Pip: The Most Holy Trinity — three persons, one God, and approximately zero adequate human words to explain it. Fr. canicecnjoku is here anyway, and he gives it a proper go.

Mara: Both homilies this week land on the same solemnity: Holy Trinity Sunday, Year A. One in English, one in Spanish — same readings, same mystery, two languages reaching toward the same unreachable thing. Let's start with what the Trinity actually asks of us.

Holy Trinity Homilies

Mara: Trinity Sunday falls just a week after Pentecost, and the question the homily opens with is the one everyone quietly has — how does three-in-one actually work, and why does it matter outside of a creed?

Pip: The English homily goes straight to the Catechism for the spine of the answer. Here is the passage it quotes directly: "The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons, the consubstantial Trinity. The divine persons do not share one divinity among themselves, but each is entirely God. The divine persons are distinct from one another. God is one but not solitary."

Mara: So the upshot is that the Trinity is not a math problem to solve but a communion to enter. Distinctness and unity held together — that is the claim, and it is the reason the doctrine has weight beyond theology class.

Pip: The homily grounds that claim in the readings before it reaches for abstraction. Moses on the mountain — obedient, humble — wins God's relenting. Paul closes his letter with what the homily calls a trinitarian formula.

Mara: And that formula is quoted directly: "The grace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." Paul uses it to close multiple letters — First Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians — because the formula does work. It invokes a unified action from three distinct persons.

Pip: Then the Gospel lands the practical point. "God sent his son so that through him the world might be saved" — not as a transaction, but as the Trinity reaching outward, seeking fellowship with us.

Mara: The Spanish homily, "Homilía del Domingo de la Santísima Trinidad, Año A," covers the same arc but adds a phrase worth sitting with: the Trinity is "la familia en cuya imagen podemos construir nuestra propia comunidad humana" — the family in whose image we build our own human community.

Pip: Which reframes the whole thing. The Trinity is not an abstract ceiling to admire. It is a floor plan.

Mara: Both homilies close on that note — that a divided family lacks the fellowship of the Trinitarian God, and that the invitation of Trinity Sunday is to close that gap.

Pip: Mystery and community, then — two words that keep pulling toward each other across both texts, in both languages.

Mara: What stays with me is that both homilies treat the Trinity as a live question, not a settled answer — something to be lived, not just confessed.

Pip: Same mystery, two languages, one direction. Next time, we'll see where the readings take us.

Glory Be To The Father, To The Son And To the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Readings: 1st: Ex 34, 4-6.8-9; Ps. (Dan 3, 52-56); 2nd: 2Cor 13: 11-13; Gos Jn 3: 16-18

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp., DMin, a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is Director of Santuario del Espiritu Santo, Dorado, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments, contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Find other books @: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/893122

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Today, just a week after Pentecost, the holy mother church celebrates the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Today’s celebration is a song of praise to God, who has called us to share in this mystery. Two concise prayers and blessings include: “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you,” and “May the Almighty God bless you the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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These are called trinitarian formulas. In these, the Trinitarian God unites to perform the function for which they are being consulted. Paul knew this and so constantly employed this formula in concluding most of his letters (1 Cor, 16, 23; 2Cor 13, 14; Gal 6, 18; Phil 4, 2).

The first question that comes to mind at the first encounter with the doctrine of the Trinity is: “Three Persons in One God, how could that be? Indeed, it should provoke such a question. However, this question becomes meaningful if only one could humble oneself and ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten him through the church.

Hence, the Church teaches that:“The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons, the consubstantial Trinity. The divine persons do not share one divinity among themselves, but each is entirely God. The divine persons are distinct from one another. God is one but not solitary. Father, Son, Holy Spirit are not simply names designating modalities of the divine being, for they are distinct from one another” (CCC253-255, p.82-83).

In the first reading, we see the obedience and humility of Moses before God. This humility won him the favor of God. Here also, God proved that he is indeed a Father. This is because, although He was not happy with the ways of his people, He relented his anger. So, because of the prayer of Moses, he forgave them.

 In the second reading, Paul encourages us to “be united and live in peace.” He concluded with his usual benediction: “The grace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” In this, Paul shows great interest in the unity of the Christian community.

In order words, by invoking the Trinitarian fellowship on them, he wishes that they emulate it and be united in heart and soul as the Most Holy Trinity. A divided family lacks the fellowship of the Trinitarian God and needs to give it a chance.

Today’s gospel is very popular: “God sent his son so that through him the world might be saved.” This sending is one way through which we share in the Trinitarian Community. They keep coming to us to unite and make us be like them. They continue to seek fellowship with us because they wish that we be united as they are.

Human words cannot perfectly explain this divine reality and mystery of the Trinity. So, no terminology or formulation is adequate to communicate it. We need God’s enlightenment and grace to comprehend the trinitarian mystery and theology. Nevertheless, the Christian faith is trinitarian, and every Christian needs to partake fully in this mystery.

Finally, the Trinity is not an abstract theological concept. Instead, it is a reality that is to be believed and lived. The Trinity is someone to whom we pray, but it is also a community, the communion of three in one, the family in whose image we build up our human community. In appreciation of this fellowship and communion, let us praise the Most Holy Trinity:“Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!

Gloria al Padre, al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo. ¡Amén!

Lecturas: 1^ra: Ex 34, 4-6.8-9; Sal. (Dan 3, 52-56); 2da: 2Cor 13: 11-13; Ev: Jn 3: 16-18

Esta breve reflexión fue escrita por el Padre Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp., DMin., un sacerdote católico y miembro de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos). Es un misionero en Puerto Rico. Es director del Santuario del Espíritu Santo, Dorado, y el Superior Mayor de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos), Circunscripción de Puerto Rico y República Dominicana. El padre Canice es miembro de la Academia de Homilética (The Academy of Homiletics). Para más detalles y comentarios , se puede contactarlo al: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

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celebración hoy es una canción de alabanza a Dios que nos ha llamado participar en este misterio. Dos de las más concisa oraciones y bendiciones incluyen:“La gracia de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, el amor de Dios y la comunión del Espíritu Santo sean con vosotros;” y “Que el Dios Todopoderoso le bendiga, Padre, Hijo y el Espíritu Santo. ¡Amen!

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Se llaman fórmulas trinitarias. En estos, el Dios trinitario se unen para realizar la función para que se consultan. Pablo sabía esto y así, constantemente emplea esta fórmula para concluir la mayoría de sus cartas (1 Co, 16, 23; 2 Co 13, 14; Gal 6, 18; Filipenses 4, 2).

La primera pregunta que viene a la mente en el primer encuentro con la doctrina de la Trinidad es: ¿Tres personas en un Dios?, ¿cómo podría ser? De hecho, debe provocar una pregunta. Sin embargo, esta pregunta se convierte en significativa si solamente uno podría humillar sí mismo, y pedir al Espíritu Santo que lo ilumine a través de la iglesia.

Por lo tanto, la Iglesia enseña que: “La Trinidad es una. No confesamos tres dioses sino un solo Dios en tres personas, la Trinidad consubstancial. Las personas divinas no comparten una divinidad entre sí, pero cada uno de ellos es Dios todo y entero… Las personas divinas son realmente distintas entre sí. Dios es único, pero no solitario. Padre, hijo, Espíritu Santo no son simplemente nombres que designa las modalidades del ser divino, pues son realmente distintos entre sí” (CIC 253-255, p.82-83).

En la primera lectura vemos la obediencia y la humildad de Moisés delante de Dios. Esta humildad lo ganó el favor de Dios. Aquí también, Dios demostró que él es un padre. Esto es porque, aunque él no era feliz con las acciones y manera de la vida de su pueblo Israel, se cedió su ira. Por lo tanto, debido a la oración de Moisés, él los perdonó.

En la segunda lectura, Pablo nos anima a “permanecer unida y vivir en paz”. Concluyó con su bendición característica: “La gracia del Nuestro Señor Jesús, el amor de Dios y la comunión del Espíritu Santo este con todos ustedes.”En este sentido, Pablo muestra un gran interés en la unidad de la comunidad cristiana.

En palabras de orden, invocando la comunión trinitaria, él desea que lo emulamos y estar unidos en el cuerpo y el alma como la Santísima Trinidad. Una familia dividida hace falta la comunión del Dios trinitario y necesita dar esa comunión una oportunidad.

El Evangelio de hoy es muy popular: “Dios envió a su hijo para que por medio de él podría salvar el mundo”. Este envío es una manera a través de cual compartimos en la comunidad trinitaria. Siguen llegando a nosotros, nos unen y nos hacen ser como ellos. Siguen a buscar comunión con nosotros, porque desean que seamos unidos como ellos son.

Palabras humanas no pueden explicar perfectamente esta realidad divina y el misterio de la Trinidad. Así, terminología o formulación no es adecuada para comunicarlo. Todo lo que necesitamos es la iluminación de Dios y su gracia, para poder comprender el misterio trinitario y su teología. Sin embargo, la fe cristiana es trinitaria, sobre todo, y es muy importante para todos los cristianos a participar plenamente en este misterio.

Finalmente, la Trinidad no es un concepto teológico abstracto, en cambio, es una realidad que debe ser creído y vivido. La Trinidad es alguien a quien oramos, pero también es una comunidad, la comunión de tres en uno, la familia en cuya imagen podemos construir nuestra propia comunidad humana. En la apreciación de esta fraternidad y comunión, demos alabanza a la Santísima Trinidad: Gloria al padre, y al hijo, y al Espíritu Santo. ¡Amén!

La paz sea con ustedes ¡

Maranatha

Un Nuevo Pentecostés: ¡Ven Espiritu Santo, ven!

Lectura: 1^ra: Hch 2: 1-11; Sal: 103: 24-34; 2^da: 1Co 12: 3-7.12-12; Ev: Jn 20: 19-23

Esta breve reflexión fue escrita por el Padre Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp., DMin., un sacerdote católico y miembro de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos). Es un misionero en Puerto Rico. Es director del Santuario del Espíritu Santo, Dorado, y el Superior Mayor de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos), Circunscripción de Puerto Rico y República Dominicana. El padre Canice es miembro de la Academia de Homilética (The Academy of Homiletics). Para más detalles y comentarios , se puede contactarlo al: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

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Hoy es el domingo de Pentecostés. Pentecostés es una fiesta que ocupa una posición muy importante y prominente en la historia y el calendario litúrgico de la iglesia. Esto es porque sirve como puente entre Pascua y tiempo ordinario del año.

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La primera lectura de este domingo narra la historia de cómo Cristo finalmente cumplió su promesa a sus discípulos, que obedecieron fielmente su mandato: “¡No dejan Jerusalén hasta que el abogado viene!” (Hch 1, 5). De la perspectiva de esta lectura, por lo tanto, la celebración de hoy es una recompensa por el fiel obediencia y constancia en la oración.

Es importante tener en cuenta que uno de los mejores aspectos de esta fiesta que es muy incomprendido y abusado es el don de lengua. Es importante que prestamos atención a las enseñanzas de Pablo sobre el tema de regalos y lenguas en 1 Co 12 y 14. Es un don gratuito de Dios y no viene a través de aprender y practicar.

Quienquiera habla lenguas falsas es tanto blasfemando contra Dios y cometiendo sacrilegio. Es decir, el pecado contra el Espíritu Santo. Este don fue dado a los Apóstoles para ayudarlos difundir el Evangelio a diferentes personas que se reunieron de todas las Naciones para escucharlos: “Ahora eran hombres devotos que viven en Jerusalén… cada uno desconcertado para oir estos hombres hablando en su propia lengua las maravillas de Dios.” No fue dado a ellos para aumentar su ego, o para sus propios intereses personales o egoísmo. En cambio, fue dado a ellos con el fin de edificar la iglesia y para transmitir el mensaje de la vida eterna a otros.

En la segunda lectura de hoy, Pablo hace una declaración muy importante: “nadie puede decir ‘Jesús es Señor’ a menos que está bajo la influencia del Espíritu Santo.” Lo que esto significa es que es Dios mismo que nos permite a través de los dones que hemos recibido hoy para reconocer el señorío de Cristo. Reconociendo el señorío de Cristo era una tarea difícil para Satanás porque, el Espiritu Santo lo dejó.

Lo obvio es que cuando Pablo usa la frase “Jesús es el Señor”, él no simplemente refiriéndose a la declaración literaria del señorío de Cristo. Lo que él significa es, que Jesús es el Señor de la vida. Para lograr esto, se necesita la convicción del Espíritu Santo.

Decir que Jesús es el Señor es vivirlo, y para tenerlo realmente como el Señor vivo. Sólo aquellos que están guiados por el Espíritu Santo verdaderamente son hijos de Dios (Rom 8, 14). Es el espíritu que recibimos hoy, que nos ayuda proclamar el señorío de Cristo: “Ustedes han recibido el espíritu de la filiación, y por él, clamamos Abba Padre. El Espíritu da testimonio con nuestro espíritu que somos hijos de Dios”(Rom 8, 15-16).

En el Evangelio de hoy vemos el Dios trinitario en la acción, cada uno haciendo y cumpliendo su acción, y aún unidos. Funcionaron como si fueran involucrados en una carrera de relevos, donde cada uno entregó la batuta a otro. Sin embargo, a pesar de ello, ninguno de ellos fue pasiva en cualquier momento. Jesús dice, “como el padre me envió así yo lo voy a enviar, reciben el Espíritu Santo”.

El Espíritu Santo que recibimos hoy viene en ninguna manera a reemplazar a Cristo. Más bien, él ha venido a ayudarnos a alcanzar lo que él ayudó a Cristo alcanzar. Por lo tanto, el mismo Espíritu nos da el poder para testificar al señorío de Cristo. Es un nuevo Pentecostés, por eso imploremos al Señor: “Envía tu espíritu Seño, y renueva la faz de la tierra. 

¡La paz sea con ustedes!

¡Maranatha!

A New Pentecost: Come Holy Spirit, come!

Readings: 1st: Acts 2: 1-11; Ps 103: 24-34; 2nd: 1Cor 12: 3-7.12-12; Gos: Jn 20: 19-23

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp., DMin, a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is Director of Santuario del Espiritu Santo, Dorado, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments, contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Find other books @: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/893122

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Today is Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost is a feast which occupies a very important and prominent position in the Church’s history and liturgical calendar. This is because it serves as the bridge between Easter Season and Ordinary Time of the year.

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The first reading of this Sunday tells the story of how Christ eventually fulfilled his promise to his disciples, who faithfully obeyed his command: “Do not leave Jerusalem until the advocate comes!” (Acts 1, 5). From the perspective of this reading, therefore, today’s celebration is a reward for faithful obedience and steadfastness in prayer.

It is important to note that one of the greatest aspects of this feast that is grossly misunderstood and abused is the gift of tongue. It is important that we grasp Paul’s teachings on the issue of gifts and speaking in tongues in 1 Cor 12 and 14. It is a gratuitous gift from God and does not come through learning and practicing.

 Anyone who speaks false tongues is both blaspheming against God and committing sacrilege. That is, sin against the Holy Spirit. This gift was given to the apostles to aid them spread the good news to different people who gathered from all nations to listen to them: “Now there were devout men living in Jerusalem…each one bewildered to hear these men speaking his own language about the marvels of God.” It was not given to them to boost their ego, or for their own personal or selfish interest. Instead, it was given to them in order to edify the church and to transmit the message of eternal life on to others.

In the second reading of today, Paul makes a very important statement: “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ unless he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit.” What this means is that it is God himself that enables us through the gifts we have received today in order to recognize the lordship of Christ. Recognizing the lordship of Christ was a difficult task for Satan because, the Holy left him.

The obvious fact is that when Paul uses the phrase “say Jesus is Lord”, he is not simply referring to the literary pronouncement of the lordship of Christ. Rather, he means is, making Jesus the Lord of one’s life. To achieve this, one needs the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

To say Jesus is Lord is to live it, and to actually have him as the lord of one’s live. Only those who are being led by the Holy Spirit are truly sons and daughters of God (Rom 8, 14). It is the Spirit that we receive today, that will therefore prompt us to proclaim the lordship of Christ: “You received the spirit of sonship, and by him, we cry Abba Father. The spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Rom 8, 15-16).

In today’s gospel, we see the Trinitarian God in action, each doing and completing His action and yet united. They operated as though they were involved in a relay race, where each handed over the baton to the other. However, in spite of this, none of them was passive at any moment. Jesus says, “as the Father sent me so I am sending you, receive the Holy Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit we received today has in no way come to replace Christ. Rather, He has come to help us achieve what he helped Christ achieve. Therefore, the same Spirit empowers us to move out in order to testify to the lordship of Christ. It is a new Pentecost, so we implore the Lord: “Send forth your spirit Lord, and renew the face of the earth.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!

Cristo Sube En Gloria

Lecturas: 1^ra: Hch 1:1-11; Sal: 46:2-3. 6-7, 8-9; 2^da: Ef 1:17-23; Ev: Lc 24:46-53

Esta breve reflexión fue escrita por el Padre Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp., DMin., un sacerdote católico y miembro de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos). Es un misionero en Puerto Rico. Es director del Santuario del Espíritu Santo, Dorado, y el Superior Mayor de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos), Circunscripción de Puerto Rico y República Dominicana. El padre Canice es miembro de la Academia de Homilética (The Academy of Homiletics). Para más detalles y comentarios , se puede contactarlo al: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Encuentra otros libros en: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/904854

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“Todos los pueblos aplauden sus manos, claman a Dios con gritos de gozo… Dios sube con gritos de gozo y el Señor sube con la trompeta.” En este séptimo Domingo de Pascua, celebramos la solemnidad de la ascensión. Es una solemnidad importante que marca el regreso de Jesús al padre. Junto con la resurrección, es una manifestación de la victoria de Cristo.

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La ascensión es una solemnidad que sustenta la esperanza de los cristianos de que un día estaremos con Cristo. El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica enseña que: “… Jesucristo la cabeza de la Iglesia nos precede en el glorioso reino de su padre, para que nosotros los miembros de su cuerpo podamos vivir con la esperanza de estar un día con él para siempre ” (665-667).

Nuestra primera lectura de Hechos de los apóstoles relata los acontecimientos de los últimos momentos y el encuentro de Cristo con sus apóstoles antes de su ascenso al cielo. Aquí, Cristo da una instrucción muy importante a sus apóstoles: “No salgan de Jerusalén, pero esperen allí lo que el padre ha prometido”. Cristo alienta a su discípulo a permanecer fiel.

Lo más importante, él les recuerda que su éxito dependerá de su capacidad de caminar con el Espíritu Santo. Estas instrucciones también son para nosotros. Igualmente nos recuerda que antes de empezar cualquier proyecto, debemos encomendarnos a la guía y al consejo del Espíritu Santo.

En la segunda lectura, Pablo ora pidiéndole a Dios que nos envíe el Espíritu Santo: “Que el Dios de nuestro Señor Jesucristo les dé el espíritu de sabiduría y percepción de lo que se revela, para que les traiga todo el conocimiento de él.” Esta debe ser nuestra oración y deseo todos los días de nuestra vida. Debemos invitar al Espíritu Santo a tomar control de toda nuestra misión.

Debemos invitarlo a alumbrar los puntos oscuros de nuestras vidas como Pablo oro: “Que el Espiritu Santo ilumine los ojos de sus mentes para que pueda ver la esperanza que su llamado tiene para usted…” Debemos pedirle que dirige nos para que lo sigamos.

En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús sabía que sus apóstoles necesitaban ayuda para triunfar. Así que les instruyó: “Permanezcan en la ciudad, hasta que se visten con el poder de lo alto”. Debemos buscar este poder si tenemos que hacer algún impacto positivo en nuestro mundo.

Por lo tanto, debemos prestar atención a lo que Jesús nos está diciendo en el Evangelio de hoy. Como un maestro experimentado, él conoce el terreno que estamos a punto de caminar. Sabe lo delicados que son los corazones de los hombres de nuestra edad. Él sabe lo difícil que es nuestra tarea y lo que se necesita para tener éxito. Él sabe que sólo el Espíritu Santo nos puede ayudar.

Por lo tanto, la ascensión marca el comienzo del cumplimiento de la promesa de Cristo a nosotros. Así que, mientras que celebramos la solemnidad de la ascensión hoy, Jesús nos recuerda que, independientemente de nuestro conocimiento y capacidad humana, necesitamos una ayuda divina para triunfar. Esta ayuda divina vendrá del Espíritu Santo a quien debemos prestar atención todo el tiempo.

Así que, mientras que celebramos la ascensión de Cristo hoy y esperamos el cumplimiento de su promesa el domingo de Pentecostés, oremos: “Envía tu espíritu, oh Señor, y renueva la faz de la tierra.”

¡La paz sea con ustedes!

¡Maranata!

Christ Goes up in Glory

Readings: 1^st: Acts 1:1-11; Ps: 46; 2^nd: Eph 1:17-23; Gos: Lk 24:46-53

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp., DMin, a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is Director of Santuario del Espiritu Santo, Dorado, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments, contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Find other books @: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/893122

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“All peoples clap your hands, cry to God with joy. God shouts joyfully, and the Lord goes up with a trumpet blast.” On this seventh Sunday of Easter, we celebrate the solemnity of Ascension. It is an important solemnity that marks the return of Jesus to the Father. Together with the Resurrection, it is a manifestation of the victory of Christ.

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Ascension is a solemnity that sustains the hope of Christians that one day we shall be where Christ is. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that: “Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into His Father’s glorious kingdom, so that we, the members of his body, may live in the hope of one day being with him forever.” (665-667).

The first reading from Acts of the Apostles recounts the events of Christ’s moment on earth with his apostles before his ascension into heaven. Christ instructs his Apostles here: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait there for what the Father has promised.” Christ encourages his disciple to remain faithful. Most importantly, he reminds them that their success will depend on their ability to walk with the Holy Spirit. These instructions are also meant for us too. It reminds us that before we set out for any business or project, we must commend ourselves to the guidance and counsel of the Holy Spirit.

In the second reading, Paul prays to ask God to send us the Holy Spirit: “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ give you the Spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed, to bring you the full knowledge of him.” This must be our prayer and wish every day of our life. We must invite the Holy Spirit to take control of our entire mission. We must invite him to lighten the dark spots of our lives as Paul prays: “May he enlighten the eyes of your minds so that you can see the hope his call holds for you.” We must ask him to lead the way so that we follow him. This is because his ways and counsels are right. 

In today’s gospel, Jesus knew that his apostles needed help to succeed. So he instructed them: “…Stay in the city until you are clothed with the power from on high.”  We must seek this power if we must make any positive impact on our world. Therefore, we must pay attention to what Jesus tells us in today’s gospel. As an experienced master, He knows the terrain we are about to walk. He knows how delicate the hearts of men of our age are. He knows how challenging our task is and what it takes to be successful. He knows that only the Holy Spirit can help us.

Therefore, Ascension marks the beginning of the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to us. So, as we celebrate the solemnity of Ascension today, Jesus reminds us that irrespective of our knowledge and human capabilities, we need divine help in order to succeed. This divine help will come from the Holy Spirit, to whom we must always pay attention.

So, as we celebrate the Ascension of Christ today and expect the fulfillment of His promise on Pentecost Sunday, let us pray: “Sent forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.”

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!

El Espiritu De Cristo Nos Confirma

Lecturas: 1^ra: Hechos 8: 5-8. 14-17; Sal: 65, 1-7. 16. 20; 2^da: 1 Ped 3, 15-18; Ev: Jn 14: 15-23 

Esta breve reflexión fue escrita por el Padre Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp., DMin., un sacerdote católico y miembro de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos). Es un misionero en Puerto Rico. Es director del Santuario del Espíritu Santo, Dorado, y el Superior Mayor de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos), Circunscripción de Puerto Rico y República Dominicana. El padre Canice es miembro de la Academia de Homilética (The Academy of Homiletics). Para más detalles y comentarios , se puede contactarlo al: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

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Hoy es el sexto domingo de Pascua. Al acercarse la fiesta de Pentecostés, la Iglesia nos invita a celebrar la llegada del abogado. Ella nos llama a celebrar el espíritu de la verdad que nos fortalece en la proclamación de las buenas noticias. El mensaje que llevamos no es falso, más bien, proviene del abogado.

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La primera lectura es una continuación de los frenéticos esfuerzos de los discípulos de Cristo para dar testimonio al Señor resucitado. A través de sus esfuerzos, los Samaritanos recibieron sus sacramentos de bautismo y confirmación. En este día, Pedro realiza su función episcopal por imponer las manos sobre los nuevos conversos. Felipe ya había bautizado a estos nuevos conversos, ¿por qué él no los confirmó? ¿Por qué era necesario que Pedro y Juan viajar esa distancia, para imponer las manos, (o confirmar) los nuevos conversos ya bautizados por Felipe? La comprensión de nuestro Catecismo Católico es muy importante aquí.

Lo que Felipe hizo por invitar a Pedro (el pastor principal de los apóstoles), fuera en consonancia con la doctrina de la iglesia sobre la confirmación: “El ministro ordinario del sacramento de la confirmación es el obispo. Si surge la necesidad, él puede conceder la facultad a los sacerdotes, aunque es apropiado que él lo confiere a sí mismo teniendo en cuenta que la celebración de la confirmación ha sido separada temporalmente de bautismo por ello. Los Obispos son los sucesores de los apóstoles”(CIC 1312).

Los Samaritanos necesitan el Espíritu Santo tanto como lo necesitamos hoy, porque es el Espíritu Santo que fortalece y hace a uno un verdadero soldado de Cristo (CIC1303-5). Él nos ayuda a dar testimonio de la verdad sin temor: “No han recibido el espíritu de timidez, sino el espíritu de la filiación.” El espíritu testimonia que somos hijos de Dios (Ro 8, 15-16). Es este mismo espíritu que resucitó a Cristo, que da vida a nuestro cuerpo mortal (Ro 8:11). Como el principal agente de evangelización, se confirma la verdad que predicamos.

En la segunda lectura, Pedro nos animó a tener reverencia a Cristo. Además, amonestó a tratar con respeto, incluso aquellos que desprecian el evangelio que predicamos. Por lo tanto, él nos recuerda el poder de la animación del Espíritu Santo en la vida de Cristo: “En el cuerpo fue puesto a la muerte, en el espíritu resucitó a la vida.” Es el mismo espíritu que levantó a Jesús que nos sostiene en la verdad. Esto significa que una vez que el espíritu de Dios venga sobre nosotros, nos convertimos activas para Cristo, porque: “lo que le da vida es el espíritu de Dios (Juan 6, 63).

Como hace falta un par de semanas de Pentecostés, en el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús nos promete el Espíritu Santo, el defensor. Sin embargo, se da una condición para recibir el Espiritu Santo, nuestro abogado: “Si me aman guardaran mis mandamientos.” Cuando hacemos esto, Cristo añade: “voy a pedir al padre y les dará otro abogado que estará con ustedes para siempre, ese espíritu de la verdad. Yo no les dejaré a huérfanos.”

¿Qué es este mandamiento que debemos tener para recibir el espíritu de verdad? Es: “vayan al todo mundo y predican la buena nueva a toda la creación (Mc 16:15). Además, es un mandamiento de amar a Dios y a nuestro prójimo (Lucas 10, 25-27). Cuando hacemos esto, sin duda nos estamos predicando la buena noticia de verdad. El abogado acudirá y nos fortalece en el camino de verdad. También él vendrá a confirmar que, de verdad, somos hijos de Dios. Por lo tanto, oremos: Ven, Espíritu Santo, y renueva la faz de la tierra, Aleluya.

¡La paz sea con ustedes!

¡Maranatha!

The Spirit Of Christ Confirms Us

Readings: 1st: Acts 8: 5-8. 14-17; Ps 65, 1-7. 16. 20; 2nd: 1Pt 3, 15-18; Gos: Jn 14: 15-23  

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp., DMin, a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is Director of Santuario del Espiritu Santo, Dorado, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments, contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

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Today is the sixth Sunday of Easter. As we approach the feast of Pentecost, the Church invites us to celebrate the coming of the Advocate. She calls us to celebrate the Spirit of truth, which strengthens us in the proclamation of the good news. The message we bear is not false. Instead, it comes from the Advocate.

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Our first reading is a continuation of the frantic efforts of the disciples of Christ to bear testimony to the risen Lord. Through their efforts, the Samaritans received their Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. Peter performed his episcopal function on this day by laying hands upon the new converts.

Since Philip baptized these new converts, why did he not confirm them? Why was it necessary for Peter and John to travel that long distance to lay hands on (or confirm) the new converts already baptized by Philip? An understanding of our Catholic Catechism is fundamental here.

What Philip did by inviting Peter (the chief Shepherd of the Apostles) was in line with the Church’s teaching on Confirmation: “The ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the bishop. If the need arises, He may grant the faculty to priests. However, he should confer it himself, mindful that the celebration of Confirmation has been temporarily separated from baptism. For this reason, Bishops are the successors of the apostles” (CCC 1313).

The Samaritans needed the Holy Spirit as much as we do today because it is the Holy Spirit that strengthens and makes one a true soldier of Christ (CCC1303-4). He helps us to bear witness to the truth without fear: “You have not received the Spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of sonship. The Spirit bears witness that we are God’s Children” (Rom 8, 15-16). This same Spirit resurrected Christ and gives life to our mortal body (Rom 8: 11). As the principal agent of evangelization, He confirms the truth we preach.

In the second reading, Peter encouraged us to have reverence for Christ. Also, he admonished us to treat others with respect, even those who despise the gospel we preach. Hence, he reminds us of the animating power of the Holy Spirit even in the life of Christ: “In the body, he was put to death; in the spirit, he was raised to life.” The same spirit that raised Jesus sustains us in the truth. This means that once the Spirit of God comes upon us, we become active for Christ because: “What gives life is the spirit of God (John 6, 63).

As we are a couple of weeks from Pentecost, Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit, the Advocate in today’s gospel. However, He gives a condition for receiving the Advocate: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” When we do this, he adds: “I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever, that spirit of truth…I will not leave you, orphans.”

What is this commandment that we must keep receiving the Spirit of truth? It is: “Go into the whole world and preach the good news to all creation (Mk 16: 15). It is also a command to love both God and our neighbor (Luke 10, 25-27). When we do these, we are certainly preaching the good news of truth. The advocate will come to strengthen us in the way of truth. He will also come to confirm that, indeed, we are sons of God. So, let us pray: Come, O Holy Spirit, and renew the face of the earth, alleluia.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!

We are the royal and priestly people

Readings: 1st: Acts 6: 1-7; Ps 32: 1-2. 4-5. 18-19; 2nd: 1 Pt 2: 4-9; Gos Jn 14: 1-12)

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp., DMin, a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is Director of Santuario del Espiritu Santo, Dorado, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments, contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Find other books @: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/893122

(Donate @ATH Mobil: Canice Njoku-7873146309)

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

On this 5^th Sunday of Easter, the Church reminds us of whom we are: “The chosen race and the royal priesthood, who would be and reign with Christ. Today we have gathered to exercise our royal priesthood by offering a spiritual sacrifice as Christ did.

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In today’s first reading, the drama that unfolded led to the election of seven deacons to take care of the social needs of the believers. We can learn the following lessons from this reading. First, we must not neglect or take our communities’ social or material needs for granted. If left unattended, they could undermine the work of God.

Second, we must balance our spiritual and material needs because both are important. Third, we must not forget who we are or neglect our primary calling. Peter rightly noted that the mundane should not distract us from our mission and vocation: “It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God to give out food. We will hand over this duty and devote ourselves to prayer and the service of the word of God.”

The spiritual will undoubtedly suffer if we pay too much attention to material needs. We cannot do everything by ourselves. We must let others play their role by helping us. Finally, we must be wise and prayerful in selecting ministers for God’s mission. They must be “men of good reputation, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom.”

In the second reading, Peter reminds us of who we indeed are: “A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises of God.” Here, Peter highlights our participation in the priesthood of Christ through the “common or general priest priesthood.” This is undoubtedly by our baptism (CCC1268). Baptism configures us to become “priests.”

Thus, in this pastoral letter, Peter highlights the efficacy of the “Sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) on us as believers. Through this, he reminds us of our priestly and royal heritage. He equally calls us to live it out in a proper manner. In order words, if we set ourselves close to Christ, our chief priest, we shall live up to expectations. That is, by offering acceptable sacrifices to God. Through this, we become pleasing to God and a spiritual house for God.

In today’s gospel, Jesus assures us of a place in his kingdom: “Let not your hearts be troubled. There are many rooms in my father’s house, so where I am, you may be too.” This indicates that by baptism, we are indeed children of God. This is why he considers us worthy of being where he will be.

Unfortunately, many of us do not know who we are or believe there is a beautiful place prepared for us by Christ. This is also the reason many of us cannot maximize our priestly and royal potential. As priests and people of royal descent, we must assert ourselves positively. It takes faith to do this

Therefore, let us ask God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to help us live as members of the royal priesthood. Also, during this glorious and gracious season of Easter, let us: “Rejoice in the Lord” for what God has done for us. Alleluia, alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!