CHRISTMAS: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: TO DWELL WITH US, THE WORD BECAME FLESH

(John 1:1-18)

What a wonder! What a mystery! What an awesome manifestation of love! This is indeed an incomprehensible act. The Divine comes to become human, the Creator coming to become a creature, the Holy coming to embrace the mundane. This is, for sure, a mystery. Are we to venture into this discussion? Is there any way of understanding such an act? Is this actually possible? If no human can condescend this low, why God?

Yes, because with God, nothing is impossible. God did that which is beyond our expectation. It is among the many reasons why Mary asked how these will come about, and the reply she received was that nothing is impossible with God. The message is that there is no extent God cannot go to save you. There is no risk He has not taken, and there is none that He will not take just to set you free.

All these are because He loves you. Yes, I mean you. He took the risk of coming in fragility, in weakness, in coldness, in poverty. He took the risk of being exposed to hostility of the world, the cruelty of mankind, and the temptations to sin. And from all these He set you free, He made us like God while becoming like man.

He is the ancient of days but became a babe for you. He loves you.

He was with God, but He became Immanuel to be with you. He values you

He is God. He is the Second Person of The Holy Trinity, but He dwelt among you. He loves to come where you are to take you to where He is.

Yes He is here with light to drive away every darkness in your life.

He is here with holiness to destroy your sins

He is here as the prince of peace to restore the shattered peace of your life.

May the word of God that has taken FLESH today dwell in our hearts.

 

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS

May God abide with you and never depart from you.

May you recognize Him and be delivered from the danger of taking His presence for granted. His people didn't recognize Him.

May you recognize Him in the Eucharist, recognize Him in the lowly, recognize Him, and give Him a place wherever you are. May you be among those He will give the power of becoming children of God. May your adoption remain permanent.

May you be joyful indeed, for Great in your midst is the Holy One. May Christ the Immanuel make all things well for you. Rejoice for He loves you at Christmas and always. As you endeavour to take Christ to the masses, to make the masses recognize this great Saviour may the blessings of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit come down upon you and remain with you and your family both now and forever. Amen

Rejoice, be glad, exult.

Ñuriwanu n'omumu Kristi, Happy Christmas, Joyeaux Noël, Feliz Navidad.

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 3^RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: THE SECRET OF DIVINE JOY

(Luke 3:10-18)

Today is Gaudete Sunday. A Sunday when the Church bids us rejoice, when we listen to the voice of St. Paul telling us: Rejoice, I repeat Rejoice. 'Gaudete' is from the Latin root 'gaudere' meaning to rejoice. We are invited to be happy, to sing and shout in joy for the Holy One of Israel is in our midst.

This call to be happy may sound foolish, where there seems to be no reason to be happy. But the message is: Be happy in the midst of all circumstances because the Lord is in your midst. If God be for us, who can be against us? He comes as the Emmanuel to be with us, so we have reasons to rejoice. Let us, therefore, inquire today on what we need to do to be happy in the Lord.

 

COLLECTIVE AND INDIVIDUAL SEARCH FOR TRUE JOY

The soul of man is indeed hungry for a higher form of joy. In a world where many have resorted to different despicable things to be happy, in a society where drug abuse seem to serve as a way out of frustration and heartbreaks, in a situation where alcoholism, ritualism, drunkenness, harlotry are seen to be solutions to the instability and unhappiness ravaging the human person, God calls all and sundry to review the secret of true happiness, joy and peace.

In the Gospel of today we saw people who inquired to know the secret of joy in the Lord, how to find happiness in the Lord; they represent the people pictured by Psalm 4 with the following question in their mouth: what can bring us happiness? The above question was asked by many. In the Gospel of today, we see ALL the people asking a particular question: What do we do? This question was triggered by the frightening preaching of John the Baptist. Thanks be to God that the people wanted joy instead of the punishment due for their old lives. They decided to start producing the fruits of goodness. We are challenged to come as a people and address the forces stealing our collective joy, exposing us to massive pain, shame, sadness, and frustration. Let us also go as individuals to know what God wants us to do to really experience the joy He promised here and hereafter.

 

HERE IS THE MESSAGE

The word of God says: "I will hear what the Lord God has to say." The will of the Lord was revealed through John the Baptist, as He prepares the people to receive Christ defined as Joy to the world. He addresses us on the following:

 

BE CONTENTED

The Baptist's reply to them seem to show us why many of us are not happy. We are not happy because we are not satisfied with what God has made us to be; we would have loved to be like the other. We are not comfortable with what God has given us; We want to take that of another to make up. We are not happy with what God is doing in the life of the other; so we attack, frustrate, and destroy them. Joy comes from within. It is interesting that joy and contentment share the same root. To be happy is to be delighted by the lot marked out for you. Hence, the Psalmist declared: the lot marked out for me is my delight.

As an individual, you've got to rejoice for the lot marked out for you, the joy no force can take without your permission. Choose to be happy anyway.

Not minding what the circumstances around you are saying. The people in today's Gospel have been surrounded by threatening situations, but they chose to go for that, which attracts divine joy. You can't do without the joy that comes from the Lord. The joy of the Lord should be your strength. The enemy is never happy when you're happy. Be happy anyway.

 

QUIT EVIL HABITS

Jesus comes to do a new thing in our lives. He is coming as a newborn to renew our lives in His love.  We, too, have to do something for Him as He comes to do new things in us. We hand over to Him our old ways.

Let's like the groups of people in the Gospel today ask: What shall we do?

To those in the evil habit of stinginess, John said: Give, share, practice charity.

To the tax collectors in the evil habit of collecting more than expected, John insists: Stop collecting more than you should. Stop increasing prices in the name of Christmas. Stop causing heartbreaks. Do not steal the joy of others that yours may not be stolen.

To the soldiers and the police John says: Stop robbing and extorting!

Let's stop for God to begin. Let's stop evils in and around us for God to begin good in us. What's your own evil? My dearest in Christ, stop it. It will give you no true joy. Do the things that will lead you to joy everlasting.

DON'T BE WEIGHED DOWN

Family problems may have vowed to make you sad, Child of God, be glad. Hopelessness has forced you to believe that your joy is buried forever. It is not true. Rejoice!  Near success syndrome is convincing you to agree that you can never make it. Rejoice for by His Grace you can do all things.

Yes, rejoice for the coming of the Lord is nearer now.

MY PRAYER FOR YOU

The Lord is coming to give you joy. He is coming to bless You abundantly. He is coming to pleasantly surprise You and Your family. He comes to give you reasons to laugh again. Just be contented with what He has done for you and be rejoicing for what He is coming with. You're born to rejoice. May your joy as a person never be stolen. May your joy as a people never be hijacked. May God come to restore your family joy in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Rejoice in the Lord Alleluia.

Happy Gaudete Sunday

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 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: 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

 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

 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

 31^st SUNDAY, YEAR B: REFLECTION BY FR JULIAN EKEH

THEME: YOU'RE NOT FAR FROM THE KINGDOM OF GOD IF YOU LOVE

(Mark 12:28-34)

 The scribes and the Pharisees remain the chief opposers to everything taught by Christ. They tried to refute Jesus' viewpoints. They often came with conflicting issues. But today, we see a scribe who is exceptional. He may have taken good time to know more about the commandments of God. He humbled himself, realising the limitations of his intelligence and inquiry. He dares to ask, asking to know, asking to become a better person. He must have believed that knowledge is power. He must have known that Jesus is capable of clearing his doubts. His sincerity opened to him the path to greatness. He   got the first-hand information about the first of all the commandments from Jesus the first and last. Where do you go for true knowledge?

He wanted a summary of all the commandments. Jesus simply told him: Love God, Love Man with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. At this, the scribe immediately subscribed to what Jesus answered. And Jesus assured him of his nearness to the kingdom of God.

Love keeps us close to the kingdom of God. Many of us are very far away from the kingdom of God because we have failed to love both God and man. Some of us claim to love God. They seem to say if I do what pleases God, say my prayers, pay my tithe, go for Sunday and weekday masses, do my devotions, and fast, then my heart is at peace. Others claim that when they show love to their neighbours, pay the orphan's school fees, pay hospital bills for a poor man, construct a road for my people, then goers are wasting time. This is good, but it may just be philanthropical. Jesus emphasises both the love of God and man. The type of love that draws us nearer to God is that type that is flying with two wings, one divine the other human. I remember one spiritual book with a title: Be Human be Holy.

Unfortunately, love is often misunderstood. Love that is not for the sake of God may not be heaven oriented. The many good things we do for selfish gains without bearing God in mind may not merit us heaven. The money you give to a lady in the name of love for lust cannot take you close to heaven. The road you built just to win an election cannot take you to heaven. The donation you made just to be seen and applauded cannot be called love for God and can never take you near heaven's gate. You can merit heaven by the praxis of love when you love God and man for God's own sake.

May God destroy whatever barrier that keeps us far from the kingdom of God. May God draw us nearer to his love and help us to show true love to our brothers and sisters, for God's sake.

May we receive love just as we give love. May God be happy to tell us: You are not far from the kingdom. May we never be far from the joy, peace, and glory of the kingdom of God through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy/lovely Sunday to you (31st Sunday in Ordinary Time B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

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

THEME: THE CRY FOR SIGHT: DON'T STOP TILL YOU HAVE RECEIVED

(Mark 10:46-52)

The importance of sight: hindsight, insight, and foresight can never be overemphasized in our lives as individuals, a people, Church, Country, Organization, etc.

We are presented today with the story of the blind man, Bartimaeus. He was not only blind, he was equally poor, which turned him into a beggar. This is because his blind condition has rendered him incapacitated to do a lot of things for himself. He had begged for different forms of assistance. Today, he begs in a very special way for sight. He prioritized his request by going for what mattered most from the spiritual realm, namely spiritual sight. We may as well add political sight and others in our own cries for God's mercy.

 

SPIRITUAL SIGHT

Jesus came into the world as a light to enlighten all men. In the Sacrament of Baptism, He opens our eyes and makes us walk in light and no longer in the darkness.

As soon as Bartimaeus noticed the source of light around him, He cried out for mercy. Sin makes us walk in darkness. Corruption of all sorts keeps us in the dark. It is the will of God that we see light in his light and always be children of the light, living in the day and seeing the great deeds the Lord works and be gladdened in the spirit. God wants us not to stumble. That is why He comes for us to deliver us from dwelling in the darkness of sin and shame.

Let us, therefore, cease the opportunity of the presence of God around us and cry out aloud for mercy till we get His attention. We need to open our eyes to the things that are not normal in our lives. We must beg God to help us see our weaknesses and faults and, as such, pray for His grace.

We need to be uncomfortable with our inability to see the goodness of the Lord in our lives. We need to pray for the grace to be grateful to God. We need to see the good in others. We need to see where the Lord is leading us and where He wants us to be as well as what He wants from us at each point in time. We need to see reasons to pray, to live holy lives, to avoid evil companies, to see the spiritual realities, to see Jesus in the holy Eucharist, to see Jesus in that marital union, to see Jesus at work in the priests, to see the Holy Spirit at work in one's life and others, to see the hand of God blessing and forgiving us in the Sacrament of penance, to feel the Holy anointing of God when we are sick, to indeed see Jesus in the poor, the lonely and the unloved.

When we do not have eyes to see these spiritual realities, then we need to call on God to stop and attend to our matter in a very special way.

 

LET NOTHING STOP YOU

A lot of forces may want to stop you from rising to see the Lord. A lot of offers may be given to shut you up from reaching out for God's mercy. Friends, deceptive carers, etc, may give advice, suggestions, and ways out to hold you down, to stop you from seeing beyond the here and now.

Pay heed to the messengers of Jesus when they will say to you: "Take heart; rise, he is calling you." Throw off whatever the devil is using to blindfold you. Move to God and tell Him what you want.  As you pray for sight today, may you receive it.

 

POLITICAL SIGHT ETC

Our country is like Bartimaeus crying for sight; to see progress, to see development, to see employment, to see good roads, to see working systems, to see good governance, to see protection of life and property, to see religious tolerance and peace. The political, religious, and cultural leaders, blindfolded by greed and selfishness, have held us down in darkness, and we keep groping, begging, and cannot help ourselves any longer.

The above scenario has landed us into other forms of blindness such as cultural, academic, moral, marital, economic, social blindness etc. We need sight in all these areas.

Only God can help us in these situations. Let us call on Him. Let us challenge the blind leaders among us on the need for sight. Let us pray for spiritual insights. Let us learn from our hindsight and work with foresight to be where God wants us to be. May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

LET US PRAY

We thank You, Lord Jesus, today as we cry to You for mercy, that we may see. We want to see Your mercy, Your glory and Your goodness in our lives. Heal us of our spiritual blindness and deliver us from our political, religious, cultural, and moral blindness. May we receive in faith the light we need for good sight, the unction we need for proper functioning through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Sunday (30th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 29^th SUNDAY, YEAR B: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: SERVANT LEADERSHIP: THE SOLUTION TO POWER PROBLEMS IN OUR WORLD

(Mark 10:35-45)

In a world where power and influence has eaten deep into the bone marrow of many, we are invited to ponder on the ideal sense of leadership, the true sense of power and indeed the right definition of the leader as a minister. Jesus looks into and addresses those who come to lead in the Society, in the Church, in the Community, in the various organizations and in the Unions to see if they are coming to lead or to Lord.

There is no peace in our world today, no harmony and understanding, no development and progress in our States, in Igbo land, in Nigeria, in Africa and other parts of the globe at large because people have come to power with no genuine intentions. Why do you aspire to be on the top? Is an underlying question today.

 

JAMES AND JOHN; POLITICAL ASPIRANTS

Was their intention genuine? James and John represent the elites who aspire for one political position or the other. They see themselves as "born to lead", they want to be very close to the corridors of power. They want the best positions. They wish to count themselves or be counted before others. They desire to be the 'primus inter paris' in their assembly.

This desire of theirs is not evil in itself. Someone must be at the top. Someone must occupy those positions they eyed. There must always be a leader for any organization to thrive. Why this aspiration? What will they do with this power when they get it? These are the questions. If the intention is to better the life of others, then it is good. If the intention is to bring lasting solution to the plights of their people, it is commendable. If the glamour is for the power not to enter into wrong and wicked hands, then it is wonderful. If the longing to rule is to use the spirit of Christ to save the people from crisis, it is noble. If the quest is to deliver a generation from degeneration, it must be encouraged. If it is to restore the true sense of the sacred and values erroneously redefined by the secular world, then our Lord will be happy.

Why are our leaders and leadership aspirants clamouring for votes and supports? Why have they refused to leave the office even at the end of their tenures? Is it not to amass wealth for themselves and their families? Is it not to use the powers in the office they occupy to deal unjustly with their enemies, opponents, and critics of their evil deeds?

 

IT SHALL NOT BE SO AMONG YOU

Jesus observed with disgust that His disciples were inordinately desirous of power and honour. He spoke to their hearts: "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you"

It shall not be so among you that you use your authority to impoverish the society. It shall not be so among you that you favour some people and maltreat others. It shall not be so among you that after condemning the excesses of past administrations, you go in and do worse. It should never be so among you that when you get the opportunity to take your people to their promised land, you betray them and sell their birth right over a plate of porridge. It should not be said of you that you use the blood of your people to lubricate your throne. 

 

THE FIRST MUST BE SLAVE OF ALL

Jesus asked James and John: Are you able to drink the chalice that I drink...? They said to Him: "We are able." This chalice is the chalice of service. It is the chalice of suffering. It is the chalice of thinking about the other person. It is the chalice of sleeplessness for the common good. Jesus says, "whoever wants to be great among you must be slave of all. For the son of man came to serve and not to be served, and give His life as a ransom to many.”

If politicians and leaders at different levels should know this truth concerning service and ministering, they will stop seeing leadership as a lucrative business that pays. They will think more about the service, the sacrifice, and the self-donation that is involved in leading the people.

 

LET'S BE IN COMPETITION TO LOVE AND SERVE

Unhealthy competition among the leaders and the led has set our people back so much. Destructive criticisms have done so much harm to us. Leaders should learn to complement the good work of their fellow leaders. The 'led' should appreciate their efforts when they are sincere.

If we can direct our competitions well, we shall make out something good from them. We will compete about who will love the other more and not be unnecessarily indignant about our fellow human beings. We will be at their service when the opportunity calls for that. May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Heavenly Father, we thank you for revealing to us that humble service and sincere collaboration is the secret of greatness. Bless our world with this word and heal us from the cancer of bad governance that we are suffering through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Sunday (29th Week, Ordinary Time, Yr. B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

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

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

(Mark 10:17-30)

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

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

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

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

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

BLESSINGS

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

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

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

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

THEME: CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE IS A BLESSING: ENJOY IT!

(Mark 10:2-16)

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

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

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

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

 

MAN QUESTIONS GOD ON MARRIAGE

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

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

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

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

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

The questions are numberless.

GOD'S REPLY TO MAN

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

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

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

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

 

BE ENCOURAGED IN YOUR MARRIAGE

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

 

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

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

 

BENEDICTION

May the Lord bless and keep your unions.

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

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

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

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

THEME: WHAT TO ALLOW AND WHAT TO CUT OFF

(Mar 9:38-43,45,47-48)

In the Gospel of today, we saw Jesus at one time encouraging accommodation, which shows itself in the principles of "Egbe bere, ugo bere,  "Onye biri ibe ya", "Onye anwula ma ibe ya efula" " Ndu mmiri, ndu azu", "Ukwuru miaram, miara nwunye di m" ( Live and let live). At the other end, Jesus tells us the conditions that cannot be accommodated. In His teaching, today, He opposed John the beloved who wanted Him to forbid those who were casting out demons in His name. Jesus says no to condemning or discouraging good people. It is our common goal to fight Satan and to condemn evil, to live holy lives, whether as priests, religious, married people, or single men and women. To avoid giving and receiving scandals. To do these, there are things we should cut off.

 

WE'VE GOT SOMETHING TO CUT OFF

 It is very possible for us to be doing well in certain areas and forget to look into some other parts of our lives. It is common to shine with our area of strength and overlook handling our weak points. What are the weak parts of our being? They are the areas that humble us to bend our heads in shame. The Gospel of today beautifully paints it to be parts of the body. The parts of the body, while functioning according to the divine order, are good in themselves. But when any becomes cancerous and infested, it is to be subjected to either surgery or amputation to avoid further damage. When they become avenues for introducing disease, then caution is called for. Sin is cancerous. Any part that is infected can make other parts ineffective.

 I want to reflect on what happens between the period of amputation/surgery and the period of wholeness/ good health. Suffice it to say that many people even prefer to die than to be subjected to the above treatment. Why? The pain. Cutting, amputation, or surgery in the sense we are talking about here is very painful momentarily.  Granted that the part of the body in question is bad, but it is still attached to the rest of the body as an undetachable member. Thus, any effort at removing it engenders severe and even excruciating pain. Little wonder anaesthesia is employed in some cases to reduce pain. Yet the patient must have some serious pain later. For this pain, some even refuse surgery, injection, or amputation. But the doctor insists on it.

Jesus, today, is not telling his audience to go to anyone for the cut. He calls on them to do the cutting themselves. This will require an extra form of courage. It is just a pointer to the fact that we are the ones who know the weak parts of our lives. We are the ones to cut it open. Yes! We should cut it. Let the blood of its wound flow. When it is open the Lord Jesus comes in as the heavenly physician to heal with his own blood shed on the Cross. Let the pain be joined with the pain of Christ to stop you from facing the crisis of losing your whole members. You may have gotten so used to that weak part of your life that you think you can no longer do without it. You resolve to:I can't help it; there's nothing I can do. There's something you must do:  cut it off, feel the pain for a while, and God will play his part.

Cutting off is a decision. It is a courageous decision; to do without what seem to give you joy, to do away with what has been giving you some pleasures. Jesus invites us to look forward to lasting joy. What are the things holding you bound. It could be addiction to sex, drinks, smoking, drugs etc. It could be unhealthy relationship, it could be jealousy, gossip, fraud, greed and so forth. Just mention it. Yea you know them. Finally, it could be scandal against which Jesus gave the above teaching.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Oh God, we thank You for teaching us the virtues of accommodation, accepting other people's blessings, and encouraging one another not to fall. Help us by Your grace to cut off every thread the devil has used or is using to weaken us. May no power or weakness be able to stop us from achieving our heavenly inheritance through Christ our Lord. Amen.

HAPPY Sunday (26th, Ordinary Time B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 25^th SUNDAY, YEAR B: REFLECTION BY FR JULIAN EKEH

THEME: WHAT IS THE MATTER?

(Mark 9:30-37)

It is very obvious that in our various associations, institutions, organizations, and unions, we have conflicts, we have cold wars, we have full-blown wars, we have misunderstandings, and we have quarrels

Why can't we live in peace, why can't we enjoy harmony, why are we not growing, why are we stunted, why are we spending much of our times, resources and ingenuity foiling, packaging and sponsoring chaos, disunity, banditry, terrorism, agitations, etc?

Why is the Church not where it should be? Why is the government wasting its tenures fighting over frivolities? Why are brothers and sisters at enmity with each other? What's happening to the things that held us together? Why can't the pastor and the people of God be at peace? Why are the Christian men fighting against one another? Where are Christian mothers scandalously competing against each other?  Why are there unhealthy criticisms right, left, and centre?

Jesus became interested in these discussions among humans. He inquires into it today.

WHAT ARE YOU DISCUSSING ON THE WAY?

Jesus had just finished discussing with the apostles on how to lay down one's life, He went as far as using His own life as an example. But as they journeyed along the apostles started another discussion, a discussion that was a contraction to Christ's wish, a discussion that was not in line with the Divine order, a discussion they wouldn't like Christ to hear. Jesus heard them anyway. He knew what they were discussing. Yet He asked: What were you discussing? The word of God today said: "They were silent; because on the way they had discussed with one another who was the greatest."

Jesus is asking us today the topic of our discussion. In the face of the problems, crises, and difficulties we are facing in our world, Africa, Nigeria, and states. What are our leaders discussing? Election, of course, defections here and there, jumping around the ruling party.

What are our religious leaders discussing? Is it not popularity, positions, connections, power tussles, etc?

What is the major issues in our villages and towns if not which town should come first and which should come last, we see  neighbouring villages fighting one another because of traditional kingship and autonomy, to get political recognition and accumulations. Things continue to fall apart, and the centre cannot hold.

What are the led discussing if not how to overthrow the leaders, and what are the leaders discussing if not how to hold tight their positions while lording it over the people. Should this be the case?  Do we really know what makes one great in the sight of God? Are we not making mistakes by pulling others down to exalt ourselves?

Let us stop our vainglorious discussions and hear what Christ has to say. He gives us the example of the little child.

THE CHILD: THE SOLUTION TO THE MATTER

When Jesus found out that the problem was about who was the greatest, He turned and focused on the child as the solution to that problem. Let us receive the lessons from the child in Christ's arms. The child represents humility. The child stands for simplicity. The child means sincerity and innocence. The child is openness to growth, innovation, and greatness. The child is godly.

For us to be great, my dear people of God, we have to learn to be like the child.

Someone said that for a particular country to be good again that the elders and mature people should all be murdered. I agree with that. Let us put to death the aged corruption in us. Let us take up the child-like love that makes us see no difference between the rich and the poor. Let us be humble like the child to say I am sorry, come to roundtable discussion, and move on. Let us reconcile our differences and stop killing one another.

Once we embrace the simple life of the child, the holy life of the children of God, total resignation to the will of God and dependence on God while taking each other as one, all the useless things that used to matter for us will stop to matter. May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Eternal God, we thank You for Your concern over the secret problems of our life. Listen to the discussions of our people and blot out our evil preoccupations. Give us your grace to put a stop to the wars of pride and prejudices. Make us instruments of Your peace and bless us with servant-leaders that would lead us to greatness through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Sunday (25th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr. B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh