Restaurado a la Vida de la Gracia a través de las Aguas del Bautismo

Lecturas: (1º: 55, 1-11; Sal: [Is 12, 2-6]; 2º: 1Jn 5, 1-9; Ev: Mc 1, 7-11)

Este breve reflexión fue escrito por Padre Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. El es un sacerdote Católico y miembro de la Congregación de los Padres y Hermanos del Espíritu Santo (Espiritanos). El trabaja en la Sanctuario del Espiritu Santo, en Dorado, Puerto Rico, del Internacional Grupo Espiritano De Puerto Rico y Republica Dominicana. Para más detalles y comentarios contacto él en: canice_c_ njoku@yahoo.com o canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

“Este Sacramento es también llamado el lavamiento de la regeneración y la renovación por el Espíritu Santo, ya que significa y trae realmente sobre el nacimiento del agua y del espíritu sin la cual nadie puede entrar en el Reino de Dios” (Catecismo de la iglesia católica 1215). Hoy es el primer domingo del tiempo ordinario, así como la fiesta del bautismo del Señor. Este domingo es como un puente entre dos grandes ciudades. Mientras que definitivamente marca el final de la temporada de Navidad, igualmente marca el principio del tiempo ordinario del año, B. Hoy la iglesia nos recuerda el hecho de que Jesús fue bautizado con agua, ungido con el poder del Espíritu Santo para traer sanación, paz y salvación a todas las naciones. La celebración de hoy nos da la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre por qué Jesús, aunque era Dios tuvo que pasar por el agua del bautismo. También nos recuerda de la eficacia de nuestro propio bautismo.

Mientras yo estaba reflexionando sobre la importancia de la celebración de hoy, recordé dos historias breves, muy graciosas, pero interesantes de “Jokebuddha.com” sobre bautismo. El Primero: Una vez, un padre estaba en la iglesia con su hija de cinco años. Se sentaron al frente así que podrían mirar y apreciar el servicio muy bien. Durante este servicio en particular, el sacerdote realizaba el bautismo de los niños. Cuando la niña observa que el sacerdote estaba diciendo algo y vertiendo agua sobre la cabeza de un bebé, curiosamente ella miró a su padre y le preguntó: ¿“Papá, por qué está el sacerdote lavando el cerebro de ese bebé?” La segunda historia es: Antes de realizar un bautismo, el sacerdote se acercó a un hombre joven y le dijo solemnemente: “el bautismo es un paso serio. ¿Estás preparado para ello?” El hombre respondió: “Creo que si,  mi esposa hizo aperitivos, también tenemos muchas galletas y pasteles para todos nuestros invitados.”El sacerdote respondió: “No, me refiero a que, ¿estás preparado espiritualmente?” Entonces, el hombre respondió: ¡“Seguro, tengo cuatro cartones de cerveza y muchas botellas de whisky!”

Visto positivamente (aunque gracioso), la pregunta de la chica tiene mucho significado. Esto es porque el bautismo actualmente nos purifica del Pecado Original y nos restaura completamente. Por otro lado, como el hombre que se estaba preparando para una fiesta en lugar del bautismo, muchos de nosotros todavía necesitamos comprender la eficacia real del bautismo. El bautismo no es sólo un sacramento instituido por Jesús, es también una fuente de gracia y bendición. Además, presenta una experiencia dinámica para cualquiera que decide seguir a Cristo. El bautismo es un “Sacramento muy sencillo”. Es “sencillo” en forma, materia, carácter y en su administración. Sin embargo, el hecho de su simplicidad no reduce su eficacia. Como el sacerdote dijo, “el bautismo es un paso serio”. De hecho, es la fundación y más poderosa de todos los otros sacramentos, porque sin él no pueden realizarse los demás. Su sencillez es lo que lo hace un sacramento universal de gracia y de vida que nos limpia del Pecado Original, y nos devuelve a nuestro estado original de inocencia.

La primera lectura de este domingo por el profeta Isaías es una invitación especial y universal a todos para venir a Cristo, “el agua viva” que a través de su propio bautismo ha santificado nuestra propia agua del bautismo. Esta agua viva es Cristo en cuyo nombre fuimos bautizados. Esto es una invitación universal porque nadie se queda fuera. Es especial porque no tiene ninguna barrera. En lugar de eso, es abierto a todas las naciones y más especialmente a aquellos que verdaderamente tienen sed. Se aplica a aquellos que están verdaderamente abiertos a la salvación que Dios ofrece a través de su hijo unigénito Jesucristo. Por lo tanto, es un llamado para aceptar la oferta de Dios de la salvación pero creyendo en Jesucristo, el agua viva.

En nuestra segunda lectura, Juan llama nuestra atención a la importancia de creer en Jesucristo. Lo más importante, destacó tres entidades que dan testimonio a Cristo como hijo de Dios. Estos incluyen: agua, sangre y espíritu. Cada día nos estamos contaminando por el pecado ambos internamente y externamente. En vista de ello, el agua del bautismo que Cristo trae, continúa a ser eficaz en nuestras vidas. Cristo continúa lavándonos y nos regenera con el agua del bautismo, el poder del Espíritu Santo y por supuesto, a través de su preciosa sangre. En palabras de Mateo Enrique: “esta agua y sangre incluyen todo lo necesario para nuestra salvación. Por el agua, nuestras almas son lavadas y purificadas para el cielo y la morada de los Santos en luz. Por la sangre, estamos justificados, reconciliados y justos ante Dios…El agua, así como la sangre, vino por el lado del sacrificio redentor. Él amó a la iglesia y se entregó por ella, que santifica y limpia con el lavamiento del agua…”

El Evangelio pone de relieve el núcleo de nuestra celebración de hoy. Cristo tuvo que ser bautizado con el fin de hacer un camino para nosotros, para purificar el agua del bautismo en que nosotros mismos deberíamos ser bañados. Esto es porque, como el primero entre sus hermanos (Rm 8, 29), siempre lleva la delantera para mostrarnos el camino. Por aceptar ser bautizado, Cristo purifica el agua en el que somos bautizados. Por lo tanto, el bautismo de Cristo es la piedra angular de nuestro propio bautismo. Él ha sanado el agua y  dio a ello la capacidad para limpiar el Pecado Original. Entonces, la celebración de hoy es un camino a través del cual estamos recordando la bondad de Dios para nosotros. Mientras que Jesús fue bautizado con agua, el espíritu del Padre dio testimonio y confirmó que Él es verdaderamente el Hijo del Padre. Esto sucede igualmente con nosotros, no sólo en el bautismo, pero todos los días. Si continuamos caminando con Dios y haciendo su voluntad para mantener nuestras promesas durante nuestro bautismo, el Espíritu Santo, continuará declarando que somos hijos e hijas de Dios. Como verdaderos cristianos y los hijos de Dios lavados en el agua del bautismo, debemos oír la voz de nuestro Padre cada día en nuestras vidas declarando: “este es mi Hijo amado/en quien me complazco.” Sin embargo, esto sólo puede ser si persistimos en el cumplimiento de nuestras promesas como hizo Cristo. Por lo tanto, como celebramos el bautismo del Señor hoy, renovemos nuestro propio bautismo recordando las promesas que hicimos a Dios en nombre de Jesucristo. Dejemos ahora quitar la naturaleza adámica destruida por el Pecado Original y ser vestidos con la nueva vida de la gracia desde nuestro bautismo (EF 4, 20). Finalmente, con alegría, vamos a dejarnos limpiar por Cristo, que es, el agua de salvación. (Is 2, 3).

¡La paz sea con ustedes!

¡Maranatha (Ven Señor Jesús)!

Restored to the Life of Grace through the Water of Baptism

Rdgs: (1^st Is 55, 1-11; Ps [Is 12, 2-6]; 2^nd 1Jn 5, 1-9; Gos: Mk 1, 7-11)

   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). 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.

“This sacrament is also called the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit, for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one can enter the kingdom of God”(CCC 1215). Today is the 1^st Sunday of ordinary time as well as the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This Sunday is like a bridge between two great cities. While it definitively marks the end of Christmas season, it equally marks the beginning of ordinary time of the year, B. Today, the Church reminds us of the fact that Jesus was baptized with water, anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit in order to bring healing, peace, and salvation to all nations. Today’s celebration affords us the opportunity to reflect on why Jesus, though God had to go through the water of baptism. Finally, it also reminds us of the efficacy of our own baptism.

While I was reflecting on the import of today’s celebration, I recalled two short, funny, but interesting stories from jokebuddha.com on baptism. First, once a father was in church with his five year old daughter. They sat in the very front row so that they could properly witness and appreciate the service. During this particular service, the Priest was performing infant baptism. When the girl observed that the priest was saying something and pouring water over a baby’s head, she curiously looked at his father and asked: “Daddy, why is he brainwashing that baby?” Second, before performing a baptism, the priest approached a young man and solemnly said: “Baptism is a serious step. Are you prepared for it?” The man replied, “I think so, my wife has made appetizers and we have a caterer coming to provide plenty of cookies and cakes for all of our guests.” The priest responded, “No, I don’t mean that, I mean, are you prepared spiritually?” Then, the man replied, “Sure! I have got a carton of beer and a case of whiskey.”

Viewed positively, the little girl’s question (though funny), to a great extent makes some sense. This is considering the fact that baptism holistically “washes away Original Sin.” It is actually a kind of “positive brain washing” which wipes out the stains of Original Sin” and restores us completely. On the other hand, like the man who was busy preparing for a party instead of baptism, many of us are yet to comprehend the actual efficacy of baptism. Baptism is not only a sacrament instituted by Jesus it is also, a huge source of grace and blessing. Furthermore, it presents a dynamic experience for those who choose to follow Christ. Baptism is a “very simple Sacrament.” It is “simple” in Form, Matter, character, and even in its administration. However, the fact of its simplicity does not diminish its efficacy. As the priest rightly said, “Baptism is a serious step.” In fact, it is the foundation and most powerful of all other sacraments, because without it other sacraments cannot stand. Its simplicity is what makes it a universal sacrament of grace and life which cleans us of Original Sin and restores us to our original state.

The first reading of this Sunday from the prophet Isaiah is a special and universal invitation to all of us to come to Christ the Living Water who through his own baptism has sanctified our own water of baptism. This living water is Christ in whose name we were baptized. This is a universal invitation because no one is left out.  It is special because it has no barrier. Instead, it is open to all nations, and most especially to those who are truly thirsty. It applies to those who through many worldly entanglements are experiencing dryness; to those who are truly open to the salvation that God offers through his only begotten son Jesus Christ. Hence, it is a call to accept God’s offer of salvation by believing in Jesus Christ the living water.  

In our second reading, John calls our attention to the importance of believing in Jesus Christ. Most importantly he highlighted three entities that bear witness to the sonship of Christ: Water, Blood and Spirit. Every day we are tainted by sin both inwardly and outwardly. In light of this, the water of baptism which Christ brings continues to be efficacious in our lives. Christ continues to wash and regenerate us through the water of baptism, the power of the Holy Spirit and of course, through his precious blood. In the words of Henry Matthew (Bible Commentary): “This water and blood include all that is necessary to our salvation. By the water, our souls are washed and purified for heaven and the habitation of saints in light. By the blood, we are justified, reconciled, and presented righteous to God…The water, as well as the blood, came out of the side of the sacrificed Redeemer. He loved the church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water…” (Eph 5:25-27).

The gospel highlights the core of our celebration today, the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Christ had to be baptized in order to make a way for us, in order to purify the water of baptism in which we ourselves were to be bathed. This is because, as the first among his brothers (Rom 8, 29), he always takes the lead in order to show us the way as Rick Founds sang: “…You came from heaven to earth, to show the way; from the earth to the cross, my debt to pay; from the cross to the grave, and from the grave to the sky; Lord, I lift your name on high!”  By accepting to be baptized, Christ purified the water in which we are baptized. The baptism of Christ therefore is the stepping stone for our own baptism. He cured the water and gave it the capacity of washing off Original Sin. Today’s celebration then, is a means through which we are reminded of God’s saving help and kindness to us. It reminds us that what Adam and Eve destroyed by Original Sin, which brought us damnation, has been repaired through the water of baptism. 

While Jesus was baptized with water, the Spirit of the Father bore witness or better still, confirmed that he is truly the son of the Father. This is equally what happens to us, not only at baptism, but on a daily basis. As we continue to walk with God and do his will by fulfilling our baptismal promises, the Holy Spirit, equally continues to testify that we are sons and daughters of God. As true Christians and children of God washed in the water of baptism, we must hear the voice of our Father every day in our lives testifying: “this is my beloved son / daughter in whom I am well pleased.” However, this can only be if we persist in fulfilling our promises as Christ did. Therefore, as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord today, let us renew our own baptism by remembering those promises we made unto the God in the name of Jesus Christ. Let us recommit ourselves to Christ in whose name we were baptized today. Let us cast off the old and Adamic nature corrupted by Original Sin and wear the new life of grace conferred on us by baptism (Eph 4, 20). Finally, with joy let us draw living water from Christ, the well of salvation (Is 2, 3).

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

La Epifanía del Señor: Viviendo el Ejemplo de los Tres Reyes Magos

Lecturas: (1^o: Ish 60, 1-6; Sal: 71, 1-2.7-13; 2º: Eph3, 2-3.5-6; Ev: Mtt 2, 1-12)

Este breve reflexión fue escrito por Padre Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. El es un sacerdote Católico y miembro de la Congregación de los Padres y Hermanos del Espíritu Santo (Espiritanos). El trabaja en la Sanctuario del Espiritu Santo, en Dorado, Puerto Rico, del Internacional Grupo Espiritano De Puerto Rico y Republica Dominicana. Para más detalles y comentarios contacto él en : canice_c_ njoku@yahoo.com o canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Queridos hermanos y hermanas,  antes mi breve homilía para hoy, deseo dar gracias y apreciar nuestros los jóvenes y hijos por sus drama excelente cual ayudado nos para entender mucho más el evangelio de hoy. Agradecimos también nuestros los Sembradores que preparado ellos para este drama maravilloso. Por favor, de pie y damos otro fuerte aplauso para ellos.

Hoy celebramos la solemnidad de la Epifanía y en una manera más especial (aquí en Puerto Rico), el día de los Reyes Magos que trajeron a Jesús los regalos muy costosos y simbólicos de oro, incienso y mirra. El término Epifanía es de origen Griego, “epiphaninen.” Es un verbo que significa “revelar”, o ” manifestar”. Celebra las muchas maneras a través de cual Dios ha revelado su mismo a nosotros y a nuestro mundo. Estos incluyen los tres eventos que trae a la luz su misión y divinidad: la visita de los Reyes Magos (Mtt 2, 10-12), el bautismo de Jesús (Mk 1, 9-11) y el milagro de Caná (Jh 2, 1-11).

Así pues, hoy, Dios revela él mismo a nosotros, porque él es bueno y amoroso. La luz que brilla sobre nosotros hoy es la luz de vida. Es una luz desde la que nosotros mismos debemos obtener nuestra propia luz y brillar sobre demás. Hoy el Señor Jesucristo se extiende y expande el horizonte de su amor a nosotros por no ser egoísta. En lugar de eso, el Señor permite su luz para iluminar las tinieblas de nuestras vidas. La lección de todos estos es que también tenemos que hacer nuestra vida mejor y permitir que la bondad, que fluye a través de nosotros ayudar a los demás. Debemos iluminar nuestra luz para que otros puedan ver con él, como Cristo ilumine nuestro camino y vida este Nuevo año con su propia luz, vida, consejo, y presencia divina.

El Evangelio de hoy de Mateo como hemos visto en el drama presentado a nosotros por nuestros jóvenes y los hijos es sobre la visita de los tres reyes magos. Ellos vinieron para adorar y ofrecer regalos al recién nacido Rey, Jesucristo. Este evangelio (y drama) está llenos de muchas lecciones por nos aprender. En primer lugar, los tres reyes vinieron para ofrecer a Cristo una verdadera adoración como el Rey de los reyes. Por lo tanto, nuestra adoración debe ser sincera y de nuestros corazones como el de los tres reyes magos. No debe ser como la propuesta de la adoración de Herodes que era falso.

En segundo lugar, debemos estar preparados para ofrecer algo a Jesus. Nosotros no debamos aparecer ante el señor con las manos vacías. Así pues, debemos preguntarnos hoy, ¿Qué ofreceré al Señor por su bondad para mí? El único regalo que debemos ofrecer a Dios por su bondad para nosotros es nosotros mismos, es también: un regalo de vida buena, un regalo de amor, un regalo de obediencia, un regalo de humildad, un regalo de paz a nuestras familias y mundo, y un regalo de sacrificio por el otro. Además, debemos aprender a ser generoso a los demás como los tres Reyes Magos a Jesús. Hoy (niños), como esperan regalos de tus padres tratan a ser generoso a los demás también especialmente  hacia sus los padres. Los padres, seamos también generosos hacia nuestros hijos, hoy dándoles regalos como los sabios reyes dieron a Jesús.

Finalmente, otra lección que debemos aprender de los Reyes Magos es que debemos seguir la estrella y luz que Cristo nos muestra. Esto significa que no debemos permite nosotros mismos ser engañados o distraídos en nuestro viaje por “los Herodes” en nuestros camino . Confiando que Dios no inducir a error o confundir a nosotros, debemos seguir su estrella y luz en nuestras vidas y a lo largo de la parte de nuestro viaje a eternidad. Cualquier momento estamos confundidos o venir a la encrucijada de la vida, debemos buscar y esperar hasta que aparezca la estrella de Cristo que nos muestre el camino que debemos proceder. Esto es simplemente lo que podemos se refieren a como la guía divina y consejo divina en nuestras vidas. Hoy por lo tanto, pedimos  a Dios como su iglesia: Padre, guíanos con tu luz. Ayúdanos a reconocer a Cristo en la Eucaristía y darle la bienvenida con amor, porque Él es Señor para siempre. Amén!

¡Que viva Rey Jesús! ¡Que viva Rey Magos! ¡Que viva Puerto Rico!

Felicidades a todos ustedes.

La paz sea con Ustedes.

Maranatha (Ven Señor Jesus)!

Living the Example of the Wise Kings

Rdgs: (1st: Ish 60, 1-6; Ps: 71, 1-2.7-13; 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 we celebrate the solemnity of Epiphany, and in a most special way the day of the three kings who brought Jesus the very costly and symbolic gifts of gold, Mire, and frankincense. The term Epiphany is of Greek origin, epiphaninen. It is a verb which means “to reveal,” or “to manifest”. It celebrates the many ways through which Jesus has revealed himself to us and our world. These include the three events that bring to light his mission and divinity: the visitation of the three kings or Magi (Mtt 2, 10-12), the baptism of Jesus (Mk 1, 9-11), and the miracle at Cana (Jh 2, 1-11).

So 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 from which we ourselves must get our own light and reflect it unto others. Today the Lord Jesus Christ further extends and expands the horizon of his love to us by not being selfish. He allows himself to illumine the darkness of our lives. The lesson in all of these is that we must also make our lives better and allow the goodness that flows from us help others. We must brighten our light so that others can see with it as Christ illumines our way and life this New Year with his own light, life, divine presences and counsel.

The gospel of today from Matthew as we have seen in the drama presented to us by our youths and children is about the visitation of the three wise kings. They came to adore and offer gifts to the new born king, Jesus Christ. This gospel (and drama) is full of many lessons for us to learn. First, the three kings came to offer Christ a genuine worship as the King of kings. Therefore, our worship must be sincere and from our hearts like that of the three wise Kings. It must not be like the proposed of worship of Herod which was false.

Second, we must be ready to offer Jesus something. We must not appear before the Lord empty handed. So, we must ask ourselves today, what do I offer the Lord for his goodness to me? The only gift we must offer God for his goodness to us is ourselves, the gift of good live, the gift of love, the gift of obedience, the gift of humility, the gift of peace to our families and world, and the gift of sacrifice for one another. Also, we must learn to be generous to others as the three wise kings did to Jesus. Today (children), as you expect gifts from your parents try to be generous to others too especially towards your parents. Parents, let us also be generous towards our children today by giving them gifts as the wise kings gave to Jesus.

Third, another lesson that we must learn from the wise kings is that we must continue to follow the star and light that Christ shows us. That is, we must not allow ourselves be deceived or distracted on our journey by Herod. Trusting that God will not mislead or misguide us, we must continue to look out for his star and light in our lives and along the part of our journey to eternity.

Any time we are confused or come to the cross roads of life, we must seek and wait until the star of Christ appears to show us the way we must proceed. This is simply what we may refer to as divine guidance and counsel in our lives. Today therefore, we must ask God as the church prays: 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!

Long live King Jesus, Long live the wise kings!

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!

Christ, God’s Wisdom and Light that Dispels our Darkness

Readings: 1st: Ecc 24:1-2.8-12; Ps 147:12-20; 2nd: Eph 1:3-6.15-18: Gos: Jn 1:1-18

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.

“In the beginning was the Word…a light shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not over power…the Word was the true light that enlightens all men…” Today is the 2^nd Sunday in the octave of Christmas. On this Sunday, we continue to savor the joy of the new born king, we continue to greet the Word made flesh that now dwells among us, and we continue to rejoice because, as the wisdom of God, he dispels our darkness and illumines our lives. Today, the church invites us to reflect on the import of Christ’s coming to us.

There is a very strong relationship between wisdom and light. In fact, they are synonymous to each other. On the contrary, light or wisdom and darkness are opposites. Light is always contra darkness and dispels it. The Book of Wisdom addresses God as the one who “made all things by your word; God’s eternal, creative, and illuminating power” (Wis 9:1). Proverbs equally writes: “The Lord by wisdom founded the earth” (Pr 3:19). “Light”, “Word” and “Wisdom” are seen as one and the same. This is what they achieve: “For while gentle silence enveloped all thing, your all-powerful Word leaped from heaven, into the midst of the land that was doomed…” (Wis 18, 14-16).

This is what the birth of Christ did for us this season. As the wisdom of God, Christ came to banish ignorance by revealing things that are hidden for ages. As Wisdom He enlightens the eyes of our mind so that we can appreciate God (Eph 18). As light, he not only clears the obscurities of our mind, but also lights up our way. Hence, the psalmist says: “Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a guide for my path…” (Ps 119, 105).

Today, wisdom is personified in our first reading. He is none other than Jesus Christ, the fullness of God’s wisdom. One important point to note from this reading is the fact that wisdom proceeds from God. Thus, Wisdom speaks: “From eternity, in the beginning, he created me…” In other words, he was part and parcel of the nature of God. The good news of this season is that after ages, he is now with us as human in order to help us work and walk in the light. Who are these privileged people? My dear, we are! Therefore the cause of our unending joy this season is that we are highly favored by God. However, it is important that we open ourselves so that He can make use of us adequately. If we do, we shall become wise and enlightened because iron sharpens iron, and fire begets fire.

In our second reading today, Paul continues to thank and bless God, “who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings of heaven in Christ.” This spiritual blessing is Jesus Christ himself, the Wisdom of God who is with us to dispel all ignorance and to illumine our dark spots. Also, Paul reminds us that we are those chosen and favored by God. This is not only for the purpose of being holy and spotless, but also, for adoption as fellow brethrens of Christ.

So, as we continue to rejoice this season, let us know that Christ’s birth sealed our own adoption and opened a door for all of us into God’s heart. Therefore as Paul prayed, “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ… give you the spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed…” let us welcome Wisdom into our lives as our guide. This is because without Wisdom we cannot appreciate what wonders God has worked for us this season. Without the eyes of our mind being opened by the “Ancient of Days” himself, we will remain in perpetual ignorance and our minds always clogged with wickedness.

Today as was on Christmas day, our gospel kicks off with a description of God’s “Logos” or Word. John reminds us of the following that: “Through his Word the heavens were made.” John describes Jesus as God’s creative, life and light giving Word that has come to us in human form. Truly, Jesus is the Wisdom and Power of God which created and sustains the world. Therefore, in order to save us, He assumed our nature. Jesus became truly man while remaining truly God.

What he was (Divine), he remained, and what he was not (human nature), he has assumed for the sake of our salvation. Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God, he is truly the wisdom and light that dispels the darkness of our life and world. Without losing his divinity he became a man and our brother. He is the one with whom now we shear the same paternity as adopted children of God. His acceptance to be born like us gained us this exalted position and illumines our world.

Finally, for allowing the light of his face shine upon us this season through his Word, Light and Wisdom, let us, like David the Psalmist continue to say: “O Lord, you are my light and my salvation…(Ps 127, 1).

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all!

Peace be with You!

Maranatha!!

I am grateful to all of you my brothers and sisters in Christ who visited and read these homilies in spite of their many inadequacies and errors. I am most gratful to all of you who read and responded by way of showing appreciation, encouragements and even criticisims. 2014 was a wonderful year and I hope that 2015, will bring us better things. As we enter a new year in a couple of hours from now (of course, some of our brethrens in Asia and Oceania are already there now), I pray that God will grant us all we need to make 2015 a wonderful expirience. May the blessings of the Almighty God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit come down upon you now and for evermore. Amen!

Happy New Year and peace be with you all you.
Maranatha!
Fr. Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp

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Resolving To Walk With God This Year: Mary, Mother of God, Help Us!

Rdgs: (1st: Nu 6, 22-27: Ps 66, 2-6; 2nd: Gal 4, 4-7: Gos: Luke 2, 16-21)         

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 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.

“Mary, the all-holy ever-virgin Mother of God, is the masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time. For the first time in the plan of salvation and because his Spirit had prepared her, the Father found the dwelling place where his Son and his Spirit could dwell among men… (CCC 721). Happy New Year my dear brethrens! Today is a special day for all of us. First, we give thanks to God for his many favours especially, for the opportunity of a New Year. Second, today we celebrate the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Both of these are sources of great blessings to us and so we cannot but say thank you Lord! One remarkable thing about all our readings today is that they are all short and simple. While the first is God’s blessing upon us for the New Year, the second, and the Gospel help us reflect on the role of Mary, Mother of God in God’s plan our salvation.

On this first day of the year, today’s solemnity is a celebration of Mary’s motherhood of Jesus. The title “Mother of God” is a western derivation from the Greek “Theotokos” (God-bearer).  Today, the church as ever before, reminds us of the role that the Blessed Virgin Mary played in the plan of our salvation. This solemnity can be traced back to the Council of Ephesus in 431.  In 1751, after a push in Portugal for an official feast day celebrating Mary’s divine maternity, Pope Benedict XIV allowed Portugal’s churches to devote a feast to Mary on the first Sunday in May.  Eventually, the feast extended to other countries, and in 1914 began to be observed on October 11.  In 1931, Pope Pius XI extended the feast to the entire church. Finally, in 1974, Pope Paul VI removed the feast of the Circumcision of Christ from the liturgical calendar, and replaced it with the feast of the “Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God”, bringing Mary’s feast day back to the first day of the year.

New Year offers new opportunities, new ideas, and new resolutions. It is a sign of regeneration and a time hope. A young man was asked: “What is your new year resolution? And he simply responded: “I have resolved to give God all his due. I have owed him enough.” He was further asked: “And what is this His due? He responded: “His due is me, the whole of my life, the whole of my time and the whole of my plans; I have long walked alone and failed. This year I will not work alone again. So my number one priority this year is to walk with God and I know he will not let me fail again as I have always done alone.” Many times I have personally made New Year resolutions. Unfortunately, I have not been good at keeping them. This could have been due to any of the following reasons: May be, I was not meticulous enough about keeping them; May be, circumstances beyond my control prevailed against me and my game plan had to change; and most importantly, may be because in making those resolutions I did not consult God. These are all possibilities, but I think the last is the most probable because we are often in a hurry to do things without asking God, what do I do this time, how do I do it, and where do I go from here? So, if we have made resolutions and failed it could be that we did not allow God to vet them and to show us the way forward. One important thing we must do this New Year is to resolve to strengthen our relationship and walk with God. We must be ready to commit our ways unto him as Proverbs tells: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans (Pr 16, 3). And also, as the Psalmist admonishes us: Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this…(Ps 37, 5). This year we must refuse to move unless God goes before us. In order words we must develop the resilient spirit of Moses who insisted before God: “If you do not personally go with us, do not make us leave this place… (Ex 33, 15).  Of course the Lord heard his petition: “I will do just as you have asked because I know you very well and I am pleased with you” (v.17).  We must like Enoch (Gen 5, 24) walk with God this year in order to achieve our plans and resolutions. On his own part God is ever ready and willing to walk with us. Hence through our first reading today, he has equipped us for the journey ahead this year. It is a blessing and comes at no other time better than on the first day of a New Year. Therefore, all we need do is simply say Amen. It is a blessing that must guide us positively into, and throughout the year. This is the evidence that God himself wishes to walk with us. What more do we need this year if He has pronounced his blessings on us and has pledge to allow the light of his face shine upon us? Nothing more my brethren! All we need is to resolve to walk with him and he will do the rest.

The second reading on its part reminds us of how God took flesh by being born of the Blessed Virgin Mary whose solemnity we celebrate today. Most importantly, this reading reminds us of our sonship which is not biological but through adoption. We, by adoption, are children of the same Father (God) as Christ is. Likewise, by adoption, we are children of Mary because, only Christ is biologically speaking. So as children of God we are born of the same spirit with Christ and equally share the same mother. The gospel simply teaches and reminds us that Mary played her motherly role very towards her son Jesus Christ – God made man. Most importantly, it teaches that she was obedient and fulfilled all that she was told to do: “When the eight day came…they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception.”  Not only did she give birth to Him, she nurtured him like every good mother would. Though this, she presents herself as the epitome and model of Good motherhood.

So, as we move into this year already blessed by God in our first reading, let us continue to ask the Mother of God and our mother too, to help us remain focused all through this year in our walk with God and in all that we do. Let us pray: “Hail Mary full of grace…Hail Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now until the hour of our death…Oh Holy Mother of God despise not our prayers in our necessity, but deliver us from all dangers, oh ever glorious and blessed Virgin Mary…Amen. Happy New Year to you all!

Peace be with You!

Maranatha!!

Acting and Praying Together: Living the Spirit of the Holy Family of Nazareth

           Rdgs: (1st: Sirac 3, 2-6. 12-14: Ps 128, 1-5; 2nd: Col 3, 12-21: Gos: Lk 22, 22-40)           

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). 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.

On this first Sunday of Christmas season year B, the church invites us to celebrate the Holy Family of Nazareth, the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Sociologically speaking, the family is described as the nucleus of the human society. It is the place where life and learning begins. Today’s celebration is meant to remind us of the specific and important role of the sacred institution of family in our lives. The church reminds us through today’s celebration that the sustenance and subsistence of our society and world at large, hinges on the continuous existence of the family. Therefore today, the church presents the Holy Family to us as the model for all families who fear and walk in the ways of God.

Today’s celebration underscores the fact that an ideal family is made up of basically a man and a woman, and if God wills, children (Ps.127). Any union other than this in the name of family is an aberration, “pseudomonic” (false), and against God who in the beginning made them male and female. He did not take the ribs of Adam to create another man for Adam to cohabit with. Instead, he took Adam’s ribs and out of it created a biologically and functionally different being, woman (Gen 1 and 2). This call therefore comes at the most appropriate time when the costly fabrics of this sacred institution are greatly threatened and been swiftly eroded by all sorts of unhealthy, demonic, ill-fated ideologies, philosophies, cultural, religious, and odd social practices. To say that the devil and his cohorts are making frantic effort to poison and destroy it completely, might be stating the obvious in a most simple and mild way. In spite of this, there is still hope for this sacred institution.

I have lived in Puerto Rico for a couple of months now, and one of the things that I find very interesting about Puerto Ricans is their strong regard for their family and family values. In spite of the daunting influence of globalization and most importantly, the influence of their affiliating state, they still value their family union and identity so much. Families here are united in prayer, act together, and in fact, carry every member along in virtually all their activities, both social and religious. Those who live abroad are occasionally, drawn back home by the “Family Spirit and Love” with and in which they were brought up. Parents still take care, and pray earnestly for the well being of their children, while children still value and take care of their aged parents. The idea of “sending and abandoning” their aged parents in old people’s home is unconceivable here. This is a great sign of hope for the sacred institution of family. The call today is for us to rise up and emulate the model of ideal family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in other to fashion ours, or repair our broken families.

The first reading of this Sunday explicitly outlines the three different components of a family, the Father, “the first arm”; the mother, “the second arm”; and children, “the third arm” of the family. Each is important and unique in their positions. It equally outlines the position of each member in relation to one another: “God sets the father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.” Most importantly, in this reading is the fact that the roles of children towards their parents are greatly stressed. This role centers on honor, obedience and humility towards ones parents. This is a serious lesson for all children who wish to live long and be blessed. There is a reward for obeying and making both our earthly or heavenly parents happy. Paul hits this nail right on its head when he reminds us of our duties in our families: “Children, it is your Christian duty to honor your parents, for this is the right thing to do. Respect your father and your mother is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it; so that it may go well with you” (Eph 6, 1-4). Jesus our model did perfectly well. In spite of being God, he never scorned his earthly and heavenly parents. Instead, he was humble and obedient (Phil 2, 6-11).

In today’s second reading, Paul reminds us of the very significant virtues that are very important to sustain our families. Each member of the family must strive to acquire them. Any family where these are found would definitely remain solid and united. These factors as Paul enumerates them include: heartfelt compassion on members of our families and not just the lip service type, kindness, humility, gentleness towards each member of the family, patience with one another in the family, bearing with and forgiving members of our families when they err against us. Most importantly, Paul says: “Put on love and let the peace of Christ control your hearts.” This is very important! Most families are not living in peace today because instead of wearing the garment of love they wear that of hatred and so affect others negatively. Any child brought up under this type of condition will definitely be a torn in the flesh of the society and our world. The reason we experience all forms of aberrations today in our family settings and consequently in our societies is because we have neglected these for too long. To sum up his counsel on the family, Paul succinctly reminds us individual roles in the family. “Fathers, love your wives and avoid bitterness towards them…Wives, respect your husbands…Children, obey your parents.” Jointly, “parents do not provoke your children.” These roles are crystal clear. The question now is who amongst us have failed in his/her role, and why are our families the way they are today? The candid answer is that most of us have failed in our duty and responsibility toward our families. So we must today emulate this wonderful family of Nazareth in order to rebuild them.

The Gospel on its part presents to us the Holy Family. In addition to the virtues that Paul enumerated above, there are two very important characteristics of this family presented to us today. These include, praying and acting together. In my few years a priest, one experience has kept me wondering how much importance we still attach to our families. For a good number of times I have seen mothers alone bringing their children for baptism and other very important sacraments in the church. Yet, one of the marriage question and consent goes thus: “Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?” Of course, to this, the answer by both the man and the woman is always: “Yes I will!” However, and sadly, many of us are too busy to grace the important occasions and ceremonies of members of our families talk less of coming together to pray. Yet every day we listen to the beautiful saying that, “a family that prays together stays together.” Together, Mary and Joseph took their son Jesus to the temple to be consecrated. They acted and prayed together for the good of their family. When Herod threatened their baby, they decided together in prayers to flee to Egypt. This is a very important virtue to emulate from them today as we celebrate them. This is most especially in our world where individualism had done a great harm to our family ties. Praying and acting together is the magic wand which sustains families. These help our families pull through difficult moments in life. This is true of the saying that “united we stand, divide we fall.” The family has suffered so much and is at the brink of collapse. The only way to heal it is by imitating and the Holy Family we celebrate today. Therefore, let us pray, Jesus, Mary and Joseph: Make our hearts like unto yours. Merry Christmas!

Peace be with You!

Maranatha!!

The Mystery Is Revealed, And The Word Is Among Us!

Readings: (1st: Ish 52, 7-10; Ps: 97, 1-6; 2nd: Heb 1, 1-6; Gos: John 1, 1-18)

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.

“Sing a new song to the Lord for he has worked wonders…The Lord has made known his salvation…acclaim the King the Lord.” Today is Christmas day, the day we have long awaited and prepared for. Christmas is a milestone in the history of our salvation so it is wonderful to know that “God is with us” to save us. Today, God has proved the depth of his love for us by allowing his own son to be born of a virgin.  The Word spoken of, and prophesied about long ago has finally taken flesh. The central message of today’s celebration is the incarnation and revelation of Jesus Christ.

Our first reading from Isaiah finds its sphere of accomplishment in the birth of Jesus Christ, His life and ministry. Therefore, it is a suitable biblical reading for a day like this. Isaiah proclaims: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the one who brings Good News.” In deed the Good News himself is here with, and among us. The onus now lies on us to become “partners in progress”, by spreading the Good News. It is the Good News of love, peace, charity, hope, happiness and above all, it is a Good News of salvation. The call of the prophet today is a call to celebrate Emmanuel, God with us.  It is a call to adore and worship the new born king and prince of peace. It is a call to be joyful, and a call to take the message about the birth of the Messiah to all and sundry.

In our second reading, the letter to the Hebrews captures, and presents what God did for us today in a most convincing and spectacular manner. The letter to the Hebrews simply reminds us that God has fulfilled the promise he made by revealing the hidden mystery of salvation. Now we are the favored ones. Revelation has reached its apogee today and the hidden mystery of the old covenant has finally been revealed in Jesus Christ.

The gospel of John gives us the synopsis of what happened today, the divine incarnation of God: “The Word was made flesh, He lived among us, and we saw His glory.” The Word which was with the Father as Spirit is now with us as flesh. While not losing His sacred or spiritual nature, he has condescended to become like us. He did this by taking flesh in a poor, humble, willing and lovely virgin. It takes love to do this. Therefore what we celebrate today is love because: “…God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son… (Jh 3, 16).

We must be ready to share this love. God sent Christ out of love, Christ accepted to come out of love, the messengers and prophets announced his coming out of love, and of course, out of love, Mary and Joseph cooperated with God to bring Him forth. So we must not snap the silver chain of love instead, instead, let us extend it to others. Therefore, this is a season we must be ready to offer ourselves to others. One thing we must do this season is that, just as Christ has reached out to us, we too must be ready to reach out to others too. 

Today we celebrate Sacrifice.  So, we too must be ready to sacrifice something for the good of our brothers and sisters as Christ did by leaving his heavenly throne in order to be with us. Just as Christ came down from heaven to be with us, and to show us the way, we must leave our highly exalted positions and comfort zones to reach out to the lowly, suffering and neglected of our society. Today we celebrate Humility. So, we must learn to be humble from Christ. In spite of being the king of the universe, he allowed himself to be born in a manger not minding the discomforts. Today, what we celebrate is the advent of the reign of peace. Peace not as the world gives, but as God promises to offer it to those who believe in him (Jh 14, 21).

Finally, what we celebrate today is hope because Christ’s birth is a great hope raiser for all who would sincerely believe in him. What this means is that, we must exercise great hope and faith, even though, our world is engulfed in wars, hatred, hunger, starvation, cyber attacks, kidnapping, maiming and killing of innocent children, bloodshed,  modern slavery, oppression, injustice, tactical re-colonialism, and in fact, all forms of both natural and human made disasters. Today is a day of joy. So, I wish all of you my dear brethren a wonderful and fun filled celebration this joyful season. Therefore: “Sing psalms to the Lord with harp, with the sound of music, with trumpets and the sound of the horn, acclaim the King, the Lord” who is with us. Merry Christmas!

Peace be with you all!!

Maranatha!!!