20^th SUNDAY, YEAR C: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “PERSEVERING IN THE WORK OF FAITH/GOD”

INTRODUCTION

The readings today present us with the daring and harsh reality of doing the work of Faith/God (i.e. bearing witness to truth, love and goodness) either as a king, prophet, disciple or just as a steward in the family of God. In the first reading, Jeremiah withstood opposition from his own people to bear witness to the truth, the king faltered to stand by the truth; Ebed-Melech took up his own challenge as a steward. Jesus stood firm with his mission as seen in the second reading. How firm are you in witnessing/living your faith?

THE FIRST READING (JER. 38: 4 – 6. 8 – 10)

In the first reading, four classes/groups of people were identified:

The group of Jeremiah: those who stand by the truth of the word and commands of God not because it is so sweet, but because it is the right way of life. Jeremiah kept preaching repentance to his people who preferred living amoral lives to any rule of life. Minority factor, attack and threat to his life did not make Jeremiah change or sugar coat his prophetic message.

The group of the princes of the peoples: this group do not want any message that will challenge their moral decadence. They want to feel no guilt; and so, Jeremiah must die, must be silenced, or leave the scene for them to thrive. They do not want to hear the truth. They cherished personal pleasure and indifference to any right or wrong way of living their faith. They used their majority vote, their positions and connections to silence Jeremiah, the truth and God so to say.

The group of Ebed-Melech: this the group of strangers, the minority voice, the steward/servant of the king, the uninfluential, those who think that their voice will not count in the scheme of things. The Ethiopian, Ebed-Melech summoned courage and raised his single/tiny voice to the king and that was enough to effect the release of Jeremiah from the dry pit.

The group of the king: this group of Zedekiah doesn’t know what to do with their power and position. This group is neither warm nor cold, neither for nor against; always changing opinions as it suits the majority; kill Jeremiah for he is lying he accepts, save Jeremiah for he is telling the truth, he also accepts. This group doesn’t like taking any stand at all, they will please everybody. What will God do with this kind of persons? Spit them out.

THE SECOND READING (HEB. 12: 1 – 4)

The second reading challenged us to run with perseverance, the race that is set before us, looking up to Jesus who endured opposition from sinners, hostility of the Jews, the shame of the cross, to carry on with his mission. We are encouraged not to allow any weight of sin, oppression, persecution or opposition to hinder us from witnessing for Christ and for the truth.

THE GOSPEL READING (LK. 12: 49 – 53)

In the gospel reading, Jesus made us to understand that being his disciples will certainly light up the fire of attack, opposition and division amongst brothers, sisters and family. Family, kinsmen will certainly come against you, but you must stand firm in the truth and in God’s righteousness.

CONCLUSION

We must persevere; not in our indifference, not in our pleasures, not in the bandwagon or erring majority; but in the truth and righteousness/goodness of our faith in God.

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin.

 SOLEMNITY OF ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: REFLECTION BY FR JULIAN EKEH

ASSUMPTION: DIVINE APPRECIATION OF MARY'S CONTRIBUTION

(Luke1:39-56)

Today is the solemnity of Assumption. We celebrate today that Mary having completed the course of her early life was assumed body and soul into the heavenly glory. This was proclaimed as a dogma by pope Pius XII in the Apostolic Constitution munificentisimus Deus of November 1,1950. This is a celebration centred on obedience to the will of God. This is a manifestation of the power of God. This celebrates a covenant-keeping God who appreciates one who keeps his part of the covenant. We are celebrating fullness of divine grace. We are celebrating the one who cooperated with divine grace. We are celebrating a temple of the Holy Spirit which cannot be destroyed, not even by death. We are celebrating the one who left no space for sin and as such is incorruptible. We are taking our turns to join the many generations that will call Mary blessed. We are celebrating the strength of God's hand on Mary.

 

ASSUMPTION NOT ASCENSION

Mary remained a docile instrument in the hand of God and remained so till the end. In her own words: "I am the handmaid of the Lord let it be done to me according to your word". It is by virtue of her being the mother of God that she is being celebrated. Meanwhile we are not celebrating Ascension. No. Technically Ascension is reserved for Christ. Ascension speaks of Christ's entry into heaven by His own power. In Assumption on the other hand, Mary was taken up body and soul by the power of God. She did not take the flight on her own accord or initiative.

 

IS IT IN THE BIBLE?

The Bible recorded Elijah and Enoch in the Old Testament as being taken up. Meanwhile no one entered heaven before the resurrection of Christ. If some men in the Hebrew testament were granted the favour of having their lives accepted by God on account of their fidelity, it cannot be difficult to accept the tradition handed down through endless ages that Mary was assumed into heaven. Be that as it may, the Bible never contradicts the fact that Mary was assumed. Mary actually may have died. The eastern rite of the Church celebrates the sleep of Mary. But the truth is that she was not found by the apostles because she was assumed into heaven. Why? The Body is the same that was given to Jesus. "The word took flesh". Whose flesh? Is the question. Mary's. So the resurrected body of Christ was taken from Mary. Thus the source of that resurrected body cannot know decay.

As an addendum, we read in revelation 11:19 that the heavens were opened and the ark of God's covenant could be seen inside the sanctuary. Mary is that ark of covenant. She is the one that carried the saviour. Next chapter,12 continues: a great sign appeared in the heaven: a woman...she was pregnant. Who could this woman be?  This narrates the story of the ordeals of Mary and all she passed through because of Jesus. Will she go unrewarded? She was taken to a place where she would be looked after by God, where God prepared for her(Rev 12:6).

She is indeed the new Eve. The first was shown the way out of Paradise. The New was led into it.

 

LESSONS

FULFILLED LIFE

Mary fulfilled her mission on earth in obedience to divine will. Let us learn from her to derive our joy in doing the will of God.

 

LIFE OF GRACE

Mary was filled with grace and cooperated with it. Let us not take God's grace and mercy for granted.

 

THE LORD REWARDS

No matter what we are passing through here on earth, the Lord sees. He will reward us according to our deeds. May we like Mary be rewarded for fighting good fight.

 

FAITH AND HOPE

Mary's faith was a strong one. And she pondered hopefully on the goodness of God. Let us develop strong faith in God and in what He's doing in our lives.

 

THANKFULNESS

Mary lived a thankful life for God's grace upon her. God appreciates Mary with glory for giving Him a body. Let us appreciate Christ who gives us His Body and entire being daily with good life.

 

SINLESSNESS

Let us like Mary be filled with the Holy Spirit during our life time so as to be taken up to God at the end of our life.

May Mary assumed into heaven obtain for us grace to cooperate with God, work with Him here and live with Him for ever in heaven through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Sunday and Happy Solemnity of Assumption.

Maria Assumpta, pray for us.

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Death can’t overcome God’s beloved.

Readings: Rev.11:19a, 12:1-6a.10ab; 1 Cor. 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56

The Catechism of the Church teaches us that at the end of the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she was taken up to heaven, both body and soul. Although the Assumption is one of the earliest feasts dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary (the belief in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary began in the early years of the Church), it was officially declared a dogma of the Church (an article of faith) by Pope Pius XII in his Apostolic Constitution ‘Munificentissimus Deus’ on November 1, 1950, where he stated, “The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”

The declaration of the belief in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in heaven as an article of faith of the Church does not, in fact, deny the reality that the Virgin Mary died. Rather, it confirms that in accordance with God's divine plan for her, her mortal body experienced no decay; instead, it was taken into heaven together with her soul after her earthly life. Consequently, the Feast of the Assumption commemorates the fulfilment of the grace that God initiated in Mary from the very start of her life, as well as God’s triumph in her life: she was the one chosen by God to be the mother of the Lord and the mother of the church, the one who was filled with the Holy Spirit at both the Annunciation and the Pentecost, and also the one who was full of grace and preserved from the stain of original sin. Now, she lives in heaven in body and soul, sharing in the resurrection of Christ, her son.

In the Assumption of Mary into heaven, God has once again revealed to us His plan for humanity – the plan of taking humanity to Himself after the end of time. Through Mary, humanity has seen that the goal of its journey of faith – the journey towards eternal life in heaven – is both possible and achievable. The Feast of the Assumption illustrates that God has already rewarded one of His fruits – Mary – with the beatific vision; it demonstrates that God has accomplished in Mary that plan He has for all humanity. The goal of our spiritual journey here on earth is to attain beatific vision at the end of our lives, and this beatific reward has been shown to be possible in Mary’s Assumption into heaven. Thus, the Blessed Virgin Mary becomes the symbol of hope for our spiritual endeavours. In her, we find the assurance that all our efforts to live in accordance with God’s plan in order to earn eternal reward will not be in vain; rather, we will be granted the beatific vision after our death if we adhere to God’s design for us, just as Mary did. Hence, the Assumption tells us that all followers of Christ who imitate Mary’s fidelity and obedience to God’s word and plan will undoubtedly be lifted up to heaven. This feast also reassures us that if we cooperate with the grace bestowed upon us by God (for He has endowed each of us with varying degrees of grace) by living in accordance with His will, eternal life will be our reward.

Furthermore, the Feast of the Assumption serves as a reminder that the victory of death over the bodies of those who love God is merely temporal, occurring only at the moment of death. Subsequently, the power of God intervenes to rescue His beloved from the grasp of death and reward them with eternal life. Thus, the Feast of the Assumption is the feast of the triumph of life over death. St Paul alluded to this concept in his first letter to the Corinthians 15:54-57, where he stated that when our mortal body is transformed into immortality, which occurs at resurrection, death is vanquished, and death is consumed in victory. The Psalmist also mentioned this in Psalm 16:10, declaring, “I will not allow my faithful servant to see decay.” So, the lives of those who love God do not end at death; those who love God and live according to his Word cannot be defeated in eternity by death and all its powers made manifest in sickness, hatred, oppression, persecutions, social and economic hardships, fear, and disease (Rom. 8:35). No, rather, the power of God will raise his chosen people from death and all the other challenges it employs to threaten our lives. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven reinforces this assurance.

Peace be with you

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 19^th Sunday, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Faith-Illumined Hope and Vigilance

Readings: Wis 18, 6-9; Heb 11, 1-2.8-19; Lk 12, 35-48

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, this 19^th Sunday invites us to remain awake and vigilant so that the day of the Lord – the day we will be taken from this world to reunite with our Creator – does not catch us unprepared. It also tells the type of vigilance that is expected of us, which is the manner of life anticipated from all those who await the return of their master.

One of the responsibilities of the national security agencies is to safeguard the nation from attackers and, in doing so, preserve lives and property. To fulfil this duty, they maintain vigilance around the clock every day. In various homes and offices, individuals install surveillance cameras, some keep dogs for security, and many others reinforce their residences with burglary-proof measures to prevent break-ins by thieves. All these actions are intended to protect physical lives from harm and material possessions from theft or damage.

In today's gospel, Jesus made reference to the same concept of vigilance; however, this time it is not aimed at safeguarding physical lives and possessions, but rather at protecting our spiritual life from eternal damnation. He stated, “if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have been awake and would not have left his house to be broken into. You too must be ready because, the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Thus, Jesus urges each of us to be ready for that moment when death will take our lives, and we will be made to stand before God's judgement throne. If individuals invest time and resources to secure their temporary physical life, we are expected to dedicate even greater time and effort to secure our eternal life.

Today's gospel challenges us to reflect on our preparedness for that inevitable moment that awaits all living beings – the final day of our existence on earth.

The first parable of today’s gospel tells us that the servant who remains vigilant and ready for his master's return will be rewarded abundantly. However, it is regrettable that many people act like the servant mentioned in the latter part of today's gospel, who began to live his life according to his own desires, believing that his master would not return on time. He falls into the category of those who wish to lead their lives as they please, rather than in accordance with the will of their creator. This includes those who assume they have many years ahead of them and therefore feel entitled to indulge in any lifestyle they choose, thinking that when they get old, they can return to the Church to rectify or renew their lives. Unfortunately, events did not unfold as that servant anticipated. His master arrived unexpectedly, and he faced severe consequences.

St. Francis of Assisi was once asked what he would wish for God to find him engaged in when death comes to take his life. He simply replied that he would like God to find him doing precisely what he was doing at the moment he was asked that question. This indicates that he was engaged in a good deed, for no one would desire to face death while involved in wrongdoing.

Now, let us reflect on this question: if the last hour of our lives were to arrive while we are here in the church, can you confidently assert that you would go to heaven? Dear friends, begin now to engage in the actions you would wish for God to find you performing when He comes for your life.

That final hour may come to some individuals while they are engaged in conflicts with others, gossiping, lying, plotting malevolent acts, stealing, or traveling to commit crimes, among other things. We have heard of numerous unforeseen events and disasters that have claimed many lives. For instance, fire outbreaks, road accidents, terrorist attacks, building collapses, and plane crashes. Have we considered how prepared those who perished in these situations were when death approached them? This question should get us worried and perhaps motivate us to take action regarding our own lives.

The gospel tells us that the apparent delay in the arrival of our master should not lead us to live in ways that contradict his will, nor should it cause us to believe that his arrival is far off.

In the first reading, despite their suffering, the Israelites in Egypt refrained from wrongdoing while waiting for God to come and liberate them. They steadfastly maintained their faith in God, who ultimately did not let them down. Dear friends, do not engage in evil actions due to hardships.

Abraham and Sarah, in the second reading, maintained their unwavering faith in God and did not resort to wrongdoing due to the delay in the fulfilment of His promises. Even when faced with extreme difficulties, they remained steadfast in their devotion to God. Many individuals who encounter similar hardships often use their circumstances as a rationale for choosing evil or straying from the path of righteousness. Do not lose your faith when challenges test your limits.

Abraham and Sarah have exemplified the importance of remaining faithful to God while we await the realization of His promises. They have also shown us to illuminate our vigilance for the day of the Lord’s return with a strong faith in God. Having faith in God entails engaging in actions that are pleasing to Him as we await His return. Like Abraham and Sarah, when our vigilance and hope are illumined by a strong faith in God, our lives will produce the fruits of good choices, good actions and holiness.

Peace be with you, and may you have a blessed Sunday.

Rev. Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 

 

 19^TH SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: WAKE UP! BE PREPARED!

(Luke 12:32-48)

Our parents will always tell us the importance of being vigilant and the danger of oversleeping. Some of our parents knew how to wake us up in those days when we refused to rise to join in the morning prayers. Some used the method of splashing cold water to do so. They woke us up to be spiritually ready for the new day.

A particular 'morning-cry' preacher used to wake people up when the sleep is very sweet very early in the morning with his microphone singing: 'teta n'ura, Jesus na-akpo gi... (wake up Christ is inviting you)'. Spiritual alertness is advocated by Christ in Today's Gospel Reading. In fact, it is risky to be in the sleeping mode when the enemy is awake or when duty calls demand watchfulness.

This is the time to wake up. We have to be on guard in wait for the coming of the Lord. We have to be prepared so as not to fall into temptation. We have to be awake in service. We should not give room for sleep to be known as our weak point. We've got to find out our areas of sleep and wake them. A particular senior in one secondary school, who lived as a dormitory captain in a junior hostel, was so tough in his giant stature that he almost became a terror in the school. He really instilled discipline, known by the school authorities, for his thoroughness and strictness. The students made plans for him. They realized how bad he sleeps and carried him with his bed to the school dustbin in the bush. He woke there with the rising bell. He became humbled by that and stopped operating on his power alone, which made him take things for granted. He learnt to set alarms at different times of the night to wake him and not leave him almost dead in sleep all through the night. He stopped eating heavily in the nights and avoided anything that would make him too weak in the night.

 

WHY THE SLEEP?

Sleep is a necessary rest we observe after the fatigue of our day work. The night is usually the time for sleep. But Jesus makes us see other dimensions to the night. Night is a time of watchfulness. It is a time usually seen as a hideout because of the darkness associated with it. Thieves make use of it to strike while sleepers sleep. It is a time when the serious-minded people go extra miles; when the serious student burns the midnight oil, when the serious lecturer prepare his lecture notes, when the serious politician reflects on how to take the state or country to a greater height, when the man of prayer storms heaven in prayers. Little wonder Jesus asks: Why do you sleep? Rise and pray (Lk 22:45-46). "Onye ulo ya na agba oku anaghi achu oke." Let us rise in faith. "Onye ndi iro gbara gburugburu na eche ndu ya nche mgbe nile." Let us be vigilant and strong. Jesus says if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would be awake and would not allow his house to be broken into. We have known that the dark nights are the times we are targeted. For this, Jesus invites us to tarry till his return.

 

WHAT THE WATCHING IS ALL ABOUT

Sleep is a state of unconsciousness. Jesus calls us to be conscious of his presence always. At night, one thinks that his deeds are not noticed, and he relaxes and hides under the dark to slumber in evil. He loses consciousness of whom he is and what his calling is about. He is made to believe that God is not awake. The Lord sees. The dark is not even dark to him. Sleep makes one forget. Jesus wants us to remember his words and instructions and never allow them to elude us at any time even when we think he is taking His time. Sleep gives room for dreaming and fantasizing. He says about the unfaithful servant: "If he says to himself,' my master is delayed in coming' and begins to beat the menservants and maidservants..." This is living unrealistic life, life that is not expected of you, being lose and living without divine awareness. Thus, watch and guide against being taken over by weakness of sleep.

 

HOW TO WATCH

Jesus tells us how to watch; well dressed. Let your loins be girded. To be vigilant, we must not put on a sleeping gown. We must be fortified. Dressed in goodness, holiness, and virtues. We must put on righteousness as garb. We must have our lamps lit. Since it is dark, we must put on the light and endeavour it doesn't go down. Winds are more at night. Is your torch still burning, or is it going down? You received the light at baptism. How well is it shining? Are your good deeds shining out?

Are you ready for the master's return? The whole instruction reminds us of the exodus experience. The Lord went in the night and delivered his people. But He called them for quick action. If you have been sleeping, wake up in haste. Move out of spiritual laziness and complacency. Guide against the breakers. Do not allow the enemy to break the door of your life. Keep it open only for the Lord to enter in. Be ready for the Lord to come at any time. May He find you awake when He comes. May you not be found in drunkenness and immorality, May you be strong in the face of the many enemies prowling. May your faith be strong.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

O Lord, Your word today encourages us. May we hear these words again and again: "Fear not, little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" May the enemies of our faith never find us asleep and may our unsleeping God defend us and give us the spirit of holy and active vigilance in the battle of life against the foe. May we be blessed and protected in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Happy Sunday to you (19th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr C)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 18^th Sunday, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: How to Satisfy the Longings of the Human Heart

Readings: Sir 1:2; 2:21-23; Col 3:1-5. 9-11; Lk 12:13-21

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, on this eighteenth Sunday of the year, the Church addresses a subject that lies at the core of our hearts. She invites us to reflect over the means by which we seek to satisfy the deep longings and inner desires of our hearts. Do these means provide us with lasting satisfaction? Can they offer us a fulfilment that goes beyond the grave?

In his book ‘Being and Nothingness’, Jean-Paul Sartre elucidated that the being-for-itself is a being of consciousness. Due to this being’s awareness of its surroundings, it consistently recognizes its incompleteness, and in its quest for wholeness, it seeks to transcend what it is to become what it is not. Between what it is (its current state) and what it wants to be (its aspirations) lies a void that yearns to be filled. Sartre referred to this void as ‘Nothingness’: a lack, an emptiness. This being is the being of man. For Sartre, the essence of man is defined by the nothingness or emptiness within him that seeks fulfilment. Within man exists a void or lack in his heart that continually drives him to strive for what he is not, a nothingness that compels him to pursue higher aspirations and achieve greater accomplishments in life. Economists might refer to this ‘nothingness’ as the insatiability of man.

The readings for today prompt us to examine the various means we employ to address the void that resides within the human heart, that yearning or desire inherent in mankind.

The wise teacher in today's first reading shared the numerous methods he utilized to fill/satisfy the nothingness/emptiness of his heart. Let us explore some of these approaches.

First, he sought to find fulfilment through wisdom and the quest for knowledge (Sirach 1:16-18). However, he soon realized that with each piece of knowledge he gained, he felt an increasing need to learn even more. Ultimately, the pursuit of knowledge did not provide the satisfaction his heart craved. Furthermore, he discovered that the same death awaits both the learned and the foolish.

Subsequently, he turned to the pursuit of pleasure, hoping it would bring him the satisfaction he sought (Sirach 2:1-3). He indulged in food and drink to excess, yet the more he consumed, the greater his desire became for new experiences; this led him to indulge himself more and more in pleasure. Disappointingly, he found that the same death awaited both those who feasted abundantly and those who were in want, leaving him disillusioned. In summary, pleasure failed to satisfy the emptiness/longing within his heart.

Then, he dedicated himself to diligent labour as a way to fulfil the desires of his heart (Sirach 2:4-6). He constructed mansions and bridges; however, the more he built them, the more innovative ideas for enhancing his constructions flooded his mind, preventing him from enjoying the fruits of his labour. This endeavour brought him greater troubles and anxieties rather than fulfilment.

Finally, he then devoted himself to the accumulation of wealth as a means to satisfy his soul. He took many wives, owned slaves, and ruled over empires, yet all his riches brought him more stress and distraction than he had anticipated.

After experimenting with various material possessions, he concluded that they did not provide enduring satisfaction for the emptiness/longing within his heart. Consequently, he proclaimed all material possessions as vanity. The lesson is quite simple. While material possessions may offer temporary satisfaction, the lasting fulfilment that our hearts crave cannot be derived from transient items, namely, material goods. Although material possessions may provide a sense of security in this life, they cannot sustain us indefinitely; they cannot secure our life in eternity. In today’s gospel, Jesus emphasized this point. He stated, "a person’s true life does not depend on the things he possesses" (Lk 12:15). Material wealth cannot secure our hearts, because it does not accompany us beyond the grave; the satisfaction it offers is fleeting and ultimately vanishes like smoke. The deep yearning of our hearts transcends what material possessions can offer.

The author's experience in the first reading mirrors that of numerous individuals in our contemporary world. In an effort to fulfil the deep-seated desires of their hearts, some individuals have dedicated their entire lives to the quest for material riches; others believe that excessive consumption of wine will achieve this; some assume that true satisfaction is found in nightclubs and various social events; others think it comes from making new friends; some others still believe it is derived from gaining political influence, etc. However, we should know that ‘oriri na onunu nke uwa abughi ebe ndu di; ikpa aku na mma nke uwa abughi ebe ndu di. Ndu di n’aka Chukwu, ihe anya na-ahu na-eduhie uwa, uwa amaghi na Chukwu nke igwe bu ebe ndu di.

The gospel reading of today presented the example of a man who believed that acquiring material possessions would secure his life, protect his heart from worries, and provide him with enjoyment. However, dear friends, Jesus informed us that the man was mistaken in his belief, because the accumulation of material wealth does not safeguard a person's heart and life, nor does it offer the ultimate satisfaction that our hearts seek. "A person’s true life does not depend on the things he possesses," Jesus said (Lk 12:15). Let us look at what that man said, "Then I will say to myself, Lucky man, you have all the good things that you need for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself." He was under the impression that his material wealth would keep him alive forever. He believed that material possessions would provide him with everlasting satisfaction. But God said to him, "You fool! This night you will have to give up your life." Subsequently, Jesus remarked, "This is how it will be for those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God’s sight."

We can categorize that man as a member of the group known as ‘ndi aku na-esi obi ike’, meaning those who think their wealth, beauty, strength, or political and societal status can accomplish everything for them; those who fail to look beyond their riches; and those who do not consider anything beyond this world. Numerous individuals, including many Christians, have become so engrossed in material wealth that they seldom contemplate God and heaven. For them, heaven has become an outdated tale, believed only by the foolish. However, this notion is false.

Dear friends, Jesus urges us to be wealthy in the sight of God even as we seek material wealth; He desires that we keep God in mind as we relish our material possessions and esteemed statuses, for material riches and elevated positions cannot guarantee eternal life, nor will they completely fulfil the emptiness within our hearts. 'Gi hapu Chukwu kpaa aku, gi agbara aka laa muo' (if you forsake God amidst your pursuit for riches, you will depart to the realm of the dead empty-handed).

The second reading addresses this matter directly. In it, Paul enumerates the elements that those who have faith in Christ cannot rely on to fulfil the voids or desires of their hearts. For believers in Christ, their source of fulfilment should derive from heavenly matters rather than sinful pursuits/things. Consequently, they ought to concentrate their thoughts on higher things, rather than on earthly matters. The fulfilment of the heart's desires for Christians, as articulated by Paul, should not stem from worldly cravings, fornication, nightlife, impurity, shameful passions, malevolent desires, greed, idolatry, or deceit. Indeed, Saint Paul admonished all Christians to eradicate everything within them that pertains solely to earthly existence.

Dear friends, the fulfilment of a Christian is derived from leading a life centred on Christ, a life that reflects the presence of Christ. If you delve deeper into this second reading, Saint Paul highlights the qualities that should bring contentment to the emptiness often felt in the hearts of Christians—lifestyles that enrich us in God. He enumerates these qualities as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, and peace. Through these virtues, Christians can truly live a life centred on Christ.

A life centred on Christ can also be embraced by those who seek material wealth. When they prioritize God at the heart of their enterprises, allowing divine values to shape their business ethics, they will experience inner fulfilment and lead a Christ-centred life.

The wealthy can also discover enduring satisfaction in their riches if they remember to embody compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, generosity, and holiness amidst their wealth.

In conclusion, dear friends, in your riches, beauty, political or social standing, or even in your poverty, always strive to maintain a close relationship with God through prayer. Such intimacy will provide fulfilment to the longing of your heart.

Peace be with you.

Rev. Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima.

 18^TH SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: IN HIS RICHES MAN LACKS WISDOM

(Luke 12:13-21)

The accumulation madness has really dealt us a grievous blow all round. The madness has eaten up the better part of our people on every side. It has eaten our time that we no longer think of any other thing except having and having and how to have all the more. Man no longer thinks of what happens after having. Does it begin and end with having? After having what next? Who is the source of all we wish to have? What are we to do with what we want to have? Man lacks wisdom indeed in his riches. Little wonder the Psalmist added: "he is like the beasts that are destroyed." Sad enough, man dares too to take this attachment to riches to be of greater value even in the very before of God. Thus, in the Gospel of today, the man was not concerned about Jesus and His teaching but on what he wanted. Between Jesus and mammon, he made his choice and even told Jesus about it.

DIVIDED BY RICHES

There remains a number of good values that wealth and riches can't afford. In the real sense of it, wealth should enhance development, peace, harmony, order, and understanding. But what do we see?  Division, court cases, fighting, lifetime enmity, and killings. The person that asked Jesus to bid his brother divide the inheritance with him shows the truism in what we are talking about.  Brothers can no longer live in peace because of inheritance and riches. People of the same country no longer act as one because of national cake that must be divided.  In fact, Jesus warned against covetousness. Because in most of the cases, what is being sought after is what really belongs to the other. Yes, to the other. The farmland of others for grazing cattle, the oil at another man's backyard, the business of others, the life of others, etc. It is indeed disheartening how wealth has divided a lot of communities. Check out all the communities with mineral resources and see how they slaughter each other for what should serve their common good. Look well and see how divided our country is because we rush after money bags during elections and rig in evil leaders into power. We are indeed dissected and divided by what should be the dividends of riches.

WHO AND WHAT ARE WE ACCUMULATING FOR

If only those who accumulate riches excessively and wickedly are to live to see how they are wasted, they should appreciate better the preacher of 'vanity upon vanity'. Is it possible for the governors to see how the investments they built for themselves with pensioners' money will be mismanaged? They will pray for the opportunity to correct their mistakes. If the former governors and contractors should come back to see how the cornered contracts are announcing their failures and monumental foolishness, they will seek an appointment to right their wrongs. If all we are struggling for is not the good of all and glory of God, then we have failed. Let's stop the greed. Let's stop being obsessed by possession. 

WHAT GOD HAS IN STORE FOR US AND WHAT WE HAVE IN STALL FOR OURSELVES

Man wants to get it all here. Acquisition, possession, wealth, and riches are the languages in his dictionary. How to destroy and build better houses, how to do away with banks here to bank abroad, how to invest here, and there are all that matters to man. He no longer considers anything to be better than these. He doesn't care again about who he is and who he is called to be. Man reduces himself and his enterprise rather to materials. Man is not just material but spiritual. And because man is storing for his material needs without considering his spiritual needs, God makes a demand of his soul. What then shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul? Let's have a rethink.

RESOLVE/ BENEDICTION

God created us to be wise and use the things He has blessed us with wisely to glorify Him. Let us not use them to cause death, thereby turning the blessings of God to a curse. Let our eyes be on things of heaven. Let us always have recourse to God so as not to attract the name 'fool!'

Let us store up treasures for ourselves in heaven where it shall never be destroyed. May we thank God for the abundant blessings He has lavished upon our world. May divine wisdom save us from the foolishness of greed, covetousness, and undue attachment to riches. May God rain down upon us the abundance of His heavenly blessings.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Oh, merciful God, we have failed You by the foolish choices we make on a daily basis. We choose earthly riches, leaving the heavenly. Look down and see where Your people are. Because of lack of wisdom, our sense of values is being distorted, leading to anarchy, terrorism, backwardness, and divisions. Bring us together to think and act as one. Grant that our choices from today will be to the greater glory of Your Holy Name and the salvation of humanity from economic, spiritual, moral, and political crises. Hear us and bless us in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Happy Sunday to you. (18th Sunday. Ordinary Time, Yr C)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh