The Spirit of Jesus Makes the Difference and Gives Us Life!
Readings: Ezk 7:12-14; Ps 129; 2nd: Rom 8:8-11; Gos: Jh 11:1-45)

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans), Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

As we approach the Paschal Feast, today being the 5th Sunday of Lent, the Holy Mother Church in her infinite love and wisdom draws our attention to the power of the Holy Spirit which animates and gives life to our mortal bodies. The motto or slogan of one of the world’s popular soda (mineral) brand called Seven Up (7Up) is: “The difference is clear!” Today therefore the church says to us that what makes the difference in our lives is the Spirit of God just as Paul tells us that: “What gives life is the Spirit of God, the flesh profits nothing” (John 6, 63). Therefore, as we prepare for the Paschal Feast, we must open up ourselves to Christ’s life giving Spirit. We are also called in a special way to pray for those who are to be given new life of the Spirit in baptism during the Paschal Feast.
The first reading of today is a promise which we must claim and make our own in-toto. It is a promise of restoration, revival and regeneration of our weakened lives through the tiresome and hectic journey of life and especially, during this Lent. Although this promise was made to Israel of Old during their exilic predicament, it is still very much valid for us and our generation. In our own time too, though most of us are in our homes and countries, we are not far from being in a spiritual exile, far from God. In light of this spiritual exilic predicament, it is only the Spirit of God that can restore us to our normal state. Hence, the Lord in his loving kindness promises today: “…And I shall put my spirit in you, and you will live, and I shall resettle you on your own soil…”
In the second reading, Paul seeing our exilic predicament reminds us that it is only the Spirit of Jesus that can restore us to life. Hence, he tells us that: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you…he will give life to your mortal bodies…” What Paul insinuates here is simple, the fact that without the Spirit of God having an upper hand in the believer’s life, the believer is as good as dead. This is evident in the life of Saul the former king of Israel. Immediately the Spirit of God left him, his life became miserable, devilish and of course, he was as good as dead (I Sam 16: 14-16). A true child of God needs no soothsayer to alert him/her that what keeps one going is the Spirit of God. It is the symbol and evidence of activity of life in us, and indeed in all God’s creatures. This is why Paul warns us sternly: “…Do not grief the Holy Spirit of God who is God’s mark of ownership of you for the day of redemption” (Eph 4, 30). If we do, He leaves us and we become as good as dead, comatose and barren. The Spirit of Jesus is what therefore makes the difference, because he is both our life line and support. Losing him means losing life, and drifting towards the dangerous domain of carnality and eventual death.
The gospel of this Sunday presents us with Jesus’ demonstration of the power that makes the difference, the only power that is capable of raising Lazarus from death and the power that restores life. He proved that he himself is “the resurrection and the life.” Jesus could not have achieved this safe through the power of the Holy Spirit whom he himself relied so much on. Often times we have seen or heard some self acclaimed “men/women of God” laying claims to their ability to either raise the dead, or that they themselves will rise from the dead as Christ did. Unfortunately, most of these claims have ended up as empty bragging motivated by the duo – vainglory and sheer spiritual arrogance! The reason is that they thought it was by power or mere might, worst still was the fact that they sought to take the glory while cajoling the power of the Holy Spirit. Resurrection, restoration and regeneration are all in the domain of the Holy Spirit and no man or woman can replicate this power. Rather, the only thing we can do is to humble and allow ourselves to be used by Him. A couple of years ago a self acclaimed man of God who was nicknamed “Jesus of Oyinbo”, arose and claimed that he will die and rise up on the third day as Christ did. How disappointed are his disciples who have since disintegrated that up till date the grave has swallowed and held him captive. Also and more recently, a couple of weeks ago some members of a Pentecostal sect came to a village close to mine and insisted that they must exhume the corpse of a young man who died abroad and was brought home for burial. This was after about a week of its. Funny enough, in spite of the resistance of the traditional ruler and the members of the community who viewed such an act as against their custom, these zealots insisted and promised under oath that they have the powers to resurrect the already decaying corpse. The villagers succumbed to their request but invited the press and the police to be around in order to witness and cover the miracle. Then, the prayer warriors went into action and started conjuring, shouting like the prophets of Baal throughout the day. Around 4pm some others came to join them in the battle. After all serious efforts they became exhausted and worn out due to their shouting, kicking and boxing the air. Then, they tried to escape but the villagers rounded them up and handed them over to the Police who whisked them into their cell where up till this moment they are still cooling off while awaiting trial for breaching the custom and peace of the poor community. In all of these, these people failed to realize that it is only the spirit of Jesus that gives life. This is why Jesus says: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Whenever he gives or restores life he does it for the glory of God as he said in the case of Lazarus: This sickness will end not in death but in god’s glory…”
There are a few lessons we must learn. First, is the fact that it takes love for any miracle to be carried out. We were told that when the message came to Jesus: “The man you love is ill.” Jesus went because of the great love he had for Lazarus and his family. Hence, their sorrow became his sorrow, their pain his pain: “And Jesus wept!” In order words, it was compassionate love that moved Jesus to demonstrate this power and not just mere emotion. All he did was borne out of love and for the glory of God, and not because he just wanted to show off. Second, our faith is very important in the working of any miracle for us. This is why Jesus constantly said and asked Mary and Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life. If any one believes in me even though he dies he will live…Do you believe in this…?” In the case of resurrecting Lazarus, Jesus’ good will, compassionate love and the faith of Mary and Martha fused together in order to kindle the power of the Holy Spirit into action. The third lesson is that with Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit everything is Possible because Jesus has authority over life and death, and even in the grave He is Lord. Therefore, Jesus is ever willing to help us no matter what it will cost him. Not even the plots of the Jews to kill him could stop him from going to wake Lazarus up. Also not even our state or how long we have been “dead” or been in the “grave” of this world will prevent Jesus from saving us when the time comes for him to do so. He calls us by our name to today as he did Lazarus: “Here! Come out!” My dear friends, when you hear His voice do not hesitate to come out as the Psalmist says to us: “Oh that today you listen to his voice harden not your hearts!” If we hearken to his voice definitely, he will give command in the power of the Holy Spirit, to all the entanglements of this world that hold us bound: “Unbind Him, let him go free.”
Peace be with you all!
Maranatha!!

Christ Our Shepherd-King Cares For, And Heals Us!
Readings: (1st: I Sam 16:1.6-13; Ps 22; 2nd: Eph 5:8-14; Gos: Jh 9:1-41)

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans), Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

As we continue our journey this Lenten season, Jesus continues to manifest his authority as both shepherd and king over his people and the circumstances of our life. As the anointed one from the Davidic lineage Christ assures us his flock by his gratuitous saving help that though we are often assailed by fears and misgivings in this world of darkness, He, our Shepherd-King and the second David lights up our ways and leads us to his Kingdom unblemished. So, on this Laetare (4th) Sunday of Lent the Holy Mother Church exalts us to be joyful because, Christ our Shepherd-King comes to us with power, majesty and dominion in a special way in order to cure us of both the physical and spiritual blindness that prevent us from living our lives to its fullest potential. He is willing to do this because he cares for us and considers our well being more paramount above every other thing else.
In the first reading of today, we find that in making David the Shepherd-King, Samuel did not act out of impulse, emotion or human inclination. Instead, he simply obeyed and went to where he was sent to, Bethlehem and specifically to Jesse’s tribe to which God directed him. He could have gone to the tribe of Zebulun, Naphtali, or elsewhere, or even to any nearby town to anoint someone, but he went according to the mind of God and not according to his personal inclination. What do we learn from this? Quite simple! First, whenever we neglect God and the Holy Spirit in making decisions definitely we get it wrong and incur both the wrath of God and men as a direct or indirect consequence of our wrong action or disobedience. Second, we must be patient in carrying out the command or injunction of God. We must note the patience and humility of Samuel when he said: “Send for him, we will not seat down to eat until he comes.” Samuel stood up and waited for a long time, only God knows how many hours until the young David arrived. He was not weary or rushed into any rash decision of anointing any other person around because the right person was not yet there, but he waited patiently because no one could convince him to anoint any other son of Jesse beyond the conviction he got from God: “I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen myself a king among his sons.” Third, we must not allow physical appearance to deceive us. It took listening to God and discernment for Samuel to avert the danger of being deceived by the appearance of Eliab who was tall, handsome, elegant, and of course available. It is quite unfortunate that some of us so much rely on these physical qualities in selecting our leaders, rulers, shepherds, kings, etcetera. The result has always been catastrophic. But when we make the right choice and decision people are liberated, the blind see, the lame work, the hungry are fed, the poor become rich, the aggrieved and afflicted become satisfied and harmony returns to both the individual and the entire nation.
In the second reading of today Paul reminds us of our former and forlorn state before Christ our Shepherd-King came to liberate us from darkness. Sin clouds the mind in darkness and closes the heart to God’s love and truth. Only in the light of God’s truth can we see sin for what it really is, a rejection of God and opposition to his will. The Pharisees equated physical blindness and sickness with sin as we shall see shortly in today’s gospel. While the scriptures indicate that sin can make the body and mind sick as well as the soul, not all sickness, however is the result of sin. Hence, Paul admonishes us on the need to: “…Be (and live as) children of light, for the effects of the light are seen in complete goodness and right living and truth.” We do this by trying to discover and do what the Lord our Shepherd-King wants us to do. What Paul is simply saying here is that Christ our anointed Shepherd-King is the light that illumines our life. Living outside Him means abiding in darkness. We must therefore this season of Lent make frantic efforts to draw close to Christ who cares for us and to the one who shows us the way and heals both our physical and spiritual infirmities.
In today’s gospel, we read of Jesus’ demonstration of power by restoring the sight of a man born blind. Here Jesus our Shepherd-King shows that he cares for the well being of his flock especially the sick and the weak. He, like David his ancestor, went out of his way without minding his detractors and distractions to tend his flock. Of utmost importance in today’s gospel is the question that Jesus’ disciple put to him concerning the blind man’s blindness: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” From this, it is quite obvious that the disciples’ question assumes that suffering is caused by sin. It could be the parents’ sin (Ex 34:7; Nu 14:18; and Deu 5:9) or the blind man’s sin, but he was blind from birth. The parents probably assumed that his blindness was their fault. But Jesus was quick to add: “Neither did this man sin, nor his parents; but, that the works of God might be revealed in him!” in other words, this man’s situation provided an opportunity for Jesus to heal him, thereby revealing God’s works. Sickness befalls us for a variety of reasons. Paul reminds us that: “In everything, God works for good with those who love him” (Rom 8:28). So the blind man, once cured, marveled and proclaimed to the glory of God: “Never since the world began has it been heard that any one opened the eyes of a man born blind.” This miracle remarkably reveals the power and glory of God. It is very important to mention here that although Jesus said that the man’s suffering was not caused by sin, however, we should not forget that there often is a connection between sin and suffering. Yes, it is absolutely true as Jesus our Shepherd king has rightly taught that not all suffering is caused by sin, but all sin causes suffering. Jesus shows us that sin and suffering are not always related, but not that they are never related.
The lessons which we must learn from this man include that the man was obedient to the instruction or injunction given to him: “Go wash in the pool of Siloam,” just as Naaman the Syrian was, though, after much argument and persuasion (II Kg 5: 1-15), and as Samuel obeyed God’s command to go to the house of Jesse to anoint the Shepherd-King. The blind man did not mince words there but simply obeyed what Christ asked him to do. Of course, he got his healing immediately. Many of us are so stubborn that we do not obey the commands of Christ our anointed Shepherd-King yet, we want to be liberated. The second lesson is that we must be consistent with our words, faith, convictions, and the truth. In spite of all the quizzing and intimidation of the Pharisees the man remained truthful and firm without caving in or denying that it was Christ that healed him. Instead, he insisted: “The man called Jesus…said to me go and wash at Siloam; so I went, and when I washed I could see…He is a prophet!” According to St. John Chrysostom: “The the Pharisees cast him out of the Temple; but the Lord of the Temple found him.” If our witness of Jesus and his redeeming power in our lives separates us from our fellow neighbors, it nonetheless draws us nearer to Jesus himself. Paul warns us to avoid the darkness of sin that we might walk more clearly in the light of Christ (Eph. 5:8-12). So my dear brethren, as we continue our journey this Lenten season, we must not allow any blind spot to blur our vision of what God is doing for us, offering us, and requiring of us? We must continue to say of our Shepherd-King as the Psalmist: “The lord is my Shepherd (and King); there is nothing I shall want” (Ps. 22:1)!
Peace be with you all!
Maranatha!!

Working For Our Lasting And Future Glory!

Readings: (1st: Gen 12, 1-4; Ps 32, 4-5. 18-22; 2nd: 1Tim 1, 8-10; Gos: Matt 17, 1-9)   

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans), Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

On this second Sunday of Lent, Year A, the Lord through his transfiguration gives us a glimpse of what the future and lasting glory that awaits us look like. Through this, he spurs and urges us on to be strong and courageous in our journey this season of Lent and beyond. Hence, if we adhere to our call obediently, we shall surely have every reason to simile home with the “Abrahamic type of “blessing” and also, attain Our Lasting Future Glory.

A couple of years ago, a friend of mine residing abroad came home with his eleven year old son, Sochima. The unassuming little boy fell in love with the village natural environment: the goats, rams, fouls, birds, squirrels, trees, vegetable gardens, fruits etcetera. He was as free as air to the point that he even walked about barefooted because of the sensation the natural sand gave his little foot. The greatest of it all was that Sochima fell in love with the kid of his grandpa’s ram to the extent that he bathed it every day and carried it on his shoulders like the portrait of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Also, he fed it with tea, bread and in fact whatever he himself eat and the kid responded well. Noticing that the holiday was coming to an end, the poor boy begged his father to allow him stay back in the village or let him travel along with the kid.  His father explained to him that he has to go back because of his studies and that due to international regulations on the trafficking and transportation of animals across borders it will not be possible for the kid to come along. In the morning of the day they were to leave for the city from where they would board their flight the following day, the boy eloped with the kid to an unknown destination. A few hours later, he was found hiding with the kid in a nearby uncompleted building where he was cuddling and caressing it like his baby. His dad and grandpa persuaded him that it was time to go back abroad. Reluctantly, and after much crying he succumbed, bade farewell to his beloved kid and went with them. Unfortunately, a few days latter, the kid died. The boy like the “Inner Circle Apostles” in our gospel today had a glimpse of what nature is all about having lived in an “artificial environment” all his life and so desired to remain there not minding his studies or what international regulation says. But his father like Jesus knows that he has a task ahead and so gently urged him on.

In the first reading, God called and “commanded” Abram thus: “Leave your country… for the land I will show you…” It is important to note that this call has with it a promise: “I will make you a great nation…bless you…curse those who curse you.” But what is the condition for these blessings coming to fruition? Simple! Abram has to effectively respond to the clarion call not only “to leave” but to live up to expectation in his mission. In order words, his part of the covenant is obeying the “leave injunction.” Many times one hears people claiming Abraham’s blessings, without knowing that the condition necessary for the total appropriation and release of this blessing is strongly tied to obedience to God’s will and call. Response to the call has its attendant hardship. It must make one “leave something” behind no matter how pleasant and precious that thing is to one. It must make you do what ordinarily you would not want to do. Ask religious men and women, and they will tell you it is not easy being under a Superior or Mother General. Ask diocesan clergy men, and they will tell you how difficult it is to be under the leadership of one bishop for twenty five or more years. Ask married couples, and they will tell you many unpleasant tales about married life. In fact there are thousands of marriage cases at the marriage tribunal yearning for nullification. In short, response to the call must make you “leave” your comfort zone. When you live your call well, in spite of all these then, the “Abrahamic blessings” becomes yours. In the second reading Paul once again directs us to the grace of God as what sustains us in our bid to respond to our call. This grace though ancient, because it was there “before the beginning of time” was revealed by the appearing of Jesus Christ. In order words, we must in our daily efforts to respond to our call look up to this ancient grace which is Christ who by his death and resurrection has guaranteed our future glory.

In the gospel of today, and in what appears like one of Nollywood cum African Magic’s epic movies, the “Transfiguration drama” unfolds. Peter’s wishful statement on behalf of his colleagues: “Lord it is wonderful for us to be here…” represents the thought and attitude of most of us Christians. Often times, we tend to get so attached to a thing or place that we lose our focus. We want to remain in “big parishes” with its luxury, where people pay heavy tithe, where everything and everyone is at our disposal, and nothing at all perturbs our sleep. The temptation is for us to “lobby” as Peter did in order not to be posted out just for the immediate comfort, wealth and the “glory” it affords us. The members of Jesus’ inner circle reasoned like humans. Like most Christians, they allowed their human inclinations and reasoning to overshadow the spiritual. Also, their request betrayed their selfishness. If they remain there, what happens to the rest of the disciples who did not come along with them by no fault of theirs? Furthermore, they wished like most of us, to fast forward the hands of the clock by reducing an eon to a glimpse of time, and so missed the mark. The glory of God is revealed to us in order to sustain us, to let us know that if we work hard and respond effectively to our call, one day we shall be among the triumphant church represented by Elijah and Moses. The glory we experienced today in the transfiguration is not our last bus stop. Rather, it is only a glimpse, a tip of the iceberg of what our final destination looks like. It is like moving the FIFA World Cup from continent to continent in order to ignite passion for the game of football. It is not for any country to relax and say: “After all, the trophy has been to our country therefore, there is no point going to Brazil 2014”. No! The greatest joy and lasting glory comes through working hard and actually winning the trophy.

The “Transfiguration drama” only reveals the future glory in Christ for those who respond to their call very well. This future glory is for those who have washed themselves pure in the blood of the Lamb, those who travailed in prayer and good works and for those who have graduated through the “furnace of this world” for the sake of the good news (Rev 12:11). It is quite unfortunate that most Christians today want to share in this glory without working for it. We want the double portion of Abrahamic blessings without being ready to leave anything behind, we want to share in the double portion of Elijah’s anointing without first contending with the Jezebels and Ahabs of our time (I Kg 19), we want to  share in the double portion of the prophetic power and might of Moses without undertaking the onerous task of leading the stubborn children of God out of the land of their captivity (Ex 6: 13), and like the sons of Zebedee, we want to seat at the right hand of Jesus’ throne (Mk 10: 37), when we have not drank of the cup he drank. What an Irony! After today brethren, let us get back to work, of course, with the picture of what we are working for and walking towards in our minds. It should serve as the “activation energy” motivating us to our lasting and future glory. We must obey his command and call for us to: “Stand up”, because the “mock drama” is over for now. So, let us go down the mountain to prepare and work for the “real”, final and lasting “drama” at the end of time. As we do this, Jesus bids us today as ever before: “Do not be afraid!”

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

Sharing Jesus’ Wilderness Experience this Lent

Readings: (1st: Gen 7, 7-9. 3, 1-7; Ps 50, 3.6-17; 2nd: Rom 4, 12-19; Gos: Matt 4, 1-11)          

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans), Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today is the first Sunday of Lent Year A, and in it we are specially invited by the Church to celebrate Jesus Christ the second Adam, who by the power of the Holy Spirit overcame temptation and sin, and who by his obedience and faithfulness to the Father’s will gained back the world to the Father. This season of Lent as the Church in her wisdom has fashioned it, is a period when we join Jesus in his “Wilderness Experience” (praying and fasting) in order to prepare ourselves for the rest of the year and for the journey of faith ahead. Therefore, this season calls for great discipline, courage, fortitude, vigilance, surveillance, and above all a strong faith and hope in God. It is also, a period when we must strike a strong pact with the Holy Spirit our Advocate. We must also key in to the abundant grace that God has made available to us through his son Jesus Christ, the second Adam. If we tarry with Jesus in the wilderness this season fasting and praying, we shall find the strength and boldness with which to say to Satan and his cohorts: “Be off!” Indeed, he will definitely go away from us while the Hosts of Heaven will be at our beck and call to minister to us.

Through our first reading today, we kick off our journey into Lent by recalling the beginning of our salvific history which begins first with the creation of humankind represented by Adam and Eve, humanity’s temptation, disobedience and subsequent yielding to sin. It is through the disobedience of our progenitors that we all became venerable to temptation and (Original) Sin which consequently led to what St. Augustine of Hippo refers to as “massa damnata”(damned masses). From this reading therefore, it is evident that while temptation in itself is not sin, sin in its entire ramification is a gross act of disobedience against our Creator. Again, it is a violation of the natural order of things as Adam and Eve did by eating of the forbidden fruit. It suffices to note the important stages that Eve went through before she finally succumbed to Satan. After Satan’s appeal to Eve we are told that: “The woman saw that the tree was good to eat and pleasing to the eye and that it was desirable for knowledge that it could give. She took some of the fruit and ate it.” This is the nature of the struggle we go through every day. This is the problem of sense perception which of course in the study of epistemology does not in any way lead to true knowledge. It is the problem of the Id and Ego that we try to satisfy every day. Many of us are so engrossed in our quest for knowledge to the extent that we are ready to violate nature in total disobedience to God. Many Christians today in search of knowledge and power have fallen prey to the devils gimmicks and lies. While looking for truth where it cannot be found, many of us have “perished because of lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4, 6) of the Truth which is Jesus Christ (Jh 14, 6), who God himself has revealed to us. In order not to fall like Adam and Eve to the falsehood of Satan, we must be mindful of the fact that “all that glitters are not gold.” We must discern that voice speaking to us now and today about what we must do, the place we must visit for solutions to our problems, the things we must do to acquire more power or fame in life.

In the second reading, Paul traces the origin of sin to “One Man – Adam”. Only God knows why it has to be Adam and not Eve who started it all. Perhaps, Paul took it for granted that Adam being God’s first human creature, the pioneer landlord of the Garden of Eden, “the stronger sex”, and of course, the husband of Eve, failed in his responsibility to protect both himself and his wife from the tempter, Satan. Of utmost importance here is that Paul highlights the very infectious and contagious nature of sin: “Sin” he says: “Entered the world through one man and through sin death…death spread through the human race because everyone has sinned.” This means that sin distorts the flow of life in the human person. It brings about fear, hopelessness and shame, as it did bring to our progenitors because, “righteousness exalts a nation but sin brings reproach” (Prov 14, 34). However, Paul leaves us with the hope of something more certain than even our own existence: “The Divine Grace that flows from Christ.” This means that Christ saves and acquits us. If we cling to him, we will find the strength and grace we need to overcome all forms of temptation to sin. Therefore, this season, as we share in Jesus’ wilderness experience we must seek, find, and cling to this amazing Grace that saves us.

The gospel presents to us exactly the ordeal we go through every day of our life. Of course, the devil being a “spirit” knows what our heart yearns for, and so, capitalizes on this to tempt us. For example, after fasting Jesus was hungry. So, he had to tempt Him with food. Again, Jesus always preached about the Kingdom and His reign in it. So, Satan had to tempt him with the kingdom of the world. Can you see that brethren? Just as Christ, we are every day tempted with these: what to eat and drink, glory that comes through lofty ambitions, and of course wealth and power. These are the things that our hearts yearn for in this mundane world, and definitely are the things through which most of us are trapped. It suffices to note that the devil tempts us with the things we are grossly in need of. It is like the case of someone who went to bed very hungry. It is highly probable that such a person will dream of eating a sumptuous meal in his sleep. There is a saying credited to a certain young man who lamented thus: “Each day I decide to move into the street to look for a wife, all the mad ladies are the only ones that come out that same day!” The great temptation behind this is that if he is not wise enough, all these mad and ugly ladies will “appear very beautiful and good” for marriage. Hence, if you are in need of money the devil tempts you to loot public fund or to rub others. If you are in need of a job, he tempts you to sleep with the recruiter or to offer a bribe. If you are in need of a contract, he tempts you to succumb to kick back, since you are not going to execute the project after all. If you are seeking admission or promotion, he tempts you to cheat in your exams in order to pass. If you are looking for a child, he tempts you to visit the next witch doctor because his/her deity will give you one since God is delaying, and if you are depressed, he tempts you to commit suicide because there is no more hope for you. When we yield to one of his temptations, he continues with the next until we finally perish. He is very subtle in his persuasions, and of course, an expert when it comes to “one step at a time!”

How was Jesus able to overcome Satan and his temptations? He overcame because beforehand he had already fortified himself. He imprisoned the desires of this world, chained and caged his appetite unlike Eve and Adam, and of course, bade farewell to ambitiousness and vainglory. Most importantly, he was not alone in his struggle against Satan and his temptations. He went into partnership with the Holy Spirit. The contract of this pact was sealed during his forty days and nights praying and fasting. Of course, the grace of God flowed for him, and all these put together provided Him with a formidable force against the tempter and his options. My dear friends, this season of Lent and beyond, we too must get ourselves prepared for the great journey ahead. This is because we are entangled in a perilous time and temptations must surely come our way in life especially, through the many lacks and needs we have in our time. If we do not share Jesus’ wilderness experience this season of Lent, we might be caught napping and be overtaken by the tempter. God forbid!

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

OUR LIFE IS IN GOD’S HAND

Readings: (1st: Ish 49, 14-15; Ps 61, 2-3. 6-9; 2nd: 1Cor 4, 1-5; Gos: Matt 6, 24-34)     

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans), Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

On this 8th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year, A there is a blessed assurance from both God and the Church that as children of God, his love and care protects and overshadows us. God is ever close to us whether we know it or not, caring for us even in a manner that a nursing mother cannot care for her baby. Hence, Isaiah employs the metaphor of God as a mother to capture this caring nature of God.

Kathleen Schakowsky in her article published on August 22, 2012, in the Wall Street Journal titled: In South Africa, a Grassroots Battle on Baby Abandonment reported that: “When police in Port Elizabeth confirmed earlier this month that they had retrieved a newborn boy alive in a shoe box inside a plastic bag, it added to accounts of infants abandoned by mothers in toilets, flowerpots, railroad tracks, rubbish bins, sidewalks and city parks. According to one group, the number of abandoned babies fell from 2008 to 2009 but rose over the next two full years. Some 2,583 infants were abandoned across the country in 2011, up 36% from the year before, said the group, Child Welfare South Africa, a nongovernment organization that collected the data from 263 member organizations.” Also, statistics on Abandoned Children provided by an NGO called International Street Kids (ISK) has it that: “Over 400,000,000 abandoned children live on their own on the streets of hundreds of cities around the world. They subsist hand to mouth and struggle to just survive the day.”

Although the historical context of our first reading was Israel in exile, today, we as well as our entire world plunged into deep crisis, a gloomy future and to a great extent exiled from God are the newest contexts. Only God can make our future bright and possible, and the image of God as mother is used to emphasize this point. Isaiah 42, 14 presents God as pregnant and giving birth; 66:12-13 portrays God as nursing and comforting the newborn. The metaphor of God as mother is also basic to understanding the text we are considering.  It is possible for the actual mother of a child to forget her child, even her nursing child and for the literal mother of the child to show no compassion for a child she has borne as we see in the reports above. But it is not possible for God because he himself vowed that: “Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you!” Yes, something is not possible for God. God is faithful and this means that His options are limited. God will not and, indeed cannot forget us. This is an act of divine self-limitation. In fact, we are inscribed or engraved on the palms of God’s hands (Ish 44:5). We are therefore part of the very identity of God. He will forever be known as our God as the Psalmist asks: “What great nation has God as their god?” (Deut 4, 7). Come what may, we can count on God, not only to bring our future to birth, but to sustain our progressive life. God is Mother in a way that no earthly mother can be. This divine comfort and compassion for us is what the prophet assures us of today.  Of all the comfort that our earthly mother can bring to us, God’s comfort and compassion is unsurpassable.

In the second reading Paul draws our attention to what should matter to us, and this is the fact that we are: “Christ’s servants, stewards entrusted with the mysteries of God.” So, rather than worry ourselves to death about what human beings feel about us, we should like Paul, strive to be found “worthy of God’s trust.” Though we are not perfect, we should abandon ourselves to God. What matters most is what God says about us and not just what human beings who are greatly limited say about us. So what should bother or “worry” us is how to please God who has called us to be servants, rather than about how to please human beings. We must keep our conscience cleared and get ourselves relaxed in the hands of God to whom we owe great allegiance.

In today’s gospel, Jesus admonishes us to be focused with the business of God. Hence, he encourages us to remain united to God while paying less attention to the mundane, especially, money whose love we are told is the root of all evil (1Pt 6, 10): “You cannot serve two masters (God and money) at the same time. The most important message here for us today is the fact that we should place all our trust in God, live free of the worries of this life that weighs us down. We should do the best we can and place our trust in providence that will not disappoint us because Jesus has already assured us: “Caste all your burdens upon him because he cares for you” (1 Timothy 5, 7). Jesus says to us today do not worry (Greek: merimnesete, i.e. to be anxious, or to be apprehensive about possible danger or misfortune). Jesus is not commending recklessness, but calls us not to be distracted by worry.  He gave us this injunction because he knows full well that worry disables our life whereas, faith in God’s providence enables it.” Jesus first tells us not to be anxious, and then provides the rationale.  God, who gave us life, will provide for our needs because our life is in his hands and so, He will not abandon us or allow us to become weary in life. To buttress this further he uses nature to teach us what it means to trust in God, of course while not encouraging us to be lazy. He says, “Look at the birds of the air…” We know it is true that birds “neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns”, but they build nests, forage for food, and care for their young.  Even though we are to depend on providence, we must also make use of the little talent we have because we have an obligation to do something for our own good:  to work, to produce, to avoid idleness and dependency (2 Thess 3:6-13). Worry only wears us out and never adds anything to our life. Instead it tears up our physical and spiritual fabrics, shrinks us, and reduces the quality of our spiritual, moral, physical and psychological life. This is why Jesus puts this very daring question to us today while the least, not in any way encouraging us to be complacent or indifferent over important issues that require our urgent response. He asks us today: “…Can any of you by worrying add a single hour (Greek: pechun i.e. cubit) to your span of life?” My dear, the obvious answer is certainly a capital NO! Also, Jesus employs comparism between lilies (krina) and Solomon’s glory to illustrate lavish and flamboyant dressing.  God created krina to be even more lavish and flamboyant than even Solomon’s Sunday best regalia. By doing this Jesus is by no means saying that we should not put on good cloths or be elegantly dressed. Rather, he wants us to eschew worry and anxiety about material things such as clothing, money, food etcetera. While it is good to enjoy God’s wonderful endowments, we are not to worry about them. It suffices to note here that Jesus argues from the lesser to the greater. So, if Jesus takes care of little creatures such as wild birds, flowers and grasses, will He not take care of us his own brethren and fellow Imago Dei for whom he laid down His own life? Certainly He will, because, we are cherished by the tremendous love of God, which is tender, caring and forgiving above every human love. All we need do this gracious and glorious Sunday therefore is to pray that we may be able to surrender to this love and care in perfect trust that God is able and willing to take care of us. So, instead of worrying ourselves to death, we must like the Psalmist today proclaim: “In God alone is my soul at rest, my help comes from him. He alone is my rock, my stronghold, my fortress; I stand firm!”

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

LOVING BEYOND FRONTIERS AND BARRIERS

Readings: (1st: Lev 19, 1-2. 17-18; Ps 102, 1-4. 8-13; 2nd: 1Cor 3, 16-23; Gos: Matt 5:38-48) 

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans), Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today is the 7^th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year, A. The church turns our attention to this very important theological as well as cardinal virtue, Love. Today, we celebrate the Lord who himself is Love and at the same time its fullest manifestation. We cannot therefore celebrate the Lord of Love without resolving to be more like him; for we are built into him like stones into a temple erected to give glory to God. Although the term love has been widely spoken about, acted out in great and legendary epics like William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the word itself is very simple with just four alphabets, yet, in spite of all these it still appears to be one of the most difficult thing to live out. One simple truth that is clear is that it is easier to talk about it than to live it. Only one person has perfected it, and that is God who did it through the free gift of his beloved son: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son” (Jh 3, 16) and, “behold the manner of love with which God loved us that we should be called the sons of God” (1 Jh 3, 1-3). It was St. Augustine who once said: “Love and do whatever you wish to do.” In order words, love must be the fulcrum and the impetus agitat (the driving force) of our actions words, correction, admonitions, etcetera. Whatever is not done in, and out of love is as good as being a flatus vocis (empty effort) that can only bear ill-fruits. We are supposed to be, in a popular Yoruba parlance and name “Ile Ife” (house of love) from which love flows and is dispensed to others. This is what it actually means to be a disciple of Christ. That is, one who is capable of loving beyond the frontiers, barriers and encumbrances of life. Virtually, all the readings of this “Agapitos Sunday,” including the Psalm centers on love, a term which appears in the bible over a hundred times.

The first reading of today begins with the horizontal aspect of love. It focuses strongly on the need to one to love ones neighbor. It is worthy of note that it did not specify any condition that our neighbor has to meet before we could love him or her. This means that it has to be an unconditional type of love. In this reading, Moses tells us the best way to relate with one another and afterwards, he concluded with an imperative: “Love your neighbor as yourself!” It suffices to note that from this reading, that everything we are to do with or to our neighbor ranging from corrections, admonition, criticism, etcetera, are nothing but signs that we love our neighbor. However, one must do all these in love. Also, love will help us bear with the failings of the other. The Psalmist moves us a step further in the vertical direction by telling us that: “The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy…” Here, the Psalmist crafts together three important virtues: Love, Compassion and Mercy as attributes of God. These are what God showers on us and equally expects us as, “Ile Ife” (house of love to) dispense it unto our neighbors and those around us. In the second reading Paul exalts the Corinthians as well as we. He advances an argument in order to help us live as one family and people in love. In this reading, he reminds us that we are God’s temple. That is, the seat of love, better still the temple of love. Therefore we are not to temper with this temple because, we belong to Christ the owner of the temple.

In the gospel, Jesus the “Preventive Counselor” continues his teaching and discourse on the commands or laws of God. Today, he is in the domain of love. He takes love to another dimension and introduces a twist that seems difficult – not just loving ones neighbor but also loving ones enemy! He says: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Honestly, this is a hard teaching but by the grace of God it is possible as Paul tells us: “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” (Phil 4, 13). Being able to do this irrespective of the difficulties is a mark of a true Christian. This is the reason Christ adds: “In this way you will be sons of your father in heaven.” Jesus knows the importance of love in the family, community and nation. That is why he spends much time stressing it. Loving, praying for, and forgiving one’s enemy is an extension of Jesus’ broader teaching about the perfection of God (5:48).  In typical fashion, Jesus provides an intriguing image to capture the meaning of this quality of God, one that God’s followers should emulate.

Love unites, because it forgives, bears, corrects gently, is patience and tolerates (1Cor 13). A community lacking love never stands or progresses, like wise a family or nation that lacks Love. An individual who lacks love cannot love himself enough not to talk of extending it to the other. Jesus in today’s reading also condemns revenge but rather encourages endurance even in the face of oppression or persecution. Hence he says to us, “You have learnt how it was said: eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say to you: offer the wicked no resistance… if any one hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well…” Is Jesus discouraging us from self defense? No! Instead, he wishes that we endure the insult from our neighbours patiently. A few years ago Tiger Woods won the Masters Tournament. Instead of congratulating him, a “jealous” man called Fuzzy Zoeller responded with some mean, racist remarks which though he intended to be funny, but unfortunately was negative. For this unholy and demeaning comment, this man received a great deal of well deserved criticism from world press, but Tiger Woods’ response was, “We all make mistakes, and it’s time to move on.” Tiger Woods could have returned the insult but he refused to retaliate. Instead, he said, “Let’s move on.” How many of us would share Tiger Woods’ response? Is this our attitude when we bear the brunt of insults, castigation, persecutions, or even denial? Can you say, “We all make mistakes and it’s time to move on?” Jesus did not suggest tit for tat. He was not in the business of getting even. Instead, he preached love for our enemies and generosity towards them. Unfortunately, naturally we are vindictive. Vindictiveness will corrode and erode our heart. It will sour and grieve our spirit. We are very much unlike Jesus Christ who simply says to God on our account every day: “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” As soon as someone starts a rumor about us what do we do? We get on our high horse. Our backs arch like a cat. We show our fangs. We are ready to do battle and to revenge. If given a chance, we will hang their hide on the wall. We believe that we must defend ourselves and vindicate ourselves. When it came to this kind of thing, our Lord Jesus was not concerned about His reputation. We must graduate from the kindergarten spiritually, and enroll in Jesus’ college or tertiary spirituality. We must be willing to leave retaliation in God’s hands. This is not to imply that we are to be passive in your relationships. Jesus often confronted those around Him, but He was not vindictive. Jesus did not threaten His accusers with harm, but showed them love, because Love is the root of life!

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

Living Christ’s Law: The Choice of Life!

Readings: (1st: Ecc 15: 15-20; Ps 118: 1-2. 4-5; 2nd: Heb2, 6-10; Gos: Matt 5:17-37)  

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans), Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

On this 6^th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A, the church invites us to reflect on the Commands of Jesus and to pay close attention to what the Law of the Lord actually commands and demands from us. This command differs from any man-made law and is imbued with the wisdom that comes from God Himself. Since this Command or Law is a product of God’s love, it can only be appreciated or fulfilled through a genuine love and concern for others. So, we are encouraged to faithfully obey these commands as they are the source of our salvation and life. Living and obeying God’s Law means choosing the FUNDAMENTAL OPTION OF LIFE, while the contrary means death!

Imagine a community, state, or even a world without rules, regulations, laws or a constitution to govern its people. I suppose it would be worst than Thomas Hobbs “State of Nature,” where according to the Plautus’ comedy of 195 BC, Asinaria: “Homo homini lupus est (Man is wolf to man”). Imagine a football match without rules to guide it!  I once watched one between the Christian Mothers and Fathers of my parish. During this game which was actually meant to create fun due to age and inexperience, a mother-player or even a mother on the bench or on the side line could suddenly rush into the pitch grab the ball by her hands as if she was playing Rugby or American Football, and head straight for the post. If she succeeds in casting it into the post it is counted as a goal for her team whereas, the Christian fathers could not do that. We all know that in a normal football game knowing and playing by the rules of the game is the beginning of wisdom, and what keeps one in the game, else, a player who deliberately handles the ball could be sent off with a flash of a red card from a FIFA graded Umpire. Laws and rules are an important part of our lives. Without rules or laws our world would be a place of anarchy and confusion. Aristotle said: “At his best, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice he is the worst.” We need laws! We need rules!! They help us know the boundaries!!!

In today’s first reading, Ben Sirac (the son of Sirac) presents and tosses the two sides of the coin for us and leaves us with the choice of life and death. In other words, he gives us the freedom of choice through the following conditional statement: “If you wish you can keep the commandments, to behave faithfully is within your power…Man has life and death before him, which ever a man likes better will be given him…”  The major focus here is on obeying the commands of the Lord. Moses also, in his farewell speech revealed to the Israelites the secrete of life: “See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction…walk in the ways of God, keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase” (Deut 30, 15-16) This simply means that by obeying the Law of God, we make the choice of life. The Psalmist today also speaks further on the need for us to choose life by obeying the commands of God. He anchors humanity’s source of true happiness in following and obeying the Lord’s Command: “They are happy who follow God’s Law; they are happy who do his will…” In all of these, we must be very careful not to become mere fundamentalists, fanatics or even hypocrites as the Pharisees who out of the twelve laws given to them, made a whooping six hundred and thirteen other rules which they themselves could not observe. This is why we must pray like, and with the Psalmist today: Train me to observe your law, to keep it within my heart.” We must live the Spirit of the Law and not just its letters!

In the second reading, Paul prefers to use wisdom to refer to Christ’s Commands. In other words, to obey the commands of Christ is the wisest thing to do. Hence, it is a mark of wisdom to choose to obey and live by the Law of Christ which is his word as the Psalmist tells us: “The entrance of your word brings wisdom” (Ps 119: 130). Paul contrasts this wisdom that comes from obeying Christ’s Law or Command with those from human philosophy. What this means is that the commands of the Lord transcends and supersedes the words of men. The wisdom that comes from the Laws of God are things of the Spirit which are themselves the word of God divinely inspired, whereas, the wisdom of men are mundane. Hence, Jesus tells us that, “what is born of the spirit is spirit and what is born of the flesh is the flesh…”(John 3, 6).

The gospel from Matthew 5, 17-37, and verse 17 in particular, has offered great debates and reflections to biblical scholars as to what Christ meant when he says: “Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them but to complete them.” After this pronouncement, in what seems to be a contradiction, Jesus went ahead to marshal out what appears to be a new or even more difficult rules. Another source of controversy is the fact that we make reference to Christ as the New Law in the New Testament and Moses as the Old Law in the Old Testament. How do we reconcile these quagmires and what is the Lord teaching us today? First and foremost, Jesus is true to his word! He did not come to bring a new law or to abolish the old law, but to fulfill it. According to Charles Spurgeon, “the life, work, and words of Christ are not an emendation of the Old Testament or an abrogation of it. It stands fast and firm, fulfilled and carried to perfection in Christ.” The Greek word for “abolish” is kataluo from kata, i.e. down and luo, i.e. loose, untie; release, to destroy, pull down, to break up, to demolish, etc. This means to abrogate or set aside the exercise of legislative authority. To a religious Jew (like Jesus Christ Himself), even the thought of such a thing would be a profanity. On the other hand, the Greek word for “fulfill” is alla plerosai i.e., pleroo which means full. This   means to make complete in every particular, to complete the design, and to fulfill what was predicted in the OT. Again, in his sermon “Perpetuity of the Law,” Spurgeon mentioned three ways through which Christ fulfilled the Law. “First, the law is fulfilled in the matchless sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Secondly, the law has been fulfilled again for us by Christ in His life. But that is not all. The law has to be fulfilled in us personally in a spiritual and gospel sense.”

Today’s pronouncement of Jesus is treaty against hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the Sadducees of both his time and our present age who interpret the law falsely in order to suit their idiosyncrasy and to the detriment of the people. It a treaty against all false Seers, Healers, Leaders and Pastors of flocks who employ the word of God and the messengers formula “Koh ȃmar Adonai” (Thus says the Lord!) falsely in order to intimidate, rip off, exploit, subjugate and enslave people. It is a treaty against those of our present age who see sin in everything or every action of the human person especially in things they cannot comprehend thereby making life difficult for others while they themselves fall short of virtually everything the word of God commands. It is a treaty against those self made or acclaimed “women” and “men of God” who take care of their flock in foreign lands whereas their family is in shambles because of lack of care and love. It is a treaty against those of our age who view the word of God as a six inches nail or screw that must be driven into people by force with a sledge hammer. Finally, it is a treaty against the Pharisees of our time who pay the greatest attention to the letters of the law but make little effort to live the Spirit of the Law.

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

  Making the difference as Salt and Light in our World!

Readings: (1st: Ish 58, 7-10; Ps 111, 4-9; 2nd: Heb2, 1-5; Gos: Matt 5 13-16)   

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans), Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

This 5^th Sunday’s celebration is overshadowed and punctuated with a great “If.” This is because of the question: How much more brightly would that light shine “If” we who are Christians were really like Christ? The Church of Christ is a light in the darkness. So we as members are supposed to be light shining in the darkness of the world.

In our first reading this Sunday, the Prophet Isaiah provides us with the recipe required for our light to shine. They include: “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the homeless poor, cloth the man you see to be naked and turn not from your kin” These are the basic necessities of life which forms the back bone of the Universal Declaration of Thirty Human Rights created by United Nations 1948.  In fact they are not just Human Rights, but “Fundamental Human Rights”: Food, Shelter and Clothing. Depravation of these rubs humanity of dignity and pride. We as Christians and light therefore must ensure that no one is deprived of these because doing this will amount to structural injustice and a sin against Charity and Providence. Therefore, we must be “that good man” the Psalmist of today talks about “who is light in the darkness for the up right,” by standing out and up, tall and insisting on justice for the poor and the oppressed.

In the second reading, Paul proved to be a practical example of the light that shone among the Corinthians. His presence illuminated their darkness and added flavour to their soured lives. Also as salt he helped in preserving their salvation. He did this not only through his teaching or words but through his actions and deeds. He recalled thus: “When I came to you, brothers it was not with any show of oratory or philosophy but simply to tell you what God had granted.” Yes, Paul did this in a very simple way and equally lived out what he preached. He proved to be indeed the light through which the pagan Corinthians came to see, and the salt which sweetened their lives for good.  Therefore, our encounter with people must leave them better than we met them. It must rub off the dust of worry, shame, despair, and disappointment; cast off the veil of ignorance that sets them back, and it must make them appreciate the Truth and draw closer to God. Like Immanuel Levanas, we must continually ask ourselves: “How do I encounter the other and leave him better than I met him?”

In today’s gospel, Jesus uses salt in conjunction with light in continuation of his Sermon (Beatitudes) on the Mount. During the Old Testament times, salt was used to season the sacrifice offerings, which people made to ask God for forgiveness, and they did so as a reminder of their covenant with God: “And every oblation of your meat offering shall you season with salt; neither shall you suffer the salt of the covenant of your God …all your offerings you shall offer salt” Also, during those times land agreement was sealed with a gift of salt, which showed the strength and permanence of the contract. Therefore, salt points to the effects of a truthful permanent agreement, and as such it changes behavior. In addition, salt was a symbol of God’s activity in a person’s life as it penetrates, preserves, and aids in healing. So that is how God becomes active in our lives. Once we turn to him and allow him to penetrate every aspect of our lives, he preserves us from the evil around and heals us from our wounds. Jesus calls us “salt of the earth” in Matt 5:13. As followers of Christ what qualities are we then supposed to have as salts? First, we must always be faithful to Him and also remember God’s faithfulness to us just as salt when used with sacrifice recalled God’s faithful covenant with his people. Second as salt, we must make a difference in the flavor of the world we live in. Finally, we are to counteract the moral decay in society, heal its wounds and preserve its life just as salt helps wounds heal and preserve food from decay.  Anything short of this we have lost our taste! Any time a Christian gets so entangled to the world to the extent of avoiding the cost of standing up for Jesus, such a believer has lost his characteristic and unique quality of saltiness. Therefore as salts the onus lies on us to preserve the goodness of the world and prevent dangerous, cantankerous and nefarious ubiquitous microorganisms from initiating decays in our world. 

Again, Jesus refers to us Christians as the light. In spite of referring to us as light it suffices to note that, Jesus Himself is the Great Light and of course the source of our own light: Jesus is “… the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world” (John 1:9). He brings light into the darkness, helps us see our way to God, and shows us how to walk along that way in this world. Therefore as Christians we are to reflect or in other words, to witness God’s light unto the world. ‘Witness’ here simply indicates our role as reflectors of God’s light and pointing others to the source of our light. As Christians, we must be ready to expose darkness which includes what is deceptive, foggy, unfaithful, untrustworthy, abusive and malevolent. As light, we must help in raising the fallen state of humanity, our society and melt away both spiritual paralysis and apathy; we must represent “what is good, pure, true, holy, and reliable” (Phil 4, 8). Yes if as Christians we are to be “salt” and “light” we must be good ones, and not counterfeit or the good for nothing types. Of course, light can be very useless especially if it the very- low current type.

Since “charity begins at home,” we must not hide our light. Especially, we must not hide it at home and in our relationships as these are part of the missionary fields we are all called to minister unto. Our families and relations are fertile fields for planting the seeds of Truth. As believers, first and foremost our missionary work is to let our parents, children, spouse, siblings, friends, colleagues, and neighbors see our light through our faith and Spirit. Therefore our light must shine bright so that we can be sure that they see the love, helpfulness, generosity, and joy in us as the connecting glue that makes us all one heavenly family. When we become aware of the light that we are in Christ, we will become aware of the gifts God has given us and so, will find that he will give us the power we need to accomplish our destiny. Our destiny then is simply whatever task God gives us. He will place us in our rightful position, on a candlestick so that we can give light unto all that are in the house and on the hill. As Pastor Tim Chaddick always says,“We must not conceal what God has made clear.” It is however sad to note that many of us have done just this! We have put ourselves “under a bushel,” by hiding from sight and being reluctant to be identified as Christians.Corruption, avarice, greed, bitterness and rancor, over ambitiousness,complacency, resentment, embarrassment, stubbornness of heart, self-empowerment, disobedience, etcetera. We must ask ourselves this Sunday: What bushels do I need to remove in order to let my light shine? Therefore, being light in darkness calls for courage, dexterity, and developing of a very strong moral and spiritual fiber; being very prayerful, being equipped with the word of God, vigilance, discipline and faith in God (Eph 6, 10-20).

Brethren, let us prayer this Sunday as we strive to make a difference in our world: “May the salt we use and taste each day remind us that we are now God’s covenant people who actively help preserve, purify and heal our world. May the light in our life that we take for granted, from the lamp in home or the street to the flash light and to our relations, remind us of the very Source of Light who is the Source of Life – Jesus, and may we never take him for granted.”

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

  Authentic Presentation of Ourselves to God

Readings: (1st: Mal3, 1-4; Ps 23, 7-10; 2nd: Heb2, 14-18; Gos: Luke 2, 22-40) 

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans), Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today, in this 4^th week of the Church’s Ordinary time Year A, is the Feast of the presentation of the Lord. As Christ is presented and offered to God today in the temple, the church also invites us to re-present, re-consecrate and rededicate ourselves totally to God. Offering ourselves unto God, total submission of our will, intellect and body to God is what pleases Him as Paul admonishes us: “…in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God…” (Rom 12:1)

Julia Duin in the Washington Times Sunday, February 1, 2009 told this story. Just after midnight on Feb. 3, 1943, an act of extraordinary unselfishness by a group of men became a legend of martyrdom and sacrifice. When the Army ship Dorchester was torpedoed by the Germans just south of Greenland that night, its passengers and crew had 25 minutes to get off the boat. As 902 people went for the life jackets, it quickly was discovered there weren’t near enough. Of the 13 lifeboats, only two functioned. In the ship’s final minutes, Methodist senior chaplain George Lansing Fox, Rabbi Alexander Goode, Dutch Reformed minister Clark V. Poling and John P. Washington, a Roman Catholic priest, were helping passengers leave the vessel. Then four men appeared all of them without life jackets. The chaplains quickly gave up their own vests and went down with the ship, perishing in the freezing water. Survivors saw them, locked arm in arm, praying and singing the Navy hymn, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” just before the ship dove beneath the waves. It was a night as dramatic as the sinking of the Titanic but without a blockbuster movie to record the drama. “The Four Immortal Chaplains,” as they are now known, have been honored many times, including on a stamp issued in their honor by the U.S. Postal Service. The first Sunday in February is known as “Four Chaplains Sunday.” They presented and offered themselves completely for the well being of others.

The prophet Malachi today prepares our minds for the coming of the Lord to us: “And the Lord you are seeking will suddenly enter the temple… yes he is coming…” The questions we must ask ourselves today is, with what do I meet the Lord, what present have we prepared to offer the Lord when he comes to us in the temple of our being? Quickly, as I reflected on these questions and today’s celebration Jude Nnam’s song come to mind: “What shall I offer to the Lord to make Him happy, oh tell me? What shall I offer to the Lord to please him? If I give him the gift of a car He will not take it… A loving heart, a caring heart, a humble heart, a patient heart he will love…! This is truly the only thing the Lord delights in. If we can present this to him in ourselves he will be happy with us because we would have fulfilled our covenant with him. In other words, the gift of ourselves is the only thing that will keep us standing before him else, we melt away like wax before light. When he comes, he expects us to be strong and holy so as to be able to pass the “litmus test” to which his blazing presence will subject us. Malachi draws the curtain thus: “The offering of Judah and Jerusalem will then be welcomed by the lord as in former days, as in years of old.” It is only when we are good gifts to God that he will receive us. So, we must constantly prepare ourselves for the Lord God of Host.

In the 2^nd reading, Hebrews in a most intricate manner expounds on the fact that Jesus offered himself to us first. He presented himself unto God as an oblation for immolation in order that we might be delivered. He completed his dedication and presentation in the temple with the final dedication and presentation of himself on the public cross of Calvary; “…So by his death, he could take away all the power of the devil who has power over death, and set all those who had been held in slavery all their lives by fear of death.” For Jesus to succeed in this mission of offering himself, he had to pass through the furnace of temptation (Mtt 4, 1-12). Thus, he presented and allowed himself to be purified and humbled through temptation. However, in spite of this he did not sin, instead he remained pure, holy and faithful unto God the father. He did not in spite of all these betray the Trinitarian agreement that he should come and deliver us.  So the presentation which was initiated in the temple was finally made public at Calvary. Little did his adversaries know that in crucifying him publicly, they were presenting publicly to the world the King of kings presented privately in the temple before Simeon and Anna.

The presentation of Jesus reached its climax on the cross. As a toddler, his parents assisted him in beginning the process just as our parents helped us through infant baptism and child dedication. However, as an adult he climaxed his presentation and offering of himself by shamelessly going public on the cross. On the cross, he seemed to say to us by the spreading out of his hands: “I am now a “PLC or PLP” That is “a public liability company or person.” By this public presentation and offer of self, we are now share holders in the “company” of Jesus Christ. It is however important to note that as share holders in his company, on demand we are expected to present our share certificates in order to claim our dividends. What is this share certificate? It includes our holy, purified and humble self as well as the many souls we ourselves have touched and harvested for Christ. The lessons we are to learn from this include that there is no limit to which one can present and offer oneself to God and humanity. Our lives like that of Christ and the four immortal chaplains in the story above must be presented and offered as a sweet smelling sacrifice for the salvation of others. Like Christ, we must pass through the great furnace or crucible of temptation and oddities in order to be prepared for the great offering of ourselves to God and for the sake of humanity. The presentation initiated by our own parents through our infant baptism and dedication in the church must be taken to its crescendo by our own actions, faith and self immolation.

Today’s gospel reminds us that God is faithful to his promise especially to those who love and have faith and hope in him. Like Simeon and Anna, their eyes shall see the salvation of the Lord. Malachi’s prophecy in our first reading was fulfilled in the life of Simeon and Anna in today’s Gospel. This is because, they encountered the Lord in a fashion and at a time they least expected. They knew about him, longed to meet him but never knew when this meeting would be until this sudden day of his presentation when their desire sustained by their hope and faith were fulfilled. Hence Simeon sang the Nunc dimittis: “At last all powerful master you give leave to your servant…for my eyes have seen your salvation…” A very important significance of today’s celebration is that we must re-consecrate and rededicate ourselves to God afresh, we must continue to offer ourselves to him and for his service unending not only in the temple but every where we find ourselves.  So let us pray that God who enabled Jesus to present himself in body and flesh today may sanctify and purify us in body and mind so that we might authentically present and offer ourselves to him as well to his glory.

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!