22nd Sunday, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Humility: The Pathway to Divine Favours

Readings: Sirach 3:17-20,28-29; Heb. 12:18-19,22-24a; Lk 14:1,7-14

Dear friends in Christ, in the gospel of last week Sunday, Jesus cautioned his fellow Jews, as well as all of us, that one of the factors that could exclude them from the kingdom of God on the final day is their neglect to heed God’s call to genuinely live like Abraham’s descendants. In this Sunday’s gospel, He presented another reason that would deny them God’s grace and access to heaven as well. He stated that it is their lack of humility caused by the sin of pride.

The importance of humility and the admonitions against its vice – pride – were addressed in the three readings of this Sunday.

In the first reading, the author of the book of Sirach tells us about the importance of performing every action with humility and perceiving every high position as a call to be humble. He stated that the advantage of this approach is that we will gain favour with God. This implies that one of the simplest ways to lose God's favour is by performing good deeds with pride, perhaps with the intention of receiving accolades from others. We must recall that Jesus cautioned in Matthew 6:2 that anyone who gives alms to gain recognition from people has already received their reward and, consequently, will obtain nothing from God.

Another straightforward way to fall out of God's favour, as seen in this reading, is by viewing our elevated positions and wealth as a chance to look down upon others. Humility is founded on the psychological understanding that everything one possesses is a gift from God. Therefore, no individual should raise himself above others due to wealth or status. Instead, these should be utilized in humble service to others.

Pride leads individuals to misuse the gifts bestowed upon us by God, preventing such gifts from being utilized as God intended. God has given us various talents and abilities so that we may employ them in service to Him and to others. However, pride causes those who possess these gifts to desire that others plead with them before they will offer their talents for the benefit of the community. When God's gifts are used in this way, it becomes a glorification of one's own ego rather than a genuine service to others. Furthermore, pride sets people against God, as it compels people to claim the glory and praise that rightfully belong to God, neglecting the truth that all glory and praise are due to Him.

This first reading went on to emphasize that God reveals His mysteries solely to the humble, while the proud remain afflicted without healing. Indeed, the affliction of the proud lacks healing because pride leads individuals to perceive themselves as superior to all others, disregarding the counsel and suggestions of those around them. By viewing their perspectives as more valid than those of others, the proud often find it challenging to embrace the wisdom, mystery, and guidance of God, which always come when we listen to another voice other than ours. Consequently, when the proud err, they persist in their errors.

The second reading continues to explore the theme of humility, reminding us that we have all been redeemed by Christ and granted the grace to stand before God, where each individual is regarded as a firstborn child, a first-class citizen. One of the detrimental effects of pride is that it compels individuals to regard others as second-class citizens, treating them with disdain. If we are all equal in the presence of God, it follows that anyone who treats others as inferior has violated God's law and may face severe judgement from Him.

In today’s gospel, Jesus encourages us to practice humility in both our personal and social lives. We ought to practice humility in our personal lives by consistently sharing our meals and time with the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, the ignored, and the dishonoured members of society, rather than solely with those we perceive to be of similar status with us. We must reject any lifestyle or mindset that leads us to believe or feel that the less fortunate individuals in our society should be kept at a distance. A humble heart does not look down upon the poor; instead, it recognizes them as fellow firstborn children of God and generously invites them to partake in His abundance. Furthermore, Jesus calls us to demonstrate humility in our social lives by refraining from thinking of ourselves as those who should occupy places of honour in society; we should rather allow others to acknowledge and honour us, “for everyone who exalts himself will be humiliated, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

According to St Augustine, pride turned angels into devils, whereas humility turns men into angels. Dear friends, the rewards we will receive from God when we humble ourselves before Him and our fellow humans far surpass any benefits we might gain from living a life steeped in pride. Pride is a deadly sin that triggers other sins. This should lead us to question the vision those who identify themselves as the 'Pride' community and the 'Pride Movement' have for our beloved world. May God help us.

Have a blessed Sunday

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 22^ND SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: THE TWO WORRIES OF JESUS IN A BANQUET HALL

(Luke 14:1.7-14)

It is indeed uneasy to grab the fact that in a banquet Jesus entertained some worries. Banquet should be a place where people go to forget their sorrow (tashiri ugba, ñushiri mmii, mesarakwanu ahu). But Jesus was disturbed in twofold by the attitude of His fellow guests and the host.

He uses two parables to warn us against the two vices of pride and selfish relationships. Jesus knows how to translate every opportunity to teaching. He knows how not to waste time in correcting anomalies. He is always observant in any environment He enters. He enters the house of the ruler and took the place reserved for Him.

Now let us look into the two factors that disturbed Jesus when He should be enjoying His meal at the table.

 

FIRST WORRY: (WITH THE GUESTS) TAKING ANOTHER'S PLACE

Round table discussions are allowed at occasions. Exchange of pleasantries are welcomed.  As soon as Jesus entered, discussions started. I tried to understand in my ordinary way what could have led Jesus to start talking about taking a place of honour. I imagined that Jesus at entering the place may have behaved gentle. He may have wanted to take the commonest position. He may have stood at one corner with His disciples. Then the usher must have noticed him standing at one of the places that is not for the honourables and then led Him up to the high tables. It is therefore at this point that the issue which may have led to the parables of today started. I want to think that they asked Him why He must take the place of the lowly. And Jesus in their very midst observed how they took their own positions and explained to them that honour is not what people should give to themselves but what should be merited.

The honour you enjoy, is it given to you or are you arrogating it to yourself?  Pride goes before a fall. He who exalts Himself is humbled. But he who humbles himself is exalted. The quest to be recognized, to show off, to make claims of what one is not has actually destroyed our world. This ungodly desire makes people not to be comfortable with what and who they are and have. It makes a person to spend more than his income. To live in a mansion when you're meant in reality to live in a place that's more modest. Jesus calls it 'taking another's place'. Pride leads to unhealthy competition. 'Laam ishi alara Jon, i wu jon?' Why do you take another's place.  We know of some students who denied their parents and called them their housemaid to maintain the high position they placed themselves in school. Some used other peoples' houses as theirs when they are from very poor homes.

Your place is reserved for you.

He is the chairman today, you may be tomorrow. Why are you not happy being where you're called to be today? When the high place is envied, definitely the one who gets there must look down on others therefrom. It will indeed be a thing of shame when you consider how the mighty will fall if pride takes the lead. Nebuchadnezzar is a good example. A lot of self-acclaimed lords in our own days have fallen and yet keep making noise. The proud man's disease is indeed incurable. The best cure to this disease is prescribed by Jesus today: Go down, take the least place, do not seek recognition, be normal and do the normal. Humble yourself the Lord will take you up. To be human is to be drawn from the humus, which is soil and this is humility. When the hand of God touches you that place you will certainly go high. That is God's will for us; to go high in goodness. But Lucifer who has been made to fall wants to pull each and everyone of us down. May you be taken up from below and never be thrown down from above.

 

THE SECOND WORRY OF JESUS (WITH THE HOST): UNNECESSARY CONNECTION

Jesus looked around and saw His fellow guests. They were people well placed in the society. Today in Nigeria we can see them as the senators, the governors, the party chairpersons, the business tycoons, the CEOs of big companies, the religious leaders etc. It was a "colourful" audience. But the colours were incomplete. The beauty was not there. Some and in fact the most important group of people who actually needed a banquet were not present. Why? they were not invited.  Who and who is welcomed around you? Who do you give your invitation cards to? Who do you call to sponsor your wedding? An exemplary poor man or a scandalous rich man? Who do you call to be Godfather or Godmother to your children at baptism? On what grounds? Financial stability or moral probity? All these worried Jesus so much.

It disturbs Christ that the developed countries of the world cannot assist the third world countries without stealing their resources from them. It worries Him how the rich related only with the rich. It annoys Him that the Governor's daughter can only be married by a Governor's son or a Governor to be. It pains Him that true love can never be shown by the mighty to the lowly. It pains Him that the poor masses are only given gifts with hooks. Yes, they are only remembered when it is time for election. Only remembered when it is time to use them as thugs, remembered when they are needed for dangerous business. It pains Him that the rich man can't send his children to study in the public schools with the poor children. It pains Jesus that the only door through which the poor can enter and interact with their rich counterparts is blocked with soldiers.

Jesus is not happy that the poor are even taking stones ready to be violent at their rich exploiters in the high places yet they remain insensitive. Jesus is seriously worried that the wealth of a nation is being enjoyed by a part of the country leaving others who should benefit more impoverished. Let these barriers be destroyed. May we not invite only those who invite us. Let us in humility take our places in service to God and humanity and be generous in distributing our God-given favours. May God reward us abundantly on the resurrection morn for our humility and generosity.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

LET US PRAY

Oh Lord, we thank You for this word of life. We thank You for making our world a place of happiness for all. We are sorry for making you feel sad by our greed and wickedness.  Help us to live our lives in a way that will make You happy with us. May Your teaching today sink into our hearts through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Sunday to you

(22nd Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr. C)

Rev. Fr Julian O Ekeh

 21^ST SUNDAY, YEAR C: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED IN OUR LIFE”

INTRODUCTION

The readings today tried to remind us of the roads/paths less travelled in our life. The “narrow paths” that we intentionally try to avoid as we journey through our faith-life; we try to avoid these paths because we misjudge them to bring some kind of discomfort to us and not convenient for our joy. But indeed, it is these less convenient narrow paths that are less travelled, like the stone which the builders rejected, that turns out to be the cornerstone of our development, happiness and salvation.

 

THE FIRST READING (IS. 66: 18 – 21)

One path less travelled mentioned in the first reading is the path of proclaiming the glory of God to the nations. It is a path less travelled by many because many would prefer to remain in their comfort zones. Such was the case of Israel of old that God would sometimes permit wars to displace them from their comfort zones, sending them as fugitives to the nations and distant coastlands who have never heard of the fame and glory of God; these fugitives would then bring the Goodnews to the nations where they are scattered. The Psalmist today invited us to go out to the world and tell the Good News. But it is a path that is less travelled. Let us remember that God the Son (Jesus) had to leave the comfort of heaven and his Godship, emptied himself, to become man to make the glory of the Father known to the world.

 

THE SECOND READING (HEB. 12: 5 – 7, 11 – 13)

Another path that seems to be less travelled mentioned in the second reading is the path of discipline/training. Many children, for example, would not like to be disciplined by their parents for any reason. But the Bible tells us today that whom the Lord loves, he disciplines and scourges. Discipline entails that you must not have it your own way all the time, but God’s way or your “superior’s way”. At first instance, God’s discipline/ways may seem to cause us pain rather than joy, yet later it brings peace and righteous fruits to those trained in it. We may not enjoy the path of discipline now but later it builds us into great men and women. This narrow path of discipline demands obedience, humility and respect to God, constituted Church/state authorities, to our parents. It also demands repentance from our indiscipline and disobedience against God’s commands.

 

THE GOSPEL READING (LK. 13: 22 – 30)

In the gospel, against being forced into going into the world to proclaim the Good News, Jesus freely went through towns and villages teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. He was never forced out of his father’s house or his comfort zone.

 

CONCLUSION

We are invited today to strive to enter through the narrow gate; to embrace those narrow paths less travelled in our life: the path of bringing the Goodnews to the nations, the path of leaving our comfort zones, the path of discipline, obedience and humility. Our less travelled paths could also be the path of prayer, the path of service to others, the path of charity, the path of forgiveness. Walk through these paths more often, and God will never deny us nor cast us out of His kingdom on the last day.

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin

 21^st Sunday, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Narrow Door: The Sole Entrance that Leads to Salvation

Readings: Is. 66:18b-21; Heb. 12:5-7,11-13; Lk. 13:22-30

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the question posed by the young man in today’s gospel reading to Jesus is of significant importance. He sought to understand whether the number of people who will enter heaven on the final day is few or many. For the Jews of his era, it was believed that only those from the twelve tribes of Israel – the descendants of Abraham – would be saved. Similarly, some Christians hold the view that only members of their churches or solely Christians will be saved on that day. So, today, the Church aims to clarify this notion.

The answer to the question regarding the number of people who will be saved was provided in today's first reading, where Isaiah answered a similar question. The Psalm for today also affirmed it.

In the first reading, while discussing the return of the Israelites from exile after forty-seven years in 540 BC, Isaiah foretold that God is gathering individuals from all nations, races, languages, and religions to witness His glory in Jerusalem; that God is bringing people from all corners of the earth to His home. Thus, the invitation to enter heaven has been extended to all, and everyone possesses an equal chance to enter this dwelling and partake in the glory of God.

The response of Jesus to the question posed by the young man in today's gospel illustrates what should truly concern every Christian regarding eternal life. Rather than informing the young man of the number of people who will be saved, Jesus encouraged him to reflect on whether he himself would be among those that will be saved.

Actually, Jesus affirms that God wants all persons to experience eternal life; however, he emphasizes the necessity of our unwavering fidelity and vigilance throughout our lives. Jesus reminds us that although God wants all of us to be saved, we must actively strive for this salvation. Admission into God's kingdom is not automatically bestowed upon anyone based solely on their religious affiliation, nationality, or connections; therefore, we cannot take God's mercy for granted and remain passive in our response to His invitation. Instead, our daily, concrete choices and actions should reflect the response we have made to God's call.

Some people have responded affirmatively to God's invitation; however, their lifestyle often contradicts the commitment they have made. To such individuals, Jesus warns that on the final day, they will be found at the door pleading, 'Open the door for us,’ but He will respond that He does not know them. Therefore, dear friends, the Church encourages us to reflect personally on whether our current way of living will secure our admission into God's glory and whether our individual lives align with the 'Yes' we responded to God's invitation to partake in His glory.

In today's gospel, Jesus refers to the narrow door as the sole passage to eternal glory. But what exactly is this narrow door? It represents self-discipline, the way of the cross; it is the life pattern of rejecting sin, even when those around me choose to embrace it; it is the choice to serve Christ, even when those around me opt to worship the devil; it is the commitment to stand with Christ in all life’s circumstances, even if it involves suffering due to this choice and even if it means standing alone; it is the resolve to lead a holy life, even if other people around me have chosen sinful paths and may ridicule me for not joining them.

Dear friends, the narrow door brings sorrow and demands patience and strength from us. This is the message conveyed in the second reading of today. The author of the letter to the Hebrews wants us to see every experience of the narrow door as a form of correction that a loving father gives to his son. We understand that every act of correction or discipline from a loving father is ultimately for the benefit of the child who receives it. To the child undergoing correction or disciplinary action, the father's behaviour may appear as hatred or malice; however, the father is aware of the advantages his actions will yield for the child's future. Dear friends, if we interpret our experience of the narrow door as a type of correction from God, we will willingly embrace any discomfort it may cause us, fully aware that glory awaits at the end of such an experience.

Let us conclude this reflection by reading the experience of Jesus as presented in the early verses of this second reading. It said, “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from the beginning to the end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right-hand side of God’s throne. Think of what he went through - how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So, do not let yourself become discouraged and give up. For in your struggle against sin, you don’t have to give up until the point of shedding your blood.” (Heb. 12:2-4)

Peace be with you

Rev. Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 21^ST SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: IN JESUS' NAME, YET...

(Luke 13:22-30)

Today, Jesus presents us with the surprises of the last day. This is a warning to us and should serve as a guide to us in our Christian living.

 We are called to be aware of where we came from, where we are and where we are going to.

The above awareness will merit us enjoyment of the salvation brought by our Lord Jesus Christ.  We shall no longer worry if many or few will be saved, but try as individuals to get in ourselves and not derail.

Be that as it may, those called by the Lord's name, confuse God by making Him ask if these are really from Him or not. Are you bearing God's name and without representing Him well? Have you moved out using the name of your God to deceive people? Are you not confusing God by the type of life you are living? 

We should be marked out by godliness; it doesn't matter where we are. But are we known by God? Are our activities approved by Him? Do we allow Him to direct us? Is His Spirit operating in us? If so, He will acknowledge us on the last day for the good name, but if not... the Holy name of God cannot be dishonoured.  Hence the reply: "I do not know where you are coming from". God forbid!

 

BUT WHERE ARE YOU COMING FROM?

When people mention the name of their father in traditional Igbo setting, they are looked upon to see a resemblance of their Father in them, maybe by the way they speak, act or react to issues. When you represent well you will hear assertions as: You are a true son of your father, "Nna gi muru gi".

When on the other hand you misbehave, people wonder where you came from. Are you sure You are the Son of Okonkwo? It is not what you say that makes people to conclude about where you are coming from but what you do. In the sight of God too, how we live tell where we are coming from. Thus, the word of God says: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

We should always be ambassadors of Christ. But unfortunately, we have most of the time used the name of the Lord as a cover up for evil. May God forgive us.

 

MY NAME? I STILL DO NOT KNOW WHERE YOU'RE FROM

This is coming from a sad, disappointed and heartbroken Father. You went wearing a white garment which I your father sew for you but where are you coming from dressed like a harlot? You went out without my permission where did you go to? I created you as a man why did you make yourself a woman? You went out with a talent I gave you but where are you coming from? You started well, what happened? You entered that political position as a Christian but under your watch Christians and Christian principles suffered the worst persecution. You have deceived all but you can't deceive your God.

Let us not forget we are responsible and answerable for what we are doing with the opportunity God has given to us. We can't really stand to answer, our actions should. When we fail to present the necessary credentials, then we will be forced to start giving excuses.

 

WONDERFUL EXCUSES

The Lord gives us opportunity today to amend our ways now instead of giving excuses when it is late. He is calling on us not to lose our identity in the world.  He wants us to know that the day of reckoning awaits each one of us. He wants us to keep God and His will ever in mind so as not to stammer on the last day: 'But it is in your name that we did XYZ'.

This is the usual way man takes issues back to God. There will be no room for that when it is late.

Adam gave his excuse, it was Eve, the woman you gave me; meaning that God was responsible, it was in His name that he did what he did. Cain, but am I my brother's keeper; meaning that God never commanded him to be his brother's keeper. Saul, that was told to kill all, when confronted said he brought back those animals in the name of God to sacrifice to Him. The New Testament Saul as well claimed he was fighting for God till he was arrested.

Some people of the third world nations who travel to developed countries in the name and permission of their countries end up most of the time committing crimes and blame it on the poor condition of their homelands.  Yet others from those countries make their fatherland proud by standing out positively.

The word of God arrests you today to evaluate what you do with your life here on earth now. It is a call on us to stop deceiving ourselves thinking we can deceive God. It is a reminder that the name of the Lord is sacred. Thus, we should stop living questionable lives that would make people ask where we are coming from and make God wonder if actually we are those called by His name at Baptism, His children and those who should inherit His kingdom.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Almighty and merciful God, we call upon you. Help us to live as your true sons and daughters in this world.  May we not dishonour Your Holy Name. May we not lose focus of where we came from and where we are going to. May we live as true Christians bearing testimonies for You wherever we find ourselves. May we be welcomed and not sent out from Your presence. Bless and keep us in Your Name that we may be one with You in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

Happy Sunday (21st Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr C)

Rev. Fr. Julian O. Ekeh

 20^th Sunday Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

The Gospel of Christ: a message that overthrows the peace of the graveyard

Readings: Jer 38:4-6,8-10; Heb 12:1-4; Lk 12:49-53

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today's gospel presents some of the most challenging statements made by Jesus: two sayings that would be hard to accept as originating from Him if not properly interpreted. They are as follows: "I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled.” "Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division."

We are all aware that our Lord Jesus is the prince of peace. On the night of His birth, the angels who appeared to the shepherds proclaimed the beginning of the reign of peace on earth. They sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of goodwill." Throughout His teachings, Jesus emphasized peace, particularly in the beatitudes, where He stated, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." On the numerous occasions He appeared to his disciples after His resurrection, He greeted them with 'peace be with you’. Thus, it becomes quite challenging to comprehend how this God of peace would assert that He has come not to bring peace but division within familial relationships and that He has come to cast fire upon the earth.

A misunderstanding of these sayings of Jesus by certain Christians has resulted in unnecessary divisions and issues among family members, various churches, and communities; it has also caused some individuals to adopt prayer patterns that cannot be classified as Christian. While some of these Christians perceive prayer as invoking fire upon all their adversaries, some others take pride in distancing themselves from the positive actions that others are undertaking in society.

Therefore, the Church urges us to comprehend the significance of these two challenging sayings of Jesus to avoid aligning with those who misinterpret them. When Jesus stated that He has come to cast fire upon the earth, He meant that He has come to proclaim a gospel that will dismantle the structures of evil in the world like fire, that His gospel will not reinforce the status quo of evil within human communities or societies, but rather, it will incinerate them like fire. This is the kind of gospel message that Jesus has entrusted to us. This is the call we have received from Jesus as Christians. Our mission is to confront and oppose the dominion of evil and the moral decadence of our world with the message of the gospel. The authentic gospel of Christ does not remain passive where evil flourishes, and a genuine Christian does not stay silent where evil is endorsed.

Whenever this type of gospel, which has the power to eradicate evil and challenge malevolent policies and teachings, is proclaimed, it inevitably leads to attacks and divisions from those aligned with evil. Dear friends, wherever the message of Christ is preached, it shakes the foundation of the false sense of peace that the world often promotes, because the peace offered by Christ is fundamentally different from the peace the world gives. The peace of Christ is characterized by love, justice, equality, and equity, fostering the reign of goodness. In contrast, the peace of the world is often like the peace of a graveyard. In a graveyard, there is an appearance of silence, serenity, and tranquillity; however, those interred in it are subject to the ravages of decay, being consumed by worms and suffering from the effects of time. The graveyard seems peaceful simply because the deceased cannot voice their suffering. The world sometimes misinterprets this silence of the graveyard as true peace. Frequently, the locations deemed peaceful by society are so only because those enduring injustice, marginalization, and deprivation are unable to speak out against their plight, or they are threatened by forces that would harm them if they dared to raise their voices. Jesus did not come to establish the kind of peace that permits silent suffering and the continuation of injustice. Instead, he brings forth a peace that will dismantle the false peace of the world, overthrowing all structures of injustice and the wicked one.

It is, therefore, the responsibility of every Christian to promote the peace of Christ throughout the world. We are called to achieve this by confronting erroneous teachings regarding morality, sexuality, justice, humanity, and so forth, using the gospel of Christ. However, fostering the peace of Christ on earth may require swimming against societal currents, which can result in persecution. This was the case of Jeremiah in the first reading. Jeremiah stood against the evil present in his city during King Zedekiah's reign. He used the word of God to challenge the reign of evil and condemned his fellow prophets who preached solely about prosperity without urging the people to repent from their wrongdoing.

Jeremiah was aware of the repercussions of his actions, yet he remained steadfast. The second reading of today encouraged us to be resilient like Jeremiah and to persist in our battle against sin and evil, even if it entails sacrificing our lives in this struggle. This second reading encourages us to consistently fix our gaze on Jesus as we combat sin and evil. Fixing our gaze on Jesus means not being discouraged. If we fix our gaze on Jesus, He will not let us down. When Jeremiah was imprisoned and cast into the cistern, God did not forsake him but rescued him from that pit.

The psalm for today is a hymn of praise to God, who will not forsake us to the power of our adversaries, but will consistently deliver us. It states, “I waited, waited for the Lord, and he stooped down to me; he heard my cry. He drew me from the deadly pit, from the miry clay. He set my feet upon a rock, made my footsteps firm.” (Ps. 40:1-2)

Let us pray that God will continue to keep us safe when people rise against us for speaking against evil in society.

Peace be with you. Have a blessed Sunday

Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima.

 

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

THEME: CHRIST'S BRAND OF DIVISION BETTER THAN THE PEACE OF THE WORLD

(Luke 12:49-53)

There is time for everything under the earth and a purpose for every activity. There is time to be silent and time to speak up. There's time when silence is golden and other times when it is evil. There are moments when not speaking is noble and other times when speaking is not acceptable. Divine wisdom helps to strike the balance. Christ speaks out with passion His line of action and His idea of mission. He voiced aloud His vision for the world in relation with God and their acceptance of the word. He speaks in wisdom with imageries. He disclosed the contents of His package for us in the world.

FIRE UPON THE EARTH

Of all things, fire? Jesus, Why fire? Yes! It is figurative. Jesus has come to cast fire upon earth. The fire may be inviting. The fire of invitation which Moses saw and drew closer to God. Thus, with this fire, Jesus invites us to closer relationship with Him, to a more personal rapport with God, to a more intimate understanding of the will of God for us. It is a sublime fire of the Divine awareness; it is a fire that calls for human attention. It is a fire that takes us away from every distraction.

This fire is also a purgative one, it plays a purification role, it refines. Jesus sets a fire that brings about the gold in us. The fire is meant to make us shine; the fire is meant to cleanse us from every defilement. It is meant to burn to ashes whatever that is not of God. It burns away evil that good alone may remain.

Here is a story of a community where a wild devouring beast attacked a community and killed some men of integrity, an alarm was raised and the entire hunters in the community came out and pursued the beast and it ran into the big forest of the community known as "ohia ika". They took counsel and decided to set ablaze the forest with the hunters surrounding all the corners of the forest. When the fire became very threatening and started burning the wild beast, it cried out from the forest and was shot dead.

This is what the fire of Jesus has come to do in the world; to make evil and evil men so uncomfortable that they are made to change or are destroyed.

Another perspective from which we can view the purpose behind the fire that our Lord Jesus Christ is coming with is as figure representing zeal. It stands for the zeal in Jesus. It is a pointer to the zeal that should burn in us for the sake of Jesus Christ. How zealous are we for heavenly things? Are we zealous Christians? Are we passionate in defending the integrity of things of God? Are we passionate in our personal prayer life, in our communal spiritual participation and in our defence for moral positions of the Church of Jesus Christ on earth? Jesus is not calling for weak Christians, Jesus is not advocating for Catholics who just come to Church on Sundays, Jesus is disapproving spiritual and moral indifferentism. For Him therefore, it is either we burn with the fire and zeal for goodness or we are burned by the fire that purges. The fire is a dividing line. It is a differential fire. It separates good from evil. It attacks that which threatens clarity. The fire is the source of light. There can't be marriage between the duo. In His division mission, Jesus draws a line between darkness and light. Jesus wills that this light be kindled no matter what it takes. It took Him a fire baptism. It will also please Him that we all queue in to see to it that His will is accomplished in us.

PEACE ON EARTH? NO, INSTEAD DIVISION

This is surprising. Is this really the Jesus we know? The Jesus we read about in the prophecy of Isaiah? The Jesus called the Prince of peace? The Jesus that would command his disciples to greet every house: peace be with you? The Jesus that would impact peace on the apostles after his resurrection? Why would He now turn to contradict what He stands for?

There is indeed no contradiction. However, what there may be is definition of peace by Jesus. If peace would mean condoning evil, Jesus would not allow that. If peace would imply not pushing hard to condemn anomaly Jesus would not permit it, rather, He will choose the opposite. If peace would mean sacrificing virtues on the altar of immorality, Jesus would rather preach division. If peace would mean keeping quiet when my daughter is dressing indecently to an occasion, Jesus says no. Better to make the evil doer feel offended and change than allow him to offend God and make you offend God.

We have to ask ourselves some pertinent questions: what is it that is bonding our Union? What's the thing that we overlook which we are not really supposed to overlook for peace to reign? Let us make peace with God and not with the world. Let our peace with people be on the ground of godly characters they possess. Let us not seek our own peace. Let us not work with the enemies of Christ. Jesus says: "If you're not with me you are against me." The peace of the world is against the peace of God. It is the peace that says: oh, let us allow homosexuals to relax in their practice. For peace to reign let us pass abortion into law, for the peace of the suffering man let us help him die. For peace to reign let the man marry the animal. This peace Jesus condemns is a type that says in order not to hurt my dad I join the secret society, in order not to hurt my mum I will not help that poor woman, in order not to bring shame to my father who is a catechist let me abort that baby, in order to have peace with my aunty let me do the prostitution.

 

RESOLVE

Let us not be at peace until everyone around us becomes at peace with God.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Oh Lord, save us from the temptation of currying favour with enemies of God in the name of peace. May the peace and love of God in all its richness dwell in us, in our homes, in our land in the Church and in the world at large through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Sunday to you. (20th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr C)

Rev Fr. Julian O Ekeh