Jesus Our Lord! The Full Aroma of God’s Mercy

Readings: (1st: Ex 32, 7-11.13-14; Ps: 50, 3-4. 13.17; 2nd: I Tim 1, 12-17; Gos: Lk 15, 1-32)           

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 Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, 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, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

Part of the Common Preface – II (Salvation through Christ) in the Roman Order of Mass that I cherish so much reads: “…For in goodness You created man, and when he was justly condemned, in mercy You redeemed him through Christ our Lord…” This is the resume of the whole readings and teaching of this redemptive 24^th Sunday of the Church’s Ordinary Time. The Church therefore, invites us and gives us another golden opportunity not only to reflect on, but most importantly to savour the sweetness of the Aroma of God’s MERCY made whole in Jesus Christ Our Lord. At the epicenter of today’s readings is the fact of God’s mercy and his readiness to welcome us, poor sinners back to himself. However, this return and welcoming back is strongly dependent on the effort we make to repent. In order words, our God being a merciful Father operates an “open door policy” because, he is ever ready to let the aroma of his mercy flow into us. Hence, he beckons us to: “Come let us settle the matter, even though your sins are as red as crimson, you shall be white as snow, if you are willing and able you will eat the best from the Land” (Ish 1, 18-19).

One very important lesson we are to learn from today’s readings is the power of intercession for both ourselves and for our fellow sinners. The Christ we celebrate today is the second Moses who in the Old Testament interceded for his sinful people. He is a merciful Lord and Master who came into the world not for the purpose of judging and condemning us its inhabitance, but to acquit and set us free. This is true because: “…When we were still sinners and powerless, Jesus Christ died for the ungodly…” (Rom 5, 6). He continues to intercede for us every day especially by being both our priest and victim at Mass. Jesus like Moses, never gives up on us. Rather, he untiringly and relentlessly continues to intercede for us.  So too, we must not be tired of doing same for one another and our ungodly world and generation because the God to whom Moses interceded to on behalf of his people is still the same God whose aroma of mercy we can still perceive and savour today if only we sharpen our spiritual oganoleptic senses.

In the first reading of today from Exodus, we are reminded of the imminent and blazing wrath of God just as Paul warns us that, “the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness” (Rom 1, 18). In this reading we also discover a God who knows and abides by his own promises once he is reminded of them, a God who is faithful to the vows he made, and a God whose love surpasses his anger and whose mercy overtakes his judgment. However, he says to us: If my people called by my name will turn away from their sins, I will heal their land…” (2 Chr 7, 14). Therefore, all we need do is to call upon the Lord and remind him of his promises as Moses did. A saying goes that to whom much is given, much is expected. This simply means that as we ourselves were accepted and brought back by God through his pardon and mercy, we must do same for others who sin against us. It is true that initially we might over boil with rage and frustrations as is usually the case and in tandem with our natural human inclinations yet, we must be ready to welcome back our offenders as our God did for us. As products of mercy, we must also be ready to show mercy to others because, “blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy” (Matt 5, 7).

In the second reading, Paul succinctly reminds us of the fact that like himself, we are all products of God’s mercy. Often times when the term “sinners” are mentioned, we tend to look for them elsewhere or distance ourselves from it. Actually, it is supposed to be rightly so, but unfortunately, the truth like Chinua Achebe of the blessed memory said is that, “things have fallen apart and the center can no longer hold” in our lives. Paul was not ashamed or afraid to identify himself with such instead, he examined and knew himself as Socrates advised, and then accepted to savour the sweet aroma of the fullness of God’s mercy through Christ. In all of these, we too like Paul, must be grateful to, “the the eternal king, the undying, invincible and only God” to whom, “be honour and glory forever”.

The gospel of today in which Jesus was, for want of evidence against him, accused of welcoming and dinning with sinners by the Pharisees and the Scribes brings to mind some of the accusation leveled against the Holy Father, Pope Francis at the inception of his papacy. While some accused him of being too liberal, others accused him of watering down ecclesiastical and hierarchical prestige, splendor and grandeur. Yet, some were highly embittered because they felt he was eroding the fabrics of an age long tradition by washing the feet of a poor woman on Holy Thursday. However, in spite of all these, Pope Francis has proved many wrong by the great success he has achieved so far through his demonstration of love, mercy and compassion for the poor, “sinners,” and the marginalized of our world.

In today’s gospel therefore, Jesus demonstrates to us how the mercy and love of God continues to pursue and search for us in spite of our sins. This is because he cares for our souls. Unlike in the first reading, where the wrath of God was so great, in the gospel He reaches out to sinners as a caring and loving Father. In spite of our prodigality, the merciful God is ever willing to go all out in search of us. And when he finds us, he embraces, kisses, and restores us. But the question is, for how long must we hide and stray from him? Is it not time we returned to our willing and able Father whose mercy surpasses his judgment? Are we not tired of being aliens in the domain of sin where there is no succor but pain and sorrow? God has made our return very easy through Jesus Christ as Paul attests. All we need is to sincerely and humbly cry out to him like the prodigal son: “I will leave this place and go back to my father”. We must cast shame to the wind, be free from the chains of sin and savour the sweet aroma of God’s mercy through Jesus Christ because, “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never comes to an end, they are new every morning, and great is His faithfulness” (Lam 3, 22-23).

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!!

Living Jesus’ Self-Sacrificing Spirit and Love

Readings: (1st: Wis 9, 13-18; Ps: 89, 3-6. 12-14; 2nd: Phlm 9, 10. 12-17; Gos: Lk 14, 25-33)

            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 Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, 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, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

Living Jesus’s Self-Sacrificing Spirit and Love, is what the Church turns our focus to, on this 23^rd Sunday of Her Ordinary Time. The spirit of sacrifice helps one do a thing that sometimes beats the imagination of those around. Only the wisdom of God can help one unravel the power behind the spirit of self-sacrifice. It is this spirit that made Jesus give up all things including his life for our sake. So He reminds us this Sunday that it is through this same spirit of self-sacrifice that we can become truly his disciples. As difficult as this may seem, however, it is possible to live it through the unfathomable wisdom of our Creator who willingly gave up everything, including his Son due to his love for humanity.

Some months ago, I attended the burial Mass of “Chief Ama-Echina.” After the Mass, an elderly man named “Iche Ome-ogo” was introduced to the congregation in a special way as a hero, with a very strong affinity to the deceased Chief Amaechina. Afterwards, he got a resounding standing ovation. What did he do to merit this? Simple! He is an epitome of Jesus’ self-sacrificing spirit and love. In fact, he reminded me of two things; the title of Fr. Bede Ukwuije, C.S.Sp’s book: “The Memory of Self Donation” and, the heroic act of St. Maximilian Kolbe on July 31, 1941 in Auschwitz concentration camp. The story about Ichie Ome-ogo is that during the Nigerian-Biafran civil war, the deceased Chief Ama-echina, the only son of his parents was chosen from his clan for conscription into the Biafran Army since he was young and fits the job most. This became a source of grief for him, his family and the entire clan. Seeing the plight of his kinsman, Ichie Ome-ogo offered himself as a replacement for Chief Ama-echina so that he could get married, raise children and sustain his family lineage. Ichie Ome-ogo went to war, fought and returned alive. On his return he got married, and was equally blessed with children. The most touching aspect of the whole story is that, the same Ichie Ome-ogo who went to war was still alive to witness the death and burial of his kinsman, Chief Ama-echina. As a true disciple, Ichie Ome-ogo gave up and “hated” his own life, and so got it back in abundance for he still lives on till date.

This Sunday’s first reading therefore draws our attention to the depth of the wisdom of God who alone knowing his intention for forlorn humanity sacrificed his son for its restoration. No human being can divine or fully appreciate the magnitude of the will of God, and his sacrifice for humanity. He alone can, safe those he reveals his intention to through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we reflect on the intention of God for sacrificing his only son for our sake this Sunday, we must equally pray that He imbues us with his Holy Spirit from above. In the second reading, Paul in the spirit of Sacrifice was prepared to send back to Philemon, the dear friend of his captivity, a part of his own self, Onesimus. Although Paul had every right to retain Onesimus, he allowed him to return to his master Philemon who equally needed him. Paul here teaches us that we can equally sacrifice our own comfort in order to restore that of others around us, and for the peace of our world. Likewise, Philemon also, in the spirit of sacrifice was asked by Paul to be ready to let go of his misgivings and his ownership of Onesimus as a slave, and now treat him as a brother. What do we learn from all these? There is nothing we cannot let go for the sake of the comfort and peace of others. There is nothing, no matter how dear to us that is indispensible, and cannot be sacrificed for the sake of God and humanity.

In the gospel therefore, Jesus intensified this call for us to imbibe his self-sacrificing spirit if we must become truly his disciple: “If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife…yes, and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple.” What does the Master mean by “hating” here? He simply teaches us to learn to sacrifice, not that we are to literally hate people or members of our family in order to be his disciples. After all, they form part of those we are to witness to, and so must be loved too. He is not in any way preaching hatred, but rather detachment in the spirit of sacrifice. He wishes us to be willing to sacrifice our own comfort when duty calls as Ichie Ome-ogo did for his kinsman and clan, as Maximilian Kolbe did for his fellow prisoner, as the Apostle Paul did for Philemon, and as Jesu Christ did for all of us. To be Christ’s disciple then, means having the spirit of sacrifice. That is, being ready to give up anything. Without the sacrificial spirit, one remains attached to ones will. Without it, we cannot see the needs of others. Without it, we cannot understand the mind of God, and without it, the entire world remains static and non-adventurous.

Sacrifice then help us to give up everything and lose nothing at the end. It disposes us to become better Disciples of Christ. Therefore, what could qualify as suicide in the wisdom of men actually becomes heroic to the man willing and able to sacrifice in the spirit of Jesus Christ. In the spirit of sacrifice, the wisdom of God comes fully alive. It is only when we live out Jesus’ Self-Sacrificial Spirit and Love that we can conveniently and courageously proclaim: “O Lord you have been my refuge from one generation to the next”.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!!

Humility: A Compulsory Path to Salvation!

Readings: (1st: Ecc 3, 17-20. 28-29; Ps: 64, 4-11; 2nd: Heb 12, 18-24; Gos: Lk 14, 1. 7-14)

            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 Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, 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, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

Today, the 22^nd Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year C), the Church turns our attention to this very important virtue which characterized the whole life of our Master and Lord Jesus Christ: “Who, being in very nature of God…humbled Himself…” (Phil 2, 6-8). This virtue is HUMILITY, which is the compulsory path that every true Christian must walk in order to be qualified to join the millions of Angels and Saints in Mount Zion the heavenly city of our Living God. It is an attribute and quality of God, the Saints and Angels which all children of God must strive to possess and live. We are therefore enjoined this Sunday not only to reflect deeply on humility, but also to imitate the humility of Jesus Christ our Lord, the mediator of the new covenant. It is a call to make this virtue that bears witness to the truth the basis and standard of our Christian life and journey towards our final destination which is the city of our Living God.

During a certain fund raising ceremony, Nwaganga entered the scene with lots of accolades, show off, and flamboyancy. On his arrival, his friends and entourage started hailing him. His presence caused so much distractions that people were wondering who he was. Meanwhile, there was a middle aged man who sat calmly watching what was going on. When it was time to make donations, Nwaganga was handed the microphone to speak and make his donation. When he took the microphone, the first thing that betrayed his emptiness was his grammar. He spoke thus: “I have came here today to let you people know that I has arrived.” Immediately the audience went agog with laughter and some of his colleagues buried their heads in shame. Since he was not aware of his emptiness, he continued releasing more and more devastating grammatical missiles. Next, murmuring started and people started yelling at him: “Please make your donation! Please make your donation!! Make your donation and spare us more of this shelling of yours!!! Thinking he was the richest in the gathering, he made a pledge of Fifty Thousand Naira. When all others have made their donations, the unsung middle aged man walked up the stage, and requested to be given the microphone. When it was given to him, he spoke just a few words in well polished, simple and impeccable English, and announced a donation of one million naira and behold the entire audience gave him a very resounding standing ovation. He handed in his check and off he went. Out of shame Nwaganga took his leave quietly, and nobody knew or took note of his exit from the gathering. Foolish Nwaganga neglected the admonition of Paul: “Do nothing out of selfishness, but in humility. Consider others better than yourself (Phil 2, 3).

In the first reading the Preacher gives us the key to a successful relationship and harmony with both God and humanity: “Behave humbly and you will find favour with the Lord.” This is absolutely right and we must take it to heart here that favour with humanity is implied also. It is also right because this virtue is a core and basic element of our Christian life, because God made-man, Jesus Christ whom we are called to imitate allowed Himself to be born in a manger. This reading also brings to light the fact that humility is a sign of maturity, which consequently, leads to simplicity and gentleness of life. Pride the opposite of humility, which they say go before a fall, the Preacher tells us is a disease and malady. The only therapeutic approach to this malady is imitating the humility of Jesus Christ our Lord.

The second reading therefore reminds us of the fact that our destination and abode is the place of the Living God – the Heavenly Mount Zion! In this city, only those who humble themselves like the Million of Angels and Saints will partake in its joys. The proud hearted cannot subsist in this Holy Place. Hence the Psalmist asks: “Lord who may dwell in your sanctuary, who may live on your holy hill? (Ps 1, 1). Certainly, the proud cannot because, the God in whose presence we shall dwell humbled Himself first and so, everyone who must dwell there must be humble too. Furthermore, in this city “everyone is first born and a true citizen.” But what will qualify one for this exalted position is this golden virtue of humility. This is because without it, one like Lucifer, who wished to exalt himself above his Creator, would not be able to worship God, not to talk of submitting to His will.

The gospel takes us to the echelon of today’s good news. In it, Jesus himself our role model of humility summarizes thus: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus teaches us simplicity of life, that optima medicina temperantia est (moderation is the best medicine), and that it is God himself who exalts the lowly. In this regard we need to borrow much leave from the Blessed Virgin Mary who humbled herself so much in spite of being the Theotokos (Mother of God). In her Magnificate she simply stated: “My soul glorifies the Lord …, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant… he has brought down rulers from their thrones and has lifted up the humble” (Lk 1, 47. 59). There is little therefore to wonder about as to how and why our Lord is humble. The reason is simple, he had humble parents and learnt it from them, because fire they say begets fire and, snake never gives birth to any short offspring. In like manner, we have a humble saviour and must also learn from Him if we must be where he is.

There is nothing to lose being humble. It is a win-win game, and indeed, a clean sheet win. On the contrary, pride profits nothing but shame and disgrace because, “ex frixis ovis pullus numquam venit ullus (from fried eggs no chick ever comes),” and as Jesus tells us today, “…whoever exalts himself will be brought down.” Any spiritual life that does not have humility as it foundation will definitely be an empty one. Humility is very important for a Christian’s salvation and indeed for shear sanity. “Humility is the foundation of prayer. Only when we humbly acknowledge ‘we do not know how to pray as we ought’, are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer. Man is a beggar before God” (CCC 2559). Prayer is the task of all of us just like it is that of the millions of Saints and the Angels who humbly and constantly remain in the presence of God worshiping him in the heavenly city – Mount Zion! We cannot do well or get there unless we learn to live this golden virtue of humility.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!!

Gathering Unto the Lord of Glory!

Readings: (1st: Ish 66, 18-21; Ps: 116, 5-7. 11-12; 2nd: Heb 12, 11-13; Gos: Lk 12, 22-30)

            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 Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, 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, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

The readings of this Sunday, especially the first and the gospel are closely related. Both bear a very strong message of hope: God’s firm resolve to gather and restore his people unto himself. It is not only Jews nor Christians that the Lord will gather unto himself, but people from all nations who submit themselves to his loving discipline and care. One remarkable and interesting thing about this gathering and restoration of people unto God is that it has both a universal and individual dimension.

Kim was the only son of his parents and his father owned a multinational company. As Kim grew up his father noticed an extravagant tendency in him. He made frantic efforts to help Kim become more frugal, accountable and responsible but it was to no avail. Instead Kim accused his father of being wicked and not loving him. In order to equip him with managerial acumen and prepare him to take over the leadership of the company, after his first degree, his father sent him to study in one of the best school of management in the world. In spite of his academic qualification, Kim refused to learn his lessons and continued seeing his father as a dictator who would not allow him live his life the way he wanted. Unfortunately, Kim’s father got involved in a plane crash during one of his numerous business trips abroad and died. Few months later, Kim took over the leadership of the company. Just a year after, the company went bankrupt and completely collapsed. Kim took to drug trafficking business in order to make quick money so as to sustain his extravagant lifestyle. Though he succeeded a number of times, however, on one of such trips he was apprehended in a country in Asia with a large quantity of Cocaine. He was sentenced immediately to death. Before his execution, Kim dropped this short note for his mother through a friend who visited him in prison: “Mummy, Daddy was right and I was absolutely wrong. My stubbornness and waywardness has killed me. Forgive me and do pray for me and Daddy. This is the last time you will hear from me because, I will be executed in a couple of hours from now. Please forgive me Mummy. Bye Mummy!”

The first reading speaks to a time when God’s people were back in Jerusalem. It is an assurance that God will fulfill his promises to us. Here the prophet makes three important points. First and foremost, is the fact that God will soon make well his promise of restoring us to himself. He will surely do this to show his might and saving power. The second is the fact that God has a purpose for this gathering which is for the glory of his name. In order words, every work he does or uses us to do must have the remote aim of giving him glory. Hence, Thomas Aquinas clearly defines the remote aim of spirituality as the glory of God, while its proximate aim is the sanctification and salvation of the human person. The prophet’s third point that we must consciously reflect upon here is the fact that not only will God gather us his people unto himself from different nations; he will also make us afterwards his AMBASSDORS to other nations. Of course, this is when we must have learnt from him through the signs he gives to us: “I will give them a sign and send some of their survivors to the nations…to the distant islands that have never heard of me or seen my glory.” The purpose of this is simple. To witness to the glory of God! What this portends is that we are also partakers in the “business” of helping our “lost brethren” return or gather unto the Lord. God initiates it and then uses us to accomplish it. Each one of us therefore has a role to play here, irrespective of our calling and status. Hence the God commissions us to: “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the good news.” The core of this good news is that there is hope, that our God will gather and restore us to our lost glory, for the sake of his own glory. We are to proclaim it because the more we do, the more we are enriched by its aroma.

The second reading from Hebrews reminds us that it is through loving obedience and discipline that we can be better positioned to hearken to the clarion call for us to return and gather unto the Lord. Neither the path to this gathering unto God nor the effort to witness to the glory of God promises to be very easy. It will involve walking through the wilderness, thorns and thistles, physical and spiritual chastisement from God our Father who allows it in order to strength, toughen and guide us along the right path we must walk to achieve a better result. Therefore, only those who endure and yet see God as a loving Father will succeed in life. It is often said that: “for a doctor to be kind he must be ‘cruel.’” The doctor has to pierce one painfully in order administer some drugs effectively for the good of his patient. This is the way God also handles us. He is the porter and we are the clay. He knows what shape he desires to get out of us. So he crushes, rough handles, and finally moulds us into a beautiful finished product (Jer 18, 1-17). Unless we learn to endure and obey as Christ learnt to obey through suffering and death on the cross (Phil 2, 4), we may not see or witness to the glory of God. Success is achieved through hard work and hard work through discipline.

In the gospel, Jesus answers a very difficult question: Sir, will there be only a few saved?, in a smart way: “Try your best to enter by the narrow door…! Through this, he reminds us that in as much as the gathering unto him has a universal character and outlook, it does not preclude the fact that we must struggle as individuals. In order words, it behooves us as individuals to make effort to be in the glorious gathering of the saints. Paul therefore admonishes us to: “… continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2, 12). What this means is that we have to put ourselves together by making use of the available opportunity in order to get ourselves prepared at all times. We are therefore called upon to train ourselves in the act of righteousness and discipline if we must be relevant to the great gathering of the saints by the Lord and for the sake of his glory.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!!

Jesus, Purifier and Saviour of our Souls!

        Readings: (1st: Jer 38, 4-6. 8-10; Ps: 39, 2-4.18; 2nd: Heb 12, 1-4; Gos: Lk 12, 49-53)           

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 Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, 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, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

Today, the 20^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Church encourages us, and raises our morale to fight against evil following the footsteps of Christ our Lord, who came to bring “fire” upon the earth in order to communicate to us something of his tremendous zeal. Jesus comes to purify, transform, and save us, our families and society from the perils that afflict us.

In the first reading, Jeremiah the prophet of God suffers grave injustice, for the sake of the message he preached. He became a man of dissension for all the land where he preached the word of God. His message was so discomforting to the leading men. So their best option was to get rid of him by setting the king up against him. Although they succeeded, in their plot, God proved himself a powerful Saviour. As the one who sent the prophet, he did not allow him to perish but in his own way came to his aid. Our God is ever faithful and ready to deliver us in times of difficulty as the Psalmist testifies: “I waited and waited for the Lord, and He stooped down to save me, He heard my cry.” This is especially, at those moments that our troubles are heightened by the fact that we are on the path of truth and justice, and at those times when our life is a contrast to our society. The second reading from Hebrews encourages us to keep running steadily. We are to “look up to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who saves and brings us to perfection.” We are also to emulate his zeal, courage and fortitude in the face of opposition from the harsh situations and systems that heralded his coming and message. Although, we are not called to commit suicide in the face of oppositions, we are to continue resisting and fighting evil even to the point of death. This may sound rather absurd, but at times, situations could warrant or demand this. The strength and energy we need to do all these will definitely be supplied by Jesus Christ Himself. The gospel of today is one of such that has proved an enigma to scripture scholars, and especially, to fundamentalists who have employed it variously in a very negative way. Granted that the periscopes contained therein are very incisive and zeal provoking, yet, one needs the light and guidance of the Holy Spirit in order to understand what the Lord wishes to communicate to us through today’s gospel.

Brother Ike-Jesu came home one day, and started smashing and throwing away his television, radio set, and other electronics in his Parlour. When his neighbours asked him what was happening to him, he was quick to interject: “I am now born again, behold the old things have passed away in my life!” As they listened to him, he continued: “My Master says, ‘if any of your fingers will lead you to sin cut it off!’” It then dawned on them that he has joined one of the fundamentalist movements wrapped in the cloak of Christianity in other to preach their gospel of hate and destruction. Worst still was the fact that he soon refused to associate with any member of his family again because he viewed them all as sinners and unbelievers. In addition to frequently quoting: “Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world…” (Rom 12, 2), he quoted Jesus in today’s gospel as saying: “I have come to bring fire on earth…Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? From now…son against father, daughter against mother, brother against sister…” To the utmost surprise of his neighbours, it was not long before they saw his Pastor preaching on the television and radio, even to the extent of selling tapes and VCDs. After some months Ike-Jesu left the church for another. Before his neighbours knew it, more electronics than he ever had found and walked their way back into his Parlour.

There are occasions in the Bible when fire did fall from heaven. Fire and brimstone fell from heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:24ff). One of the ten plagues against Egypt was fire and hail from heaven (Ex 9:3). The prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven that incinerated Ahaziah’s soldiers (2 Kings 1:9-17). Does it mean that Jesus is longing and wishing for destruction? No the fire that Jesus came to cast on the earth is none of those fires. It is not a destructive fire. It is the fire of the Holy Spirit, which fights the ballet for our souls. In describing this fire St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote: “We affirm therefore that the fire which is sent forth by Christ is for men’s salvation and profits….For the fire here is, I say, the saving message of the Gospel, and the power of its commandments; by which all of us upon earth, who were so to speak cold and dead because of sin, and in ignorance of Him Who by nature and truly is God, are kindled unto a life of piety, and made fervent in spirit.” (Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke, 1859, Sermons 89-98, pp. 409-459).

Hence, this Sunday, Jesus reassures us of his willingness to continue the work of salvation which he started in us, through a continuous purification of our souls. The fire he wishes to bring is that which is very positive and objective. Far be it from the “Consuming fire” stuff pejoratively construed and employed by most Christians today! Rather, it is for our own purification and good. It is meant to consume only the debris and fabrics of inordinate attachment, immorality, injustice, evil, and corruption in our lives. The aim of this is simple, our purification, liberation and salvation. It is meant to convict and convince us of the need to turn a new leaf, and help us re-examine our past and present standing before God in order to foster a better future for ourselves and our generation. It will test our deep inner self, thus revealing our attitudes and motives. Jesus, through this purifying fire will expose among us the worthless dross of the refining process. This fire will reveal those who are the precious metals that could be purified and made suitable for the Kingdom where God is the Sovereign and Jesus, the appointed King. It is the fulfillment the prophecy of Mal 3, 2-3.

What is the cause of the division that Jesus talks about here? It is the good news we preach with our purified, positive and contrasted life which challenges the injustices in our families, churches, society, country and the world at larger; the good news that  salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life is attained through faith in Jesus Christ. Because this message excludes those who refuse to turn to Jesus, it offends them, angers them, and often opposition and division result. However, it is important to note here that in spite of this, we must bear in mind that it is the sinners who eventually become the saints as Saint Augustine depicted in his De Civitate Dei contra Paganos (City of God against the Pagans). Therefore, we must love them but not their sin. We must welcome them still as our brothers and sisters in need of salvation. Ostracizing them will make us loose them completely, and by this we would have failed in the mission entrusted to us by Jesus our Saviour. In as much as today’s gospel raises our morale in the fight against evil, unbelief, and injustice, it is also important to appreciate that our world needs more love than hatred, more peace than war, and more unity than divisions.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!!

We are truly the Elect: God’s Chosen People!

Readings: (1st: Wis 18, 6-9; Ps: 32, 1.12.18-22; 2nd: Heb 11, 1-2.8-19; Gos: Lk 12, 35-40)

            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 Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, 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, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

The concept of God’s elect is one which is very strong among the Jews referred to as the “Kahal Yahweh.” That is, the people or elect of God. Biblically and historically speaking, this is right. However, the coming of Christ the first born son of God (Col 1, 15), the New Testament and Covenant broadened the scope of this concept to embrace all who are baptized in Christ Jesus. This is because, “Baptism… makes the neophyte a new creature, an adopted son of God, who has become a partaker in the divine nature…” (CCC 1265). Also, “to be the People of God”, according Pope Francis, “first of all, means that God does not belong to any particular people, because, He is the one who calls us and this invitation is addressed to all, without distinction, because God’s mercy wills everyone to be saved”

Just before his death, Mazi a very wealthy man in all ramifications, decided to put down a Will having being diagnosed of a deadly cancer and advised to prepare for death. He had ONLY one son known to everyone including his very good lawyer friend and his wife. But when he was writing his Will, he simply wrote: “Share all that I own equally among all my SONS and wife.” Thinking he was out of his mind, his lawyer friend said to him: “Sir, but you have only one son!” Mazi asked him: “Do you have any problem with that?” His lawyer responded: “What I mean Sir, is that you wrote SONS instead of son.” Mazi said to his Lawyer: “Yes, I know. I have only one son that is known to you, but there are two others that you do not know and have not seen before. I adopted them when they were very tender and they live abroad.” Then, he brought out a complete document for the adoption of his two other sons and handed it over to his lawyer friend (only God knows why he kept this a secret to himself all these years). Finally, he reiterated what he had already written: “Share all I own equally among my SONS and wife” and added: “Because, they are equally my sons and I have equally included them in my Will!”

On this 19^th Sunday therefore, the Church, calls to mind our heritage as the elect and people of God. She acknowledges that though we are a little flock, we have a very strong history which has its firm root and route in the dim and distant past. We worship an awesome and caring God. Therefore, we have the courage to look forward into a glorious future in the kingdom of our Father. Thus, the Psalmist exalts us: “Happy the people the lord had chosen as his own.” In order words, our God has extended his hands to all of us through Christ and considered us worthy of being called his people (Gal 4, 1-7). Unfortunately, many of us Christians have failed to realize our exalted position in the presence of our Father. This failure has resulted to so many setbacks in our lives. Although we are sons and daughters of God, we have remained like aliens in our father’s house. This is why the church today reminds us of our rightful place before God and encourages us to appreciate and take full advantage of this position.

The first reading of today alerts us to the quality and strength of the covenant or oath by which our citizenship as the people of God is established. Therefore, we are admonished to be joyful and courageous because ours is not a position based on mediocrity, but one built on a solid foundation. As God’s elect and people, we have Him as our Father, and so are not supposed to be afraid of the unknown, because he is the master of the future. If we as the elect of God remain righteous and firm on our faith in our Father, then, “the saving of the virtuous will not be cut short.” We are therefore reminded today of the firmness of the divine accord by which we were made children of God and that this accord enables us the people of God, share the same blessings and forthwith, chant the hymn of our Father. The community of the elect is a community built on the foundation of faith. Hence, the 2^nd reading highlights this significant element of what qualifies us as God’s people – FAITH. It is faith that characterizes us as God’s people and consequently manifests itself through our professions, actions and activities. This same faith aided our adoption as sons and daughters of God sharing the same Father and heritage with Jesus Christ. Without it we have no claim or place among the Kahal Yahweh. Faith is like the DNA that identifies people of the same lineage or family. It is our proof of paternity to one common Father. As the elect and people of God, God himself has revealed himself fully to us in Jesus Christ who is the fullness of revelation. Hence, we are the elect because unto us have the Mystery of the Kingdom of God been revealed. In light of this, we must take hold of the revealed Mystery which is Christ himself the fullness of our Father’s revelation.

In the gospel, Jesus further reassures us of God’s willingness to consolidate the heritage earmarked for us. This heritage is His Kingdom. First, He alleged our fears that there is no cause for alarm. He went ahead to address us with a pet-like name to strike a note of fondness just the way our earthly parents do. He calls us “little flock”, meaning, my beloved people or my dearest ones etcetera. He did not stop at this, but goes further to bring us a good will message from our Father: “For it has pleased your Father to give you the Kingdom.” This is the resume and apogee of today’s message and good news. However, as the elect of God, Christ warns us to be watchful. This is a conditio sine qua non for us to retain our heritage. If we are caught napping, we might be in danger of losing this exalted position. Therefore, as God’s elect, we must live lives that bear testimony to our Father and heritage, a life that will attract and interest our master during His Parousia. This life is a life of watchfulness! Watchfulness here simply means being conscious of who we are, cherishing and safeguarding our heritage and its distinguishing character, OUR FAITH! It is only through this that we can be that “happy people the Lord has chosen as his own.”

Peace be with you all!          

Maranatha!!

Fullness of Life in Jesus Christ!

Readings: (1st: Sir 1, 2. 2, 21-23; Ps: 89, 3-6.12-14; 2nd: Col 3, 1-5. 9-11; Gos: Lk 12, 13- 21)

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 Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, 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, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

This 18^th Sunday, the church enjoins us to evaluate and re-evaluate ourselves on the basis of what should be our fulcrum or focus in this world. It is a call to live a Christocentric life. This is coming at the heels of a time when directly or indirectly many Christians have apostasied. A simple principle in the study of light (optics) in physics is that the closer one comes to the light, the shorter or smaller ones shadow becomes. Whereas, the farther away one moves from light, the longer or larger ones shadow becomes. Of course, shadow is nothing but a mirage, a negation of reality or a flatus vocis that profits nothing. Therefore we are urged to focus our attention more on heavenly realities than on earthly shadows. Hence, we are to make frantic efforts to move towards Christ. It suffices to note here also, that this is not a call, not to live our lives to its fullest potentials here on earth. Rather, it is a warning to us that we are in a world that is transitory and passing away. It is a call to make use of the things of this world prudently to the extent that we do not mortgage our chances of our ultimate goal – HEAVEN. Hence, we are not to trust the arm of our own flesh in this journey because it will fail us. It is only when we make Jesus our focal point that the full meaning of other things and activities would be revealed and realized.

The first reading of this Sunday begins on a rather alarming note: “Vanity, vanity, the Preacher says vanity…!” It strikes a reality that most of us have lost sight of, but will one day come to terms with. Rather than being encouraged to live idle lives waiting for the “end of time” as most fanatics do, it is a call for us to remember God in all we do, a call for us to know that there will be an ultimate end to all created things, and a reminder that if after all our toils and troubles here on earth we lose heaven, we would have missed all. The second reading hits the nail right on its head. In it, Paul clearly differentiates true life – life lived in Christ, from life lived outside Christ. Without mincing words, he reminds us that we must be heaven bound where Christ is everything and everything is in him. For us to be heaven bound therefore, Paul admonishes us to, “kill everything in you that belongs to only earthly life, fornication, impurity, guilty passion, evil desires and especially greed…false god and never tell each other lie.”

According to Rev. Fr. Raymond Arazu, C.S.Sp there exist “Earth-Bound Souls.” These are simply people who have died and yet occasionally, people report about seeing them around drinking, eating or transacting the normal human businesses. This may sound like a fairy tale. But the fact is that there is more to life than we can ever imagine. The point here is that even though people like this have died, they are still strongly attached or fixated to the things of this world. They are in the astral plain, yet still grossly interested in the affairs of our physical world. Many of us Christians though baptized, and ought to be looking up to heaven, have vowed to be earth-bound Christians. We are so earth-bound that we hardly reflect about heaven any more. The pursuit of wealth and the pleasures of this world have so blinded us to the reality that we are sojourners on earth, and that our final destination is HEAVEN. We are so earth bound that we have lost interest and hope in the apocalyptic beatific vision: “They will see his face, and his name will be on their fore heads, there will be no more nights. They will not need the light of a lamp … for the Lord God will give them light, and they will reign forever and ever”(Rev 22, 4-5). What Paul advocates for here is a Christ-centered life; an earthly life that mirrors a heavenly life, a life well lived on earth that will qualify us for the heavenly banquet. I once saw a sticker posted at the rear of a rickety but still moving truck which reads: “I am heaven bound, what of you?” Obviously, this is a question we must answer by asking ourselves: “Am I heaven bound or….?

In the gospel, Jesus speaks to our hearts as he did to the man from the crowd: “Watch out and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for a man’s life is not made more secured by what he owns…” Avarice is among the seven capital sins. It is a sin which makes one become like the material goods one seeks. It is also a hidden enemy of every child of God. So, Jesus warns us that we must not hold on tenaciously to the riches of this world because, if we do, it will be to the detriment of our soul. This seems to be why the church states that: “The Lord grieves over the rich, because they find their consolation in the abundance of goods… Abandonment to the providence of the Father in heaven frees us from anxiety about tomorrow…” (CCC 2547). Concerning this same vice, Thomas Aquinas says: “Temporal goods are subject to man that he may use them according to his needs, not that he should make them his main purpose or be overly anxious about them” (STII-II 55, 6 ad 1). The implication of this is that the more we place our hopes on things of this world, the more we lose sight of heaven, and also, the more earth-bound we become. This is because, “where a man’s wealth is, there is his soul.” There is a saying that: “Real men love Jesus and not riches!” Indeed, real men and women are those who in spite of their fame, wealth, achievements, etcetera love Jesus above all things. They are heaven bound!

My dear friends and readers, exactly a year ago, precisely on the 4^th of August, 2012, I was called and ordained into the priesthood of Jesus Christ according to the order of Melchizedek of old. Therefore, the readings of this 18^th Sunday are providential, and speak to me personally, because through them, the church presents to me a golden opportunity to reflect on my entire life and vocation. This one year has been quiet challenging and also interesting, and I am proud to say like Paul: “Once I have found Christ, all those things that I might have considered as profit, I reckon as loss…” Yet, “I do not claim that I have already reached the goal, nor do I consider myself perfect, but I press on till I possess Christ Jesus, since I have been pursued by him” (Phil 3, 7 & 12). Please pray for me my dear ones, that I may be faithful to this call and never lose focus of our Ultimate Goal, HEAVEN!

be with you all!         

Maranatha!!

Oh Lord, Please Teach Me How To Pray!

Readings: (1st: Gen 18, 20 -32; Ps: 137, 1-3. 6-8; 2nd: Col 1, 12-14; Gos: Lk 11, 1-13)

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 with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

“Then, Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them how to pray always and never give up” (Lk 18, 1). Oftentimes we hear people imploring us, “please pray for me or remember me in your prayers.” There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. After all, we owe it as a duty to pray for one another!

Paul constantly requested for prayers, “pray also for me so that when I open my mouth words may be given to me…pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should” (Eph 6, 19-20). It however, may not be completely out of place to suggest that one of the reason some of us “indulge” in asking people to pray for us always is that we ourselves are very lazy to pray, and in some cases do not actually know how to pray!”

The late Jim Reeves titled one of his songs: “Teach me how to pray”. In it, he recounted how his little boy confronted him: “Daddy, you have taught me every other thing, teach me how to pray, so that I can thank God and ask Him to bless you.” This is the request of a humble child, and we must also humble ourselves to learn how to pray and begin to pray. This Sunday therefore, the Church draws our attention to the need to always turn to God in prayer in all circumstances of our life. She reminds us that prayer is the key to unlock and enter the heart of God. Today, Christ Himself gives us in truth, the power (The Lord’s Prayer), to become children of God.

Once while on a journey, a drama unfolded in the bus. The actors were a little baby boy and his young mother. This baby who all through the journey remained calm suddenly began to cry. The young mother immediately reached out for her bag, brought out a feeding bottle filled with baby feed and tried to feed the baby, but the baby refused to suck from it while at the same time making frantic effort to reach the mother’s breast. The young mother (for obvious reason which I would like you to figure out yourself), would not allow him have his way.

As the struggle continued the baby intensified his cry and it was so loud that people around noticed the drama taking place between mother and child. Suddenly, an elderly woman who could no longer bear the scene and seeing the travail of the baby said to the young lady: “My dear, feed your baby with your breast milk, he knows what he wants and it is his right to have it. I bet you he will not stop crying until you feed him the right way.” Immediately everyone around echoed in unison: “Yes it is his right, give it to him!” Seeing that her baby has attracted the sympathy of all, the young mother breast fed the baby there and then. Afterwards the baby slept off and peace returned to mother and child, as well as to their fellow passengers.  The baby got what he wanted because, he persevered and persisted with his cry and struggle, and because the passengers interceded for him.

In the first reading of today, Abraham our father in faith demonstrated great confidence. He approached God as a father, not being afraid. His prayer was that of intercession not for his own sake but for the sake of his nephew, Lot and his household. He stood in the gap for them (Ezk 22, 30). Through this Abraham taught us that life is not about oneself alone. We must take pains to help those in distress. We must not under-rate the power of intercession because it is said that “God governs the world while prayer governs God”.

On the account of our prayer God could save those in need, because He surely cares and answers prayers. In the second reading Paul reminds us of our redemption in Christ Jesus. This he insists became possible due to our belief in the power of God who raised Jesus from the dead. It is through this faith that we approach God in prayer as a loving father who listens and never fails.

The gospel of today is an explicit call to us Christians to pray.  The wise disciple who curiously and humbly told Christ: “Lord teach us how to pray.” is like the man who says: “Do not give me fish! Rather, teach me how to fish.” For us to pray effectively we must long to pray, thirst for prayer, and get into our “closet”, get down on our knees and start praying.

Today Christ prayed and at the same time taught us his disciples how to pray. Our Lord’s Prayer has been the object of unnecessary controversy as to whether it is prayer itself, or a model of how to pray. Yet with this same prayer mountains have been moved. Jesus not only taught us how to pray but through his two stories reassures us that if we pray God will not fail to answer us. All we need is to be persistent, patient, and humble.

It is quiet unfortunate that most of us do not tarry and travail in prayer yet we want mountains to be moved on our behalf. The reason is simple, we have lost faith in prayer and consequently in God. This is also the reason we move from one ministry to the other like moving wagons. If we must achieve any success in life, our prayer life must be re-energized! Worst still is the fact that many of us do not know how to pray. Therefore, like this wise disciple we must humbly implore Jesus: “Lord teach us how to pray.”

Prayer is a “simple project” that accomplishes much. As a project, prayer is a thing of the spirit and must not be approached mechanically. Unfortunately, most of us have lost the right approach to prayer and so, we are nowhere close to praying in spite of all the noise we generate in the name of praying. Paul tells us that: “We do not know what to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us in groans that words cannot express” (Rom 8:26). So, whenever we lack wisdom of how to pray and what to pray for, we must ask the Spirit of Jesus to teach and help us to pray.

If we must succeed in life, we must adopt Abraham’s resoluteness, and the courage and humility of Jesus’ disciple. Therefore, we must not be quick to give up. Our God never keeps silent, rather he waits for the appropriate time to respond and act. If with gentleness and calmness of spirit we stand before God in prayer, he will hear us and of course we will succeed. We must not give up the habit of prayer because it is a gift of Jesus through which he empowers us to be constantly in touch with God. If we pray according to the mind and will of God, we shall gladly join the Psalmist in saying: “On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord!”

Peace be with you all!          

Maranatha!!

Welcoming Jesus Christ: Our Divine Guest And Friend!

         Readings: (1st: Gen 18, 1-10; Ps: 14, 2-5; 2nd: Col 1, 24-28; Gos: Lk 10, 38-42)        

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 Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, 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, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

On this 16^th Sunday, the first reading and the Gospel have so much in common. Of utmost importance is the fact that they both revolve around hospitality and welcoming Christ as our guest and friend. It is on the strength of these therefore, that the church invites us to welcome, appreciate, celebrate Jesus Christ (God) who is among us as a dear guest and friend. We are locked up in a very busy and stereotyped world where virtually everything has been so designed and planned that if we are not careful as Christians we live someone else’s life. That is, that of those who fashioned the way society operates and what they consider the state’s or society’s priorities. The problem with this is that often times they do everything possible to bracket God and spirituality out of the whole system. Not only this, they employ all that is within their power to ensure that directly or indirectly we live by it.

In the first reading, Abraham saw his opportunity to have God under his roof and he did not let it pass him by. He insisted thus: “…if I find favour with you, kindly do not pass your servant by…that is why you have come to your servant’s direction.” His hospitality transcended mortals and extended to immortals. Not only did he welcome them under his roof, he equally paid attention to what they have to say to him, gave them a good share of his time, and attended to almost all their basic needs. Of course, he won their friendship instantly and this friendship brought blessings upon his household. Paul succinctly tells us that the “Mystery that God revealed to the world is Christ himself among us.” This Mystery of course is equally our guest and friend, and also our hope of glory. In order words, He comes to us as one friend visits the other. Welcoming this Mystery which is Christ as our guest and friend is a pre-requisite for establishing a long standing relationship with God.

The gospel of today presents us with a terrain that must be walked with caution, least we fall victims of the error of thinking that Jesus is against one carrying out necessary house-hold chores or attending to our material needs. Far be it from this! As we grow in life our priorities change, and it is actually supposed to become less mundane. Of greater importance is the fact that generally speaking there should be a paradigm shift in our priorities as maturity sets in. Therefore, Jesus’s address to Martha: “you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed”, is well founded and goes to all of us too who in one way or the other are so distracted by the pursuit of mundane things over and above spiritual ones. It goes to all of us who have misplaced our priorities in life as Christians and in the house of God. It is not an excuse for us not to be hospitable to strangers, our guests and friends. Rather, it is a radical call to each and every one of us to set our priorities right. Jesus perhaps feels that it was not enough for Martha to welcome him to her house, but that she should also pay attention to what he has to say first and then go ahead to take care of material things later. Both the spiritual and temporal are good, but they are when attended to in their right order. Hence Jesus says: “It is Mary who has chosen the better part…” Jesus wanted her as he wants us today to set her priorities right by doing the first and most important things first.

A pastor was posted to a promising parish. He spent most of his time and energy erecting beautiful structures like, the church building, the father’s house, chapel, landscaping the entire parish compound etcetera. It was not long when his bishop decided to transfer him because of a fracas that broke out between him and the same parish council that motivated him and sang his praise as a very “vibrant”, “social”, and “happening priest”. During his send off party, an elderly woman asked to be given just a few minutes to appreciate their priest. She began thus: “Our dear pastor, we shall certainly miss you and the works you have done. Since you were posted here, you have erected a fine church building, father’s house, good chapel of adoration and done good land scalping, but you did not build our spiritual lives because it is almost at the same level it was when you came to us some years ago. I wish in your new parish you will pay more attention to building the spiritual lives of your parishioners! Thank you father, we wish you a more spirit-filled ministry in your new parish!” Every one clapped for her and she walked away. Of course she has passed her message and the priest received it with mixed feeling not knowing whether to cry or to laugh. The message is simple, he misplaced his priority!

It is obvious that most Christians have misplaced their priorities in life which is supposed to be first of all, welcoming Jesus Christ every day into our lives making him a permanent friend, listening to him, and doing his will. It is even most unfortunate that though we are too busy with church activities we are millions of miles away from striking any chord of relationship or friendship with Jesus Christ. Hence the saying that: “One has time for the work of God but no time for the God of the work”, becomes absolutely true. What a pity! Many Christians are so distracted today with the social and material activities going on in our churches that they hardly have time for their spiritual life. The frenzy and craze for all sorts of mundane activities has gripped both pastors and faithful alike. It is only when we cement our relationship with Christ, welcome him, seat by him and listen to him like Mary in today’s gospel that we can actually be prepared to do other things. A situation where by a baptized Christian does not spend any quality time with God simply because one is busy with the quest for material welfare could be likened to the situation of Martha. Hence, the Psalmist reminds us today that: “The just will live in the presence of the Lord!”

Peace be with you all!          

Maranatha!!

Our Lord And Saviour Is So Close To Us!

Readings: (1st: Deut 30, 10-14; Ps: 68, 14. 30-37; 2nd: Col 6, 1, 15-20 Gos: Lk 10, 25-37)

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 Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, 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, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

Often times we are lost in the search for what is so close to us in distant places. Hence, one of Nigeria’s popular and accomplished artist Onyeka Owenu, in one of her album sang: “Wetin dey for Sokoto i dey for shokoto!” Apparently, what she means here is that things can be so close to us, yet we look for them in distant places. On this 15^th Sunday of Ordinary time therefore, we are invited to laud and celebrate the closeness of our Lord to us. As the word of God, the image of the unseen God and as the Good Samaritan, our Lord and God is so close to us, ministering to our body and soul in all situations.

As a child, I grew up thinking and somehow convinced that “Israel” and “Jerusalem” were in “Heaven.” That is, somewhere above the sky. In order words, that geographically speaking they were not to be located anywhere in this world or planet earth of ours. I am sure so many other children felt this way too. This could perhaps be due to the way we were taught Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) in school then. However, as I grew older and as things began to change, I began to hear people talk about visiting Israel or Jerusalem (the Holy Land), and most places we read about in the Scriptures. In fact, I gradually came to realize that Israel is in this planet earth, that it can be visited, and that it is close and within reach. Of interest also, is the fact that I noticed that some people attached “JP” after writing their names, for example, “Mr. Been-to, JP”. On inquiry I found out that it means Jerusalem Pilgrim. That is, someone who has been to Jerusalem on pilgrimage.

The first reading of today awakens in us the consciousness of the nearness of our God to us. For the Jews the Torah (Law) is synonymous to Yahweh. So sacred is it that they find God in every letter of it. Hence, Moses reminds us of God’s closeness to us through his word: “… For this law…is not beyond your strength or beyond your reach. It is not in heaven so that you need to wonder, who will go up to heaven to bring it down to us…?” Therefore, God is so close to us with his hands wide open and ready for us to tap from his abundant resources of grace and love. If only we can patiently seek him, he will revive our forlorn soul when we find him. We must therefore seek him in the scriptures by asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten the eyes of our mind, so as to obey his ordinances. The word of God is God himself. Often times, we are ignorant of this fact to the extent that even in difficult moments, we do not know what to do or how to wriggle out of them. God has concealed himself in his word, and only those who make frantic efforts will find him. This is why the Psalmist admonishes us today: “Seek the Lord, you who are poor, and your hearts will revive.” If we must achieve intimacy with the Lord, we must devour the word of God. The prophet Jeremiah knew this secret and hence vehemently says to God: “When your words came, I devoured them…” (15, 16).” The key to fullness of life therefore, is close to, and with us. In the second reading, Paul yet brings God closer to us. God in, and through Jesus came to dwell among us spiritually and personally. First God spoke his word and it became real to us in the person and presence of Christ. In this reading, Paul draws our attention as the evangelist John (1, 1-14) did, to the fact that God decided to dwell with us in the person of Jesus Christ – the word made flesh himself. Hence he writes: “Christ is the Image of the unseen God…Before anything was created, he existed, and he holds all things in unity. 

In the gospel Jesus directs the lawyer to the scriptures. In doing this, Jesus tries to let him understand that, God could be found in his word which is close to him. To love God therefore is to love his word. He further buttressed this by telling the story of the Good Samaritan. The word of God is personified in the Good Samaritan in today’s gospel. The word of God is Jesus himself, who speaks to us, Jesus who is ever close to us and like the Good Samaritan, is ever ready to apply soothing balm on our injured souls. Jesus, the word of God made flesh is so close to us in all times and ages. He never departs from us or goes on leave. Even if he does, like a faithful husband, he takes us, his bride with him. However, owing to our culpable ignorance of this fact, we stray most times. But it is often said that: Ignorance is no excuse”, while St. Jerome tells us that: “Ignorance of the scriptures is ignorance of God.” We search for him only in big mansions, big churches, in popular people, in sophistic prosperity and miracle preachers, top government officials, big cities etcetera. Yet, as a humble Lord, he makes himself available to us in things that are so lowly and close to us. He is in the scriptures, in the poor, in the just, in the pious, in the marginalized, in the sick, and in the victims of unjust structures.

Like the Good Samaritan, if we search for him in these we will find him. If we can spare some of our precious minutes in seeking him, we shall discover that he is so close to us. God is so close to us in our neighbours and those around us. The Good Samaritan here has a dual personality. Not only does he represent those who find Christ in the weak, wounded, poor, and in the scriptures. He also represents Christ who himself as a Good Samaritan per excellence is so close to us who aids us in our journey of life especially, during our forlorn moments and when we have become brown-beaten in our harsh world. He is quick to come to us when we are weak, despised and abandoned. He is ever ready to help us recuperate from our injured nature and he is so close to offset the cost of our spiritual overhauling. Little wonder the Psalmist asks: “…What great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God….?” (Deut 4, 7).

Peace be with you all!          

Maranatha!!