign of David, Israel was ruled by many kings who made life unbearable for the people. Under those kings, injustice, immorality, idolatry, lack of peace, and all manner of evil became the order of the day in the lives of Israelites. The awful situation created by those kings subjected the people to terrible hardships and suffering, and in most cases, enslavement. It was in the midst of Israel’s countless problems and misery that the prophet Jeremiah delivered the message of hope that we read in the first reading.

Jeremiah promised the people of Israel, who were thinking that they had been abandoned to suffer and die under evil kings, that their God would raise up for them a righteous king from the house of their great king David; a king whose reign will bring an end to injustice, immorality, slavery, and the many evils that threatened the lives of the people; a king whose reign will restore the people’s hope and bring back peace and prosperity; a king who will lead the people by example.

Dear friends, the Church is sending this same message of hope of the arrival of a righteous king, Jesus Christ, to all of us who are suffering from the terrible realities of the world, which include economic challenges, social unrest, family problems, health issues, and other personal problems. The Church reminds us that our God has not abandoned us; rather, He has already sent us His Son, Jesus Christ, who is coming to meet us again.

In today’s gospel, Luke reminds us that Christmas is not just a reminder of the coming of Christ in the flesh; rather, it is also a reminder that Christ will come in the Spirit at the end of time. He advises us to pay special attention to this second coming of Christ because it will be preceded by a catalogue of disasters, a terrific scenario that will instil fear in all humans. He warns that the apparent delay in the coming of this terrific end should not lead people to indulge in shameful lifestyles, thinking that it will never come, because that day will come as a surprise to every one. However, He urges everyone to look up in prayer and raise their heads high as they await the arrival of the last day. 

In today’s second reading, St. Paul gives us more details of what should keep us busy as we wait for the day of the coming of Jesus at Christmas and at the end of time. He says we should increase and abound in love for one another. St. Paul encourages those who are already involved in good acts of love and kindness in their communities to do more and more. Those who are lacking in acts of love and kindness are urged to wake up and do something good for God and humanity.

St. Paul did not fail to warn those who are waiting for the coming of Christ to desist from the current civilization and admiration of immoral and shameful lifestyles, a situation where people admire, praise, celebrate, and promote what they should be ashamed of. He says anyone who desires to meet Jesus when He returns must make holiness of life, a life that is unblemished, his priority.

Let us pray for the grace to live a life inspired by divine love rather than by immoral love as we prepare and wait for the coming of Christ.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 1^st SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: CHRIST IS COMING TO MEET MAN

(Luke 21:25-28.34-36)

Today, the New Year of the Church begins. Today begins a New Season in our lives as Christians. Today is the First Sunday of Advent.

WHAT IS ADVENT?

Simply put, Advent is a word that derives from the Latin 'Adventus', which means coming, or arrival.  Advent is not applicable to any type of coming. It is the coming of a notable personality.

The Church uses the word "Advent" to talk about the Holy Season when her sons and daughters wait in joy for the coming of Jesus Christ. Thus, Christ is the Notable One we are expecting His coming. We are not just expecting any type of Man, we are solemnly, prayerfully, and watchfully celebrating the arrival of God himself, God who, for us, becomes man, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

This is a time for recall. When we call to mind are in a very special way, the fact that Christ had come in the flesh more than two thousand years ago.

It is a time for Thanksgiving. When we thank God for His coming daily in our lives, especially through His Word and the Holy Eucharist.

 

A TIME OF DIVINE EXPECTATION

During this season of Advent, we remember vividly the word of Christ "I am coming again." We therefore use this period to look back on how the people in the past waited for the Lord, draw a leaf from them while asking how they prepared for that first coming, we look forward to His second Coming which will involve each and everyone of us.

During this gracious time, therefore, we are to ask ourselves the expectations of the Lord who told us about His coming.

When a notable person is coming into our home as a guest, we make extra effort to live better than we used to. We inquire from those who received such personalities in the past to know how they went about it. We try to know what such a person eats. We ask their friends what irritates them in order to avoid such things. We put ourselves together to appear good before such a person. We remove things that are unnecessary. We decorate the whole place, make sure every place smells good. We try our best to make our revered guests feel welcomed, relaxed, and joyful.

During this period, therefore, we are called upon to know what God expects from us as He comes. We are to evaluate how ready we are to welcome Christ in our lives, the type of welcome we have given Him so far, and the impression Jesus gets at   His coming to see us. Jesus returns. Just as God returned to Adam and Eve in Eden, Jesus returns. Just as Moses returned to the people after His encounter with God on the mountain, Jesus comes back to us from the right hand of His Father. Are we running out to welcome Him, or shall we run away like Adam and Eve? Will He see us romancing with Baal when He extends hands for embrace?

This is the time of running out, a time of cleaning up, a time of making room for God in our lives. These are the expectations of God on us as we enter this New Year of the Church.

 

INSIGHT FROM THE GOSPEL

AMIDST FEAR THE LORD COMES AS A MAN

The Gospel presented first of all the fearful images that made the men wonder "what is coming into the world." That which was shaking the powers of the heavens.

In the middle of this turbulent situation, lo and behold, the Son of man was seen coming in a cloud with power and glory.

Alleluia! This is revealing. The Lord comes. No power stops Him. Even in the midst of your fears and humanness. The Lord comes with glory and power. He comes to strengthen the wearied parts of our lives. He comes to meet me in my weakness. He comes to meet me as I am shaking. He wishes that I answer even with my shivering body. He wants me to jump into His arms to receive His encouragement to move on, to receive corrections on the things I am not getting fine, to seek directions to remain on track. To keep preparing myself for the day He takes me to my eternal destiny to live with Him forever.

The coming of Christ therefore calls for holy fear; fear of being reprimanded by the God who loves us so much, the fear of losing the rewards in the hands of God who comes. Yes He comes with goodies. We should put our eyes on the blessings He comes to us with.

Let's not take His coming for granted. He came as a man to make men feel free and have free access to God. But many of them missed such a wonderful opportunity.

Let us not take this second coming for granted. May holy fear inspire our waiting. Let's raise our heads high above the causes of unholy fears, those things that make us unfit to embrace Christ, those things that make us feel embarrassed when God calls to tell us that He is coming, those things that make God feel embarrassed to be around us.

 

KEYS TO OPEN THE DOOR FOR THE ONE COMING

Jesus drops the keys we need to use as we expect His coming. The keys include constant watchfulness and prayers.

This season is a time to be awake. This implies that we use the weapon of holiness, meditation, and prayers to disallow dissipation, drunkenness, and cares of life from weighing us down spiritually. It is a season of spiritual ascent. Let's not allow the things of the world and the desires of our flesh to make us unable to run out to meet Christ this season.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, we thank You for the blessing of being numbered among those to long for the coming of Your Son. As we joyfully expect His coming in glory, help us to conquer our human frailties. Grant us the grace of hosting You well in our lives that You may host us too on the last day through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Sunday (First Sunday of Advent, Year C)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 Solemnity of Christ the King, Year B: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: Let's make Christ king over our lives and choices.

Reading: Dan 7:13-14; Rev 1:5-8; Jn 18:33b-37

Today, the Church celebrates the solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. The solemnity of Christ the King marks the end of the Church’s ordinary time. So, we have reached the end of the liturgical calendar of Year B. Today, we acknowledge and adore Christ as the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the beginning and the end. Let us pray in today’s Mass that our lives will be ruled by Christ in everything that we say and do. 

This feast was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 in response to growing nationalism, modernism, and secularism. As we know, the nineteenth century and early twentieth century were marked with problems that shocked the world. In the background of the growing modernism, secularism, religious intolerance, anti-clericalism that dominated this era, there were all manners of thinking that sought a total re-examination of all religious and traditional values about man and human life, which championed a departure from religious and traditional values about life. All these led to the first world war, which caused the loss of many lives. When you throw away religious and traditional values of life, human life will hardly be respected.

So, this solemnity was instituted at a time when the world was seeing man as the measure of all things, a time when the world sought to make the Church irrelevant in the public space, a time when the world’s political, social, and cultural institutions suppressed the mention of the name of Jesus Christ in their gatherings and rejected the kingship of Christ over all nations and hearts. It was instituted at a time when the powers in Europe promoted a model of thinking that sought to banish God from the people’s lives and encouraged people to live and organize their lives as if God did not exist.  It was also instituted as an antidote to the problems of that era in order to promote the worship of Christ both in the privacy of our hearts and in the public domain. The title of the feast was “Jesu Christi Regis” (Jesus Christ the King).

In his motu proprio “Mysterii Paschalis” of 1969, Pope Paul VI gave the celebration a new title: “Iesu Christi universorum Regis” (which means Jesus Christ, King of the Universe). He also moved the celebration to the last Sunday in the liturgical calendar and transformed it from a feast to a Solemnity.

Dearest friends, both our first and second reading bear witness to the lordship of Christ. Daniel prophesied about Christ’s eternal and peaceful reign. He identified Christ as the “Son of Man.” Then, in the second reading, John called Him “the first born of all creation…the Alpha and the Omega.” Both readings also remind us that Christ’s reign shall be that of peace, justice, love, and truth.

In today’s gospel, Pilate and the Jews ignorantly castigated and crucified Christ their King. They did not accept the truth that Christ preached about his kingdom. Rather, they hardened their hearts, thinking that everything ends here on earth.

Like Pilate and his collaborators, many people in our world today are deceived by what we see in this world. That is, they believe that everything ends here on earth. However, the truth is that the kingdom of this world will pass away, but the kingdom of Christ, which is to come, will last forever.

One of the most important goals of today’s celebration is to acknowledge and worship Christ as the king of the universe. We must allow Christ to reign in our lives. If He reigns in every heart, our families, society, and our entire world would be a better place.

If we look around now, we would see that those teachings and ideologies that led to the institution of this solemnity are still present and growing stronger again. Global leaders, celebrities, secular groups, and activists are renewing their attempts to render God irrelevant in our lives and in the world. We see this in what these people promote as human rights, which clearly stand against God and nature. For example, homosexuality, abortion, treating human life as if it were a commodity to be chosen and discarded at will, and a lack of regard for human life and God. While governments around the world use the force of the law to do this, celebrities are subtly incorporating them in their songs and movies. Activists, on the other hand, are willing to demonize whoever chooses to uphold God’s commandment in the face of the aggression from this evil wave, which they refer to as human rights. Their major aim is to dethrone God and create their own deity who will accept and condone any lifestyle they want. They have also infiltrated the Church.

I would say that God’s kingdom has never been threatened more than it is in our own time. But what should true Christians do? Today’s feast is telling us that we must accept Christ as the king and model of our lives; we must allow His teachings to guide our choices and our lives. We should teach our children to choose Christ and His teachings in the face of the world’s governments’ efforts to teach them things that are against God and Christian morality in schools. We should always find time in our homes to teach our children the truth of the gospel and to accept a lifestyle inspired by Christ and not by immoral celebrities.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chima

Solemnity of Christ the King, Year B: Reflection by Fr. Julian Ekeh

THEME: ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS CHRIST

(John 18:33b-37)

Today is the last Sunday of the year, according to the Church's Liturgical Calendar. It is a great solemnity in honour of Christ, the Universal King. It is a day of thanksgiving to God for ruling over us in Christ. It is a day we prostrate ourselves before God in total submission for Him to continue exercising His Almighty power over us, in our families, in our world, and in the Church.

It is a day in a very special way when we go announcing to the world in a prophetic way that Christ alone is the true King of the whole world. He rules from heaven, He lives among us in the Holy Eucharist as well.

This brings us to the procession that will take place immediately after the Christ the King Mass. The procession is not Christ the King procession but the Corpus et Saguinis Christi  procession. Our local Church here in Nigeria due to climatic condition and with Holy See's permission moved this important procession to be celebrated together with Christ the King. Be that as it may, Christ is the same, the priest and the Eucharistic Bread. He reigns, come let us adore and hail Him.

It is a day we invite all and sundry to hail the power of Christ and denounce any other power operating in their lives.

This is the day we join the militant and triumphant Church to chant in exultation: Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

Thus, we are invited today to reflect on the kingship of Christ and why we must all hail Him.

 

CHRIST IS THE KING

In the Gospel of today, Pilate, representing the powers of this world, sat on the throne, questioning Christ. He asks: Are you the King of the Jews?

From this question, I can sense Pilate's assumption of supremacy over Jesus. He was not a Jew. So from this question, he was not included in those Jesus claims to rule. Thus, the kings and power holders of the world find it unacceptable to take orders from Christ, which explains the reason behind the various crises in the world they claim to be in charge of.

The Jews themselves didn't also accept the authority of Christ. Therefore, they had Him arrested and would even after His death persuade Pilate to change the inscription: "King of the Jews" to "This man claimed to be the king of the Jews."

Down through the ages, people want to deny the reign of God. They want to take away the power of God from Him. They want to divest Him of his majesty and glory. But is it possible? Oh no! CHRIST is indubitably the anointed of God, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords (Timothy 6:14-15).

 

WE MUST LET HIM REIGN

The Holy Mother Church today opens our eyes to see Jesus sitting on the throne. We are called upon to see Jesus at the right hand of God ruling the whole world. We are brought in to visualize Jesus Christ ruling the world with heavenly principles. We should celebrate this one aspect of the three offices of Christ in a very special way. At our baptism, we were made to share in these offices, namely: Priest, King, and Prophet.

Any other kingship that doesn't flow from that of Christ should have nothing to do with us. We shouldn't allow the powers and forces of this world to make us not to take orders and instructions from Christ, the king of kings.

 

LET US EXAMINE OURSELVES

As leaders or followers, are we leading or following according to Christ's example? You will allow Christ rulership when you discharge that your office in accordance with God's will, in humility and respect, in compassion and love, in equity and transparency.

From Christ, we will learn to destroy the divisions between the rich and the poor. We see each other as made in the image and likeness of God. We will start appreciating the offices we occupy as opportunities of service to make the people entrusted to us better and not of oppression and suppression, not of marginalization and humiliation.

The celebration of today, therefore, is offered to us as a solution to the many problems of the world. When we allow God to reign, there will not be unnecessary sit-tight syndrome. Enthroning and hailing Christ king in our lives and families means introducing love and peace to rule over us. It is eradication of all forms of diabolism. It brings it to my consciousness that I cannot be a slave. I am a son, a daughter of a king. I should not be living in fear. I should no longer be a slave to sin, to immorality, to the flesh.

To hail Christ, I must let my life be a song of honour to Him. I will be a loyal citizen of His kingdom, I will offer Him my life time and do everything within my power in patriotism even to the point of martyrdom to defend the values of the Kingdom of this King who loves me so much as to even give His life for me. To hail my King, I should not forget that I am here on earth as an ambassador of the city of God. I must be ready to give Him proper reports and accounts of all my activities here. May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

King of glory, I hail Thee! I worship Thee! Your kingdom is not just of this world. It is beyond what man's eyes can see. Help me to submit myself under Your kingship. I place myself under Your authority, I offer my family, my vocation, our country, the Church, and the world at large under Your care. Watch over us and deliver us from false powers. May You reign in our lives forever and ever. Amen

Happy Solemnity of Christ the King. (34th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Year B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “JESUS, THE MOST WANTED KING”

INTRODUCTION

Beneath a large portrait picture of a macho-looking Christ was written the following words: “wanted on charges of sedition, criminal anarchy, vagrancy, and conspiring to overthrow the established government. Dresses poorly, uses carpentry as a cover, has visionary ideas. Associates with common working people, unemployed, and winos (the rejected). Has variety of aliases/titles: Prince of peace, Son of Man, Light of the World, etc. Full beard and scars on hands and feet, the results of injuries inflicted by angry mob led by respectable citizens and local authorities.”

Indeed, Jesus was so wanted and most wanted for almost every reason (good and bad) that sometimes he had to hide himself and move secretly to escape being noticed. Many wanted him because he was a threat to their established evil cult; he was so outspoken with the truth. Many others wanted him because he was the answer to their prayers. Some others wanted him so badly for his healing touch, for his gracious words, for the multiplication of their bread, to turn their water into wine, or to raise their dead. Some others wanted him to push him down the cliff because he was a threat to their position and authority. Some wanted him in order to follow him to the ends of the world. Some wanted Him in their city, home or business; some others wanted him out of their city, home or business. A few others wanted Him to make Him their king.

Till today Jesus is still the most wanted king or person in the whole world. Some local authorities still want Jesus, his reign, his teachings and influence pushed out of their government and business. Jesus and his disciples (real Christians) are still being declared wanted today for crimes of oppositions against established world orders or morals. They want to put him out for good.

The good news nevertheless, is that those (the crowds) who want Jesus for his miracles, for his favours, and for his restoration still far out numbers those who wanted him for bad. And they will fear the crowds that are for Jesus as in the Biblical times as we march for Jesus today.

Today as the scriptures reveal, we shall once again declare Jesus wanted; wanted in order to restore all things in Him. We declare him most wanted in order to acknowledge him our King and render His majesty the service, the praise and glory/honour due to Him. We want Him today, to repay him our love for his own love by which he shed his blood for us. We are not declaring him wanted today in order to arrest, arraign, flog, crucify and pierce him for unverifiable charges against humanity. We march and declare him wanted out of hiding today, to crown Him our physical and spiritual King.

Finally, after massively and publicly declaring Jesus our most wanted and most cherished King and Prince of Peace today, let us not go behind to betray him, sell him, or dishonor him with our uncharitable, unchristian and rebellious lives!

Happy Feast of Christ the King!

Fr. Justin

 Tuesday of 33^rd Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Salvation will come to your house today.

Reading: Lk: 19:1-10

“Today, salvation has come to this house” was the response of Jesus to the gestures of Zacchaeus in the gospel of today. Indeed, such a response would gladden the heart of anyone that received it.

Special attention should be paid to the gestures of Zacchaeus that attracted such a Blessed declaration from Christ. One was his effort to see Jesus and how he defied all obstacles on his way to achieve that quest. His obstacles were many: his physical incapacity (dwarfism), the crowd, and his social status; he conquered them all. The other was his openness of self to Jesus with an honest resolve to repay his debts of sin if found wanting.

Today is a bright new day. Our challenge is to defy all obstacles that are preventing us from embracing Jesus, obstacles that are hindering us from embracing the grace offered by Jesus. Zacchaeus conquered his; you can conquer yours too.

Then, to receive a blessed assurance from Jesus, we should open ourselves to Him, show Him how we really are, and honestly resolve to rebuild our lives broken by sin, for we cannot come to Jesus and, at the same time, continue enjoying a life punctuated by sin.

So, dear friends, defy your obstacles to meeting Jesus, open yourself to Jesus, and make concrete efforts to remedy the sinful past. If you do this, salvation will come to your heart and house today. 

Peace be with you. Have a blessed Tuesday.

Fr. Isaac Chima

 Monday of 33^rd Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Don’t allow your voice of prayer to go silent

Reading: Lk 18:35-43

"The voice of prayer is never silent, nor dies the strain of praise away" is a line from a beautiful old hymn for night prayers, meaning that our prayers and praises to God should never cease and can never be in vain.

The blind man in the gospel of today showed us how true the words of this old hymn are. He was blind and was only surviving by begging for help. Though the people helped him to recognize the presence of Jesus, they turned around to shut him up when he started praying to Jesus for help.

However, as we saw, the blind man never allowed the situation that surrounded him to silence his voice of prayer; instead, he persisted in his faith and was rewarded.

Dear friends, our world is full of things that exert negative force on us, things that challenge our faith in God, and things that often push people to look at prayers as wasted efforts. They come to us in many forms and shapes. Some of them are temptations, disappointments, depressions, sicknesses, death of loved ones, hardships, joblessness, ill-treatment, family problems, etc.

Many people have stopped praying on account of the severity of these problems. Some claimed they prayed to God in their moments of difficulty but received no response.

The gospel reading of today assures us that any voice of prayer that refuses to be silenced by difficulties will receive a positive answer from God.

So, dear friends, no matter how tough things are in your life, never allow your voice of prayer to go silent; never allow the difficult circumstances or negative forces hovering around you to silence your voice of prayer.

Fr. Isaac Chima.

 33^rd Sunday, Year B: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: Is my name in the book of life?

Reading: Dan. 12:1-3; Heb. 10:11-14,18; Lk. 13:24-32

Dear friends, on this thirty-third Sunday, we are reminded of the final consummation at the end of time. We have just one Sunday for the liturgical year to end. So, the church brings to us the reality of the eschatological things, the end of time. The readings of this Sunday are set in a prophetic tone of the end time. In other words, they point to God’s people’s future deliverance through Christ’s redemptive work at the end of time. Through these readings, the Holy Mother Church reminds us that there will be an end to this worldly existence; she tells us how the last days will be, and, most importantly, she raises our hope of salvation by reminding us of our future and eternal perfection through Christ’s single sacrifice.

It was in this line of thought of the hope of salvation after the perils of life that the first reading was situated. It is actually from the last chapter of the book of Daniel. In the reading, the angel informed Daniel that the hardships his people were facing in exile were coming to an end. That the Archangel Michael would appear to defend and protect the people. On that day, all those whose names were written in the book of God, that is, those who have distinguished themselves in living good life (both the living and the dead), will enter eternal life, while those whose names did not enter the book of life will be meant to face eternal perdition.

The book of God is the book of life. It will be opened on the last day of our lives when we will stand before the judgement throne of God. Those who lived worthy lives will see their names in that book. It also implies that there is the book of the devil, the book of death, where the names of those who have lived unworthy lives on earth will be written. These books record everything we have done on earth, both the good and the bad.

Dear friends, the time given to us to live on earth is a golden opportunity to write our names in the book of life through our good actions. Through his Sacrifice on the cross, Christ the Lamb of God, as was revealed in the book of Revelation, has opened the seals of this book of life and has made it possible for us to write our names in it. Let us not miss our opportunities.

The second reading demonstrates to us the efficacy of the one and single sacrifice for sin which Christ the eternal High Priest offered for our sins, the sacrifice that has given us the ability to write our names in God’s book. That sacrifice on the cross has destroyed the yoke of Satan and sin upon us; it has given us the ability to accomplish virtuous acts and the capacity to call Abba Father. That sacrifice has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

The tone of the Gospel of today is similar to that of the first reading. St. Mark was writing to his people, who were suffering many persecutions under the Roman government (not the Roman government of our days). He was addressing, in a special way, those of them who were thinking that Christ was delaying His second coming – those who had started losing hope in the promises of Christ, assuring them of the reality of the second coming of Christ.

St. Mark made a catalogue of frightening things that will usher in that last day, things that got his audience frightened. It is also true that many people in our days are frightened when they are reminded of the reality of the last days of their lives and our world; they are frightened when they are reminded that one day they will die and face the judgement of God. At times, what gets people frightened is the fact that the life they are living isn’t worthy enough to guarantee them a place in the kingdom of God.

Dear friends, the Church invites us today to pulse and reflect over the last days of our lives. The truth is that that last day must surely come. One day we shall die and leave this earth and everything we possessed; let us not be deceived by anyone who says the contrary. The big question we must ask ourselves today is whether we have been able to write our names in God’s book of life with the way we have been living our lives, or whether we have been busy writing our names in the devil’s book of eternal perdition. My prayer is that God will save us from writing our names in the book of eternal damnation.

Dear friends, one thing we must be sure of is that each action we take on earth either helps our names to be written in the book of eternal life or in the book of eternal death. Let us, therefore, pray in today’s Mass to use our life’s opportunities to inscribe our names in God’s book of life.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chima

 33^rd SUNDAY, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “THE END IS NEAR”

INTRODUCTION:

James Dean, an American actor in one of his famous quotes said; “dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.” Coincidentally, his life was cut short in a car accident at the age of 24 (Feb. 8, 1931 – Sept. 30, 1955), leaving him a lasting symbol of rebellion, youthful defiance, and restless spirit. Today being the second to the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year, we should start acting and living as if the end is near. This will make us quit every rebellion, every moral rascality, every faith defiance, and every restlessness and worldly attachments.

 

THE FIRST READING (DAN. 12: 1 – 3)

The first reading talked about the end of time, when Arch Angel Michael shall arise, when troubles will stir up in the world like never before. Then, those whose names are written in the book of life; those who have turned many to righteousness, whether living or dead, would be deliver into everlasting life. Consequently, as we talk of a hypothetical end of time this period, let us pause to ponder through a hypothetical evaluation of our lives, to make sure our names are written in the book of life; the book of the righteous.

 

THE SECOND READING (HEB. 10: 11 – 14. 18)

For three Sundays running, the second reading has continued to direct our attention to the priesthood of our Lord Jesus Christ which for all ages continues to sanctify and perfect all those who are called by his name (the sanctified). He remains at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. But then, we have to continue to draw closer to Christ our priest through his ministers, continue to present ourselves before him, and continue to strive to live holy and better lives for his prayers/intercessions to work wonders in our lives.

 

THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 13: 24 -32)

The gospel reading also presented us with the end of time as when the Son of Man would appear and send out his angels to gather his elect from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. This means that there would be a choosing/selection to be carried out. Not all would be chosen or gathered; but will you be among the chosen; will I be among the chosen? Do you think you have done enough good/right to be among the Lord’s chosen? There is only one way to find out; and that is living daily by the Saviour’s Word or gospel.

 

CONCLUSION

The end which no one knows the appointed hour is hypothetically and always near. We should periodically run a check on ourselves, on the quality of our life as Christians. We must quit every form of procrastination to straighten up our lives, our records, and our relationships with God and with our fellow men, so that there would be no condemnation or accusation against us from any quarters of our lives.

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin

 33^rd SUNDAY, YEAR B: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: BUT MY WORDS WILL NOT PASS AWAY

(Mark 13:24-32)

The call today is to hold unto God's word. In a world of many words. In a world of many voices. In a world of numerous signs and wonders. In a world shrouded with darkness. In a world shaken by many powers. In a world blown by different kinds of wind. In a world that seems to be coming to an end. God turns our attention to His word.

In a world where the only news is bad news. The Lord wants us to hear Good News once again. The Lord wants us to consider the things that will end, the things that will pass away and take seriously the one thing that will never pass away: the word of life. He wants us to know that He is not far. He is near. He wants us to know that we shall see His goodness in our generation. All He promised us shall come to pass. Thus, let the changing and transient things of this life not kill us. Let them not kill our joys. Let them not blow our minds away.

We are invited to look back and consider the many things that have come and gone, the many glories that never lasted, the many powers that commanded respects in the past. The gadgets and technologies that trended in the past. Where are they today?

Where are those lands for which many killed? Where are the electronics for which many stole? Where are those sophisticated stuffs which people exchanged their bodies and souls for?  They all have passed away. A lot are still passing away. Let us go for what matters.

 

WHAT ARE YOU FACING NOW?

Darkened sun?

The sun is not meant to be dark. It is not in its nature not to shine. The darkness will not last long. The word of the Lord will surely at the right time thunder: Let there be light! There must be light. Child of God, the sun with rise once more in your life. Hope in the Lord. Hold unto the Son of God the source of the sun.

 

Moon without light?

The night in your life cannot remain without light. The light made for your night must illuminate your environment again.

Are you worried that you have all it takes to bloom, but you are not as great as you're supposed to be? Are there forces overshadowing your glorious manifestation? They, too, must pass away. Do not be overpowered by the agents of darkness. Their tactics will fail someday.

 

Falling stars?

God forbid! May your star never fall. The stars of the society, of the Church, of your marriage, of your family. Your stars will rise again. Your voice must be heard again. The star of holiness, of patience, virtues, of grace. These must shine out. Sin should not rule for long in your life.

Those children of yours raised in Christian values should not fall from grace to grass.  Your sacramental life will shine again. The enemy of your salvation shall fall down. His rule and intimidation will not last. That too shall pass away.

 

Shaken powers in heaven

Michael and his fellow princes in heaven will wage a spiritual battle on your behalf. The time for heavenly silence will soon be over. There is hope of success in the battles you are facing. The heavenly powers will overcome the evil political powers, the diabolical powers. The many wars the devil thinks he has won will be turned around by God. The days of stranglehold will be over.

Therefore, stop bragging about any power you have that doesn't glorify God. Stop being arrogant because of your physical beauty. Stop crushing people with your wealth. Stop using your intelligence and position wrongly. They will all pass away in a short while.

 

THERE IS HOPE

The Lord Jesus assures that He the Son of man will come with power and glory. He is coming with divine assistance and angelic help.

Deliverance shall come from four corners of the earth, even where there seems to be no way, God will make a way. This is His word that will not pass away. Christ is the only hope of the word in crisis. Let's not let go of Him. He insists that there is hope. When He has eliminated the powers fighting against His children, there will be restoration of joy. His word is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

 

Fallen fig

The fig falls to bring forth new growth. You shall grow again. The Better you will come. New grace will blossom, new joy shall spring forth. Your summer is near. True rest is on the way. Holy joy will soon be felt. By those who fail to allow the tribulations to break them.

 

HOLD UNTO CHRIST THE WORD, THE LIGHT

Welcome Christ in your life. Don't let his word pass from you. Open the gates of your heart and let him come in. You can't afford to lose Him.

What are the things, the feelings, the thoughts making you lose grip of the Most High, His plan for you, His holy will for you, say no to them all.

Dear Child of God, disconnect yourself from that power promising you heaven on earth. Refuse to be held down by evils of this generation. Reject the ephemerals of this life driving you crazy.

Do not forget the word of the Lord. Do not forget the instructions of your Saviour. Do not allow either the joys or sorrows of life to make you pay attention to the enemy of your salvation.

Use the word of God as your lamp and staff. You will not regret it. It will not disappoint you. That Word is living. That Word is God. That Word is Christ. The word heals, restores, blesses, and saves.

Let us listen to that Word. Let us speak that Word. Let us live the Word. Let us not allow it to pass away, even as the enemy wants to snatch it from us.

The word of God for you today is that you will live and overcome the evil world.

LET US PRAY

We thank and worship You, Oh Lord, for revealing to us the things that will pass away. Give us the grace not to allow ourselves to be carried away by them. May we hold firm the secret key to fulfilment, which is Your word. May we be blessed by Your Word that we hear and eat as food today and forever. Amen.

Happy Sunday (33rd Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 Friday of 32^nd Week, Year II: reflection

THEME: BE EVER READY FOR THE LAST DAY

Readings: Lk 17:26-37

In today’s gospel reading, Our Lord Jesus harped on the surprises and the suddenness of the Last Day, which must surely come to us.

While some people are still waiting to hear the sound of the trumpet indicating the arrival of the End, this End has continued to come to many people with the surprises and the suddenness that Jesus talked about.

Many people have met this End while on the road either driving or walking; some have met it while fighting; some have met it while sleeping; some met it after a brief or serious sickness at home or in the hospital; some met it in many other places or circumstances they never imagined. In all, everyone knows it comes unannounced.

Since this End is coming unannounced and has met many people according to its foretold surprises and suddenness, what, then, should we do?

Jesus urges us to be vigilant so that we would not be taken unawares; he wants us to be ever ready to embrace it any day and anywhere it comes to us.

To those who are waiting for the dying minute to start their preparations, it is good to be reminded that it has come to many people without any announcement; to those who are waiting to hear the sound of the trumpet to start amending their lives, it is good to be reminded that the trumpet has been sounding in the individual lives of many people at different occasions and locations of our world every day.

Dear friends, let us be ready; many people who were with us have been taken as foretold in today’s gospel.

Peace be with you. May God bless your good efforts today. 

Fr. Isaac Chima

 Thursday of 32^nd Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Spread the Good News in any situation you find yourself in.

Reading: Philemon 7-20

In today’s first reading, St. Paul demonstrates to us that anyone who truly believes in Jesus will continue to carry out His mission regardless of the circumstances he finds himself in. Paul was in prison because of the mission handed to him by Jesus, and instead of becoming angry with Jesus and renouncing his faith, as many people in our world do when they are faced with difficulties, especially on account of the gospel, he was busy spreading the gospel of peace and reconciliation through Christ by reconciling Onesimus and Philemon.

Why didn’t Paul feel betrayed by Christ and stop doing His bidding? One of the reasons is that Paul clearly understood that physical suffering, hardships, trials, and tribulations in this world are not signs that God has deceived or abandoned us. He understood that the One in whom he believed also went down the same road of physical torment in the hands of men of this world, and thus warned his followers that they would be treated worse than He was, but that their perseverance will win them victory.

Why, then, are many Christians in our world gradually losing this kind of strong faith of St. Paul in Christ? One of the reasons is that many Christians enjoy listening to lies from the so-called men of God rather than reading through the pages of the Bible or listening to sound Christian messages that reveal the true experiences of the people who had a firsthand encounter with Christ. Many Christians like to be misled in matters about Jesus and the conditions of our world.

Dear friends, whoever truly believes in Jesus would understand that trials, hardships, and tribulations do not separate us from the love of Christ and should not stop us from carrying out the mission given to us by Him. Whoever renounces his faith in Christ because of hardships and trials never had faith in Him in the first place.

May God grant you the grace to stand firm and be victorious in all situations. Amen.

Fr. Isaac Chima

 Tuesday of 32^nd Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: What we should do to ensure that God's Word is not discredited.

Reading: Titus 2:1-8,11-14

The mission to spread the Good News of Christ to the ends of the earth cannot be accomplished by words alone; worthy actions are required as well. These actions would include how we live our lives in private and in the public sphere, as well as how we organize our activities. If we do not live our lives and organize our activities in accordance with the Good News we proclaim, we have discredited it.

In today’s first reading, St. Paul sent clear instructions to Christians through Titus on how they should conduct themselves so “that the word of God may not be discredited.” (vs 5). Let us pay closer attention to what he instructed Titus to tell the various groups in the Church.

“Instruct the men to be temperate, serious, sensible, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and endurance” (vs 2).

“Instruct the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands.” (vs 4-5).

“Encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything, set them an example by doing what is good.” (vs 6).

Finally, to the leaders of the church, he advised, “In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (vs 7-8).

Imagine how powerful and convincing the Christian message would be if we followed these pieces of advice from St. Paul.

May your Tuesday bear good fruits.

Fr. Isaac Chima

 Monday of 32^nd Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: We scandalize others when we fail to correct and forgive.

Reading: Lk 17:1-6

Dear friends in Christ, in today’s gospel reading, our Lord Jesus warns us against causing scandals, especially among our little ones. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines scandal as any saying, action, or omission that causes an occasion of sin for another person. When we hear the word scandal, we often think of sexual activities, bribery, corruption, theft, violence, and other kinds of the sin of commission.

But in actual fact, one can scandalize others by failing to do the things Jesus urged us to do in today’s gospel. Jesus urged His disciples and all of us to always rebuke sinners and forgive those who offended us.

Whenever we fail to rebuke what is wrong, we silently corroborate, endorse, or approve of it, and it is scandalous for Christians to condone or approve of evil in society. Our silence in the face of evil has a profound impact on people who look up to us as followers of Christ. By keeping silent when someone does something wrong, we not only approve of it but also indirectly promote that wrong thing.

The second is that whenever we fail to forgive those who offended us, especially those who have asked for pardon from us, we scandalize those who know and understand that forgiveness is one of the pillars of our religion. A true Christian will always forgive those who have wronged him and will never turn away from those who seek forgiveness.

May God help us to grant forgiveness to those who have offended us and to rebuke evil wherever we see it.

Have a blessed new week.

Fr. Isaac Chima

 32^ND SUNDAY, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “THE LITTLE CHARITIES THAT PLEASES GOD”

INTRODUCTION

The readings of today presented us with the little charities that meant/worth a great value before God. This consequently shows us how simple, cheap or little it could take to please God. We can actually make or win heaven by doing just little things, little charities, little kindness and favours towards one another especially the needy. Peter Obi in one of his NEDU WAZOBIA talk show narrated why he flies economy and not business class; and how he uses the saved money to share to market women. He also narrated how he visits one or two hospitals and schools as a monthly routine, to help improve on their facilities. The presenter remarked; ‘heaven is certain for you then!’ Peter Obi retorted; nothing is certain; he strives and works hard every day to do the right thing; you have to work for everything! There is no faster way to work for heaven than through doing little charities for humanity; and you do not have to be so rich like Peter Obi to do little charities.

THE FIRST READING (1 KG. 17: 10 – 16)

In the first reading, the widow of Zarephath was not as rich or established as Peter Obi, yet she has the heart to do a little charity to Elijah. Though she was on the brink of starvation; on the brink of emptiness; and on the threshold of a needy herself, she still had the mind to do one last charity, one last favour, and one last good for Elijah. From her little morsel of bread, she shared with Elijah and was saved by a morsel of bread or a morsel of charity. That’s exactly how little things or charity saves us before God.

THE SECOND READING (HEB. 9: 24 – 28)

The second reading continued to describe and demonstrate the priestly office and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sins/burdens/problems of the peoples. Every little attempt we make to sacrifice for others, to suffer for others, to bear the burden of others, to intercede for others, is a priestly/holy act before God, and therefore pleases Him as well like the sacrifice of Christ.

THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 12: 38 – 44)

The gospel reading talked about the widow’s mite which was perhaps not noticed by the people, but was definitely noticed and praised by Jesus as greatest among others. Jesus taught his disciples that you don’t have to be supper rich before you can do little charity or make little sacrifices for others or for the common good. Charity done from your surplus is welcomed by God, but charity done from your poverty is adored and cherished by God the master of all charity great and small. Little wonder Peter Obi accepted that the charities he has done with his wealth is not a guarantee for heaven; he has to work hard every day to do the right thing, in order to make heaven.

CONCLUSION

Today, instead of considering what big thing you could do for God or for others, just try considering what little you can do, contribute, or give up for the wellbeing of others. It will surprise you how that little charity means so much before God. What may appear inconsequential before the eyes of men appears great in the eyes of God. Do not hold back on little charities when the opportunities call. Your widow’s mite might as well be your greatest mite, and your greatest/holiest act worthy of exaltation before God.

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin

 32^nd Sunday, Year B: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: Don’t be scared of giving your all to God and humanity

Readings: 1 Kings 17:10-16; Heb. 9:24-28; Mk 12:38-44

Dear friends in Christ, the readings of this Sunday highlight generosity, trust in God, and self-sacrifice or self-giving, and they encourage us to always prioritize these virtues in our relationships with God and man.

Today’s first reading has a beautiful illustration of generosity and trust in God. There was famine in the land, and the widow of Zarephath and her son had just one meal left in their house, after which they would wait for death. But when the prophet Elijah came to her and asked her to share that her last meal with him, giving her divine assurance that her nearly spent supply of bread and oil would never run out, she generously shared her meal with the prophet, trusting in God’s providence. The reading concluded by telling us that God fulfilled His words from the mouth of His prophet, and the widow and her son never ran out of food until the famine was over.

The widow clearly had no idea that God sent prophet Elijah to her to save her and her family from death. So, if she had not been generous to prophet Elijah, she would have lost the opportunity to save herself and her son from death. It was her generosity and absolute trust in God’s word from the mouth of the prophet that brought God’s blessing upon her and her son.

Dear friends, we have no idea how many blessings, favours, and opportunities we miss anytime we close our arms to those who come to us for help. If we really recognize the face of God in every person, we will never miss any opportunity to share our meal with anyone who asks for it. The Bible is filled with stories of people who received blessings they had waited for many years simply by serving complete strangers who turned out to be angels.

Thus, the first reading urges us never to turn our backs on those who knock on our doors for help, even if what they ask for is the last of what we have. Like the widow of Zarephath, we should put our trust in God, believing that the God whose face we see in the poor and the helpless, the God who said, “blessed is the hand that gives,” will never allow our hands of charity to run dry. We will never lack if we put our trust in God and share what we have with the needy.

Today’s gospel presented another story of true generosity. It tells us that true generosity is not about giving away what we don’t need but about giving our all to God and man; our presence must be felt in what we give as an offering to God and as alms to the needy. We saw the imprint of the widow in the two copper coins that she offered. She gave her all, everything that she had to live on, just like the widow of Zarephath did; she poured out her life to God. On the other hand, the other people gave from the abundance of their wealth; let us say they gave out what they didn’t need. This widow challenges us to allow our presence to be felt in what we offer to God and to humanity. This would entail giving out not only what we don’t need, but also what we seriously need.

The second reading showed us that Christ’s death on the Cross is the perfect example of self-giving to God and man. By pouring out His entire self on the cross, Christ liberated us once and for all from the devil and saved us from sin. He has left for us an example on how to give to God and man.

These days, pride is one of the enemies of generosity. Like the scribes that were criticized by Christ for their pride and hypocrisy in today’s gospel, many people simply give to others out of pride and desire to receive compliments. That is why it is difficult for such people to help the needy where there are no cameras to capture them and post them on social media and on the pages of the newspaper. Jesus invites us to shun pride and the craving for compliments when we give to the needy and when we perform other actions for God and humanity.

May God bless your hands as you lift them to help the needy today.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Fr. Isaac Chima

 32^nd SUNDAY, YEAR B: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: WHOM TO BEWARE OF ANDWHOM TO LEARN FROM

(Mark 12:38-44)

Our Lord is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. He sees all we do. He sees us all both great and small, good and bad alike.

God is interested in what we are doing, the impact our behaviours make on people. He cares about our actions and inactions.

He enters into the sanctuary of our being, that sanctuary not made by human hands, that place that cannot be covered by human pretense and deceit.

He comes to address the sinner to flee from sinning and to encourage and save those who eagerly wait and look up to him.

In the Gospel of today, we saw these two groups; those Christ warned us to guard against and those He appreciated their efforts.

 

BEWARE OF...

Jesus warned against the scribes, the bad scribes. Let us recall that last Sunday we heard about the good scribe, He came to know the greatest of God's commandments, and he was fulfilled after his encounter with Christ. Our Lord remarked about Him: "You are not far from the kingdom of God." You see, Jesus did not endorse the scribes in their plural form. He endorsed a singular scribe whose effort came to light.

Today, He would not allow the gullible people to begin seeing the scribes as models. He therefore addressed the group of scribes who are far from the kingdom of God, whose bad behaviours have kept far away from God.

Dear child of God, are you close or far from God?

Let us consider some of the things that can push you away from God, some of the evils that made Christ warn the crowd following Him to beware of the scribes.

These are the dangerous things Jesus saw in them: (1) Going about in long robes (2) having salutations in the market places (3) taking the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at feast (4) Devouring the houses of widows (5) Use prayers and religion to cover their evils.

The above are the dangerous arrows that these persons used to injure and wished to continue using to destroy the innocent people of God.

Are you in any way involved in any of these sins? Are you arrogant?  Are you pretentious? Are you immoral? Are you Pharisaic? Are you unreal? If yes, Jesus is seeing you as a danger. Stop being dangerous to God and His people.

Be wise and know the people with these evil traits in your environment, in your workplace, in your office, in your worshipping community, and beware of the influence they carry with them. They lack true love, and they are deceptive. They go with parading and populist spirituality. They are unsympathetic and selfish. They are everywhere, beware of them. Are you one? Retrace today to avoid receiving condemnation.

 

LEARN FROM...

Jesus sat down and immediately redirected the attention of the crowd on the poor widow. Dearest in Christ, do you think all your efforts all along are not being recognized? Do you feel you have been wasting your time doing those secret acts of kindness? Are you thinking that your sacrifices and worships are in vain? Jesus is telling you today to know that many look up to you as inspiration.

The woman was real. Her gift looked small in the eyes of men but great in the sight of God. Her poverty, which was a genuine excuse to withhold her gift, was not a hindrance to her. She remained generous. She was positive. She was hopeful and faithful. She gave herself to God and appeared as she was before men. She didn't wear big robes to cover herself from being recognized as the widow she was.

Are you poor in any area? Let God know it. Learn from this widow. Are you lagging behind in holiness, learn from the widow to give your hand to God for Him to fill you.

Have you lost anything? For the woman, it was husband, riches, etc. For you, what is it? Come before God with it. Hear what God has to say concerning your situation. In every situation, may you attract favourable words from the Lord upon your life. May you be a man or woman of honour and not a popular, well-to-do man or woman without integrity

Be an authentic Christian. Be a Christian who worships God in spirit and in truth. Be a generous Christian indeed, loving and sympathetic, ready and willing to share what you have with one another.

God will bless your little effort and crown it with success. May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord, You are rich in mercy and abounding in love. Come and save us. Deliver us from the evils in our world. Help us to learn from You and from honest and sincere people inspired by Christian virtues. As we give You our all, be our All in all. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Sunday to you. (32nd Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh