17^th Sunday, Year A: homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Body Language of Those Who Have Found Heaven

Readings: 1 Kgs 3:5, 7–12; Rom 8:28–30; Mt 13:44–52

While going through the readings of this Sunday, one beautiful Igbo song kept ringing in my mind. I would like to begin this reflection with that song: “Ụlọ m dị n’eluigwe mara mma, ụlọ m dị n’eluigwe mara mma. Ụlọ m dị n’ụwa mana nke dị n’igwe ka ya mma eh, ọnwụ adịghị ya.” The translation says: “My house in heaven is beautiful. Yes, I have a house on earth, but the one in heaven is far more beautiful because there is no death there.”

This beautiful song captures the motivation behind the actions of the two men in the first two parables of today’s Gospel. They sold everything they possessed in order to acquire the treasure they had found. There is no other justification for their actions except that their newly discovered treasures meant everything to them. For that reason, they willingly let go of all they had previously depended on—everything that once gave them pleasure, security, and assurance—in order to obtain their newfound treasure.

Jesus tells us that the greatest treasure these men discovered is the Kingdom of God. For the sake of gaining this Kingdom, they gave up all they once relied on. Through these parables, Jesus reveals the proper response of those who have found God and seen the beauty of heaven—the body language of those who have discovered heaven.

Anyone who has truly found God will never choose anything above God. Anyone who has glimpsed the beauty of heaven will not be deceived by the attractive things of this world. Such a person will always prioritize the law of God, as the psalmist reminds us today. He will say to himself, “Yes, the world is beautiful, but I will not lose heaven because of the beauty of this world. The beauty of this world fades, but the beauty of heaven remains forever.” He will also say, “The riches of this world are sweet and attractive, but they pass away. I will not lose my soul or heaven because of earthly riches, for the riches of heaven never pass away.” And again, he will say, “Yes, earthly friendships are good, but I will not lose communion with God because of my friends. Communion with God lasts forever, while earthly friendships last only for a moment.”

All who have found God’s Kingdom, when confronted with a choice between God’s Kingdom and the beautiful things of this world, will always choose God’s Kingdom because they know the value of what they have found. They would gladly echo St Paul in Philippians 3:7–9: “Whatever was gain to me, I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”

So, the question for us is: Are we prepared to lose friends, wealth, relatives, jobs, and other sources of earthly joy when they become obstacles to God’s Kingdom?

In recent years, one phenomenon has gained serious momentum in Nigeria—the Japa movement: the rush to travel abroad at the slightest opportunity. The difficulties in Nigeria have left many with no option but to crowd foreign embassies seeking visas. Many sold almost everything they owned—lands, cars, houses—to raise money for visas and flight tickets. If Nigerians are willing to sell all they possess to obtain visas and travel abroad, Christians should be even more willing to renounce whatever stands between them and the Kingdom of God.

Let us be practical and mention some sources of earthly joy, comfort, and happiness that can hinder our journey to God’s Kingdom. Can you tell yourself that if getting a particular job—or working in a certain office—will cost you the Kingdom of God, it is better to remain unemployed? Can you tell yourself that if the means of becoming wealthy, acquiring cars, money, or political positions will cost you heaven, it is better to remain poor? (What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? Mt 16:26). Can you tell a friend that if being close to him or her will cost you your sanctity, you are ready to end the friendship? These two parables challenge us in countless ways.

Choosing God in the midst of worldly options that promise instant happiness, joy, and wealth is not easy. What often comes to mind is the fear of suffering, rejection, loss of job, or loss of relationships. The Church does not promise that choosing God makes one immune to hardship, poverty, rejection, or even death. But we must remember Christ’s promise: “Everyone who has forsaken houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, or lands for my sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” (Mt 19:29)

This promise is strengthened by today’s second reading, where St Paul assures us: “In everything, God works for good with those who love Him.” (Rom 8:28)

The first reading gives us a living example of what God does for those who choose Him above earthly joys. Solomon was given the option to choose whatever he wanted. Among all the possibilities, Solomon chose wisdom—the ability to discern God’s will and follow it—so he could govern God’s people rightly. Because of this choice, God blessed Solomon with far more than he asked for.

Therefore, the lesson for us today is: When we prioritize God and heaven, God takes care of all our other needs, because He has promised: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other things will be added unto you.” (Mt 6:33)

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 17^TH SUNDAY YEAR A: REFLECTION BY FR JULIAN EKEH

THEME: TIME FOR TREASURE HUNT: BE WISE

Gospel: Mt 13:44–52

There comes in the life of man, a time to make a choice, to set aside, to go for what you want, to keep away distractions, to ask, seek and search.

What matters to one person may not matter to another. What one man treasures may not be a treasure for the other. But no matter the many perspectives on treasure which may at times be an abuse of the word, we are called upon to consider treasure as it is. Not from a relative point of view. Treasure that worth the name is one laid down by God.

Thus in the gospel of today, Jesus used three parables to talk about the kingdom of God. He talks about it as a hidden treasure. We shall do a study on this to know the relationship between the kingdom and a hidden treasure. It is within, it is around you. It is with you. Just discover it and grab it.

Secondly, He talks of it as fine pearls which was found by a merchant and he sold all to have it. It is indeed about giving up something today for a better tomorrow and eternity. It involves seeing what others fail to see. The value of most of the things you do may not be understood today but later in life. Be future driven. Be driven by eternity. People buy lands that seem to be valueless at present but they appreciate later to give them lifetime wealth. In a world where heavenly values are no longer taken seriously, we are called upon to appreciate heavenly and godly values.

Jesus talks of the kingdom too as a net thrown into the sea for a catch of fish.

Whereas the first and second parables centre on guarding jealously what one treasured, covering and protecting it from attacks and snatchers, as well as selling off the unnecessaries to buy the treasure the third is an invitation to make sure you separate whatever that may make you be separated from among those who will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Thus, when we make God our one and only treasure, go for him and His values, He in turn makes us His special treasures, the apple of His eye. While separating the good from bad fish, we shall be taken into his heavenly vessel.

Today and indeed now is the time for us to go about the hunt for the treasure of eternal joy, a joy which begins here. The following are necessary in our treasure search and discovering of our treasure:

 

DISCOVER AND COVER

Jesus leads us through the spiritual voyage of discovery in which we find the way to the kingdom of God. That is the purpose for which He came to the world; to forgive us our sins and lead us to heaven. It is His will that having discovered the secrets of the kingdom revealed through his life and teachings we may guard them, keep them safe and handle them with care. That is what the man who found the treasure hidden in the field did. In our world so saturated with a lot of false teachings and misdirections, Jesus beckons on us to guide our faith jealously because the enemy shows myriads of treasures. He has not stopped taking people to the high mountains showing them different kingdoms and promising to give it to them. Be firm. Cover the treasure in you. Don't expose it to mundane, diabolical and immoral devourers.

 

SEPARATE THE UNNECESSARY

In order not to be separated at last...

Set aside and sieve. Keep sieving till you get at the finest you. Sieve the information you receive. Sieve the type of persons you mingle with, sieve the advice you receive, sieve out discouragement, sieve away ego, sieve out pride.

 

BE TRAINED

Jesus talks about the disciple who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven. The only reason for which Christ continues to train us is to make us fit for his glory.

Here discipline comes in.

To attain your goal in life you've got to pass through training, undergo some spiritual exercises. "Onye ma akwa ọkwa n'achi ya" (Appreciate divine love hidden in experiences of life). Receive the training to learn and see the hand of God in the daily experiences of your life. Train yourself with self-control, train yourself through mortification.

 

SELL AND BUY

To attain the demands of realizing your treasure you've got to sell a lot of things. Sell your gossip time to buy prayer time, sell your sin to buy holiness, sell your laziness to buy hard work, sell your heartlessness to buy compassion, sell your pride to buy humility, sell your abuse to buy respect, sell your fear and buy faith, sell your stinginess to buy charity.

Just look within you and find out what needs to be sold. Sell it off. Use the energy you give in to it for something positive, sell the impression that someone is holding you down and hold on to God with the inspiration that he lifts you up no matter what.

Just be wise in making life decisions. Endeavour to work hard for a lasting treasure. Work with the grace of God to discover the treasure hidden in your day-to-day activities.

May God lead us to find with joy our good heart desires and be rewarded eternally with the greatest reward of happiness in heaven through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Happy Sunday to you (17th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

https://chimaisaac.medium.com/17th-sunday-year-a-reflection-by-fr-julian-ekeh-6c9f88638718

16^th Sunday, Year A: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: God’s Power Revealed in Mercy: A Call to Patience in a World of Imperfect people.

Readings: Wis 12:13, 16–19; Rom 8:26–27; Mt 13:24–43

My dearest friends, I would like to begin this homily with a story — a story that reveals what goes on in the hearts of many Christians. In December 2019, during the Christmas season, I was in a parish in Milan for pastoral duties. One day, during the preparations for Christmas, a lady approached me with a question. Her disposition was that of someone carrying a heavy burden, a burden that was affecting her faith in God.

She said to me: “Father, I believe that God is all-powerful, that His power prevails over the evil forces in the world, and that He loves us, His children. But what I do not understand is why He has failed to completely destroy evil and the wicked. Why are there evil people everywhere? Does it mean that God is no longer the mighty man in battle?”

Dear friends, the answer I gave her is drawn from today’s readings.

I know that this lady is not alone in her thoughts about God. Many people in today’s Mass may be carrying similar questions in their hearts — especially those who have suffered abuse in their lives, marriages, relationships, and families; those who have endured injustice in their workplaces and in society; those who have been repaid with evil for doing good. Many of these people ask: “Why does God permit evil to triumph so often? Why are the wicked allowed to prosper?”

My dearest friends, Jesus answers these questions in today’s parable. He teaches us the true nature of our God.

The first reading paints a beautiful picture of who God is. It tells us that He is the sovereign master of His power — great and omnipotent — yet He does not display His power through anger, punishment, or condemnation. Instead, He shows His power through mercy and patience. God judges with clemency, and with great leniency, He governs us. God is tolerant and merciful. Dear friends, this is the nature of our God; this is why He has not destroyed all our enemies. As the prophet Ezekiel says, God does not desire the death of the wicked, but that they repent and be saved.

The Gospel reading gives us a dramatic illustration of this divine nature. Through the parable of the wheat and the weeds, Jesus explains why evil coexists with good in the world and how we should treat those who do evil around us. The weeds represent those who abuse us, those who treat us unjustly, those who oppose the Church and her teachings, those who stand against truth, love, peace, and goodness. But how do we treat such people? Do we ask God to destroy them? Do we destroy them ourselves? Jesus says the answer is no.

Jesus calls us to be patient with our brothers and sisters, husbands and wives who hurt us, those who oppress us, those who disagree with us — just as God is patient with them and patient with us in our own sins. By God’s grace, and through our prayers and good example, Jesus hopes that they will be converted and saved. He wants us to convert them through our witness. The good examples we show — however small — may one day grow in their hearts like the mustard seed.

Jesus also teaches us not to be discouraged by the presence of enemies in the Church, in our families, or in society. God allows them to live so that they may repent of their evil ways. We must understand, however, that the triumph and prosperity of the wicked are short-lived, whereas the reward of the Christian who suffers because of their wickedness is everlasting.

Dearest friends, Jesus also speaks about the fate of those who refuse to change. In the parable, He says there will be a time of gathering the wheat, followed by a separation — the wheat from the weeds that refused to become wheat — and then the weeds will be thrown into the fire. This means that those who refuse to make good use of the grace given to them will not escape God’s punishment. Therefore, Jesus warns us not to take God’s patience, tolerance, and mercy for granted.

Finally, the two other parables in today’s Gospel — the mustard seed and the yeast — encourage us not to give up on the seeds of God’s kingdom that we have been planting in the hearts of others through our good actions and examples. Our small acts of goodness may seem insignificant, like the mustard seed, but they will one day grow into something great. Likewise, our good example towards those who treat us badly may appear fruitless, but if we remain patient — like a baker waiting for his dough to rise — we will surely see the results.

Let us pray in today’s Holy Mass for the gift of patience: that we may be patient with ourselves, with God, and with others. Let us also ask God to help us to be loving and merciful, and to understand His true nature.

Peace be with you.

Rev. Fr. Isaac Chima

 16^TH SUNDAY, YEAR A: REFLECTION BY FR, JULIAN EKEH

TOPIC: WHILE MEN WERE SLEEPING

(Matthew 13:24-43)

Jesus gives us another parable today, comparing the kingdom of God to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while men were sleeping, his enemies sowed weeds. But the man told the servants to allow the two seeds to grow together.

The enemy takes advantage of the good. Evil likes to draw close to goodness. The angel of darkness tries to appear as the angel of light. He comes to wear the garb of goodness to mix itself with the things we revere and hold sacred in order to look good and acceptable. He begs for attention and strikes when given any opportunity. They target the times they will never be suspected. They come to plant their evil seeds among the good seeds.

The evil one waits for you to sleep. While men sleep, they plan their evil, execute it, announce it, and celebrate it. But sleep is natural, it is important, it is healthy. The body needs it. But being asleep spiritually is dangerous.  It has to do with being unaware of the spiritual oppressions around you.

 

WHY WILL THE ENEMY CHOSE THE MOMENT OF SLEEP?

The enemy prefers the times of sleep so that by the time one wakes up with after-sleep dizziness, he accepts the seed he has sown as normal.

Think of the many abominations that just sprouted out from nowhere and became accepted as norms. Think of the evil leaders that we wake up to see ruling over us mysteriously and wickedly without our consent. Think of the sudden negative changes husbands and wives who once loved each other notice from nowhere in their marriage. Think of the rapid change of behaviour in that your son or daughter who was a definition of goodness before. What happened along the line?

Consider the sharp shift from friendship to enmity.  Think of the mornings we wake to see evil trending and being celebrated in social media as nothing.

The servants who made the observation of the weed growing among the good seeds asked the householder how these were done. The householder replied: An enemy has done this.

Beware of the things the enemy is doing or trying to do in your life. In Igbo "Catechism nke abuo" of Owerri Archdiocese, the question goes: What are the evils the devil can do? (He destroys and leads to sin).

Beware and be aware! Do not fall into that spiritual slumber. Do not allow that evil practice in you become a habit.  Listen to the word of God on the best way to live with the daily growing evils in our world today.

 

THE WAY OUT

Most of us are constantly worried about the uprising of evil in different shapes and forms in our world today. We are troubled about how evil men seem to be prospering. We are frustrated by broad day robbery of truth, denial of justice and corruption. The leadership of the best by the worst gives us serious discomfort. The reign of the wicked over the good men dampens our spirits.

We call for an immediate arrest of the situation as a way out. Like the servants in today's parable, we wish to suggest to God to blow the trumpet and start judgement. For some, it is sign of end times. Others call God names. Some others ask God questions like: God, why are you like this? Why are you allowing evil to grow with the good seeds you have planted? Some lose their faith.  Some say: religion is a scam. Some call Christianity a religion of the weak.

God's ways are not our ways. Our approach to solving problems differ from God's ways of handling them. God does not want to lose the good with the bad. He says, let them grow together until the harvest. He gives the bad enough time to be influenced by the Good. He trusts the good seed and believes it not to disappoint. Thus, spiritual growth is the way out.

'Let them grow together' means that God knows the stuff we are made of. We are too good to be rubbished. We have what it takes to overcome and overthrow the enemy.

'Let them grow together' can suggest growing in different directions.  If the bad seed refuses to grow into goodness, then the good seed should not stop growing. While the bad seed grows in vices, let the good seed continue growing in virtues. Let it grow and suffocate, overshadow and dethrone the evil seed. Let good politicians shine brighter than evil politicians. Let good lawmakers outgrow their evil counterparts.  Let good Christians outnumber bad ones. Let good wives and husbands be more than bad ones. Let evil be silenced by good.

'Grow together' implies: Do not be intimidated by them. 'I have conquered the world.'

It is a call to keep on pushing with the right strategies, pressing the right buttons, avoiding compromises in order to win the battles of life.

Let us therefore be encouraged in our various experiences in the world. The troubles and forces here and there may not be taken away totally. Instead of pulling us down let them challenge us to be the best of our kind. Jesus knew all these when in John 17:15 He prayed: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."

Be patient dearest in Christ.  Judgement must come at the end. At that time, evil will be stripped of its deceptive garments that made it appear good. Only good will be called good. And only those who remained above the corruptions and immoralities of the world, who washed away the influences they got from the evil one, will inherit the kingdom of God.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Thank You, Lord, for the seed of Your word in our hearts today. Help us to be spiritually aware of the growing evil trends in the world. By Your grace, may we continue to grow in virtues and become true agents of positive change wherever we find ourselves through Christ our Lord.  Amen

Happy Sunday to you (16th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 15^th Sunday, Year A: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Stumbling Blocks to the Fruitfulness of God’s Word in Our Lives

Readings: Is. 55:10–11; Rom. 8:18–23; Mt. 13:1–23

Dear friends in Christ, on this fifteenth Sunday, the Church opens our eyes to the power of the Word of God and its efficacy in the hearts and lives of men. She invites us to examine our relationship with this powerful Word and challenges us to ask ourselves what the Word of God has accomplished or transformed in our lives since we began hearing it.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks about the power of the Word that comes from the mouth of God. He compares this Word to rain and snow that must water the earth whenever they fall. This comparison presents the Word of God as a force that leaves an imprint of goodness wherever it touches, a force that leaves positive marks upon whoever or whatever it encounters. In the book of Genesis, it was the power of God’s Word that transformed a formless void into a beautiful universe and brought living beings into existence. In the Gospel accounts, this same Word raised the dead, gave sight to the blind, strengthened the lame, restored speech to the mute, cleansed lepers, healed countless sicknesses, calmed storms, cast out demons, consoled the afflicted, and restored love where hatred reigned. Truly, the Word of God is alive and active, cutting more incisively than a double‑edged sword (cf. Heb. 4:12).

Dear friends, the Word of God is still active and alive among us today. It continues to perform the wonders it accomplished in the past—restoring our bodies to wholeness, filling our hearts with virtue, recreating our world, and making it beautiful. The Word of God still leaves imprints of goodness, healing, and salvation in human lives.

However, in today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that for God’s Word to bear fruit in our lives, certain conditions must be met. We must accept the Word of God and put it into practice. Jesus makes it clear that refusing to accept God’s Word or failing to live according to it obstructs its positive effects in our lives. Sadly, no one can escape the ultimate consequence of rejecting God’s Word, which is eternal condemnation.

Jesus uses the parable of the Sower to illustrate the blessings that come from accepting and living by the Word of God, and the consequences of hardening our hearts against it. One of the most important lessons in this parable is that the same seed was scattered on all terrains. This means that the Word of God is the same, but its effects depend on the disposition of the person who receives it. The different types of soil represent the human heart and the various reactions people have when they hear the Word, as well as the impact it makes in their lives.

Let us consider the first type of soil—the pathway. The seeds that fell along the path were eaten by birds. Jesus uses this image to show how the devil prevents the Word of God from bearing fruit in the lives of those who outrightly reject it. He reveals how the devil operates in the hearts of those who desire a kind of freedom that contradicts God’s will and the teachings of the Church, and in the hearts of those who think the Word of God is irrelevant to the realities of today’s world. For such people, Christian love, peace, forgiveness, repentance, and charity mean nothing. They believe they are following their own designs, yet they are unknowingly following the designs of the devil.

The second type of soil is the rocky ground. The seeds that fell here sprouted quickly but withered under the sun because they had no deep roots. Jesus uses this to depict those who enjoy listening to the Word of God but lack the will to put it into practice. Many people love good homilies; some even shed tears and resolve never to return to their sins. But once they leave the church and are confronted by the agents of the devil—friends, colleagues, or relatives who lure them with sinful suggestions and persuasive arguments—they find themselves returning to their old ways. This group also includes those who remain indecisive when they should reject sin, and those who compromise their faith out of fear of mockery or insult. Jesus tells us that such people obstruct the Word of God from bearing fruit in their lives.

The third type of soil is the thorny ground. The seeds that fell here grew but were choked by thorns because they could not withstand competition. The human heart contains two opposing forces: the force toward good and the force toward evil. Every challenge in life presents us with the option to choose one or the other. Jesus uses this category to depict those who choose sinful options when faced with challenges—those who succumb to bribery, respond with violence when provoked, or use evil means to achieve good ends. He also refers to those who allow their jobs and busy schedules to destroy their relationship with God. In such hearts, the seed planted by the devil is watered and nourished more than the seed of God. Jesus reminds us that people who behave this way will not experience the positive effects of God’s Word.

Finally, we have the seed that fell on good soil. It germinated, was nourished, and produced abundant fruit. Jesus uses this last group to show how productive the Word of God can be in the lives of those who receive it with open hearts and put it into practice. It yields fruits of healing, renewal, salvation, love, peace of mind, favour, and restoration.

Today, the Church invites us to examine our hearts and identify the things choking the Word of God we have been hearing. We are called to discover and remove whatever is preventing God’s Word from bearing fruit in us, what is obstructing our lives from being transformed by it. Jesus wants us to recognize how we may have contributed to the barrenness of God’s powerful Word in our lives.

Dear friends, the Church wants us to examine ourselves and understand whether the Word of God that we hear every Sunday is producing positive changes in us or not. We have listened to many homilies about peace, love, forgiveness, humility, charity, and unity. The Church wants us to ask ourselves whether we have put these teachings into practice or not. We should not be among those who think that the Word of God does not speak to the realities of our time, because God’s Word is still relevant and meaningful for our lives.

Peace be with you. Have a blessed Sunday.

Rev. Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 15^TH SUNDAY, YEAR A: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: WHAT IS CHOKING THE WORD OF GOD IN YOU?

(Matthew 13:1-23)

Today, the word of God is compared to a seed. Jesus is the Sower. The ministers of the word are also Sowers with Christ.

The attention is on the condition of the seed after it has been sown, yes the condition of the word of God, the place of Jesus in your soul when you receive Him. Jesus indeed is the word incarnate.

Back to the seed. Jesus in the Gospel presents that some fell on the path and got eaten up by birds, others fell on rocky ground, got scorched and withered. Others fell on thorns and were choked. What choked them? Let us see.

 

THE CHOKING ELEMENTS

We've got to consider the various choking elements in the Gospel. They are the forces that can not cohabit with the word of God. They are those things that resist the word of God. Those factors that wouldn't allow the word to live in you.

They may be persecutions, sickness, and uncertainties, the thorns may be bad friends, they are thorns of silence and indifference. They are thorns of jealousy and greed. They may be thorns of family misunderstanding.

These thorns are there to grieve and strangle the word of God in you.

They are the thorns of social media bringing you to faithlessness by destructive doubts and unhealthy criticism, leading to trivialization of spiritual matters.

These choking thorns are the thorns of Eve's demonic visitor. He comes after you must have received the word. He comes when you must have made a decision to make a positive change. He comes to ask: Did God say..?

Yes, when you are about to make out something good from the word He comes to ask you: Did the word of say you should be faithful to your husband? Did the word of God say you should be faithful to your wife?

Did the word of God say you should not take such big money in the name of being a good politician?

Did the word of God say you shouldn't use what you have to get what you need?

Did the word of God mean that you should die for the truth? Are you Jesus Christ? Do you want to die poor?

It is not called stealing. It is no crime, it is an online business.

The choker can be one of the following:

 

PERSONS

To make out something positive from the word of God you hear, you have to avoid certain persons in your life. Their presence around you will never allow you to be as fruitful as you should be.

He or she waits for you at home to annoy you. He or she may be your real source of temptation. He readily avails himself on a platter to you whenever you decide to take a step forward.

She may be your wife refusing you from being charitable to your neighbours. He may be your husband complaining about your religious activities and devotional prayers.

They may be friends encouraging you to: be a drug addict, extortioner, lazy, stubborn, dress seductively, and be wild. They tell you to shine your eyes.

 

THINGS

When one gets attached to possession, wealth, fame, popularity, gifts, and the like, they may choke the word of God in him, making it unfruitful.

 

CONDITIONS

One's attitude to his environment and situation can either be an enablement for the word to thrive or not. Such situations like hunger in the land, unemployment, corruption, marital problems, vocation crisis, disappointments, frustrations, nonpayment of salaries, etc.

Never allow any situation, cares, and worries of this life to kill the seed of life in you, the seed of success, the seed of eternity.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

LET US PRAY

May nothing choke the word of God in you. As you hear this word today, may God bless you and make you a good soil that will bear abundant fruits. Remain blessed in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

Happy Sunday (15th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 14^th Sunday, Year A: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Learn from me (Mt 11:29): Making Christ Our Role Model

Readings: Zec 9:9–10; Rom 8:9.11–13; Mt 11:25–30

Dear friends in Christ, every social space in our world is full of people who implicitly or explicitly offer themselves as models to be followed. These individuals represent different lifestyles, many of which contradict the moral values of society and the teachings of the Church. Today, Jesus invites us to make him our role model and to learn from his own way of life. Let us reflect on what the readings of this Sunday teach us in this regard.

The message of the first reading lies in the reason the prophet Zechariah asked Israel to rejoice. The section we read today was likely written when Israel was under Greek rule during the reign of Alexander the Great, who conquered the known world at a very young age. Zechariah had before his eyes the arrogant lifestyle of this powerful king, who oppressed Israel, as well as the lifestyles of other rulers of the Ancient Near East. Suddenly, God opened his eyes to a future king who would rule Israel and the world—a king whose qualities and lifestyle would sharply contrast those of the rulers of Zechariah’s time.

According to Zechariah’s vision, this future king would be gentle and humble. He would speak of peace instead of war; he would not be proud but humble; he would ride on a donkey instead of a horse; he would love instead of hate; he would give justice instead of injustice; he would be merciful instead of vengeful. These beautiful qualities of the king God promised made Zechariah exclaim with joy, inviting his people to rejoice and be glad.

Zechariah’s prophecy of a gentle and humble king was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In today’s Gospel, Jesus, our King, describes himself as humble and gentle—qualities that the kings of the Ancient Near East would have considered signs of weakness. As a humble and gentle king, Jesus rode on a donkey instead of a horse (Mt 21:7). He proclaimed peace instead of war (Mt 5), restraint instead of retaliation (Mt 5:38–39), and love of enemies instead of killing them (Mt 5:44).

To all of us who have seen Christ’s qualities and his style of kingship, he extends an invitation in today’s Gospel, saying, “learn from me”. He wants us to imitate him, to copy his way of life, to make him our role model. Jesus wants us to choose his lifestyle rather than the lifestyles of the arrogant rulers of our world or the celebrities who promote moral values contrary to the Gospel.

What does it mean to learn from Christ? What does making Christ our role model entail? Learning from Christ demands that we do not stubbornly cling to the things worldly wisdom has taught us. Instead, we must be childlike so that our lives become malleable to the direction of the Spirit of God. St Paul reiterates this in the second reading.

Learning from Christ means that before taking any action, we ask ourselves what Christ would have done in the same circumstance. If the way I want to act is not the way Christ would have acted, then I should refrain from such action. Learning from Christ means telling myself that if the way I want to speak to my wife, husband, children, friends, or colleagues is not the way Christ would have spoken to them, then I should not speak that way. Learning from Christ means telling myself that if what I want to say contradicts what Christ has taught, I should keep quiet. It means telling myself that if the way I want to treat another person is not the way Christ would have treated them, then I should refrain from treating them that way.

This approach should be reflected in everything we do: the way we walk and work, the way we help people, the way we dress, and the way we love. Christ is telling us that in matters of faith and morals, we must make him our model.

The challenge before us today is to search our hearts and sincerely tell ourselves the truth about the people we have made the models of our lives—the people we allow to influence our choices, the footsteps we are following, and the teachings upon which we have built our lives. It is shameful for a Christian to choose as a role model someone whose life contradicts the teachings of Christ and the moral values promoted by the Church. It is equally contradictory for a Christian to build his life upon teachings that run against the demands of Christ. Who, then, is that celebrity, politician, or businessman you have made your role model? Who is that person informing your choices and decisions? Does his or her lifestyle radiate the spirit of Christ or the spirit of the evil one?

In the second reading, St Paul reminds us who we are as Christians. He tells us that we are no longer in the flesh but in the Spirit. If indeed the Spirit of God dwells in us, it would be wrong—indeed self‑destructive—to make those who live according to the flesh our role models. St Paul invites us to shun learning how to live, choose, and act from those who follow the desires of the flesh, because living according to the flesh leads to death. All role models who entice us with worldly desires or lure us into carnal living are certainly leading us down the path of death.

Let us pray in today’s Mass for the grace to choose Christ—and those who live according to his teachings—as our models in everything.

Peace be with you.

Rev. Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 14^th Sunday, Year A: Reflection by Fr Julian Ekeh

Theme: Come to me...Learn from me

(Matthew11:25-30)

Jesus in today's Gospel reading sends out invitation and a scholarship. He starts by thanking God for those to whom these benefits are directed; the little ones.

In a world where a lot of enticing things are inviting us, Jesus sends His own special invitation. In a world where a lot of forces are trying to lure people out of their vocations, professions, marriages and destinies Jesus calls us to come to Him.

To be able to go to Jesus, there are things we must drop, there are things we must take up and there are virtues we must acquire. Let us know some of them

 

Openness and Childlikeness

Jesus thanks God for revealing to mere children. Jesus wants us to come with our empty jars to feel them with divine illumination. He invites us to come with readiness to receive, to learn. He wants us to come with the proper disposition. The child asks a lot of questions.  He wants us to ask Him all the questions of our life, to really inquire from Him before embarking on any thing, to seek His face, to do it as He does. May everything that has closed the doors and windows of divine knowledge from us give way, that we may be docile.

 

Drop all your wisdom

If you need it from God, then you must drop yours. Forget about your wisdom, glory not in your understanding. Surrender all at the foot of Jesus. Jesus was so happy that these revelations were hidden from the wise. Go through the things you call wisdom, check out all those who take themselves to be knowledgeable. Every knowledge without Christ doesn't go down well.

Can you call to mind your days of innocence? I mean before so-called eye openers called you naive and exposed you to the 'evil wisdom', 'the Eve knowledge' that is making you lose your friendship and peace with God? Jesus calls upon you to drop such wisdom of the world and come to Him for wisdom from on high, to get the wisdom that is gift of the Holy Spirit. If you didn't learn it from Christ, drop it!

 

Learn and take Home

Jesus' calling assures a giving. He says: Come to me...and I will give you. He bequeaths. He allows you enter into Him. He gives and opens himself to expose all the virtues He wants us to learn.

 

Learn to rest

Jesus wants us to learn and understand what rest truly means. Our hearts, says St Augustine are restless till they rest in God. Learn to find rest only in doing the will of God. Learn to rest only after giving in your best and not resting when you have works undone. Learn to understand rest as fulfilment. Learn to feel at rest only when you have saved the life entrusted to you as a medical doctor, to teach the students in your care, to lead the people to a true place of rest.

 

Rest from burdens

Jesus draws us to Himself to learn how to rest from burdens.

There are different types of burden: Self-imposed burdens- They are the burdens we gave ourselves through our careless behaviors, sins of commission and omission. A good example is when a man decides not to take care of his home and raise his children in the fear of God and they turn out to be a headache to him.

There are burdens imposed by others. Jesus invites those who are in this situation to come to Him equally. They are suffering because of what they do not know. Here we see those who are under oppressions of all kinds; bad government, bad husbands, bad wives, bad children etc. Nothing is impossible with God. Going to Jesus, you will learn the best ways out of all these. Jesus will give you rest. Wipe your tears, ebezina, bebiri, hara. Feel the consoling hand of Jesus, learn to lean on His shoulders. Hear Him say to you: It is well, ihe i na amaghi agaghi ama gi, Am with you.

The world and the society has got some burdens. The economy, the injustices, the bad government, the wars, the killings, the indifferent attitude to things that matter. Jesus says: I have conquered the world.

 

Learn gentility and lowlines

Part of the course Jesus offers is gentleness and lowliness. Let us learn to be like Jesus our master, treat people we meet with kindness and love. Let us learn not to inflict harm on others, let us work with Jesus in taking away burdens from the shoulders of people, wipe tears from faces and mend hearts rather than break them. Let's humble ourselves that after our labours here on earth, after our daily goings to Jesus Christ we may forever find rest when we hear the final calling: Come you blessed of my father and inherit the kingdom. May God bless his word in our hearts through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Sunday (14th Week, Ordinary Time, Yr A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 13^th Sunday, Year A: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: Generosity and Hospitality: Keys to Blessings

Readings: 2 Kgs 4:8–11, 14–16a; Rom 6:3–4, 8–11; Mt 10:37–42

Dear friends in Christ, on this Thirteenth Sunday of the Year, the Church reminds us that through acts of kindness, generosity, and hospitality, we can attract God’s blessings upon our lives and families. She teaches us that abundant blessings are reserved for concrete acts of charity shown to those in need.

The first reading tells us that the woman of Shunem and her husband were childless. They may have prayed unceasingly for the gift of a child; they may have offered countless sacrifices in the temple; they may have fasted for many years, begging for God’s mercy. Yet it seemed as though God was saying to them: “I have heard your prayers, but there is still one thing left to do.” That “one more thing” was sensitivity to the needs of others—expressed through kindness, generosity, and hospitality.

When the woman saw Elisha, she recognized a man in need and made herself available to help. She invited him to eat and later prepared a room for him so he could rest whenever he passed by. Let us say she saw an opportunity to help and did not turn away; she did not allow that moment of grace to slip through her hands. In response to her kindness, Elisha promised her a child, and God fulfilled that promise. She never imagined that her small acts of charity toward a stranger would become the turning point of her life.

What does this story teach us?

It teaches us never to turn away from those in need. The needy are everywhere—on our streets, in our neighbourhoods, even in our homes. Every day brings us face to face with them, and each time we turn away from helping them, we lose an opportunity for God’s blessing. The woman of Shunem would have remained childless had she ignored that opportunity to help. Another lesson is that those who receive kindness should also respond with kindness, just as Elisha did.

Dear friends, acts of kindness can unlock the blessings for which we have prayed and fasted for many years. A small act of charity can transform your life. Prayer for blessings, healing, success, and breakthrough is good, but today’s reading teaches us to accompany our prayers with generosity, for such acts amplify our chances of receiving what we seek. It may be the little money you give to pay the school fees of an orphan in your village; the small help you offer a neighbour or a beggar who disturbs you; the provisions you buy for an elderly person; the ride you offer someone to the hospital after a long day; or a word of encouragement to someone depressed. Whatever form it takes, do not turn away.

The Old Testament is full of examples where generosity unlocked blessings:

• In Genesis 18:1–15, Abraham and Sarah’s hospitality brought them the blessing of a child.
• In Genesis 19, kindness to strangers saved Lot and his family.
• In Joshua 2:1–21, Rahab’s kindness saved her household.
• In 1 Kings 17:7–16, generosity toward Elijah saved the widow of Zarephath and her son.
• In Tobit 11, acts of kindness brought healing to Tobit and protection to Tobias.

To be truly kind, we must pay attention to certain attitudes within us.

First, we must overcome insensitivity and indifference. Many times, we look away from those in need, telling ourselves that their suffering is not our responsibility. Sometimes we even see the needy as a disturbance. But indifference deprives us of the right disposition to receive God’s blessings. Let us learn from the woman of Shunem and from Elisha to be sensitive to the needs of others.

Second, we must overcome selfishness. Self-centeredness makes us focus only on our own needs and blinds us to the needs of others. When we are selfish, opportunities to help appear as threats to our interests. Yet today’s reading teaches that helping others is never a threat—it is a pathway to our heart’s desires.

Third, we must not allow our difficult experiences to make us hostile to those who seek our help. Economic hardship and social crises can make people angry, depressed, and easily irritated. But the first reading teaches us not to let our struggles turn us against the needy. The woman of Shunem, though childless and possibly distressed, did not allow her pain to harden her heart. This is a lesson for anyone going through difficult times: do not let your challenges destroy your generous spirit.

Fourth, we must overcome fear and suspicion. Many people say, “Times are bad; no one can be trusted.” But the people of the Old Testament also lived in dangerous times—yet they still welcomed strangers. Every generation has its challenges. Therefore, let us not be afraid to help the needy; let us rather see the image of God in them. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us that by welcoming strangers, some have entertained angels without knowing it.

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that whoever receives the “little ones” receives Him, and whoever receives Him receives the Father who sent Him. Therefore, rejecting those in need is rejecting Jesus and the Father. But to all who show kindness to the needy, to priests, and to missionaries, Jesus promises a reward.

To you who care for those who preach the Gospel and for the poor, you will never go unrewarded.

Peace be with you. Have a blessed Sunday.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 13^th Sunday, Year A: Reflection by Fr Julian Ekeh

Theme: Genuine Giving and Genuine Receiving

(Matthew 10:37-42)

What do I stand to gain? How much are we talking about here? What will you give me after? When am I expecting the alert? These are the type of questions we often hear these days. In all, it is about getting and getting. But the gospel of today says if you give...you will.

A young boy in those days when we were growing up in the village returned home from the city where gain and money was everything. He wouldn't understand why we can simply carry a bicycle to go on an errand for an old woman just for free, go and harvest 'ololo' for the woman and give her without pay all in the name that she had no one to help her at home. For boy, she had the money. One day, the woman begged him to help her sweep out their obiri. He asked her: " how much". To her greatest surprise, she sent him out of her compound and called other kids who helped her. When she returned from Ekeukwu market, she distributed a lot of goodies to the good children, blessing them and singing their praises, telling everyone how good they are and at the same time warning them not to behave like the 'city boy'.

In today's gospel, Jesus teaches us the secret of losing to gain and of giving to receive. That secret is actually spending on the other or giving to the other or working not for gain. When you do it wholeheartedly the gains will all be yours. The wealthy woman of Shunem in the second book of kings was hospitable to Elisha without any expectations. It came from the heart. You know how the story ended. She kept thinking of giving why Elisha was also bothered about giving. Always think of what to give and not what to receive, no matter your situation you've got something to give.

Back to the Gospel Jesus points out what should motivate our giving and receiving. Before we look into it, let us ponder a while on these: what do you usually pray to receive? Material things? what type of people do you enjoy associating yourself with? The already made persons? Those without problems? Those who tolerate everything from you?

 

Those we should receive and mode of receiving:

 

A prophet

Jesus says if you receive a prophet because he is a prophet you shall receive a prophet's reward. The ministers of God and the self-acclaimed prophets may be jumping and clapping at this. It is not just what you think. What does it mean to receive a prophet because he is a prophet? This is the question.

A prophet is a bearer of truth. He tells you truth about your life. That truth that you will not like to hear, he gives it to you in an unadulterated manner. He takes you away from your pleasurable negativities. He hurts you momentarily to save you eternally. Jesus tells you to receive him. He may be ordained or not, receive him. By the way by virtue of baptism every Christian is a prophet. Jesus is in fact telling us to receive all who come to us with truth and sincerity.

Jesus wants them to be received with true hospitality (Openness), your time(attention), treasure (support), your talent (adherence).

 

Receive the righteous

The type of people you open your home for, determines to a great extent the type of blessings that flow into your home or out of it. Jesus encourages us to receive people for righteousness sake.

We should receive those who do good with no hook attached. Not those who give you job to take your wife, not those who come in to snatch your husband. Not those who come to shine teeth in the name of rejoicing, not those who come to pour out crocodile tears in the name of weeping with you. Be wise to know when people come with good intention. Receive those who will not take your soul away from God.

 

The Little Ones

Here, Jesus calls us to receive the little ones and give them. Receive their worries, receive their complaints, receive the little offering of their crude talents, give them nets and teach them fishing and not just fish, give them advice, give them hope, encourage them to aspire. Jesus assures that such gestures will not go unrewarded. Seek out those little stars around you, bearing the light of God and goodness, future leaders, enable them to shine. You will not regret it. Learn from Christ who made His disciples great to teach people how to follow the path to genuine greatness.

 

Take home about giving

We must ask ourselves what do we give and not what we take away from others.

We should desist from giving like Nigerian political godfathers who give to get. They put someone in power and want to dictate for them, they syphon the public fund through those they put in power by making them pay through their noses.

Having known how God wants us to give, let us also beware of what God wants us to give. Your state and position in life determines what God wants you to give. As a president or governor what should you give? Selective scholarship awards? Oh no! Give what ought to be given for the good of all.

As a priest what should I give? I should give my total pastoral attention to the flock of God entrusted to me, feed and nourish them with the word of God, the sacraments and my life.

As a parent what should you give? Love and care, holistic upbringing to your children in the fear of God. The medical doctor, the teacher, the engineer, businessman, the shoemaker, just name your profession. That place is where God wants you to give out from.

You can't give what you don't have.

Giving is sharing part of oneself.

Give it and feel the pain.

Give in the name of God.

Give sincerely and not for gain.

Gains from above will in your life rain.

Receive also with thanks and gratitude

Make gratitude your daily attitude.

 

May God reward you for all your acts of kindness and surround you with sincere and genuine people who will help you to achieve the purpose of your being and receive the blessings in stall for you through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Sunday (13th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 12^th Sunday, Year A: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Do not be afraid: evil will be conquered in time and in eternity

Readings: Jer 20:10–13; Rom 5:12–15; Mt 10:26–33

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we live in a world where some people now consider going to Mass an activity for those who are not busy; a world where belief in God is seen by many as unreasonable or unattractive; a world where being a Christian is considered foolishness, and living according to the teachings of Christ is judged as unwise. We live in a world where many people reject any preaching that calls them to abandon sinful living, a world where many are ready to calumniate, insult, threaten, persecute, and even kill those who preach the Good News of Christ. Every day we hear of priests and religious being murdered by those who feel threatened by the Gospel.

In the face of these harsh realities, Jesus speaks to us—we who have been given the mission to preach the Good News with our words and actions—in today’s Gospel, and He tells us, “Do not be afraid.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus urges His disciples to proclaim openly everything they have heard from Him, even the teachings He shared with them in private. As we reflect on how to carry out this mission, there is an essential step we must take: we must first listen to Christ before we can speak about Him. No one can give what he does not have. To hear Christ, a disciple must spend quiet time with Him—listening to Him in prayer and reading His words in Scripture.

Let us not allow the busyness of life to deprive us of moments of intimate conversation with God. It is in those beautiful moments of silent prayer that Jesus communicates what we are to share with others.

Dear friends in Christ, Jesus did not hide the truth that those He sends to preach the message of life and light will be confronted, despised, accused, and pressured to submit to the will of the evil one. He told His disciples to expect violent reactions, rejection, and persecution from those who hear the Gospel of light.

It is a sad reality that many people love the works of darkness. They feed on evil and prefer darkness because it hides their wicked deeds. For this reason, anyone who carries the light of Christ becomes a threat to their way of life. They do not respond with gratitude but with intimidation, calumny, threats, and terror. Evil men do not smile at those who expose their sins; rather, they always try to silence institutions that call them to justice and righteousness.

We see this in many countries where laws are enacted to cage the Gospel—laws that forbid Christians from preaching outside church buildings, laws that force Christians to accept lifestyles contrary to their faith.

In the first reading, we saw evil men trying to silence a prophet who preached God’s word to them. Jeremiah lived at a time when powerful leaders in Israel wanted religion confined to the sanctuary so that their wickedness would not be exposed. He preached in a society filled with injustice, greed, murder, and social corruption. Like in our own time, many at Jeremiah’s time did not want to hear any call to repentance. These evil men responded with threats to Jeremiah’s life.

As preachers and bearers of the Good News, many of us assume that physical harm will never come our way. But Jeremiah’s story teaches us the truth. He was badly treated and left to die, yet he never abandoned his mission and God never abandoned him.

The Church invites us today to imitate Jeremiah’s courageous missionary spirit: to refuse to renounce our faith because of trials or persecution. We must not abandon our faith when evil confronts us for doing what is right or for speaking in the name of Jesus.

So, dear friends, when people mock you for your faith in Christ, do not be ashamed. When they laugh at you for going to Mass every Sunday, do not be ashamed. When they ridicule you for giving your time and resources to the Church, do not feel bad. When they criticize you for living according to the teachings of Christ, do not be ashamed. When they treat you badly for refusing to join them in sin, do not be afraid. When they threaten you for calling them to repentance, do not be afraid, because evil will be conquered by good both in time and in eternity.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus gives us several reasons why we must not be afraid of those who persecute us for doing good. First, He tells us not to fear because whatever is hidden will be revealed (Mt 10:26). All lies told against the righteous will eventually be exposed, and posterity will honour those who acted justly. The judgement of eternity will correct the injustices of time.

Secondly, Jesus says we should not fear those who can kill only the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, we should fear the One who can destroy both body and soul (Mt 10:28). This means that the death with which people threaten us is not the greatest evil. The true tragedy is the death of the soul—a perpetual separation from God—which awaits those who kill the innocent and those who renounce their faith out of fear. Jesus therefore warns that whoever refuses to acknowledge Him before others will not be acknowledged before His Father on the last day (Mt 10:33).

Thirdly, Jesus tells us not to be afraid because God values us and cares for us (Mt 10:29–30). If God watches over sparrows—birds of almost no market value—how much more will He care for human beings made in His image and likeness. This is our blessed assurance. If we suffer, it does not mean God has abandoned us; if we die, it does not mean God hates us. Suffering and death are part of the path that leads to the home God has prepared for us, where suffering and death no longer exist.

The second reading reinforces this message. After the fall of Adam, it seemed as though evil had conquered the world. But St Paul tells us that the reign of evil did not last because grace triumphed in Christ. In the same way, the evil that threatens us today will not last forever. The evil that rises against us will eventually fall. We need only trust completely in the power of that Man—Christ—who conquered the primordial evil. Hope in Him does not disappoint (Rom 5:5).

Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 12^TH SUNDAY, YEAR A: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: FEAR OF GOD VS FEAR OF MEN

(Matthew 10:26-33)

Fear is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The fear that is called Holy Fear is the fear we mean here. It is the fear of God for his infinite goodness. It is a reverential fear. It is the fear of losing the love of a beloved and not the fear of punishment. It is the fear of breaking the heart of a loved one. It is the fear of losing the trust of a lover. It is According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the gifts that help to make us docile in readily obeying divine inspirations (CCC1831)

Indeed, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Sirach 1:12) and He is happy who delights in the commands of God (psalm 112).

The background above will help us to understand why Jesus warns us against Fear of men. In his words, he said: " Have no fear of men" Going further he tells the disciples why they should not fear. Human power is limited. Humans target the body, they lure with material things. They can put an end to the body, but the spirit in you cannot die. The good in you can't die. The truth you carry cannot be silenced. The light in you cannot be put off except with your permission. The zeal in you can never be quenched. Do not be afraid to bear witness for God.

The fear of God helps you to stand on God's side always. The fear of God makes you revere God as your Father and try your hardest in love to keep His statutes. It helps you to avoid committing sin, to rather lose your life than lose God, to see no meaning in living a life that is not Christ-based. Fear of God makes us run back to God immediately we sin and say sorry. It helps us not to take God and the grace He offers us for granted.

There is something you should never be afraid of. Never be afraid of starting the mission of witnessing in your life. Never be afraid of people who try to make you lose your self-worth. You've got a spiritual identity that is so great, that should give you confidence. Fear not! You will not fall. Your Father in heaven knows your worth. Witness to God in your life. Tell yourself the truth about who you are: a product of divine will. The will of the evil one will not take place in your life.

 

ACKNOWLEDGING GOD BEFORE MEN

A lot of circumstances around us challenge us to preserve ourselves, making us unable to preach in season and out of season. Jesus maintains that we should acknowledge Him before men even when we are at risk of losing fame, good name, wealth, popularity etc. Do it for God and think of what God has to gain and not what you have to lose. The glory of the Lord and everlasting life should inspire everyone of our actions.

Thus, we are called upon to be voice of the voiceless, be able to say no to oppression, marginalization, harassments etc.

Look around you, there's a situation calling for your attention. Remove fear of man and activate fear of God in you. That person who has no one to defend needs your assistance.  Remove human respect. Help him. That's a form of witnessing.

Just check well where you work, you must see an urgent reason to stand up for the truth. When you have fear for God, you will be a doer of God's will and even under persecutions and trials, the Lord will save and deliver you. May God bless you for your determination to draw your inspiration from Him and may your persecutors be frustrated by the light from above through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

Happy Sunday (12th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh