7^th Sunday of Easter, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: That they may be one and be with me where I am

Readings: Acts 7: 55-60; Rev 22: 12-14,16-17,20; Jn. 17:20-26

Dear friends in Christ, one of the activities that organizations conduct for their new recruits is orientation. Some organizations even extend this process by sending their new recruits to participate in additional formation programmmes or specialized training, enabling them to integrate into the organization’s framework and serve as commendable representatives in society. A similar process occurs when an individual is designated as an ambassador for a nation. The ambassador will receive training in international relations and acquire a comprehensive understanding of his country’s interests in the nation where he is assigned to serve. Consequently, the ambassador will be equipped to effectively represent his country.

Jesus recognized the brevity of His time on earth and, consequently, gathered a group of men around Him to represent Him and continue His mission. He dedicated time to instruct them in the heavenly mysteries and the actions they should undertake to accurately represent Him on earth and to make disciples in His name as well.

For the past three Sundays, we have been reading the proceedings from Christ’s final seminar or additional training for His disciples. Two Sundays ago, He taught them that the sole identity they should embrace in the world while fulfilling His mission is love. Last Sunday, He emphasized this theme of love, explaining that the manner in which they can demonstrate their love for Him is through obedience to His teachings. He assured them that the Holy Spirit would assist them in recalling all that He had taught them. This Sunday, He is imparting the lesson that unity is essential if they are to convince the world of their love for one another and their belonging to Him; their expressions of love must unite them as a single community.

Recognizing the significance of unity, the challenges in attaining it, and how its absence will rip His disciples apart, Jesus committed the disciples into prayer, asking His Father to keep them united just as He is united with Him.

Dear friends, without unity, it will be impossible for us, the members of the Church, to convince the world that we love one another. Without being united, we cannot claim that we represent Christ, who lives in unity and love with the Father and the Holy Spirit. To convince and conquer the world, the Church must demonstrate acts of love that are deeply rooted in a strong sense of unity.

Recognizing the significance of unity and the potential consequences of its absence for the community of believers, the disciples consistently raised an alarm whenever there were signs of division within their communities. This is evident in Acts 15, 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, and 1 Corinthians 12 and 13. We are tasked with ensuring that we uphold a united front in Christ, discarding anything that could foster division among us as Christians. The proliferation of churches does not signify unity in the eyes of the world; rather, it indicates that we are neglecting the identity that Christ has bestowed upon us.

Jesus prayed that we may be with him where he is in God’s glory. In today’s first reading, Stephen shows us one of the challenges we must confront as representatives of Christ in the world; a challenge we must overcome if we truly desire to be where Christ is in glory. He faced accusations and was stoned for preaching Christ. Rather than dwelling on the sorrow surrounding him or feeling anger towards Christ for not delivering him from physical suffering and death, he directed his gaze upwards, focusing on the glory that Christ had prepared for him. The vision of the glory that awaited him made him transcend the pain of his torments and the insults from his persecutors.

Representing Christ can be a challenging task in a world that prefers to hear less about God and more about worthless matters; this often results in varying levels of suffering and mistreatment. Nevertheless, the Christian who desires to be with Christ in glory is called to look beyond the current afflictions imposed by the world on account of Christ in order to perceive the glory that awaits him. A complete focus on earthly challenges may cause one to lose sight of the eternal destination that has been prepared for him, perhaps leading to the loss of such glory. The Holy Spirit that filled Stephen is always ready to support us when we face evil. Let us be open and receptive to him.

In today's second reading, John wrapped it up by stating, "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city through the gates." Truly, blessed are those who have cleansed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, those who have withstood the trials of this world due to their love for Jesus, much like Stephen did. They will share in the glory of Christ.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chima

 7^TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: JESUS' PRAYER FOR US

(John 17:20-26)

It is wonderful to know that Jesus offers prayers and entreaties for us. He lifts us and our shortcomings and weaknesses to His Father. He takes us up. From above, He came to give us the heavenly attributes. It is interesting to see how Jesus gazes into heaven on our behalf. May we take a look at the content and intent of Jesus' prayers for those who believe in Him through the word they have heard.

ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN

The Gospel began with the following words: "Lifting up His eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed...that they may all be one."

Why did Jesus look up to heaven? Was this act a careless or meaningless gesture? Did He just look up purposelessly? He may have looked up for a transplantation. Yes, I choose to call it transplantation. He wished to replicate what happens in heaven here on earth to transfer the seed of heavenly unity to the earth. He may have been praying, " Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" in another way.

Jesus may have remembered the effect of an attempted disunity in heaven and its effect on Lucifer, the author of such disharmony.

Jesus must have remembered the Divine effort at bringing about a lasting union with Man in paradise, which failed when Satan came in.

He remembers His mission and preaching: "The kingdom of God is at hand."

He has seen the Church as that kingdom on earth and wishes that it be One just as He is One with the Father. Jesus wants the unity for which He prayed to flow from the Trinity.

PERFECTLY ONE

Jesus knew how imperfect man was and prayed for Him.  He is not ready to settle with anything less than perfection. He prayed for perfect unity among His family the Church. But what has happened down the ages is nothing to write home about. Why do you render Christ's prayers unanswered? Every Father wishes that His children live in peace. It is usually the joy of dying parents who really loved their children and rooted them in unity to see that they remain one. They usually pray that no knife may be put on what hold their family together, that they may not fall apart. It is usually an encouraging word they resound in them 'united you stand'. With this, they are warned against the danger of disintegration.

 

WHAT CAUSES DISUNITY?

A lot of things may bring about disunity. Some of them include disobedience and selfishness.

Disobedience led Lucifer out of the unity of mind and heart he shared in heaven. And he said "non serviam" (I shall not serve). It is connected with the desire to lord it over others and expect to be served instead. Here, selfishness is also implied. He tries to take the glory due to God.

Adam, in disobedience, ate the forbidden fruit and lost the kingdom as well as the peaceful union he enjoyed with God. Judas left the bond, and we saw his end.

DISUNITY TODAY

Today, thousands and thousands of Christian denominations exist. The blind eye they pay to this portion of the scripture is quite surprising. The misinterpretation they give this passage is scandalous. Their intention to keep splitting up more and more can make Christ to weep. The recklessness of establishing and overseeing churches is unspeakably alarming.

Did Jesus establish a body in history? Yes.

Did he empower people to start establishing churches here and there? No.

Paul saw Christ. Did he start up his own church? No. He was rather directed to Ananias and the apostles.

There was a problem too in the early Church. Did it bring about a tear? No. The apostles met and ironed them out.

Let us pay heed to the call of Christ for unity in the Church, unity and love in our world, unity and love in our country, in our states, harmony in our families and the various organizations and institutions we find ourselves in.  When we live united by the right purpose, common good, passion for progress, and respect for one another, we help in bringing to realization the prayer and wish of Christ. This will save our world from crisis. Religious, moral, political, economic, etc.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Oh God, give us the spirit to be one in faith. Lead back to the fold all who have strayed.

May we be strengthened in communion and union with each other in God. Help us to live in tolerance and respect for the Higher Good in the name of The Father and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit. Amen

Happy Sunday (Easter, 7th Week, Yr C)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

7^th Sunday of Easter, Year B: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: That we may be one

Readings: Acts 1:15-17,20a,20c-26; 1Jn 4:11-16; Jn. 17:11b-19

Dear friends in Christ, one of the things companies do for their new intakes is orientation. Some go as far as sending their new intakes to undergo some further formation programs or special training to be able to fit into the company’s system and to be worthy ambassadors of the company in the society. The same thing also happens when a person is appointed as an ambassador of a country. The ambassador will be groomed in international relations and will have a good knowledge of his country’s interest in the country where he is being sent to serve. This way, the ambassador will be able to represent his country.

Jesus was aware of His brief stay on earth and, therefore, gathered some men around Him to represent Him and to carry on His mission on earth. He took time to groom them in the mysteries of heaven and in the things they should do to properly represent Him on earth and make disciples for Him as well.

Since the last three Sundays, we have been reading the proceedings from Christ’s last seminar/workshop or further training for his disciples. Two Sundays ago, Jesus told them that to survive in the mission he handed over to them, they must draw their life and their strength from Him, just as the branches of the vine draw their life from the vine tree. Last Sunday, he taught them that the only identity they should have in the world as they carry on his mission is love. This Sunday, he is teaching them that unity is necessary if they are to convince the world that they love themselves and belong to Him; their acts of love must bind them together as one community.

Knowing how important unity is, how difficult it is to achieve it and how its absence will rip his disciples apart, Jesus committed the disciples into prayer, asking His Father to keep them united just as He is united with Him.

Dear friends, without unity, it will be impossible for us, the members of the Church, to convince the world that we love ourselves, and without being united we cannot claim that we represent Christ, who lives in unity and love with the Father and the Holy Spirit. To convince and conquer the world, the Church needs acts of love manifested with a strong sense of unity.

Aware of the importance of unity and what its absence might cause the community of believers, the disciples always sounded an alarm anytime there was a trace of division in their communities. We saw this in Acts 15, 1Cor 1:10-17; 1Cor 12 and 13. In the first reading of today, St John dealt with cases of disunity in the Church by emphasizing the necessity of love among Christians, for love and unity work hand in hand.

The first reading showed us how the unity which reigned in the early Christian community helped the apostles to conduct a poll between Joseph and Matthias, and elected Matthias to replace Judas. We know that one of the factors that tear communities apart is election, but the early Christian community were able to conquer this threat, courtesy of unity.

Dear friends, the prayer of Christ for unity among his followers should wake us to the reality of the necessity of unity in our various churches and Christian communities. This realization of the necessity of unity in the mission of evangelizing the world will help us to desist from unhealthy competitions and aspirations in the Church; it will help us to see our different talents as gifts given to us by God to complement each other and to serve the body of Christ, rather than opportunities to look down on others or to fight; it will help the various groups in the Church to see themselves as branches of the same tree instead of individual trees that are fighting for survival; it will also help all Christians of all denominations to understand that no one can convincingly preach Christ if he is in a battle with his fellow Christians.

Peace be with you.

Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 

7^th Sunday of Easter, Year B: Reflection by Fr Julian Ekeh

THEME: LIFT UP YOUR EYES AND HEARTS

(John 17:11b-19)

At the Holy Mass, the priest invites us with the following words: "Sursum corda", "Welitenu obi unu elu", Lift up your hearts.

In the Holy Gospel of today, John the evangelist pictured Jesus lifting up His eyes to heaven in prayers. During His lifetime, Jesus prayed to His Father as we saw. He remained in the practice of heavenward prayers from the heart till the last hour of His life.

When the stay of Christ on earth was ended, He made the disciples together with Mary to fix their gaze on Him as He ascended. It was not an empty, idle gaze but a prayerful one to Him who sits at the right hand of the Father. This is in agreement with the Psalmist, who in Psalm 121 affirmed: "I will lift my eyes to the mountains... My help shall come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Christ knows very well that we cannot do without His help. That is why even in His physical absence, He assures us of a spiritual presence and calls for our total dependence and reliance on Him.

Indeed, this is a special Sunday. A Sunday that precedes the Pentecost Sunday. It is a Sunday that falls within the Novena to the Holy Spirit. It is a Holy Day, it is the day of the Lord, it is very special for we stand here to anticipate the Promise of the Lord. In this Gospel, we see the Church receiving a call to prayers. The prayer is directed to God, with Christ at the head. Thus, with Christ the head, the Church offers her worship calling out Veni Sancte Spiritus, Veni creator Spiritus.

Let us appreciate this Holy privilege given to us by Christ to participate in this Holy novena even in our unworthiness. Let us call on the Spirit that is Holy to put to flight all unholy powers operating in us.

Jesus offers us a line to call with. Just as people who travelled to overseas give their new numbers to their families and close friends as soon as they arrive their destination, Jesus, having reached His heavenly destination, gives us a number, a line to keep calling with. This line will not fail us;  prayers. He wishes that we come over to where He is when the time comes. But He wanted us to stay connected to the zone where network coverage is available. Thus, He insists that the Apostles remain in the upper room.

He takes them away from the noisy world, from distractions, from bad companies. He takes us to the Upper room, to be above the world, our passions, the pleasures of the flesh, etc.

As we unite in Spirit and Heart with the universal Church, let us bear the following in mind:

 

GOD'S GLORY

Do everything that will glorify God and shun everything that diminishes the glory of God. By this, we live prayers and not just saying prayers.

 

REFLECT ON ETERNITY

Jesus prayed for eternal life. As we lift our hearts in prayers, let us think of our eternity; Let's try to know God and Jesus Christ. Make out time for "lectio Divina" and meditation. Thus, know that everything does not end here. Live in the Spirit and make our Spirits one with the Spirit of God so that we may inherit the kingdom of God and not lose eternity with Christ in heaven.

CHRIST LOVES YOU AND PRAYS FOR YOU

Jesus says that you're His. So do not look right, left and centre. He cares about your soul. He gives all that is His to you. He wants to bless you with the Holy Spirit. You are not alone even when the world deserts you, Jesus will not abandon you once you remain strong in prayers.

Dearest in Christ, lift up your eyes and lift up your hearts. Do that at the summon of the Lord. Do not allow sin to put your eyes down. Do not allow laziness to hold you down, do not allow the flesh to weigh you down, never allow the situation of the country to remove your gaze from heaven. Do not be bowed down by pains, fears, shame, family problems, etc.

Don't let this moment of prayers to the Holy Spirit slip from your hands.

Remember, the Lord will not leave you as an orphan. He will come, and your heart will rejoice. Till then, lift up your heart and remain in the mood of prayers.

 

LET US PRAY

Thank You, Oh Lord, for calling us to look up and see what blessings await us in the spiritual realm. Keep our eyes fixed on You. Deliver us from the temptations that threaten to weaken our spirit. Open our eyes to see Jesus Your Son blessing us, interceding for us and fulfilling His promise to us from the Holy throne of glory in heaven. We ask these through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Sunday (Easter Week 7)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

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