Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Imitating the courageous spirit of Peter and Paul

Readings: Acts 12: 1-11; 2Tim 4: 6-8.17-18; Mt 16: 13-19

Dear friends in Christ, today we celebrate the solemnity of two great saints in the annals of Christianity, two saints we can rightly consider as the two principal pillars of the Church and renowned icons of the Christian faith, saints Peter and Paul. Although they were quite distinct in their personalities, their lives convey powerful messages about faithfulness, perseverance, humility, courage, missionary zeal, and particularly about God's grace, steadfastness, and divine selection.

The Gospel reading for today recounts Peter's declaration that 'Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Following this divinely inspired confession, Jesus chose Peter to be the leader of His Church, entrusted him with the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and assured him that the gates of hell would never overcome the Church established upon him.

With unwavering faith in Christ, bravery in proclaiming His message and defending his faith even in the face of threats, and a spirit of humility in service, Peter led the flock of Christ and ultimately sacrificed his life for them, emulating the example set by his Master, Christ.

The first reading of today recounts how God, in a mysterious manner, liberated Peter from prison, thereby fulfilling Jesus' assurance to Peter that the gates of hell would not triumph over him and the Church founded upon him. Indeed, for over 2000 years, the kingdom of hell has never prevailed over the Church that Christ founded upon Peter as a rock. In spite of the countless assaults this Church has endured, both internally and externally, God has consistently upheld his promises and has continued to envelop his Church with grace.

The second reading narrates Paul’s testimony of the remarkable deeds he accomplished as a missionary of Christ to the gentile world. Paul recounted that he had fought a good fight, finished the race, kept the faith, and was anticipating the crown that was promised to him and to all who love Christ. Undoubtedly, Paul stands as the greatest missionary in Christian history. He was an indefatigable traveller and preacher of the Good News; he spread the message of Christ to the farthest corners of the known world during his era. Thanks to his courage, intelligence, perseverance, and missionary zeal, even amidst threats and persecution, the seed of the Christian faith was firmly sown in many prominent centres of Roman civilization of his time. A substantial portion of the Acts of the Apostles focuses on Paul’s missionary journeys, and he wrote 14 epistles.

Towards the end of today’s second reading, we heard Paul express that God had delivered him from the lions’ mouth on multiple occasions and would continue to do so, thereby affirming Christ’s faithfulness to His promise of protecting His Church against the gates of hell.

Despite Peter's evident leadership qualities, he was not without flaws. On numerous occasions, Peter exhibited his human frailties. For instance, he attempted to dissuade Christ from suffering and dying on the cross (Mt 16:22) and denied and abandoned Christ during His trial (Mt 26:69-74), among other instances. Nevertheless, in spite of his shortcomings, Peter remained steadfast in executing the mission entrusted to him by Christ. In a similar vein, St. Paul was also not a flawless individual. He had a troubling past as a persecutor of Christians. Throughout many of his missionary journeys, he recounted his struggles with his weaknesses, yet he firmly believed that the grace of God was sufficient for him (2 Cor 12:7-11). Christ chose these two men despite their imperfections, and although they were frail humans, they did not permit their weaknesses to hinder them from fulfilling the mission for which Christ had chosen them; instead, they kept the flame of faith alive despite their weaknesses. They were always aware that they bore the treasure of the heavenly kingdom in fragile vessels (2 Cor 4:7) and consistently offered their weaknesses to Christ, who filled them with grace and empowered them (Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 12:9-10).

We have been chosen by Christ to serve as missionaries and spiritual leaders for our generation, despite our obvious human frailties. Jesus is aware of our weaknesses, yet He remains confident that through our services, the gates of hell will not overcome His Church. Our responsibility is to ensure that our shortcomings do not hinder us from accomplishing our various divine missions within our families and society. Like Peter and Paul, let us not permit the light of faith to extinguish in our hands; instead, let us utilize every ounce of strength we possess to pass this light of faith on to the next generation, even if this task will bring us insults and rejection from the world. May the examples of Saints Peter and Paul inspire us to be steadfast and courageous in our mission to share the Gospel with others.

Happy Feast Day of SS. Peter and Paul. Remain Blessed

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL: REFLECTION BY FR JULIAN EKEH

THEME: THE APOSTLES: REVEALERS OF CHRIST

(Matthew 16:13-19)

Today, the two princes of the Church are celebrated in a solemn manner: Peter and Paul. One was called to be an Apostle during the earthly ministry of Christ; the other was called after the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ. One was called from fishing fish to fishing men for the kingdom, the other was called on his way to fish men of God to end the word of God and he was assigned the mission of fishing souls for the Christ he persecuted. One stands for the authority and sacred tradition of the Church, and the other was a missionary.

 

SOME THINGS THEY SHARED IN COMMON: LESSONS FOR US

The two sinned against the Lord and betrayed Him. The two were touched by the forgiving hand of Christ after His resurrection. The two confessed Jesus as their Lord. The two respected each other. They corrected themselves and rebuked each other’s wrongs when necessary. The two had great passion for the kingdom of God. The two followed the footsteps of Christ and gave their lives for the preaching of the word of God (they died in Rome, Peter by crucifixion, Paul was beheaded).

Yes! Peter and Paul preached. Peter preached more to the Jews and Paul became Apostle of the Gentiles.

In the two, we saw people who were conscious of answering the question: 'Who do people say I am?' 

They carried the Good News to the ends of the earth, clearing the misunderstandings about Christ and Christians. On Pentecost, Peter ensured that he cleared the world's prejudice about Christ. He only excused them based on their ignorance: "You never knew or you wouldn't have crucified the Lord of glory". Paul's mission from place to place was to teach people about the person of Jesus Christ and His resurrection power.

Thus, something common in the apostles we celebrate is that they came in contact with Christ, came to know Him personally and convincingly, fearlessly preached to the world about Him. Can the world know Jesus better through you?

Do you even know Jesus beyond what people know about Him? Have you developed any personal touch with him as your Lord and master? Are you ready to do anything special for God outside what every other person does?

In these two preachers, let us learn to combine the two tasks of proclamation of the word within and outside our environment, within our lives, and outside our lives to touch others.

God uses us in different ways. There is unity in diversity. No matter the gift we have, let it not lead us into the temptation of breaking away from the cornerstone.  Paul remained humble even though his gift was blooming everywhere.

The Church of Christ is not only founded on the scriptures (sola scriptura) but also on the traditions. Peter represented and preserved the tradition. Paul held to it firmly and would write in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: "The tradition I received is what I deliver to you..."

Let us not break away from the traditional teachings of the Church in our attachment to the new systems of evangelization.

We have our different roles. We should respect each other’s' roles and contribute to the edification of the Church. We are called to be ambassadors and missionaries of Christ to wherever we find ourselves.  Let us not make a show of ourselves but allow Christ to shine in and through us.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

We thank You, Lord, for the Apostles Peter and Paul. Help us through their prayers to be worthy instruments of the message of salvation to our world today and always through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

Happy Sunday to you.

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: The Eucharist as Thanksgiving, Communion and Memorial Sacrifice

Readings: Gen. 14:18-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; Lk. 9:11b-17

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today, we celebrate a solemnity that is at the centre of our faith and life as Christians, the solemnity of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Corpus Christi), the Holy Eucharist that we receive in every Mass. The Second Vatican Council declared that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian faith and life.

The readings of this Sunday touched on three of the concepts of the Holy Eucharist: the Eucharist as a thanksgiving, as a communion and as a memorial sacrifice.

Eucharist as a thanksgiving: the first reading tells us how Melchizedek, the king of Salem and the priest of the Most High God, offered a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God for Abraham after he defeated some kings in a battle. In that sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, Melchizedek offered bread and wine to God. The substances of bread and wine are always signs of gratitude to God the creator for the fruits of the earth. Both Melchizedek and the character of his offering prefigured Jesus and His everlasting sacrifice. 

Jesus instituted the Eucharist as an act of thanksgiving. The words of the institution of the Eucharist are clear on this. They said, “He took the bread, and giving thanks, broke it,” and, “He took the chalice, and once more giving thanks, he gave it to his disciples” (Lk 22:19, 17 and 1 Cor 11:24). The Catechism of the Catholic Church also describes the Eucharist as “consecratory thanksgiving” (No. 1346) and “an act of thanksgiving to God” (No. 1329). The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God for what He has done for us through Christ and for the wonders of our being.

Actually, the term ‘Eucharist’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Eucharistein’ meaning ‘to give thanks.’ The entire Mass is a prayer of thanksgiving to God, as shown in some of its prayers. The prefaces of the Mass, for instance, begin with an invitation to give thanks to God. In them, the priest says, “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God,” and the congregation replies, “It is right and just.” Then, the Prefaces continue, “It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father.” The Preface also concludes with the “Holy, Holy, Holy”, which is a hymn of praise and thanks to God. Also, the words of the doxology – the last part of the eucharistic prayer – are, “Through him, with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, for ever and ever.” This is a joyful song of praise to offer thanks to God. The last response of the Mass is also a thanksgiving to God. When the priest says, ‘Go in peace, the Mass is ended,’ the response is, ‘thanks be to God.’

So, whenever we gather for the Sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Christ, we are reminded that we have gathered to give thanks to God for His graces, love and blessings in our lives.

Eucharist as a Communion: the term ‘communion’ is one of the most profound and characteristic concepts of the Eucharist in the tradition of the Church. Right from its institution, through the early days of the Church and down to our own time, the Eucharist has remained a meal of unity between man and God and between man and man. In the early days of the Church, the dominant word for the celebration of the Lord’s meal was ‘Koinonia’, a Greek word meaning ‘communion’. It was a meal that united the early Christians around a table to share of the one bread and one cup, and also to own and share their material belongings communally.

The feeding of the crowd of five thousand men in the gospel of today, which prefigures Jesus’ gift of the Eucharist, brings out this aspect of the Eucharist as a communal meal, a meal that is eaten together. From five loaves of bread and two fish belonging to the apostles, Jesus fed the multitude. In the same way, from the one bread and one chalice of the sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus feeds us with his Body and Blood. The Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ unites us with Christ and with our neighbours. Through the Eucharist, we enter into a relationship with Christ and with our neighbour.

Becoming one with others through the Eucharist means that we must learn to open ourselves to them and also involve ourselves in their situations. This is the proof of the authenticity of our communion with Christ. If I am united with Christ through the Eucharist, I am also united with my neighbour in his own situation, and this unity is not limited to the moment of the reception of the Holy Communion, but only begins from it.

Eucharist as a Memorial: in the second reading of today, St Paul gave us the earliest account of the institution of the Lord’s Supper in the New Testament. He emphasized the command of Christ that the Eucharist should be celebrated in His remembrance, that is, in memory of Him: “Do this in remembrance of me.” So, the Eucharist is a memorial of the meal which Christ instituted on the night of His betrayal and a memorial of the entire salvific sacrifice which He offered on the cross for our salvation. 

The Greek word for remembrance or memorial, which St Paul used in this account, was ‘Anamnesis’, which means an active remembrance, an active memorial, not a passive one. So, the celebration of the Eucharist is an active participation in the Passover of Christ. The Eucharistic celebration makes present before our eyes that very sacrifice that took place on Calvary; it is a reenactment of the Last Supper and the crucifixion of Christ.

So, the Eucharist as a memorial of the Passover invites us to participate actively in the celebration of the Mass every day. We should, therefore, avoid every form of distraction and passivity any time we enter the church for the celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ. Let us also endeavour to keep away from us any type of life that denies us full communion with Christ and our neighbours, so that we will receive the full impact of the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Christ in our lives. 

Peace be with you.

Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima

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

THEME: THE EUCHARIST: POWER OF TRANSFORMATION

(Luke 9:11b - 17)

Today, the Church invites us to stop and ponder on the meaning of the Eucharist, its healing, nourishing and transforming power, and the challenge of living a Eucharistic life.

The Corpus et Sanguinis Christi celebration is a liturgical way of celebrating the Real Presence of the Body and Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in the elements of the Eucharist. It was St Thomas Aquinas, the composer of the famous 'pange lingua gloriosi' that made the proposition for the celebration of this Solemnity to Pope Urban IV. The procession of the Blessed Sacrament is supposed to be held today, but due to Pastoral reasons, it is moved here in Nigeria to be celebrated on Christ the King Sunday. Meanwhile, we celebrate today within the Mass the Great Mystery of the Body and Blood of the Second Person of the Trinity. Good a thing this celebration comes Thursday following the Trinity Sunday or Sunday after the Trinity Sunday.

Let us with the aid of today's Gospel Reading delve into some aspects of this Holy mystery.

 

 INSIGHTS FROM THE GOSPEL

From today's Gospel, a lot of messages can be drawn concerning the Eucharist discuss. Let's limit ourselves to talk on the transforming elements of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is a great miracle. It is a wondrous act. It is a divine manifestation. It is God's involvement in human life. It is a celebration of Thanksgiving for Divine self-giving. Hence, in the Gospel, Jesus gives us a foretaste and foreknowledge of the meaning and message of the Holy Eucharist. Let's consider the transforming power of the Eucharist as testified to today. The Eucharist is efficacious in bringing about the following transformations:

 

EARTH TO HEAVEN

The Eucharist is called food from heaven, food of angels (panis angelicus). It is a link between heaven and earth. It is the ladder that takes us up to heaven and brings God to us. Hence, Today's Gospel Reading was an event that took place within the context of teaching about the kingdom of God. Jesus came from heaven to take us from our earthiness to make us heavenly. To take us from our sinfulness to lead us to holiness. To bring about a communion (mmekorita, oriko, mbikoma) and reconciliation or re-embracing of human and Divine at the table of love. He did this through taking our flesh. Oh, what a Divine exchange! Yes, divine exchange. Jesus took our flesh, purified it, deified it, and handed it to us.

 

SICKNESS TO HEALTH

Jesus didn't just teach, but He healed the sick. The Holy Eucharist is the source of heavenly therapy. It is never accidental that healing was incorporated in this discourse. The Eucharist is a 'medicine for the soul.''

It heals us of venial sins and helps us purify ourselves of every form of mortal sin ahead of receiving it. May our participation in this celebration today bring us healing of body and soul.

 

WORD TO FLESH

We see the harmony between the word and the flesh. Jesus was in the beginning, the Word. The Word took flesh and dwelt among us. Today, He started with the Word, and having nourished the crowd with the Word, He links the Word with bread. His flesh is indeed food.

 

NOTHINGNESS TO SOMETHING GREAT

Jesus is indeed God. It is in the nature of God to create out of nothing (ex nihilo). Just as the people were fed in the barren desert with manna, Jesus gives us His Body. From their nothingness, Jesus used His apostles to feed the crowd with food they themselves never knew how it came about, only that they believed Him and followed His instructions. This power of transformation has never ceased in the Church. It is the powerful force that transforms a man into a priest, making Him Alter Christus. Thus made another Christ, He is empowered by Christ with the authority of 'transubstantiation'. This is the transformation that takes place when the priest imposes His hands on the bread and wine, making it change from ordinary to Real Body and Blood of Christ. Great transformation; of the bread and wine and of the minister too.

As you partake in this sacred mystery, may you be transformed from nothingness to greatness.

 

 SCATTERING TO GATHERING

The Eucharist carries the mark of making us one in Christ. Today, Jesus didn't want to leave the crowd to scatter. He never listened to the twelve who asked Him to send them away. Let us learn from this and remain in union with Christ. Let us learn from this and live well with others. Let us not be like wandering Cain. God has settled us in Christ. let's not be gallivanting, looking for food where there is no food. Let us sit at the table with Jesus and be fed by Him. May God arrest every situation, making us feel like moving away from Him.

 

LONELINESS TO LOVELINESS

Jesus is able to transform your loneliness into loveliness. We are celebrating His real presence, His ever-abiding presence, His Emmanuel nature. The apostles said that the place was lonely, but Jesus taught them to be lovely, that He is lovely, and that in His love, He will never leave us alone nor abandon us to hunger and thirst. He fills the emptiness of your life.

Are you lonely? Do you feel deserted? Are you hungry and weak? Receive Jesus in your heart, visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament. Taste and see that He is good. You will experience a deep sense of love, yes! you will feel Him taking you deeper in love with Him.

 

LESSON: BE TRANSFORMED

Let this celebration help us to live as transformed children of God. Let us be transformed from sinfulness to godliness, from selfishness to selfless charity, from ingratitude to gratitude since Eucharist means thanksgiving. Let's learn to always give thanks. May we be transformed from doubt to faith and from dying to living forever and ever.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

EUCHARISTIC BLESSINGS

May the Soul of our Saviour sanctify our breast,

May the Body of Christ be our saving guest

May the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bathe us in His tide.

May this celebration bring us to the reality of experiencing God on earth in communion and dwelling in union with Him in heaven. Amen.

 

Happy Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Holy Trinity Sunday, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Living a life inspired by the Trinitarian relationship.

Readings: Prov. 8: 22-33; Rom 5: 1-5; Jn 16: 12-15

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today, we celebrate the solemnity of one of the greatest mysteries of our Christian faith, the mystery of the Holy Trinity. It is a celebration that reminds us that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one. It teaches us that there are three distinct Persons in one God, sharing the same Divine Nature, co-equal and co-eternal. Each Person of the Trinity is God, yet there is still only one God; they are one in substance, yet distinct in Persons and functions, but in their functions, there is unity of purpose.

Though the word ‘Trinity’ cannot be found in the Bible, the teachings of Jesus pointed to the reality of the existence of the Blessed Trinity, especially when He instructed us, “Go into the world and baptize them, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19).

The teaching of the Blessed Trinity is one that no amount of philosophical and scientific research can fully explain or even deny. It is indeed a mystery; it is beyond the full grasp of the human mind. In reality, the nature of our God is beyond the full grasp of the human mind. That was why God said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, and my ways are not your ways. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.” (Is. 55:8-9).

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

Rather than focusing on the explanation of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, today's readings emphasize the actions of the Trinity. The first reading from the Book of Proverbs reflects on Wisdom, which is personified and was the first creation of God, witnessing the creation of the universe and everything within it. This reading extols the first Person of the Trinity, God the Father, as the creator. In the second reading from St. Paul's letter to the Romans, St. Paul unveils the unified purpose of the Trinity in the salvation of humanity. He instructs us that we attain peace with God the Father through Jesus Christ, and that the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. In the gospel, Jesus traces the relationship that exists between Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit. He said, “all that the Father has is mine; therefore, I said that the Holy Spirit will take what is mine (that is what belongs to the Father too) and declare it to you.”

We have seen the unity in the Trinitarian relationship and the distinctiveness of their roles. God the Father creates, God the Son redeems and reconciles, while God the Holy Spirit sanctifies and leads us in the truth.

Dear friends in Christ, there are numerous lessons to glean from today’s solemnity. First, the Blessed Trinity is one in essence yet distinct in functions. Similarly, we must strive to be united in faith and in the pursuit of a singular purpose while also acknowledging and respecting our uniqueness – that capacity in us to do good things in different ways. Our uniqueness is evident in the different modes of spirituality and gifts that exist in our church. However, the various gifts and attributes within the church should guide us towards a common goal, which is the establishment of the kingdom of God.

Secondly, the Persons of the Trinity teach us to embrace harmony and reject selfishness as we express our uniqueness in our roles in the Church, society, and family. In the life of the Blessed Trinity, God the Father did the work of creation, the Son redeemed and the Holy Spirit sanctified; they performed three distinct tasks yet did so in a harmonious manner. The actions of the Father paved the way for the actions of the Son, and the actions of the Son set the stage for the actions of the Spirit. None of them worked against the other. Therefore, as we engage in our various tasks within the Church and society, we must refrain from undermining the positive contributions of others. We should avoid manipulating, oppressing, or suppressing fellow members of our families, communities, and Church through our actions. It is essential that we learn to coexist in harmony with one another despite our individual differences and uniqueness. We must not treat others as if they are not part of the same family or community of God. A harmonious life is necessary for the growth of our Church, our families and our society.

The Trinitarian relationship also compels us to embrace community living, a lifestyle that acknowledges and honours the presence of others. If the God we worship exists within a community of Persons, characterized by love and sharing, then all of us who reflect the image of this God should reject any inclination towards isolationism – withdrawal from others and society. The Trinitarian relationship urges us to eliminate all forms of individualism, to cease living in a manner that shuts other people out.

Let us pray that we will model our lives according to the relationship that exists between the Persons of the Blessed Trinity.

Happy Feast Day. Peace be with you.

Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima

HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: DIVINE COMMUNION AND THE CALL FOR HUMAN RELATIONALITY

(John16:12-15)

Today, being the Sunday following the Pentecost celebration, the Church celebrates a great Solemnity. The Church celebrates a great mystery. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls the mystery of the Trinity "the mystery of God in himself... The source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. "

The doctrine of the Holy Trinity underscores the fact that there are Three Persons in One God, namely, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. They are coequal Persons, undivided and consubstantial.

Today, we are called to ponder on this great mystery. We are invited to appreciate the revealed realities of the Triune God. Let us praise The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit:

 

Oh eternal Trinity

Oh undivided Unity

Oh love everlasting

Oh truth surpassing total understanding

 

You are One You are Three

What a mystery in human history

What a misery of language

To get involved in this oceanic plunge

 

What a perfect harmony

A harmony expressed in relationality

Between the Trinue persons

In lovely rapport without acrimony

 

The father's love is made manifest in the Son

The Son's gift from the father is the Holy Spirit

What an amorous exchange

A gifting that calls for receptivity

 

The love of the Trinity breaths order upon creation

The expressive love, which gave birth to salvation

And so we have the Church, the emissary of the Trinitarian mission

 

In the Trinity, our meaninglessness acquires meaningfulness

Our disunity translates into unity

And our different roles channel us to our goal, peace in eternity

 

INSIGHT FROM THE GOSPEL

The Trinity is not a mystery based on the fact that nothing is known about it at all. No. The scripture has revealed to us who the Trinity is, but we cannot totally comprehend it all. But the revealed is truly the truth about the Trinity.

In today's gospel, Jesus shows us the relationality and communion that exists between the Trinitarian Persons. The operation of the Blessed Trinity and their undivided bond is laid bare.  The Spirit whom the Father sends in the name of Jesus, when He comes, would not speak of His own authority. He will glorify the Son with the glory of the Father. This is an amazing oneness! From the Trinity, we are called to learn some values.

 

LESSONS FROM THE TRINITY:

UNITY

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are one. Their unity is expressed in the harmony that exists between them ad intra. This is true because love is the bond between them. Theirs is the love so ancient and so New as St Augustine would say.

Can we learn from the Trinitarian unity? Can we endeavour not to put knife on the things that hold us together in order not to fall apart? Can we pay heed to the saying: united we stand, so as not to be divided and fall? Can we as a people look more for things that unite us than things that divide? Unity indeed is strength. May God bring unity among us, in our families and communities. Blessed be the Holy and undivided Trinity now and forever. Amen!

 

COMMUNICATION

The Trinity never jokes with "let us". Communication involves speaking and listening. The Trinity carries each other along so perfectly that differentiation becomes a difficult nut to crack. The power of communication cannot be underestimated. Lack of communication has been the bane of many marital relationships, friendships, institutions, unions and organizations.

Dialogue is indeed a value we can't joke with. It sustains relationship. May God help us in our communication with each and respect for one other.

 

READINESS FOR MISSION

Each of the Persons of the Triune God helped in revealing the goodness of one another. The Son is the missionary of the Father, The Holy Spirit is the missionary of the Father and The Son. They are ever ready to go out. Can we put a stop to locking up ourselves? Can we decide to carry out our mission on earth with Trinitarian Spirit? Can we like the Trinity move out for the good of the other? Take up the task of making the other better? It was really this idea that made the Trinity to want to express the Trinitarian love ad extra. May we be passionate to move out of ourselves to encounter people with the love of God.

 

TRINITARIAN GENEROSITY

The Trinitarian generosity is a prodigal type, a type of kenosis; self-emptying. Jesus expressed it in today's gospel: "All that the Father has is mine; therefore, He will take what is mine and declare it to you" Imagine that! He gives us, he lavishes upon us what is His.

In the Trinity we saw the Divine generosity made manifest in the intention to make man live forever. When this was terminated by sin, God continued giving and gave His only begotten Son. He came and not only revealed the face of God but also died to save and restore.

At Ascension He promises and actually fulfils by sending the Holy Spirit to be with us till the end of time so as to make us live forever. The life that was His, He has given to us.

What a gifting! Having received so much from God, what stops us from being generous with one another. We can share what we have, our time, talent and treasure. May God help us to be generous and not selfish.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

LET US PRAY

 Almighty and ever living God through this celebration help us to relate well with each other. May we remember the Trinitarian stamp we have received at baptism and fashion our life according to the Most Holy Trinity.

May the blessings of God the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit come down upon us and remain with us both now and forever. Amen

Happy Solemnity of the Trinity.

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 Pentecost Sunday, Year C: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: The Unifying and Renewing Power of the Holy Spirit

Readings: Acts: 2:1-11; Rm 8:8-17; Jn 14:15-16,23b-26

Dearest brothers and sisters, today the Mother Church celebrates her birthday, the solemnity of the Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples with tongues of fire, empowering them to speak in many languages. It was the day the Holy Spirit confirmed the institution of the Church and empowered the disciples of Jesus to begin the ministry entrusted to them by Jesus.

Actually, the term ‘Pentecost’ means the fiftieth day, and it was on the fiftieth day after the resurrection that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. According to the Old Testament traditions, the feast of the Pentecost was already an important feast in the life and history of the Jews. On this day, the Israelites celebrated two events in their history. First, on Pentecost, the Jews commemorated the giving of the ten commandments to Moses by God on Mount Sinai, which happened fifty days after the Passover. They called it the feast of weeks (in Hebrew language, ‘chang ha shevout’). Secondly, on the Pentecost, Jews also celebrated their agricultural feast, offering the first loaves from their farm to God. They called it the festival of Harvest (in Hebrew language, Yom ha-bikkurim). These two great Jewish feasts, celebrated on the Pentecost, attracted a considerable number of Jews from around the globe to Jerusalem, allowing them to connect with their faith and homeland. It was due to this large assembly of Jews in Jerusalem for their feasts that many people from various parts of the world were present on the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, as described in the first reading. So, Christ chose the best day to send the Holy Spirit upon his disciples and to inaugurate his church – the day the whole world gathered in Jerusalem – so that the message of the resurrection will reach the whole world.

The feast of Pentecost is very important in the life of the church because of the impact of the Holy Spirit on the early Church, the contemporary Church, and on each of us. It was the Holy Spirit that transformed the apostles from fearful men into men who were filled with strength and courage to preach the Good News to all humanity. It is essential to recall that prior to Pentecost, the disciples were afraid of going out to preach the Good News; however, once the Holy Spirit descended upon them, they rushed out of the house and began to proclaim the message of the resurrection boldly. The presence of the Holy Spirit made the difference and has continued to make a difference. Therefore, let us pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our Churches and homes, to liberate us from our fears and to empower us with the courage to be effective witnesses of Christ wherever we live and wherever we go.

The coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles also signified that the hand of God has once more assumed control over humanity. In the book of Genesis, chapter eleven, as we read in the first reading of the vigil mass of this feast, we heard the story of the Tower of Babel. In this story, God used the power of different languages to confuse and disperse humanity all over the world when they wanted to build a tower of equality with Him. However, on the feast of Pentecost, God utilized the same tool of multiple languages to reunite humanity. The first reading of today told us that the disciples spoke in many languages on the Pentecost, yet people of other tongues understood them in their own languages. It was indeed a great unity through language. Dear friends, what this unity of language tells us is that Pentecost is a feast of unity and new life. It is the celebration of the outpouring of new life into the church and the world because the hand of God has touched humanity once again. This feast challenges us, who have been blessed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to live the life of unity and newness.

Dear friends, if the hand of God has touched you through the Holy Spirit, your life should bear the fruits of unity and newness; your life should testify to the presence of the Holy Spirit. This was the point St Paul was making in the second reading of today. He indicated that there should be a clear distinction between the lives of those who are governed by the flesh (meaning those who have not received the Spirit) and the lives of those who are guided by the Spirit. St. Paul expects that all of us in whom the Spirit dwells to live exemplary lives in the world. It would be quite unfortunate if those who embody the Spirit of Christ were to lead lives contrary to Christ's teachings, indulging instead in a life that satisfies the flesh. The lives of those who possess the Spirit of Christ should yield the fruits of love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Let us, therefore, ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for us in today’s mass and that the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which have been bestowed upon us and the Church—namely, the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, understanding, piety, and fear of the Lord—may be revitalized, enabling us to live a renewed life characterized by unity, love, peace, harmony, charity, and kindness everyday of our life. Let us unite our voices with that of today's psalmist in prayer, saying, "Lord, send forth your spirit, and renew the face of the earth." Amen.

Peace be with you.

Happy feast of the Pentecost.

Rev. Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 PENTECOST SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS HERE FOR GOOD

(John 14:15-16.23b-26)

Today the Church celebrates the fulfilment of a promise. The Church celebrates her life day and birthday. The Church rejoices for her hope that was not made hopeless.

Since the Ascension, the body of Christ in obedience to her Lord has fixed all her hope above, has directed all her gaze in the heavens, has been on invocation for the power from above, has been in wait, crying out 'venite' and putting aside vanities.

Alas, here He comes. He comes to us as He came upon the Apostles on the Pentecost Day.

 

PENTECOST DEFINED

Pentecost in the Church is a celebration in commemoration of the decent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and other followers of Christ who gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of weeks.

The term Pentecost comes from the Greek 'Pentecoste' meaning fiftieth. It was originally a harvest festival. The festival was celebrated on 50th day after Passover. Taking its Old Testament origin, it was referred to as the feast of first fruits (Numbers 28:26).

Today, we celebrate not the agricultural harvest in Pentecost but the harvest of the Father's gift to us. It is a Thanksgiving celebration of God's abiding presence.

It is the 50th day after the Passover celebrated not with bulls but with the Son of God. We have a lot of reasons to celebrate as we welcome in our midst the Holy Spirit of God.

 

GOD LOVES US

Jesus in His love for us calls us to love Him in return. The Holy Spirit is the love of the Father and the Son. Jesus wants us to be plunged into His Divine love. He intercedes to His Father on our behalf. He tells the Father what is lacking in us. He sees the empty areas that need divine filling. He knows our openness to have Him in us. And He pronounced the solemn promise. The Father in love sent Jesus to us, in love too, the Son prays the Father to send the Holy Spirit after his Ascension.

 

HE SENDS THE COUNSELLOR

The counsellor promised by Jesus is the Holy Spirit. He is God. He is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. He comes to live with us. His mission is to be with us. He comes to dwell within us as temples. He comes to make us abodes of divinity. He comes to lead us away from error into the truth. He is not a Spirit of confusion and as such comes to break every barrier. He comes with gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsels, fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord. He is not coming as a visitor that goes after. He comes in to stay.

Let us make Him a home today within us. Let us listen to the spiritual directives He gives us and be open to receive the gifts He has in stall for us.

 

THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL TEACH US THE SECRETS OF FRUITFULNESS

Having received the gifts of the Holy Spirit as promised in baptism, confirmation and other Sacraments, the Holy Spirit teaches us how best to be fruitful with the gifts. That has to do with bearing fruit. Jesus will challenge His followers to bear fruits that would last.

The Holy Spirit nourishes through our cooperation the gifts bestowed upon us. He teaches us and reminds us of the will of God for us. The will of God for us is that we bear fruit. In Genesis, God's command to man was to be fruitful and multiply. Jesus teaches that for one to bear much fruit he must remain one with Him. Jesus maintained: "cut of from me, you can do nothing". Jesus curses a fig tree for fruitlessness. O yes, even outside the season of fruiting. Jesus insists that we bear fruit in season and out of season.

The Holy Spirit teaches us the right things to do and reminds us of the wrong things we ought not to do.

To bear good fruits we are to remain good students of the Holy Spirit. This teaching of the Holy Spirit is so necessary because it is through the fruits that God's people are known.

May you produce the fruits of charity, joy, patience, peace, kindness, goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty, self-control and chastity.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

LET US PRAY

As we celebrate the Holy Spirit today, may He enkindle in us the fire of His love, may He blow away whatever that doesn't glorify God in us, may He put to flight spiritual laziness of any sort, May He take possession of our souls and make us all His. May He be a tower of strength to us.

May the Spirit be a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day.

May He empower us to preach the Good News with our words and deeds. May He keep us always connected to God in holiness through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Pentecost Sunday to you (Yr C)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh