Jesus Christ Our Great Light!

Readings: (1st: Ish 8, 23-9.3; Ps 26, 1. 4. 13-14; 2nd: I Cor 1, 10-13.17; Gos: Jh 4, 12-23)       

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.

The Holy Mother Church on this 3^rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A, in her infinite wisdom and love once again as she has always done, draws the attention of her beloved children to the Great Light, Jesus Christ. She enjoins us to draw closer to Him so that the reality of our being and life might become fully manifested, and so that the shadows that chase and dominate our lives might diminish. We are therefore to turn to the Great Light so that all the dark spots in our live may be illumined to the detriment of the evil one, but to the glory of God. The Church therefore, exalts us her faithful today, not to be contented with the lesser, false, or man-made lights because the good news already preached to us is a powerful beacon of light which irresistibly, draws us to Christ. There is a simple truth in the study of formation of shadows and mirages in optics (Physics). When a person or an object comes close to the source of light, his/her shadow diminishes and the person or object becomes more real unto oneself or itself. On the contrary, the further one moves away from the source of light, the longer or larger ones shadow becomes.

A few years ago, during what I prefer to describe as the peak of the “Pentecostal Madness” one parlance common to those who had merely changed their church for another was: “I have now seen the light, all these while, I have been living in darkness.” Unfortunately, a close look at most of such people definitely reveals that their entire lives were still shrouded in darkness and the shadows of themselves. The twist about their lives is that, “they have seen the light” not necessarily because they have changed their lives or been “inwardly transformed” by it (Rom 12, 2-3), but because they have changed their “business environments, orientations and strategies.” Such was the case of one young lady – “Ikedinaukwu”, who “saw the light” and suddenly left her former church for another reigning one. Sadly enough, it was not long before it was discovered that she was pregnant. To worsen her case was the fact that she could not say exactly which of her new “brothers in Christ” was responsible. Finally, it dawned on her that she had merely and only changed her “business environment,” and thus drifted millions of miles away from the Great Light. The only light that has the full potentials to chase away humanity’s shadow is the Great Light which is the good news and Christ whose, “light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (Jh 1, 5), the same light which the Magi needed in order to find their way (Mtt 2, 1-12), and this is the same light that shone on Saul, and he was never the same, but became transformed to Paul (Acts 9, 3). This Light is “Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2, 20), in you, and in the good news.

In the first reading, Isaiah pops and pumps up our hope. This hope stems from the fact that the Lord God Himself chose to be our light. What more do we need? This is the reason the Psalmists tells us: “Happy the people whose God is the Lord” (Ps 33, 12)! It is a message of deliverance from the power of darkness that formerly enveloped and harassed us. Isaiah declared: “The people that lived in darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in the land of deep shadow a light has shown.” The light which is God himself is capable of achieving so many impossible feats in the life of any child of God who humbles himself as the land of Zebulon and Naphtali did. The Great Light breaks the yoke that weighs us down, shows us the way and clears all doubts and fears in our heart, so that we can join the Psalmist in echoing: “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?” (Ps 27, 1).

In the second reading, Paul expressed his disappointment over the Corinthian Church or Community. He rebuked them because by their behavior, they still loomed in the shadow of darkness and ignorance. Their quarrels and segregation betrayed and shut them out of the range of the illuminating power of the gospel. Hence Paul reminds them that the bickering and hankerings amongst them is not a good sign that they have received the light of Christ. Hence, he recalled his purpose of being in their midst: “…God did not send me to baptize, but to preach the good news.”  So he refused to be a champion in their “dirty ecclesiastical” politicking or their colloquial politics of divide and rule. Paul does not however mean that baptism is not part of his mission. Instead, he teaches us that the good news is the light that illumines and prepares the soul for baptism. Before one is baptized, one or ones parents are properly catechized using the illuminating light of the good news. In other words, through this, Paul draws our attention to the very essence of the good news which is, casting off the shadows of darkness and ignorance and thus, preparing us for baptism.

Furthermore, Paul simply without any harshness or brutality perfectly allowed this Great Light to pass through him unto them in a very simple manner. This is what he means when he says: “…not to preach that in terms of philosophy in which the crucified Christ cannot be expressed.” How often do we much ado about frivolities in the house of God like this Corinthian Community? When we do this, we betray the good news preached to us, and so drift away from Christ the Great Light, thus relishing in the shadow of our lives. While most of our Christian communities today are like war torn regions, battle fields, dangerous terrains, boxing and wrestling arenas, most of us members, carry in our hearts weapons of mass destruction, dangerous amours, deadly venoms, and the “earth of our hearts” are heavily polluted and loaded with dangerous “land mines,” that could incapacitated fellow brethrens instanta. A community fashioned after this Corinthian Community has not seen the light. It is a pity that in the name of zeal and service to God most of us are actually advancing the course of darkness and elongating the shadows of our communities. We do this by creating dichotomies and comforts zones accessible to us alone. No good Christian or Community receives the Great Light and remains the same as did Paul’s Corinthian Community partitioned between Apollos and Cephas!

In the gospel, the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled through the action of Christ. His presence made a great difference in the life of the people of Capernaum as well as those of neighboring towns of Zebulun and Naphtali. He brought light into their hearts and region. His light was strongly felt because it brought healing and deliverance. He proved to be their “balm of Gilead” (Jer. 8, 22). What we must learn from this is that as replicas of the Great Light, our presence too must be felt and dispel the darkness in people’s lives. The good news we bear in us must alleviate people’s problems; draw them closer to Christ our Great Light so as to diminish their shadows. Today the Church beckons us to turn our entire focus to the Great Light, Jesus Christ who says: “I am the light of the world, the man who follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”(Jh 8, 12). Wherever there is this Great Light darkness ceases to hold sway, quarrels disappears, despair, fears, anger, greed, betrayal, lying, cheating, lust, and all other vices melt away. Wherever the light of the good news and Christ shines, “the people who lived in darkness see a Great Light.” Therefore, if we follow and come closer to the Great Light, Jesus Christ, we become light ourselves and no shadows would be found around us anymore because, “in His light we see light” (Ps. 36,9)!

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

Doing the Will of God As the Chosen One

Readings: (1st: Ish 49:3. 5-6; Ps 39: 2.4. 7-10; 2nd: I Cor 1:1-3; Gos: Jh 1:29-34)        

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.

Today is the second Sunday of Ordinary Time in the Church’s liturgical calendar, Year A. This Sunday, the Church presents to us through the prophetic eyes and insights of Isaiah and John the Baptist, the: “Agnus Dei, qui tollit peccata mundi (Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world)”, and the “Chosen One.” One very remarkable lesson the Church wants us to learn from this Sunday’s readings and reflection is that, though this Lamb of God was a “Servant” of God, yet he was more than a “mere servant.” The simple reason being that, He carried out with utmost and perfect obedience, the Will of the Father with whom He and the Holy Spirit are One. What this portends is that to be the Chosen One is to be ready to do the Will of God. Then, we must pause to ask ourselves this Sunday, as one chosen by God, by virtue of my baptism:  Am I making any effort to do the Will of God?

In the first reading of today from the prophet Isaiah, God honored his Servant, and sealed this honour with a promise and mission: “Thus says the Lord, I will make you a light to the nations.” Of course, there is a purpose for this promise, and this is: “So that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth!” There are three basic suppositions that could be taken for granted here about this promise and mission of God to his Servant. The first is that, this Servant is a trusted and tested One. In other words, God has found him worthy and capable. Second, he has accepted the Lord’s message and salvation because one cannot give what one does not have. Third, this Servant will not keep this salvation to himself, He is not selfish. Rather, he will reach out to others in order to let them have a share in this salvation. In other words, he will do the will of Him who sent him as the Psalmist says today: “Here I am Lord I come to do your Will.” As Christians, we are all chosen and called for one purpose, to do the Will of God. This will is simply to make known the salvation of the Lord and to help establish the kingdom of God in men’s heart. It is to allow the light of Christ with which God endowed and decorated us to shine forth on others. So, today as the church celebrates Jesus Christ the Servant and Chosen One of God who came to do the Father’s Will in perfect obedience, we are equally called to toll his footsteps in doing God’s Will. But first, we must know and equip ourselves with this Will.

In the second reading of today, Paul affirms his call to be an apostle. In this reading, he equally proves the fact that having answered this call he bent down to do the will of God in obedience. Of course, it was not an easy task to do this. Furthermore, he highlights another very important element of doing God’s will, living a saintly life. Hence, he speaks of the call of the Corinthians thus: “…To the church of God in Corinth, to the holy people of Jesus Christ, who are called to take their place among all the saints everywhere…” In other words, one of the greatest missions entrusted to us on earth is to be holy, to work towards being among the saints of God. By so doing, we speak volumes to those to whom we are called to minister or evangelize. It is the Will of God for us to be holy because he says to us: “Be Holy for I the Lord your God am holy” (1Pet 1, 13-16).

In the gospel of today, John the Baptist identifies and vividly presents to the world the Saviour. By this act, he John has completed his mission. He has come to the apogee of doing the Will of God. It is for this reason he was called to be a prophet, to be the forerunner of he who was to be the Saviour of the world and this, he has perfectly and obediently completed according to the mind of God. John therefore is a perfect example to us of how we ought to approach the call and Will of God for us. What more does God expect from us than to lead others who have not known his son Jesus Christ to Him? We are therefore today reminded that as John the Baptist did the Will of God, we are also to continue from where he stopped by continually helping people find Christ, and by showing people the way of salvation. All we need do is to accept to do this and then, like in the days of John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit of God will confirm our efforts.

One question that we must ask ourselves today is, when Jesus appeared why did people not recognize him, were they physically blind? No! Instead they suffered from “spiritual Glaucoma” or blindness that prevented them from recognizing the Saviour whom they have waited for so long. It took the combination of an anointed prophet, and the confirmation and testimony of the Holy Spirit to identify him. Therefore, as children of God endowed with prophetic eyes and insights through our baptism, it is our call and duty to help the spiritually blind see and identify Christ. This is because, though Christ was in the midst of his people, yet they needed help in order to recognize him. The only difference that the presence of Jesus Christ will make in the life of the spiritually blind is US, our testimonies, our gestures, our verbal/vocal pronouncements of: “Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccata mundi (Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”). These point not to us, but to Jesus Christ especially, when like John the Baptist we insist and add: “Yes, I have seen, and I am the witness that he is the Chosen One of God.” Jesus was a Servant and yet, much more than a servant, this informs the reason John the Baptist called him the Lamb, the Chosen One. He is chosen to do the Will of God the Father which is the establishment of the reign and kingdom of God in the world, and in particular in the hearts of men and women. John the Baptist kick started it through his testimony and witness. Both Christ and John the Baptist have played their roles as far as doing the will of God is concerned. So, the rest of the job is ours to continue to spread the kingdom already established. On us lies the onus to discover new territories, virgin and even barren regions in the hearts of men; develop and make them fruitful for Christ to reign as King and Lord.

Another important requirement for us to do the will of God perfectly is to be in tune with the Holy Spirit of God. God supplies the grace that we need to do his will while the Holy Spirit supplies the power and the foresight we need to fulfill our function. If we are in tune with the Holy Spirit as John the Baptist was, he will reveal to us all we need to know and the best way to communicate and make him known to others. Had the Spirit not revealed to John these hidden mysteries how could he have done the Will of God or accomplished his mission? Or put the other way round, had John the Baptist not aligned himself and obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit how could he have fulfilled the will of God for him? The Holy Spirit is operative in doing the Will of God, and in communicating the merits of salvation to those who of their own accord cannot identify Christ in their midst. It is pertinent to mention here that those who are not led by the Holy Spirit can only bear witness and testimony about Jesus only to the extent that He is “a great man”, an eloquent and authoritative teacher”, and perhaps “a master” or “a guru.” But like John the Baptist, to bear witness to Jesus Christ and see him as the Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccata mundi, the Chosen One, and Son of God, is only possible through the aid of the Holy Spirit, because: “No one” as the scripture tells us, “can say Jesus is Lord except by the power of the Holy Spirit” (I Cor 12, 3). It is the Spirit of God that helps us in doing the Will of God day by day because, He takes the things about Christ and the Kingdom of his Father and makes it known to us the adopted children of the Father for on ward transmission to our brethrens in real and dare need of salvation. Brethrens let us jubilantly shout out to our God and Father as the Psalmist teaches to say today: “Hear I am Lord! I come to do your Will.”

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

Baptism of the Lord: We are The Beloved Children of the Father!

Readings: (1st: Ish 42, 1-4.6-7; Ps: 28, 1-4.9-10; 2nd: Acts10, 34-38; Gos: Mtt 3, 13-17)

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 celebration of the Lord’s Baptism and equally marks the end of Christmas season, Year A. The Lord’s Baptism is providentially situated at the beginning of the year in order to remind us of our own baptism and God’s gratuitous call of us to belong to his fold and flock. It is situated thus as a way of re-awakening in us at the beginning of a new year, of who we are, and ought to be. It is a reminder that we share in the Great and One Baptism of Jesus Christ who “was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man” like us.

Baptism cleans and releases us from the bondage of Original Sin, and makes us children of God. It configures us as adopted children of God and confirms that we are members of God’s Great house hold with its embassy on earth and its administrative head quarters in heaven where the Trinitarian God reigns supreme. On this day therefore, of utmost importance is the need for us to reflect on how far we have kept our baptismal vows. How faithful have we been to God in terms of keeping these promises. Are we still saying “I DO” to questions like: “Do you reject Satan? Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God’s children? Do you reject the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin? If our answer is on the contrary, it is time to retrace our ways and come back home to God to whom ab initio we made these vows and so betrothed ourselves. Today, God the Father says of the son: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased,” while God the Spirit in the form of a dove bears testimony of the sonship of Jesus Christ. What testimony does God bear of me and, can God testify that I am truly His child who does his will and keeps his promises?

Our first reading from the book of Isaiah is a prophesy about the Messiah who was to come, which was of course fulfilled in the gospel of today during Jesus’ baptism. The Spirit of God rests on Jesus and also bears testimony that he is the son of God. In this reading, as in the gospel, we see the Trinitarian God united in action. God the Father spoke thus: “Here is my servant/this is my beloved son; whom I uphold/in whom I am well pleased.” God the Spirit bore the testimony by resting upon the son as a dove. They worked together in order to initiate the redemption of humanity through the water of baptism. Through today’s celebration, Jesus Christ brings not only redeemed men and women, but also the unredeemed creation to the steps of Calvary and has opened the way. This is why in our second reading from Acts 10, 34-38, God extended His grace of redemption to Cornelius the gentile and his entire household as he did to us through the same water of baptism. Peter himself surprised at the all-encompassing love and mercy of God testifies thus: “The truth I have now come to realize is that God has no favorites, but any one of any nationality who fears God is acceptable to him.” In other words, the water of baptism sanctified by Jesus does not segregate.
A certain priest was good to a group of students. So they decided to come around in order to show their appreciation and express their profound gratitude. After expressing their joys over what he has done for them, the students punctuated their speech with: “God bless you Father!” At this, the Priest objected and responded: “Oh no! You are not the one to say ‘God bless you’ or to bless me, I am the one ordained to bless you people.” So the students asked him: “So then Father, what shall we say to you for your kindness to us?” Then the priest said to them: “Simply say thank you Father!” Where the students wrong? I do not think so, because as baptized Christians they too can bless people. However, as a matter of the order things should follow, the priest himself was also not wrong. This is similar to the scene we find in our gospel today. Although Jesus was greater than John the Baptist and in actuality was supposed to administer the sacrament on John, He allowed and insisted it to be the other way round. This is an extreme act of humility which we ourselves must emulates and make effort to live out. The most important lesson here is that Jesus tried to underscore the importance of baptism to the redemption of humanity and the life of a Christian. It is not a mere sign. Rather, it is a sacrament which leaves an indelible mark on the receiver. Once we receive this mark, we must not allow it to be covered by the “dust of life.” We must make enough effort to leave it as visible as possible, so that God could see it always and testify of us: “This is my beloved son (or daughter), in whom I am well pleased!”

One question that often lingers is this, was it actually necessary for Christ to be baptized since he said to John the Baptist: “Leave it like this for now; it is fitting that we should, in this way to fulfill all that righteousness demand.” Why did Jesus subject himself to this process? First and foremost, Jesus proves to us that though being God he was fully and equally man. In order words, he shows us to what extent he fully identifies with us. Through this, he manifested his full humanity through the water of baptism. Ordinarily, baptism was not necessary for Jesus because “he was like us in all things except sin” (Heb 4, 15). He was not tainted in any way by Original Sin due to the fall of Adam and Eve. However, as true human that he is, his baptism as he rightly insisted was in order “to fulfill all that righteousness demand,” and remarkably, as a sign of solidarity with us whom he came down from heaven to redeem. It is a sign that he himself was ready to go through any ordeal in order to guarantee our salvation, the greatest reason for his incarnation. That which He was to seal with his blood latter on, he initiated through the water of baptism today. Hence, he begins and initiates the process of saving humanity by himself dying and rising with us in the water of baptism. By this act, Jesus proved right the song which says: “You came from heaven to earth to show the way…” He is the pacesetter in whose foot step every true believer must follow.  He not only came to show the way, he proved to be the “Via, Veritas, et Vita (The Way, the Truth and the Life)” himself (John 14, 6).

Also, through his baptism, Jesus assures us that redemption is only through him in whose name we ourselves are baptized: “There is no other name by which man can be saved except through that name Jesus Christ (Act 4, 12). Having gone through the waters of baptism, he has sanctified it and so paved the way for us to step into it. In this way therefore, Christ differs from other Old Testament Priests and Prophets. He is: “One who has no need to do as those other priests did…what he has done, he has done once and for all; and the offering was himself” (Heb 7, 27). This offering of himself for our redemption begins with his baptism, with which he opened the way for us to be first cleansed of Original Sin. This is the gateway to our salvation and a significant one indeed! After all, how Original sin could be forgiven without Jesus’ abiding forgiveness through the water of baptism? Therefore, my dear friend, today the church calls us to renew our baptismal vows to God. This is very important because unless God sees a difference in the places we frequent, in our activities, in the pleasures in which we indulge, in the language we use, in our fashion, in our work, in our relationship with others and with him, in our attitude towards creation, etcetera, He can not testify about us: “this is my beloved son/daughter in whom I am well pleased” Finally, in the words of Archbishop Fulton Sheen: Separated from the world, separated unto God – these are the negative and positive sides, and signs of our own baptism and Christianity.”

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!  

 Beloved, Arise & Shine!

Rdgs: (1st: Ish 60, 1-6; Ps: 71; 2nd: Eph3, 2-3.5-6; Gos: Mtt 2, 1-12)           

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). He is currently working at the Sanctuario del Espiritu Santo, en Dorado, Puerto Rico, del Internacional Grupo Espiritano De Puerto Rico – Republica Dominicana. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.           

Today is Epiphany of the Lord which informs the choice of the theme of our reflection, Beloved, Arise and Shine! There is no better season to ask one to arise and shine than during this glorious season of the birth of the Messiah and the New Year. This is the best time to call to mind once more the story of the rusty shield which said to the Sun: “Dazzle me!” While the Sun responded: “Polish yourself, and I will dazzle you!” Therefore, this season we must rise and shine because: “In His (Christ’s) light we see light” (Ps 36, 9).

The term Epiphany is of Greek origin, epiphaninen. It is a verb with the following synonyms or meanings: “to reveal,” “to manifest” or “to make known.” It celebrates the many ways through which Jesus has revealed himself to us. These include the events that bring to light his mission and divinity; the visitation of the Magi (Mtt 2, 10-12); the baptism of Jesus (Mk 1, 9-11; and the miracle at Cana (Jh 2, 1-11). Objectively speaking only good things are revealed while the bad ones are hidden to avoid shame. Even when the bad ones are revealed, it is done in order to expose evil. They are not revealed with pride or joy.

The first reading of today from the prophet Isaiah enjoins us to: “Arise and Shine out Jerusalem, for your light has come, the glory of the Lord is rising on you.”  This glory of the Lord is Christ himself who has come to dwell amongst us. He is the source of all lights in the world. He is like the Sun, the source of all natural and earthly lights. We are called to be like the moon, lenses and mirrors that pick up the light and reflect it without of course diminishing its intensity or brightness. For this to be possible, we must first position ourselves on the same axis with Christ the source of our light and life.

In the second reading, Paul makes a very important salvific point. This is the fact that this light which Christ shines upon us does not segregate or discriminate. He writes: “It means that pagans now share the same inheritance, that they are parts of the same body, and that the same promise has been made to them, in Christ Jesus, through the gospel.” Paul simply affirms the scripture which says that God allows his light/rain to fall on both the good and the bad. He allows it upon the good in order to make him better and upon the bad in order to transform him to good.

Today’s gospel reminds us that Christ, revealed himself to us through his stars. So, we are called like the three wise men in our gospel today to follow and adore him because: “All nations shall fall prostrate before you O Lord!”(Ps 71, 3). However, our worship must be sincere like the Magi’s as opposed to the false proposal of king Herod. It must be a genuine worship devoid of deceit. In light of this, we must offer ourselves completely to Him. If we humbly adore and pay our new born king fitting and sincere homage, our own light and star will equally shine forth and others will see it and search for us in order to pay us homage.

Today, God reveals himself to us because he is good and loving. The light that shines forth upon us today is the light of life. Today the Lord Jesus Christ further extends and expands the horizon of his love to us by not being selfish. Rather, he allows his light to shine on us in order to illumine the darkness of our lives. The lesson today is that as Christ illumines our lives this New Year with his own light and divine presence, we too must pass on the light. Another is that if we must get to our heavenly destination, we must continue to follow the star and light that Christ shows us.

Finally, we must not allow ourselves to be deceived or distracted. Trusting that God will not mislead or misguide us, we must continue to look out for his star and light along the part of our journey to eternity. Any time we are confused or come to the cross roads of life, we must seek divine guidance and counsel in our lives. Let implore the Lord: Father, guide us with your light. Help us to recognize Christ in the Eucharist and welcome him with love, for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen!

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

The Holy and Ideal Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Readings: (1st: Sir 3, 2-6. 12-14; Ps: 127, 1-15; 2nd: Col 3, 12-21; Gos: Mtt 2, 13-15. 19-23)           

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, the first Sunday in the octave of Christmas the Church celebrates the Holy Family of Nazareth: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. She presents us with the ideal or role model after which every family should be fashioned. The family as an institution which is the nucleus of society has suffered greatly in our time, and consequently, the society at large has suffered too. Unfortunately, we live in a time when the fabrics of the family are speedily been corroded and eroded away by the acidic, deadly and unprecedented culture that has seriously threatened this institution.

Some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl after being consoled and encouraged by her mother to go ahead with her project, brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, “This is for you, Daddy.” The man was embarrassed by his earlier over-reaction, but his anger flared again when he found out the box was empty. He yelled at her, stating, “Don’t you know, when you give someone a present, there is supposed to be something inside? The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and cried, “Oh, Daddy, it’s not empty at all. I blew kisses into the box. They are all for you, Daddy.” The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness. Only a short time later, an accident took the life of the child. It is also told that her father kept that gold box by his bed for many years and, whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there. In a very real sense, each one of us, as humans beings have been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses… from our husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, children, family members, relatives, friends, and God. There is simply no other possession, anyone could hold, more precious than the love that comes from one’s family. Also, there is no other precious gift that the world could cherish more than the gift of Family that God gave to us.

All the readings of this Sunday are carefully selected instructions concerning an ideal family and the duties of each member in order to maintain the sanity and sanctity required in a family. The first reading from Sir 3: 2-6. 12-14,in a nut shell speaks of the need for children to be responsible and obedient to their parents: “He who honors the Lord respects his parents.” The reason is obvious; they are the representatives of God to their children. A child who does well by obeying the good counsel of his parents is highly rewarded with great blessings both from God and from his parents. Hence: “…Whoever respects his father 1s atoning for his sins, he who honors his mother is like someone amassing a fortune. Whoever respects his father will be happy with children of his own.” In other words, in an ideal family, it is the role of children to make their parents and God happy. When they do, definitely a blessing follows them as Paul admonishes us: “Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honour your father and mother-which is the first commandment with a promise, that it may be well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth” (Eph 6, 1-2). In the second reading Paul outlined the qualities and virtues a Christian and an ideal family should possess to guide and sustain it. “…You should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and in humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins.” Of course, he did not forget the greatest of all virtues: “Over all these…put on love.” In a Christian family each member knows his duty, boundary and onions. If each carries out his / her duty well the unity and love of the family blossoms. If the father and husband loves his wife and children by caring, protecting and providing for them, he wins their favour and admiration. If the wife and mother give way to the father and m nurture her children well, things will go well. Finally should the children play their role of obedience to the latter then a Christian and happy family is the end result. But where these are lacking, nothing works and the family breaks down.

There is no other time in history that the stability of the family has been threatened more than in our age. This is the age when the father has almost lost control of “the steering” of the “automobile” called family in which the society, nation and the world at large ride. It is a time when the world has dubiously and shamelessly tried to redefine marriage and family from the union of man and woman and their legitimate children, to the union of man and a fellow man; woman and a fellow woman and of course with “borrowed” or “adopted children”. What a shame! This does not and will never make a family. It is rather a corruption of the institution ordained by God himself. This is why the church calls us especially to reflect again and again on this God-given- institution through which He (God), regenerates, revitalizes and sustains humankind and the world at large; this institution which is as old as creation of the world and ordained by God himself. It is the ideal and role model for all who fear the Lord and work in his ways. What are we to emulate from this holy family? They include unity, love, commitment, willingness to survive as one entity, solidarity at moments of difficulty, good morals, peaceful co-existence, etcetera. These are among the essential qualities that our “modern day families” lack and of course, this is the reason we are have lost grip of virtually everything we have and ought to be happy about. This is why our generation appears to be bewitched with all sorts of evil because we have neglected and abused this wonderful system instituted by God himself ab initio. To allow this institution or God’s product of love to undergo any form of “mutation” in the form of modernization or secularization is a sin against God and Nature. We must therefore ask ourselves on this great day, is this the will of God, and do I actually have a family that I am proud of? We all need a family because, Nemo sibi nascitur (no one is born for himself alone).

The gospel according to Matthew (Mtt 2, 13-15. 19-23)presents us with the difficulties that could befall a family and also how they could be overcome. It reminds us that problems and obstacles are inevitable in a family but if the members remain united and courageous they will definitely overcome them all. It also throws a great light on the fact that the father is very important in a family. Of course, he is the protector and defender of the family in the face of adversaries. Joseph as we see today played his part very well and is a role model for all fathers. Mary also played hers very well by providing the tender, loving, care and succor the baby required throughout the course of the rough journey. On his part, the little Jesus was not problematic. Even in his infantile nature, he understood the difficulties of the presents at the time and so remained calm throughout the journey in the dessert. He was not disobedient! In life problems are inevitable and so, we must not allow them to tear our families apart. Instead, they should strengthen our unity and love for one another. Furthermore, one more lesson we must learn from Joseph and the Holy Family in general is that we must not delay action when danger or difficulties come knocking. Joseph acted fast and so averted the danger of having the little Jesus killed by Herod. Fathers must live up to expectation; they must listen to God, and must learn to act fast in faith.

An ideal family is therefore, a family fashioned and modeled after the Holy Family of Nazareth comprising of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. An ideal family is made up of father (husband- male), mother (wife – female) and of course Children (male or female, if it pleases the Lord). It is a family that sticks and prays together. It is a family that though having differentiated roles all work and walk together in harmony. It is a family where respect and dignity is accorded each member. An ideal family must have love, health, work and God. In an ideal family all the members are happy. They understand, love and help each other. Husband is the bread winner of the family. All members of the family share difficulties and responsibilities. Money is important but it cannot make a happy family. On the contrary, a poor family is not an ideal one. In other words in an ideal family there balance because in its entire ramification. This is the model of the family that the church presents to the entire world today and wishes that her faithful emulate it.

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

The Holy and Ideal Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Readings: (1st: Sir 3, 2-6. 12-14; Ps: 127, 1-15; 2nd: Col 3, 12-21; Gos: Mtt 2, 13-15. 19-23)           

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 the first Sunday in the octave of Christmas the Church celebrates the Holy Family of Nazareth: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. She presents us with the ideal or role model after which every family should be fashioned. The family as an institution which is the nucleus of society has suffered greatly in our time, and consequently, the society at large has suffered too. Unfortunately, we live in a time when the fabrics of the family are speedily been corroded and eroded away by the acidic, deadly and unprecedented culture that has seriously threatened this institution. 

Some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl after being consoled and encouraged by her mother to go ahead with her project, brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, “This is for you, Daddy.” The man was embarrassed by his earlier over-reaction, but his anger flared again when he found out the box was empty. He yelled at her, stating, “Don’t you know, when you give someone a present, there is supposed to be something inside? The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and cried, “Oh, Daddy, it’s not empty at all. I blew kisses into the box. They are all for you, Daddy.” The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness. Only a short time later, an accident took the life of the child. It is also told that her father kept that gold box by his bed for many years and, whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there. In a very real sense, each one of us, as humans beings have been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses… from our husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, children, family members, relatives, friends, and God. There is simply no other possession, anyone could hold, more precious than the love that comes from one’s family. Also, there is no other precious gift that the world could cherish more than the gift of Family that God gave to us.

All the readings of this Sunday are carefully selected instructions concerning an ideal family and the duties of each member in order to maintain the sanity and sanctity required in a family. The first reading from Sir 3: 2-6. 12-14,in a nut shell speaks of the need for children to be responsible and obedient to their parents: “He who honors the Lord respects his parents.” The reason is obvious; they are the representatives of God to their children. A child who does well by obeying the good counsel of his parents is highly rewarded with great blessings both from God and from his parents. Hence: “…Whoever respects his father 1s atoning for his sins, he who honors his mother is like someone amassing a fortune. Whoever respects his father will be happy with children of his own.” In other words, in an ideal family, it is the role of children to make their parents and God happy. When they do, definitely a blessing follows them as Paul admonishes us: “Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honour your father and mother-which is the first commandment with a promise, that it may be well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth” (Eph 6, 1-2). In the second reading Paul outlined the qualities and virtues a Christian and an ideal family should possess to guide and sustain it. “…You should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and in humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins.” Of course, he did not forget the greatest of all virtues: “Over all these…put on love.” In a Christian family each member knows his duty, boundary and onions. If each carries out his / her duty well the unity and love of the family blossoms. If the father and husband love his wife and children by caring, protecting and providing for them, he wins their favour and admiration. If the wife and mother give way to the father and m nurture her children well, things will go well. Finally should the children play their role of obedience to the latter then a Christian and happy family is the end result. But where these are lacking, nothing works and the family breaks down.

There is no other time in history that the stability of the family has been threatened more than in our age. This is the age when the father has almost lost control of “the steering” of the “automobile” called family in which the society, nation and the world at large ride. It is a time when the world has dubiously and shamelessly tried to redefine marriage and family from the union of man and woman and their legitimate children, to the union of man and a fellow man; woman and a fellow woman and of course with “borrowed” or “adopted children”. What a shame! This does not and will never make a family. It is rather a corruption of the institution ordained by God himself. This is why the church calls us especially to reflect again and again on this God-given- institution through which He (God), regenerates, revitalizes and sustains humankind and the world at large; this institution which is as old as creation of the world and ordained by God himself. It is the ideal and role model for all who fear the Lord and work in his ways. What are we to emulate from this holy family? They include unity, love, commitment, willingness to survive as one entity, solidarity at moments of difficulty, good morals, peaceful co-existence, etcetera. These are among the essential qualities that our “modern day families” lack and of course, this is the reason we are have lost grip of virtually everything we have and ought to be happy about. This is why our generation appears to be bewitched with all sorts of evil because we have neglected and abused this wonderful system instituted by God himself ab initio. To allow this institution or God’s product of love to undergo any form of “mutation” in the form of modernization or secularization is a sin against God and Nature. We must therefore ask ourselves on this great day, is this the will of God, and do I actually have a family that I am proud of? We all need our family because Nemo sibi nascitur (no one is born for himself alone)!

The gospel according to Matthew (Mtt 2, 13-15. 19-23)presents us with the difficulties that could befall a family and also how they could be overcome. It reminds us that problems and obstacles are inevitable in a family but if the members remain united and courageous they will definitely overcome them all. It also throws a great light on the fact that the father is very important in a family. Of course, he is the protector and defender of the family in the face of adversaries. Joseph as we see today played his part very well and is a role model for all fathers. Mary also played hers very well by providing the tender, loving, care and succor the baby required throughout the course of the rough journey. On his part, the little Jesus was not problematic. Even in his infantile nature, he understood the difficulties of the presents at the time and so remained calm throughout the journey in the dessert. He was not disobedient! In life problems are inevitable and so, we must not allow them to tear our families apart. Instead, they should strengthen our unity and love for one another. Furthermore, one more lesson we must learn from Joseph and the Holy Family in general is that we must not delay action when danger or difficulties come knocking. Joseph acted fast and so averted the danger of having the little Jesus killed by Herod. Fathers must live up to expectation; they must listen to God, and must learn to act fast in faith.  

An ideal family is therefore, a family fashioned and modeled after the Holy Family of Nazareth comprising of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. An ideal family is made up of father (husband- male), mother (wife – female) and of course Children (male or female, if it pleases the Lord). It is a family that sticks and prays together. It is a family that though having differentiated roles all work and walk together in harmony. It is a family where respect and dignity is accorded each member. An ideal family must have love, health, work and God. In an ideal family all the members are happy. They understand, love and help each other. Husband is the bread winner of the family. All members of the family share difficulties and responsibilities. Money is important but it cannot make a happy family. On the contrary, a poor family is not an ideal one. In other words in an ideal family there balance because in its entire ramification. This is the model of the family that the church presents to the entire world today and wishes that her faithful emulate it.

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

Indeed God-Is-With-Us!

Readings: (1st: Ish 7, 10-14; Ps: 23, 1-6; 2nd: 1, 1- 7; Gos: Mtt 1, 18-24)          

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 fourth Sunday of Advent and just three days from now our expectations shall be fulfilled and our efforts and patience justified by the birth of the Messiah whose coming we have earnestly and eagerly longed for. These three days calls for more caution and vigilance, else we might be caught napping. Therefore, we should be readier than we have ever been, fill our lamps with oil and be ready for the arrival of the Groom and Master (Mtt 25, 1-13). We must at this juncture not emulate the actions of the five foolish virgins. Rather, we should hearken to the voice of wisdom which beckons us: “be ready for your salvation is close at hand” (Rom 13, 11). One of my professors during my study of Philosophy would always tell us: “Beware and careful about the introduction and the conclusion of any book or write up.” I have tested this saying, and experience has shown that it is true. These are critical points in reading a book as well as in every other aspect of life. We may start well waiting for the Lord’s arrival but if we do not take time, our waiting might be in vain as was the case of the five foolish virgins. God forbid! So, as we have followed patiently this season, we must also these three last days be more vigilant.

The sign that God revealed finally on this last Sunday and week of Advent is highly significant. This is because it is shows that God’s choice rested on the house of David which was highly favoured to bear the Emmanuel, God-Is-With-Us. However, Mary’s child was to belong to all of us and to all nations. Therefore, you and I are one of the nations who by the loving and trust worthy invitation of God belong to Jesus Christ. Hence, in the first reading of this Sunday through a brief dialogue which ensued between the God and king Ahaz, God revealed to us one of the greatest signs ever to be made known to humankind: “A maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Emmanuel, a name which means God-Is-With-Us!” It is therefore important to note that this sign was revealed after king Ahaz humbled himself and refused to put God to test. The lessons we are to learn from this are enormous. First, we must allow God to be God without poking or trying to preempt him. Second, we must learn to trust not only God’s good sense of judgment but his ability to decide what is good for us. Third, we need not run after signs anymore because the Lord God of Hosts Himself has made known to us and the entire humanity at large the fullness of signs or revelation in his only son Jesus Christ. This is what he has done for us this season.

Both the 2^nd reading and the gospel of today are narratives about how Christ was born or about his life. They are testimonies of how God fulfilled his promise to us his people thereby proving that the sign he gave to us were not a product of mere flatus vocis (empty words). They are therefore an assurance that our God is equal to the task. He is able and willing at all times to bring to fulfillment his promises to us. Paul takes us memory lane by reminding us of the promises that came through the prophets. He starts his narrative thus: “This is news about the son of God…It is about Jesus Christ. Through him, we receive grace and our apostolic mission…you are one of these nation, and by his call belong to Christ.” From this Paul clearly reminds us of our great heritage in Jesus Christ, of our mission and call, and most importantly, he re-enkindle and re-instills confidence in us for us to believe that “the promises of God are all of them sure” (II Cor 1, 20), and will come to pass. In the gospel, Matthew in his infancy narrative tells of “how Jesus came to be born.” how the word came to take flesh and dwell among us. Of significance in this story is the central positions occupied by Joseph and Mary as not just instruments for fulfilling God’s promises, but as collaborators, and cooperators in bringing about the fulfillment of God’s promises for the salvation of humankind. This is highly significant and laden with lessons. The first being that God is ever willing to fulfill his promises come what may. The second gives much credence to the saying that “in creating us God did not need our cooperation but in saving us he needs our cooperation.” Of course, this is not to underrate the power or ability of God to save us without our cooperation; or better still, that with God all things are no longer possible. No! Rather, it is a way of saying that God in spite being our creator respects our freedom especially to be saved. This simply means that we must make ourselves available for God to use us in advancing the course of humanity as Mary and Joseph did. It is because of their cooperation and availability that God-Is-With-Us! As we expect the coming of the Messiah, each one of us must make himself available as worthy instruments. We must be ready to cooperate with God as Mary and Joseph did in order that the promises of God might be fulfilled for our good. We must allow ourselves to be instruments through which God will better the lot of humanity. We must not resist God or even become obstacles to what God wishes to do in our lives. We must simply behave like Joseph whom we are told that “when he woke up, he did what the angel told him to do; he took his wife home.” We must be ready to do what God tells us to do if it must be accounted to us as those who cooperated with God. So, in whatever capacity we are called by God to serve his purpose and for the sake of humanity we must cooperate like Mary who bore God-Is-With-Us, and Joseph who protected Mary and God-Is-With-Us.

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

A Moment of Joy: Moment of Refreshment and Renewal!

Readings: (1st: Ish 35, 1-6; Ps: 145, 6-10; 2nd: James 5, 7-10; Gos: Mtt 11, 2-11)           

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.

“Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall be exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not stumble!” (Ish 40, 30-31). Today is Gaudete Sunday. That is, the third Sunday of Advent. This term Gaudete simply means rejoice! The significance of this Sunday to us Catholics and perhaps some other mainline Christian Churches like the Anglicans, Methodists etcetera, is that having engaged ourselves for a couple of weeks now with solemn and penitential preparation for the Lord’s coming, the Church encourages us to lighten our mood this Sunday. This is also why symbolically the church lightens the colour of her liturgical vestment for today’s celebration from purple to possibly rose. The Church also gives us a pat in the back by way of saying well done for the courage and sincerity you have exhibited so far. She says to us, be joyful because very soon your expectation and efforts shall bear good fruits. As a comforting mother she says to us today: “Gaudete in Domino semper” (Rejoice in the Lord always…, Phil 4, 4). She equally re-echoes to her faithful the traditional Jewish encouragement that we find in the Scriptures in the Old Testament: “Go and enjoy choice food sweet drink…this day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh 8, 10).

In the first reading of this Sunday the prophet Isaiah exalts us to be joyful because God himself is coming to save us his people. He says to us: “Courage! Do not be afraid, look your God is coming.”  Our God being a generous God will come with lots of gifts and goodies. He is the “Real Father Christmas Par Excellence,” when it comes to dishing out gifts of well being to his people. Hence, the prophet lets the cat out of the bag for us concerning what the Lord will bring when he comes: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be open, ears of the deaf unsealed…for those the Lord has ransomed shall return.” Most important of all these is the joy that will accompany the Lord’s coming with which his people who waited patiently and faithfully shall be filled to over flowing: “They will come to Zion shouting for joy, everlasting joy on their faces; joy and gladness will go with them and sorrow and lament ended.” Therefore, the joy that fills our heart today is only a foretaste of that which we are to experience when Jesus comes. It is only a tip of the iceberg and a sign that the future is bright with lots of prospect for us.

Two men, Utondu and Izundu were sent on a special mission for the well being of their community. It was a very long and painstaking mission that required lots of courage, discipline, maturity and dedication to the mission. However, as they embarked on the mission they were warned beforehand to beware of the goodies they might encounter along the way. They were no doubt asked to help themselves with some of them if need be, but must not fail to bring back the item they seek for the wellbeing of their community. After many days of toiling, being thirsty, they came across a very clean and beautiful stream. Since they were barred from entering the stream without a fetching bowl, a very pretty young lady there offered to help them fetch water with her bowl in order to quench their thirst and be refreshed. After drinking, Utondu became infatuated and “fell in Love” with the young lady, and so, refused to continue with his mission. In spite of all the persuasions and advice from Izundu, he refused to continue saying: “I have found joy here, a beautiful stream and a beautiful lady. What more do I need in life?” After making a frantic effort to win him back to continue their mission without any headway, Izundu forged ahead alone. Of course he did succeed and was adequately rewarded and made one of the pillars of his community.  He became a renowned figure, got married to one of the prettiest ladies around and became wealthy in every ramification. A couple of years latter Utondu, appeared from oblivion looking haggard and devastated. Of course, he remained very wretched until his death. This is sad! But he of his own free will lost focus and did not get to his final destination because it was truncated and punctuated by what was supposed to be a brief moment of joy and source of strength for the journey ahead.

In deed the strength that we need to complete our waiting stems from the joy that we derive from being Christians and ultimately as God’s children. One former military head of state (according to his personal military philosophy and ideology) once said that: “A soldier should smile only once in a month – the day he/she receives his/her pay package.” In order words, after that day, the soldier must returns to serious business of keeping watch and being security conscious. This does not mean that on this day the soldier should lax because, because if he does, he might be taken unawares by the enemy as was the case of Troy and the Trojan’s war horse in Greek mythology. Gaudete Sunday therefore is one of such days in our Journey this Advent when we must lighten up our mood with a smile. Yes, this Sunday we are called to rejoice, but not to be carried away because the preparation and the battle is not yet over! It is only a moment of refreshment. Take in some fresh air, fresh water and a few slices of well buttered bread, be rejuvenated, and strengthened for the rest of the journey ahead. Today in order not to be carried away by this joyful mood, the church simply and gently re-echoes in her encouraging, gentle and caring words as the angel of God spoke to Elijah in the wilderness: “Get up and eat for the journey is too much for you” (1Kgs…). Gaudete Sunday is only but a moment of refreshment not an aeon to be spent jubilating. It is a time of spiritual re-strategizing on how we shall get to the end of our project. It is to be done joyfully, yet, with watchfulness. It is only but a stopover at a “God’s filling station” in order to have a spiritual refill for the rest of the journey. It is not our final destination even though there are plenty of pleasant goodies in it that gives joy to our heart.

In the second reading James of course, having worked with and tasted the Lord, is cocksure of the fulfillment of the promises of Christ. So he is emphatic in his assurance. Hence he tells us: “Be patient brothers until the Lord’s coming…. Do not lose heart, because the Lord’s coming will be soon!” In the game or exercise of waiting, patience is the key word and the basis of endurance. These two come together to produce the joy which keeps us moving. Today therefore as we relax, let us check the level of our patience for the rest of the journey ahead. We must re-assure ourselves like the athlete that we can do it, we shall get there and that we must get that hand shake with the Lord Jesus who brings with him fullness of joy. In the gospel of today, Jesus’ work elicited great marvel, joy and response. Here, he fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah to the extent that even John the Baptist heard of him from his prison. Therefore, at his coming Jesus will fulfill the expectation of the prophets. His gifts will include that “he will make the blind see, the lame work, the deaf hear” amidst other things. This therefore calls for great joy, and so the Church this Sunday gives us the opportunity to have a glimpse of what that joy looks like.

Therefore this season, God and the Holy Mother Church in their wisdom have arranged our journey in such a way that there is a brief moment of joy and refreshment – Gaudete Sunday, the mean or middle point along our journey. It is like the timeout or half time period during games when we find ourselves in “God’s dressing and refreshing room” briefly, only to return for the final round of the context. Today, the Holy Mother Church has blown the timeout/half time whistle. Let us therefore rejoice, enjoy, and be refreshed while yet being mindful of the rest of the journey ahead of us. Let us take full advantage of this special Sunday, this moment of joy and refreshment this Advent, but we must come back to the rest of the journey with vigor, diligence, and courage to succeed.

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

Purging & Purifying Ourselves for the Lord’s Coming

Readings: (1st: Ish 11 1-10; Ps: 71, 1-2.7-8.12-13; 2nd: Rom 15, 4-9; Gos: Mtt 3, 1-12)           

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.

After Peter’s preaching and testimony about Jesus on Pentecost day, his message provoked the congregation to ask: “Brothers what then shall we do?”  Peter responded: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2, 14-38). There is no other time better than this season of Advent when we, must ask this same question: “What shall we do to be worthy of the Lord’s coming? In response to this question the Church says to us on this second Sunday of Advent: “Repent for the kingdom of God is Close at hand”, purge and purify yourselves for the Lord’s coming! Repentance and reconciliation are necessary because, they are very important aspects of our preparation for encountering Christ. This is considering the word of the scriptures which says: “Make effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Heb 12, 14). One of the simplest ways that leads to this holiness is REPENTANCE from past sins and of course a firm resolve to remain pure as Christ taught us in the beatitudes: “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (Mtt 5, 8). In other words, one condition for seeing the Lord at the end of Advent is that we must repent by purging and purifying ourselves of all that will be stumbling block for our encounter with him.

Many years ago, there lived a great and holy teacher called Rabbi Saadiah. He had hundreds of pupils, and all of them had a great thirst to learn. One winter morning, two of his pupils who happened to be walking in the mountains, while approaching its summit, saw to their great surprise, their master sitting on the snow covered ground, weeping, praying and engaging in other acts of penitence. This beat their imagination and they wondered: “What could such a perfectly righteous person as their teacher possibly need to repent of? Could he have committed some sins, God forbid? They hurriedly departed from that place. Later that day, they asked their teacher what the scene they witnessed was all about. “I do that every day,” he said to them. “Every day I repent and plead with God to forgive my shortcomings and failings in my service of Him.” “Of what failings do you speak?” They asked him. Then the Rabbi told them this story: “One day an old inn keeper received and served me so well without realizing who I was. When I left the next morning someone told him: ‘That was Rabbi Saadiah.’ Immediately, he came after and in search of me. When he caught up with me, he jumped from his carriage and fell at my feet, weeping: ‘Please forgive me! Please forgive me!! I did not know that it was you!’ I made him stand up, and then said to him: But my dear friend, you treated me very well, you were very kind and hospitable. Why are you so sorry? You have nothing to apologize for. ‘No, no, Rabbi,’ he replied. ‘If I had known you were the one, I would have served you in a completely different manner!’ Suddenly I realized that this man was teaching me a very important lesson in the service of God. I thanked and blessed him, and returned home.” “Since then” the Rabbi concluded, “every evening when I say the prayer before sleeping, I go over in my mind how I served God that day. Then I think of that old innkeeper, and say to myself, Oh! If I had known about God in the beginning of the day the way I know him now, I would have served Him in a completely different manner! And that is what I was repenting for this morning.” This is what we must do every day this season of Advent and beyond. Nothing must be taken for granted if we must be ready to welcome Jesus when he comes. This is why we are warned: “If anyone thinks he stands let him take heed least he falls. There is something we need to repent of this season as a way of making the paths straight and smooth for the coming of Jesus Christ!

In the first reading of today, Isaiah prophesied of the Lord’s coming. Remarkable about this prophesy is the manner in which He will come: “Integrity is the loin round his waist, faithfulness the belt about his waist…His word is a rod that strikes the ruthless; his sentence brings death to the wicked” Therefore only those who themselves possess integrity shall be acquitted. This reading thus invites us all to look inward and see if there be any thing that will make the Lord strike us ruthlessly when he comes. We must turn away from these and prepare to meet him. If we mend our ways and meet him in good standing then we shall enjoy his reign of peace and justice. In the second reading, Paul reminds us of the salvific power of Christ and equally tells us how best to conduct ourselves especially during this period of Advent. He says: “Follow the example of Christ so that… you may give glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ? Restraining from hurting others, developing a charitable and good spirit towards others is very important this season of Advent. Paul did not stop at this. He further explains that to follow the example of Christ this season means: “…for you to treat each other in the same friendly way that Christ treated you.”

In today’s Gospel John warns us against the sin of presumption. He put it thus: “Do not presume and tell yourselves that we have Abraham for our father.” In other words, we must avoid the temptation that all is well, we are already prepared, my brother is a pastor, reverend father, bishop, cardinal or even Pope, and the likes of such deceitful self confidence. These will not count in any way for us. The only thing that will count is our state of holiness and purity of heart when Jesus comes. Of course, presumption will breed procrastination which will consequently, expose us to the danger of damnation. We are therefore called to examine and re-examine our ways and like Job, offer daily sacrifice for our sins of omission and commission (Job 1, 5).  Also like Rabbi Saadiah, we must say and do: “Every day I repent and plead with God to forgive my shortcomings and failings in my service of Him” and “Oh! If I had known about God in the beginning of the day the way Him I know now, I would have served Him in a completely different manner!”

The core message of this second Sunday of Advent therefore is that we must rid ourselves of everything that will present a stumbling block to being with Christ when he comes. Hence, we are encouraged to retrace our steps and make amend for the wrongs we have done. This season we must expressly take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the purification of our souls. It is a time of making and suing for peace with all people. It is a time of repenting of the wrongs we have done them. It is a season of knocking down all the unnecessary mountains, hills and mounds; filling all the valleys, gullies and potholes in our lives that would present themselves as obstacle to us from encountering Jesus this season. What are we to repent of? Lots my brethrens! We must repent for not loving ourselves enough, of the sins against our neighbours, and our Creator. We must repent for the sins against our state, nation, people and government. We must repent of the sins against our environment, other creatures of God and the entire creation. Most importantly, we must repent of our sins against charity and our lack of humility.

Finally brethrens, If we purge and purify ourselves when he comes he will sanctify and make us whole again. He comes quickly! But only those who are blameless will see him. Let us therefore ask God this season of Advent to open our hearts in welcome, and so remove everything that will hinder us from receiving our Lord with joy, so that we may share in his wisdom and thus become one with him when he finally comes in his glory.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!!

Behold The Prince Of Peace Comes in Glory and Majesty!

Readings: (1st: Ish 2, 1-5; Ps: 121, 1-2.4-9; 2nd: Rom 13, 11-14; Gos: Mtt 24, 37-44)           

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.

One of humankind’s natural desires especially at the individual and family levels is to live a peaceful and peaceable life with oneself, with others, and with one’s environment. Unfortunately, rather than achieve peace, wars, fears, anxiety and hatred continue to wield the upper hand. It is this peace that we pray for and expect Jesus to bring to our world this season of Advent! The term Advent comes from two Latin words Ad-ventus, which simply means “to arrive”or Ad-venire, i.e. “to come.” For us Christians and Catholics in particular, it means expecting the Lord’s coming. Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s liturgical calendar. It is a four-week preparation period leading up to Christmas. So John the Baptist’s message: “a voice of one calling in the desert, prepare a way for the Lord …” (Mk 1, 3), echoes loudly to us this season.

A couple of weeks ago, I paid a visit to the child of a family friend in a boarding school during their monthly visiting day. On entering the school, behold there was a mammoth crowd of well dressed and prepared students waiting for their visitors. Each car that pulled into the compound was a source of great joy to a particular student who had waited patiently for that very moment to come. However, I noticed a certain student who told me her name was Ndidiamaka (literally Patience is good). She was looking very sad and forlorn having ran out of patience, and almost given up hope that her parents would not visit her again that day as was the case during the two previous visiting days. I was still encouraging her not to lose hope, when eventually a car pulled in. Before I knew it, she recognized it, jumped up and went into a kind of frenzy shouting: “Here they are! Here they are!! My parents have made it today!!!”  She did not even excuse me or mind the crowd, but in a jiffy she dashed to the car beaming with smiles and relieved of all the stress and pains of having to wait too long.  I saw peace over taking the chaos and anxiety that enveloped her a while ago. As I watched her rejoice, my own joy knew no bound and immediately, I remembered the scriptural passage which says: “For surely there is an end; and your expectation shall not be cut off.” (Prov 23, 18) This is what Advent is all about, a time of great preparation, waiting, hope and patience which would eventually culminate in the great joy and peace.

On this first Sunday of Advent, the church enjoins us her faithful to rejoice because that night of long pilgrimage to God’s eternal city of peace will soon be over. The reign of peace is dawning. Therefore, we must wake up and stand ready to usher Christ into our lives, families and nations. In the word of Isaiah in the first reading, “we see the mountain of the temple of the Lord,” already etched against the Eastern sky. The prophet lifts up our spirits with his vision of the imminent peace orchestrated by the coming of our Messiah whom we earnestly expect. The Messiah whom we expect this season comes to us with an “over dose of peace” contrary to the war-lord-leaders that frequently besiege our nations. His reign shall be that of peace and love. Even though “he will wield authority,” he will not be a despot, a tyrant, a dictator or a military nonentity who will feed fat on the “flesh” and resources of his people. In light of this, Isaiah gives us a very cogent reason to rejoice as we prepare the way to usher in the reign and kingdom of peace: “He will wield authority over nations…These will hammer their swords into ploughshares, their spares into sickles. Nations will not lift sword against nations. There will be no more training for war.” He envisions that when Christ comes, he shall be fully equipped with peace. His coming promises to transform our culture of war into that of peace, because he is the Prince of Peace. It is quite unfortunate that this same verse (Ish 2, 4) despite adorning the walls of United Nations building in London has not helped to achieve the much desired peace our world needs. The reason is quite simple, “International Morality,” in the words of Bob Nester Marley of the blessed memory, without spirituality is bound to fail. It is only the reign of this much expected Messiah that can bring lasting and soothing peace. This is why we are called upon this wonderful season of Advent to prepare ourselves to encounter the Prince of Peace. We are called to equip and purify ourselves spiritually in other to be worthy to climb the mountain of the temple of the Lord.

This season we must rejoice because we shall definitely have an encounter with peace. About a week ago I was in the company of priests from the Archdiocese where I work who went on pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoir to mark the end of the year of faith. Seeing the beauty, magnificence and elegance of this basilica one of us joyfully exclaimed in an overwhelming amazement: “Oh my God! This is what the Psalmist actually means when he says, ‘I rejoiced when I heard them say let us go to God’s House!’” He was lost in Joy, because what he saw met his expectation for travelling hundreds of miles to behold this wonderful edifice and house of God. He wished like the members of Jesus’ inner circle on the mount of transfiguration that we remained forever in Yamoussoukro. Brethren, our expectation will bring us joy when we encounter the Prince of Peace.

To usher in this reign of peace successfully, both the second reading and gospel of today are in accord about what we must do. While Paul, echoes loudly to us the closeness of our Saviour the Prince of Peace: “Our salvation is even nearer than He was when we were converted”; the gospel succinctly and imperatively admonishes us to: “Stay awake!” Paul indirectly answers the question, what must we do to be partakers in the peace that Christ brings this season? My dear, we need not obey the adage that says: “If you want peace, prepare for war,” before we can get a feel of this culture and kingdom of peace that Christ brings. No! That will not suffice at all. Instead, Paul reminds us that: “The TIME has come.” The time he means here is not the earthly time (chronos), but God’s time (kairos). It is the appointed time when God chooses to save his own people and to restore peace to all troubled hearts, families, businesses, nations, etcetera. Since it is God’s time, we must heed the call of today’s gospel: “Therefore, you must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” This season is no time for singing, “pass me not o gentle savior” with both our physical eyes and the eyes of our minds closed. They must be wide awake and open in preparation to behold the Prince of Peace. Also, we must eschew during this season all that militate against peace and are capable if undermining our encounter with Christ when he comes. Paul advices us thus: “Let us live decently as people do in day time; no orgies, no promiscuity or licentiousness, and no warring or jealousy. Let your amour be the Lord Jesus Christ,” the Prince of Peace!

Finally, it is very important to note that this is a season of great awakening, preparation and waiting which will definitely culminate to an outburst of great JOY and PEACE. It is most importantly, a season of prayer when all Christians must hearken to the prayer – invitation of the Psalmist: “For the peace of Jerusalem (your nation, country, family, business, endeavors in life etcetera) pray! Peace be to your homes! May peace reign in your walls, in your palaces peace!”

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!!