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!!!

The Mystery Hidden In Mary – The Ark Of God’s New Covenant

Rdgs: (1st: 1Sam 7, 1-5. 8-16: Ps 88, 2-5. 27. 29; 2nd: Rom 16, 25-27: Gos: Lk 1, 26-38)           

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.

“Rejoice so highly favored, the lord is with you…You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus…the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David!” Today is the fourth and last Sunday of Advent season. We are just a couple of days away from Christmas. Today’s celebration therefore is a great song to the everlasting love of God revealed in his covenant with his servant David and his entire people. This Mystery behind and within his covenant with his people kept secret for ages past is what is about to be revealed in the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, the ark of God’s New Covenant. Today, the good news about the birth of the messiah was in a most spectacular fashion conveyed to Mary, and humbly, she accepted it.

In our first reading, out of love and in appreciation of God’s love, David moved to build a house for God. However, God would not allow him, but instead, made a promise to David, and sealed it with a covenant: “…I will preserve the offspring of your body after you…I will be a father to him and he will be a son to me…your house and your sovereignty will always stand secure…your throne will be established forever” This promise and covenant is what we expect its fulfillment in few days time. It is based on this same promise and covenant to David that both Luke and Matthew proceeded to trace and write the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Mtt 1, 1-17; Luke 3, 23-38). The reason is to prove that Jesus is actually an off spring of David and so, is the son of whom the prophets spoke about in relation to the throne of David. The hidden mystery of the old covenant is about to be revealed in the new covenant, the offspring of David and the Son of God.

In our second reading, first, Paul gives glory to God because of the strength he gave him to preach the good news, and then throws more light on the fact that Jesus is the Mystery that has been kept hidden for ages. His revelation is the salvation of the world. This good news is the mystery which God himself concealed in the covenant of old. This is enough reason to give God glory today, and during the imminent season of Christmas in full view. During these few days before Christmas, as we tidy up what is remaining of our preparation, we must continue on a note of giving all glory to God for what he is about to do in our lives and in our world at large. Paul’s message today sets us on the fast track towards the incarnation of God’s word which is very close at hand.

The Gospel of today presents us with two important figures in the “drama of the nativity of Christ.” First the angel Gabriel, the faithful messenger appears with a message. His message is about the fulfillment of a promise, and about the revelation of the hidden Mystery of the old covenant in the new. A mystery remains a mystery only, until God decides to unveil it, and Jesus is that Mystery who will be revealed to us on Christmas day through God’s instrument Mary, who willing accepted Christ to take her flesh. Mary’s role in the salvation history stands out clearly today. She receives the message calmly in spite of all odds against her. As the ark of God’s new covenant, she yields easily by giving her fiat: “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it is done unto me according to your words.” With these innocent words she accepted the role assigned to her before time (Ish 7, 10-14). Not only was Mary’s faith a statement of willing donation and submission of herself to God’s own will for the salvation of the world, it is also a statement of her humility, generosity, courage, and love for humanity. She took such an enormous risk that none of us might be ready to undertake even for the best of price or reward. She did this in spite of all the inconveniences and risks attached to it especially, the possibility that her proposed spouse Joseph would divorce her and that her reputation would be badly smeared in the deeply religious and cultural family, and community of her time.

Today therefore, just as Mary got the message and cherished it in her heart and is willing to give us the Messiah, we too must cherish the good news about the unveiling of the Mystery of God’s new covenant to us. Let me remind you my dear brethrens, that the season we are about to enter is a season of joy, receiving, sharing, and giving. Today the angel brought the good news to Mary so also, we must continue spreading this message. This is a season in which we must send some good news, through cards, gifts of love and good will messages. Let us try and reach out to others especially, the poor, the week, the aged, and especially those who cannot offer us anything in return. The good news is also for them, and we can be their angel Gabriel through whom the wonderful joy of Christmas can reach them.

Finally, as we wait for the next couple of days for the manifestation of the new covenant and the fulfillment of God’s promise to his servant David, let us join the psalmist in proclaiming: “I will sing forever of your love, O lord.  Through all the ages, my mouth will proclaim your truth!”

Peace be with You!

Maranatha!!

Rejoice, But Do Not Lose Focus of Your Destination!

Readings: (1st: Ish 61, 1-2.10-11: Ps {Lk 1, 46-54}; 2nd: 2 Th 5, 16-22: Gos: Jh 1, 6-8. 19-28)

          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.

“I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God; The Almighty works marvel for me, Holy is his name”(Ish 6, 10-11; Luke 1, 49). Like a sojourner who seats by a fresh stream while looking at his destination across a valley, today we seat to be refreshed by God while joyfully looking at our salvation which is close at hand. Today is the Church’s and our response to that call of prophet Isaiah last week (2^nd Sunday of Advent): “Look, here your God is coming with power”. We are doing this with the sight of our destination in full view.

The third Sunday of Advent is a Sunday of joy (Gaudate), because it provides us with the season and moment of refreshment for the rest of the journey ahead. Having come thus far in our journey, therefore the Church says to us as the prophet Nehemiah said to the Israelites: “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh 8, 10). This is of course with the hope that we do not lose focus of our destination. This should provoke the feeling of great joy my dear friends, and this joy is what we celebrate today. However, it suffices to note that this is not the end of the journey. There is still one week and a couple of days separating us from our final destination. The likely temptation today is for us some of us to presume that we have arrived. My dear, we have not arrived, it is not over until it is over. So, after today we must continue our journey with the feeling of a new zeal, fully re-energized and re-empowered.

In our first reading today, Isaiah busts out in Joy as he experienced the divine presence and hand of God tremendously at work in his life and mission: “The Spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for the Lord has anointed me to…” This is a song of joy and satisfaction of one who has been fully empowered, and for what the Lord God of Host has done. This Sunday, like Isaiah, we should sing this same song because we are being filled with, and by the Spirit of God who energizes us for the last phase of our preparation and journey this Advent. In appreciation of what God has done for us so far especially on this joyful Sunday, we must pause and say like Isaiah and Mary: “I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God, for he has cloth me with the garment of salvation…” This is the great joy that Gaudate Sunday provokes; the joy that our salvation is near, that we have been empowered by the Spirit of God to take hold of it, and to make it known to the whole world.

Our second reading is an explicit exaltation from Paul to us especially on this great and joy-filled Sunday of Advent: “Be happy at all times, pray constantly, and for all things give thanks to God…” In this brief exaltation of Paul, we find a wonderful progression. First, it is an exaltation to be happy, joyful and cheerful for the journey so far has been so good, and because, the Lord God of host has refilled, re-energized and empowered us to take hold of our salvation. Second, it is an exaltation to be thankful to God for the journey so far. This is because, “If the Lord had not been on our side (Ps 124, 1), the enemy would have pursued and overtaken us. If the Lord had not been on our side, we would have been no where today! Third, it is an exaltation to “Pray constantly,” to be careful, watchful, vigilant, and in fact, not to lose focus of our destination. Hence, Paul warns us thus: “Never try to suppress or treat the gift of prophecy with contempt.” This is because doing this would be tantamount to refusing or denying the authenticity of what has long been foretold about the birth and the coming of the Messiah to us. This is dangerous and will definitely be counter-productive for our salvation and the efforts we have made so far in our journey this season of Advent.  Therefore, for Gaudate Sunday to be truly meaningful it must provoke a great feeling of joy and thankfulness, while still strongly preserving and keeping us focused on our journey and duty this glorious season of Advent.

Once again, today our gospel revolves round the prophecy and clarion call of the “Prophet of Prophets”, John the Baptist. The major difference between today’s gospel and that of last week rests simply on the fact that they are accounts from different writers Mark and John. Possibly also, because Mark’s version (as is characteristic of his gospel) is shorter than John’s which includes the description of the person of John the Baptist and his discourse with the Pharisees. Apart from these, the message and the clarion call remains basically, functionally and ontologically the same. It is still from: “The voice that cries in the wilderness, Make a straight way for the Lord.” Why is this reading and call being repeated this joyful Sunday, could it be that we did not hear it well last Sunday? Well, if we say it is because, “variety is the spice of life”, we might be a bit correct. However, I do not think that none of the former or even the latter (alone) is the reason. We must note that whenever words and statements are repeated in the bible, in any other literary writing, or even in any circumstance of life, it is for the purpose of laying strong emphasis.

Repeating this gospel and clarion call of John the Baptist after exalting us to be joyful in the first reading, psalm, and in the second reading is not an accident or a mistake. It is rather, an act and the manifestation of the wisdom of the Holy Mother Church who cares for her children. It is here again to remind us that, though we are given a little time today to relax, refresh and rejoice, the clarion call is still sounding as loud as ever: “Make a straight way for the Lord.” In order words, we are not done yet with our preparation. Repeating this clarion call (though from a different version of the gospel) is highly significant because it is a way of keeping us alert so that we do not lose focus of where we are actually heading to: “ It is  NOT Christmas  yet!” It is a way of reminding us that the joy of Gaudate Sunday is only but a tip of the iceberg, and a foretaste of what the fullness of our joy will look like on Christmas day, when we shall embrace Christ – the Cause and Fullness of our Joy.

Finally brethren, as we rejoice today, let us be mindful of, and say a loud amen to the prayer of Paul, who knowing full well that we are still on a journey sums up his exultation to us with a prayer of commendation and hope: “May the God of Peace make you perfect and holy, and may you all be kept safe and blameless…for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…God has called you and he will not fail you.” Surely, he will not fail us until we have seen our salvation and experienced the fullness of our joy who is Christ the King of Glory.  Surely, he will not fail us because: “All the promises of God in him are Yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God …” (2 Cor 1, 20).

Peace be with You!

Maranatha!!

Why, and for What Reason is Jesus Christ Coming?
Readings: (1st: Ish 40, 1-5.9-11: Ps 84, 9-14; 2nd: 2 Pt 3, 8-14; Gos: Mk 1, 1-8)

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.

“A voice cries in the wilderness; prepare a way for the Lord. Make a straight way for our God across the desert. Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low…”(Ish 40, 3; Mk 1, 3; Jh 1, 23). On this second week of Advent year B, we continue our waiting and preparation for the Lord’s coming. Today in a special way the church calls us to reflect on the good news that this season brings – that Christ is coming. In light of this, we are also to reflect on the reason for his coming, and most importantly on what we ought to be doing while we wait for him.
Today all our readings focus on the following themes, the imminence of the Lord’s coming and arrival, the need for repentance for the forgiveness of our sins, and of course the need to live saintly, holy and spotless lives. All of these are geared towards making sure that we are fully prepared for the glorious encounter with our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. One important question that we must ask ourselves today is: Why is Christ coming, what are all these talks about his coming for? The answer is simple: He is coming because he loves us, he is coming in order to forgive, console, and to save us, and he is coming to make all things (including us) new. He is not just a busy body who has nothing to do at home and goes about gossiping or mending in other people’s affairs. No, he has a mission and that mission is all about us and our world as the prophet Isaiah gladly informs us today.
In our first reading today, there is a paradigm shift in the prophetic, and prayer  pattern of Isaiah from lamentation and wish, to optimism. He has moved, from, “how I wish that you tear heaven…” to “prepare a way for the Lord… Here is the Lord coming with power…” His prayer of hope last week (1st Sunday of Advent) seems to be materializing and bearing fruits soon. So, he confidently says this week, “console my people, console them…” Last week he lamented and wished that the Lord tears down heaven and come down, but today his tone has changed. He sounds more optimistic and certain like someone who is beginning to see the result of or a response to his previous plea. This is a sign that we are going to make it. Like Isaiah, we too must progress in our journey this Advent. Isaiah’s prophecy today is for all of us a great hope raiser that our salvation is close at hand as we continue to wait and prepare for the Lord’s coming. However, it is not yet over as the fulfillment of this hope still lies in the future, though not too far away from us. So, rather than relaxing, we must heed his call, “prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord…”
In the second reading, Peter assures us that Christ will certainly come. Once again, like the Prophet Isaiah, he gives a boost to our hope. He encourages us not to lose hope in the prophetic promises about the coming of Christ irrespective of our human reckoning of time which is quite different from God’s. Peter wrote at a time when some people were at the verge of losing their hope in the promise of Christ’s second coming due to the teachings of some false prophets and mockers. Today, Peter makes the following very important points. First, that what we conceive as a long period of time is nothing in God’s time, as there is a difference between God’s time and ours. This is the reason for the popular saying: “God’s time is the best time!” Our human reckoning of time is “Chronos”, which refers to our human sequential time, in which second follows second, minute follows minute, hour follows hour, day follows day, etcetera. This is the type of time is where we live a great deal of our lives, as the clock urges us on to the next scheduled appointment or event. On the other hand, God’s reckoning of time is “Kairos” which signifies a time in between, a moment of undetermined period of time in which something special happens. In other words, kairos points toward a moment when we cease to be conscious of chronos, of the ticking of our man-made clocks, because we are taken up in a special moment that seems almost timeless. While chronos is quantitative, kairos is qualitative. The second, and most important message of Peter to us this Advent revolves round the “The Day of the Lord,” which he warns us comes like a thief. Therefore he reminds us of what we ought to be doing this time around: “You should be living holy and saintly lives while you wait and long for the Day…do your best to live lives without spot or stain so that he will find you at peace.” The need to better our lives is the core of Peter’s message to us today. This is the season when we must make every effort to live holy lives, a season we must ask for pardon from God for those times we have not got things right, and a season we must make every effort to reconcile ourselves with God and our neighbour. Living a holy and saintly life means being actively involved in God’s work and with others around us. It is not only a measure of our personal spirituality, but also, a measure of how effective our ministry of prayer, charity, and evangelization, has been.
In the Gospel of this Sunday, John the Baptist like Isaiah brings us the good news about the Lord’s imminent coming. He makes an explicit call to us to repent for the forgiveness of our sins. What is there to repent from? They include, those moments we have denied God through our words and actions, those moments we have failed ourselves and our neighbours, those times we have neglected the good we ought to do, those times we have gossiped and castigated others, those times we have not been true to our selves, God, our neighbours and our country, and those times we have failed to live saintly and holy lives. This Advent is the time to say, God we are sorry, forgive us for we have sinned! This is a very important condition for us to welcome Christ worthily, and this is what the prophets Isaiah, John the Baptist, and the Prince of the Apostles Peter mean respectively by, “preparing a way for the Lord” and “living holy and saintly lives.” If we sincerely repent this season, then the salvation that Jesus brings will be ours, and we will be part of the new generation that he comes to transform and redeem by his love. If we clean up ourselves properly, we need not be afraid of the Day of the Lord, but simply look forward to it with joyful anticipation. Anticipation of the coming of the Lord should not merely inform our manner of life. Rather, it should motivate us to respond with repentance, holy and saintly living, godliness, and of course, joyful expectation of our salvation. Humbly therefore, let us pray with the psalmist today: “Let us see, O Lord your mercy, and give us your saving help”.
Peace be with You!
Maranatha!!

Advent: A Season Of Great Expectation And Joyful Hope
Readings: (1st: Ish 63, 16-17. 64, 1-8: Ps 79, 2-119; 2nd: I Cor 1, 3-9; Gos: Mtt 13, 33-37)

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

“…Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Emmanuel. He will eat curds and honey at the time He knows enough to refuse evil and choose good…”(Ish 17, 14). Today is both the first Sunday of Advent and of the Church’s liturgical calendar year B. Remarkably, as we begin a new liturgical year today, we move from Matthew’s to Mark’s Gospel, the shortest of the four canonical Gospels.
Advent is a season of hope and a period during which as Christians we await the fulfillment of the promise of God through his prophets. In addition to being a season of hope, it is equally, a season of great patience and prayer. It suffices to note that why we prepare physically, the most important preparation is that of the spirit. Therefore, during these four weeks what are we expected to do? What will you do if you are informed that very soon your president will visit you right in your home in a couple of week time? Surely, you are not going to rest until you have turned your home around so that every nook and corner of it will be comfortable for your August visitor. If we could do this just for the sake of Mr. President’s proposed visit, what should we do to welcome the new born king of the world? This season is all about getting set for the birth and coming of the messiah.
Our first reading from Isaiah is both a prophetic message as well as a prayer of hope. Isaiah begins by first acknowledging the greatness of God: “O Lord you are our Father, Our Redeemer is your ancient name…” and progresses to lamentation or complain to God: “Why leave us to stray from your ways”. Finally, he expressed the hope he has in God: “Return, for the sake of your servants…Oh that you would tear the heavens open and come down…?” This is a prayer of hope because, as Isaiah rightly demanded, God will not keep silent until we are saved. That salvation is what the hope we have in the coming of Christ will accomplish for us when he is finally born. This hope that the prophet expresses today is what will see us through this season until Christmas when our Redeemer will be born. Therefore, when Isaiah says, “Oh that you would tear the heavens open and come down…”, he is expecting God to come in power and might. He is like saying as we pray, “Our Father, let your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven? This is also the hope that Paul constantly expressed whenever he says “Maranatha” (come quickly Lord Jesus). That power and its manifestation is what we await and hope to see at the end of this season of Advent when God’s word finally would be made flesh. However, until then our major duty and preoccupation should be how to prepare well.
In our second reading, Paul thanks God for the graces he received through Christ. He equally encourages us to be faithful as we wait for the coming of Christ. Even though in this letter, Paul was referring to the second coming of Christ (Parousia), yet this reading is very ad rem to this season of Advent. Of Importance here is the fact that Paul reminds us that we have received the gifts of the Spirit. It is these gifts that will strengthen us as we wait for Christ to come. Of course, what this means is that we need to implore theses gifts in order to prepare well. The Holy Spirit will certainly teach us how best to prepare, and he will show us the items necessary for welcoming the infant Jesus. If we walk with him this season of Advent our hope will not fail us, because, “the expectation of the righteous shall not be cut short” (Pr 23, 18). Therefore, we must be ready to prepare for the Lord’s coming prayerfully, and by employing the help of the Sacraments that the Church has left at our disposal for the edification and sanctification of our souls. This is with special regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We must not be carried away by the physical preparation during this season at the detriment of the spiritual. We must not prepare for the coming of Christ as pagans do. It is not a time to get rich quick or to disenfranchise others in order to celebrate Christmas “lavishly and worldly”. Instead it is a time for deep reflection upon the loving kindness of God who came to dwell among humanity by taking flesh in a mortal being. It is a time to be good to others, a time to love, respect and to reach out to the poor, weak and the sick.
The gospel of today is a clarion call to be awake and alert, and only the Spirit of God can help us do this faithfully. Therefore, rather than hearken to the spirit of this world this season, we must tenaciously hold on to the Spirit of God, who consequently is the Spirit of the Good News of salvation, because he alone can keep us awake until the Lord comes. This is what the season of Advent calls for. For our hope not to disappoint us this season we must be alert and get ourselves ready at all times. This season, the Lord wants us to have our hearts and minds fixed on him and his word. He wants us to be ready for his coming and grace in our lives, and of course, in our world. If we wait patiently for, and on him this season, we shall not be disappointed and we will surely receive his grace and saving help. This season, if we do all things without lightening up our lives spiritually for Christ to walk into and through it, if we prepare all things and places without preparing a manger for baby Jesus in our lives then, our preparation might definitely be in vain. God forbid! During these four weeks of grace we must constantly ask ourselves, how best can I prepare to welcome the infant Jesus-King, have I prepared a manger in my heart for him so that he could be born anew within me, and, am I watching and waiting for the Lord’s action in my life with expectant faith and joyful hope this season?
Finally brethren, this season, as we eagerly anticipate and desire the coming of the Lord, our hope and expectation should prompt us to be always awake and vigilant, it should make us prepare adequately in order to avail ourselves of Jesus’ mercy. Therefore, our constant and confident prayer during this season of Advent must be as Isaiah prayed today: “Oh Lord that you would tear the heaven and come down,” and also, as Paul constantly prayed and concluded most of his letters: “Maranatha! Come quickly, Lord Jesus.” However, for this to bear fruit, we must also, humble ourselves this season and pray along with the psalmist: “God of Hosts bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved”.
Peace be with you all!
Maranatha!!

Let Christ The King Of The Universe Reign in Your Life
Readings: (1st: Ezek 34, 11-17; Ps. 22, 1-6; 2nd: I Cor 15, 20-28; Gos: Mtt 25, 31-46)

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.

Hurray! Today is the thirty fourth and last Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A. Most importantly, it is the solemnity of Christ the King. The Feast of Christ the King was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 in order to ward off the cantankerous, deadly influence and activities of Secularism. The feast is intended to proclaim in a resounding, striking and effective way Christ’s royalty over individuals, families, society, governments, and nations. The Holy Mother Church and all her faithful celebrate today the King of the universe who rules in power and majesty, the King who is compassionate and love, and the king who does not rule with iron fist but delivers justice on a platter of gold.
Once in a kingdom, a deadly plaque tormented the people. Every effort made to curb it proved abortive and yet no solution was in view as the inhabitants were at the verge of being wiped out. One day, a certain wise man appeared and claimed to have the solution to the plaque. Immediately, the king summoned him to his palace. He told the king that only one thing needed to be done to defeat the plaque. This news delighted the king. Then, the wise man added: “There is a balm within the forest that could cure the plague, but the problem is that someone needs to go and get it.” The king responded swiftly, “That is not a problem at all!” But the wise man retorted, “My king it is a big problem.” Again, the king said, “My friend that is not a problem because in my kingdom I have brave men and women who can do anything to get it.” To this the wise man added, “My king but the oracle has chosen someone already for this task.” The king said to him, “So tell me who it is and we shall fetch him immediately.” The wise man hesitated and then broke the silence: “He is your heir apparent and only son!” At this, the king was enraged and immediately condemned the wise man to death by hanging. A few days later, he sent his bravest men into the forest in search of the balm, but none of them returned alive, again and again he continued sending until he and his son were the only men left. Eventually the plague hit the palace and both of them were struck dead the same day, and the entire dynasty was annihilated. One man could have saved this dynasty and possibly lived, but because of the self-centeredness of the king all went down. This is not the kind of king we celebrate today. We celebrate the King who was ready to, and actually died for us his flock in order to give us life in full. He is not selfish but self sacrificing. This King differs from our worldly kings because he is love himself as well as the model of all kings.
In the first reading of today, the Lord through his oracle prophet Ezekiel reassures us of his continuous readiness to look after us: “I am going to look after my flock myself… I shall rescue them…I shall be a true shepherd to them…” We must note here that the Lord God himself will do his job. One remarkable thing about this reading is that for nine times the personal pronoun “I” was employed to convey first, the fact of God’s personal interest in his flock and second, his promises to all of us his children which he has long ago fulfilled through Jesus Christ our King and ruler of the universe. In this reading also, God sort of presented the manifesto of his government to be headed by Christ. His, is quite different from those our earthly vote and political power seekers present to us, such as the following: free education, housing, medical care, transportation, low taxation, more jobs, high income rates and even free air, water, wives and husbands etcetera. You and I know full well that they hardly come close to fulfilling even ten percent of their promises before the end of their tenure in office. Yet, another set returns with the same old fashion lies. In contrast, the manifesto of God is absolutely different, because it is real, true and devoid of falsehood. It is not charity with a hook. God is a faithful King who never lies but fulfils his promises as the book of Numbers reminds us: “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Nu 23, 19)
In the second reading, Paul takes us memory lane about how Christ achieved his kingship and how he will continue to maintain it until he has conquered our last enemy death. Christ accomplished a task that no other could. This task is the defeat of sin and Satan through his own death. It was a hundred percent knockout. He had to do this to salvage us from the whips and caprices of Satan our arch enemy: “By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (Col 2, 14). This is what he has done for our sake and for the sake of his kingdom. So we must abide with him who shed his blood for us. We must be part of his kingdom and pay homage to him every day of our life because, he reigns supreme over the entire universe.
In today’s gospel, Matthew reminds us of the rule and reign of Christ. His reign is one of justice because he will judge each one according to his or her action. He shall uphold the just and reprimand the culprit. There is no corruption, embezzlement, manipulation, or structural injustices in his kingdom or during his reign. Rather, his reign will be the reign of peace because: “…He will judge among many people, rebuking strong nations far away; and they will reshape their swords as plowshares and their spears as pruning hooks. No nation will threaten another, nor will they train for war anymore” (Ish 2, 4; Micah 4, 3). His scepter shall be peace and justice. My dear brethrens, today’s celebration will only make meaning to us if only we have given Christ the highest seat and key to the kingdom of our hearts where he earnestly desires to reign. If he reigns in every heart, then he reigns in our world. If he reigns there already, then rejoice and celebrate, if not, then let us ask him today, to come in because he says to us: “I stand at the door waiting, if you open I will come in to eat and dine with him” (Rev 3, 20). If he reigns in you, then yours are all gains and no losses.
In conclusion, as we celebrate Christ the King of the universe today let us allow him to be truly in control of the kingdom of our heart because as the “Buen Pastor” (Good Shepherd), Jesus will not oppress or lead us astray as our earthly kings do. If we make the Lord our King and Shepherd, then there is nothing we shall lack, because, his goodness and mercy will follow us, all the days of our life. Of course, in the beautiful court of King Jesus’ palace shall we all dwell.
Peace be with you!
Maranatha!!

Devoted and Faithful In Waiting For Christ Our Head and Master
Readings: 1st: Prov 31, 10-13.19-20; Ps 127, 1-5; 2nd: 1Thess 5, 1-6; Gos: Matt 25, 14-30

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 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.

As we draw closer and closer to the end of the 2014 liturgical calendar, year A and also, to the beginning of a new one marked by the season of Advent, the church encourages us to remain faithful and dedicated to our Head and Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore as a family of God, with Christ as the head; the Church as the Mother; we (the faithful) as the children; and the angels as the faithful servants waiting on and watching over us, we must be steadfast and united as we hold and celebrate today a feast in honour of Christ the head of our family. We must be ready to bring him the talents of a virtuous woman, devoted children, and faithful servants
Here is a true life story about faithfulness in waiting. Hachiko, was an Akita dog born in 1923 and was owned by Eisaburo Ueno, a professor at the University of Tokyo. The professor used to take a train from the Shibuya Station every day to go to the university. Each day Hachiko accompanied him to the train station when he left for work. Upon returning, he would find the dog patiently waiting and wagging its tail. This happy routine continued until one fateful day in 1925, when the professor was taken ill on the job and unfortunately died before he could return home. As usual, the dog waited at the train station that day for his master to return back. However, seeing that he was not coming back, Hachiko waited till night fell and retuned back home. The next day Hachiko went back to the train station again, waiting for his master to come back. He patiently waited till sunset and then retuned back home. The dog was so devoted to the professor that he continued to visit the train station everyday for the next ten years! The people who passed the loyal dog each day were so touched by his story that they erected a statue in his honor at the Station in 1934. In 1935, Hachiko died at the very same spot where he used to wait for his master (Extracted from Wikipedia and Fabulous Travel.com). Dear brethrens we have, by virtue of our baptismal vows pledged allegiance to the Lord. Therefore as the faithful Hachiko, we should be faithful to our Head – Jesus Christ.
Our first reading for this Sunday is from proverbs. The virtuous woman of Proverbs radiates as a bright beacon in this wonderful wisdom book of precepts and warnings. The book presents us with the qualities of the virtuous woman, and the term “virtuous” simply refers to strength, efficiency, or ability. Here it refers to strength of character. That is, moral strength and firmness (Ruth 3:11). The virtuous woman is good, faithful, and knows what to do to keep her family intact. In addition, “she holds out her hand to the needy”. Today, the virtuous woman represents two things for us. First, she is the symbol of the Holy Mother Church who leaves no stone unturned in her bid to make sure that she prepares us adequately to meet Christ our Head. The church as the virtuous woman does this through her constant, untiring teachings, admonitions, and through her charitable works. As a mother, the church knows her duty towards her groom Christ and towards us her children. She never and will never go to sleep until she has presented us to Christ worthily. On the other hand, it is a call for us to emulate the qualities of the virtuous woman as we hold today a festival in honor of our head Christ. Like the virtuous woman, it is essential for us to cultivate inner beauty. If this is absent, then, it is impossible to exhibit the strength and efficiency fit enough to wait for Christ our head. We are to be as faithful and devoted to our callings and mission as the virtuous woman is.
In the second reading Paul presents to us a description of the conduct expected from a child of the light. He reminds us of the inevitable – The Lord’s Day. According to him, one of the most significant characteristics of this “Day” is that it will be sudden: “it is when people are saying, ‘how quiet and peaceful it is that the worst suddenly happens, as suddenly as Labour pain on a pregnant woman…” In order words, Paul is simply encouraging us to be vigilant and active in our preparation for this very day of the Lord. “Gregoreuo” is a Greek word employed by Paul that connotes the idea of a sleeping man rousing himself, so that he is mentally alert and in a state of mind opposite to that which characterizes one’s mind while in sleep, and this is the position we ought to adopt as Christians waiting for their Master. We must be faithful and devoted in good works as the virtuous woman in our first reading. This “Day” must not catch us by surprise because, “to before warn is to be fore armed.” As people of light we must per due in the light and avoid all the snares of darkness. Therefore, as faithful and devoted children of God, we must be about our Father‘s duty without allowing ourselves to be distracted at all. We must live expectantly in the light of Christ our Head’s return, realizing that our works will be judged and that our opportunities for service on earth will end. We must live with eternity’s values in mind and in view all the time. If we do, we will certainly enjoy a better life than those who compromise with the world. We are therefore to live like soldiers in active service (2 Ti 2. 4), and like the virtuous woman working to please her husband and children.
In the gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the talent to equally remind us that given the imminence of his return, each one of us must be ready to render a good account to him as our head. In order words, he has endowed us differently according to our various capacities. He also expects us as devoted and faithful children to render a good account of the “talents” he has endowed us with. While Jesus’ parable challenges all of us to put to full use all the potentials that God has given us for the sake of the kingdom, he most importantly, instructs us his disciples to endure through difficult times and to live in anticipation of His return. Hence, this parable simply reminds us of the inevitability of the Lord’s coming and how we as his disciple ought to live in expectation of his great return. Furthermore, it depicts how we are to display faithfulness as we anticipate the return of Christ our head. Therefore, while we wait for the Lord’s return, it must not be in idealness, but we must be industrious and active by bearing effective witness to Christ while bearing in mind that an account must be demanded from us. It is true that like the three servants, we do not have gifts of the same degree, but God expects of us a result that is commensurate with the gifts he has given to us. So, we must use whatever talents we have been given to the best of our ability for God’s glory, and when we have done that, we are on an equal playing field with other faithful. As trustworthy servants of God we must therefore, avoid a life of indifference, apathy, licentiousness, and complacency towards our mission and work as these will not fetch us any reward from Christ. We are faithful, devoted and wise disciples if only while waiting for Christ’s return, we emulate and expand his ministry. He announced the arrival of God’s kingdom by feeding the hungry, visiting and curing the sick and imprisoned, blessing the meek, serving the least, clothing the naked, and welcoming the stranger (Mtt. 25:31-46). If we are found faithful in this same ministry, we will definitely hear our master and head say to us when he returns: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Peace be with you all!!
Maranatha!!!

Celebrating God’ Sacred Presence With and Within Us!
Readings: 1st: Ezek 47, 1-2. 8-9.12; Ps 45, 2-9; 2nd: 1 Cor 3, 11. 16-17; Gos: Jh 2, 13-22

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.

“The beauty and harmony of Churches, destined to render praise to God, invites us, limited beings and sinners, to form a ‘cosmos,’ a well-ordered edifice, in communion with Jesus, who is the true Holy of Holies…Every community therefore has the duty to take special care of its own sacred buildings, which are a precious religious and historical patrimony.” (Pope Benedict XVI Nov 9, 2008, Feast of Lateran Basilica). Exactly after one week of being granted the privilege by God and his Church to celebrate and reflect on the dual feast of All Saints and Souls, today the 32nd Sunday of ordinary time, we are once again given another opportunity to celebrate and reflect upon God’s divine closeness and presence with and within us through the Feast of the Dedication of St John Lateran Basilica. Two basic points are important in today’s celebration. First the physical building as well as us, are both God’s temple and dwelling place. Second, both the physical church building and us are both the physical evidence and manifestation of God’s presence on earth and as such, must be kept holy and sacred.
There is a great misconception about this feast and most importantly about St. Peter’s Basilica Rome both among Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Rather than St. St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Pope’s church as the Bishop of the archdiocese of Rome is the Lateran Basilica which bears on its facade: “omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput” (the mother and mistress of all churches of Rome and the world). This Basilica was built by Constantine and was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. This feast was first observed in Rome, but was extended to the Universal Latin Church. This is a way of expressing our love, solidarity, union and faithfulness to the Chair of Peter which our holy father Pope Francis occupies today as the primus inter pares. In personifying and referring to this church as “The Mother” of all churches, it means that as a mother she bears, nurtures, feeds, cares and protects her children. She is a place of refuge. This Lateran Basilica and indeed every other dedicated church around the world is therefore the symbol of God’s divine physical manifestation and presence among his people. It is also the symbol of the holy mother church on earth, and of Our Lady who is truly the mother and mistress of the church. She stands close to us all especially during difficult moments with her arms wide open as: “The Refuge of Sinner”, “The Comforter of the Afflicted”, “The Tower of David”, and “The Ark of the Covenant”.
In our first reading today the vision of the prophet Ezekiel about the temple of Jerusalem is presented to us in a most articulate and dramatic fashion. This reminds us of God’s ever abiding presence within his temple. As a sign of God’s presence among his people, the Temple or “Church” is a place from where the river of God’s joy emanates and flows towards us in order to nourish and satisfy us. It is a place of refuge and a place where we find eternal bliss, a place where our spiritual hunger and thirst are satisfied, and most importantly, it is a place of healing where we find Jesus our balm of Gilead (Jer 8, 22) that heals our wounded souls. Ezekiel recapitulates thus about this river that flows from God’s temple or church: “Wherever the river flows all living creatures teeming in it will live…for where ever the river flows, it brings health, and life…because this water comes from the sanctuary”. It suffices to note that there is both a significant ontological as well as functional difference between a “Dedicated Church” and an ordinary hall, a factory building, make-shift canopy, an abandoned warehouse, a shop/store, an auditorium, a classroom, a dining room, a parlor, capitols or town halls, just as there was a much difference between the Temple of Jerusalem and the synagogues (town halls). Therefore, in every dedicated church dwells the fullness of the presence of the Trinitarian God. It is a sacred, permanent dwelling of God, and a place of prayer. So, it must be accorded utmost reverence.
In the second reading, Paul takes us to the next and very important dimension of the temple of God and that is us: “You are God’s building…did you not realize that you are God’s temple and the Holy Spirit of God was living among you?” This is straight and direct to the point and this is what we are. We are the seat of God’s government because our hearts are the innermost sanctuaries of the Holy Spirit. Paul reminds us of God’s special presence within us. We are God’s living and mobile temple. Therefore, there is a special call today to keep this temple holy, pure and sacred, because, God does not dwell in a flirty temple. If our temple remains sacred his spirit will continue to dwell therein. Otherwise we may experience “Ichabod” (the departing of God’s glory, 1 Sam 4, 21) as Israel did when they offended God and consequently, the Ark of the Covenant was captured. Unfortunately many of us Christians in the name of “freedom/liberty” and its twin sister – “human rights”, have abused ourselves (God’s temple) so much. Some have done this through drug and alcohol addiction, sex addiction, excessive make ups and tattoos, and even attempts to take our own lives etcetera. All these however, are manifestations of our sheer ignorance of who we truly are – the temple of the living God. We belong primarily to God because we did not create ourselves. This is why Paul warns us of the imminent danger associated with treating God’s temple with utter disrespect, contempt and impunity: “If anybody should destroy the temple of God, God will destroy him, because the temple of God is sacred and you are that temple.”
In the gospel, Jesus’ action in the temple brings us to the climax and significance of today’s celebration. He gives us a typical good example of how we ought to threat and reverence the temple of God. John summarizes Jesus’ action and words thus: “Destroy this sanctuary and in three days I will rebuild it…but he was speaking of the sanctuary that was his body…” Our bodies as God’s temple were purchased through the water of baptism, and consecrated through the sacred oil of Chrism and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit whereas the physical church is also consecrated by both the presence of the Trinitarian God and the presence of “God’s priestly, holy and chosen people” (1Peter 2, 9). Therefore, as we commemorate the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica today which reminds us of God’s sacred presence with and within us, let us joyfully acclaim with the psalmist: “The water of the river give joy to God’s city, the holy place where the Most High dwells…God is for us a refuge and strength…the Lord God of Host is with us, the God of Jacob is our strong hold…!”
Peace be with you all!!
Maranatha!!!

Maranatha (Ven Senor Jesus)!!!

Waiting in Joyful Hope, and Wisely for the Lord
Readings: Readings: 1st: Wis 6, 12-16; Ps 62, 2-8; 2nd: 1 Thes 1, 13-18; Gos: Mtt 25, 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 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.

With just two Sundays to the end of this liturgical calendar of ordinary time, year A, today, the church encourages us her beloved children to be steadfast and ready without being discouraged or distracted until the Lord comes. Indeed, “the waiting game” is not an easy one but it requires lots of patience, humility and most importantly lots of wisdom. If we must succeed in this waiting game for the Lord, we must learn that patience is the greater courage while wisdom is the greatest of it all. Today therefore, we must ask God to grant us wisdom to know what to do at all times especially when we tend to run out of the spiritual oil (patience, courage, hope, faith etcetera) necessary for waiting for the Lord to act in our lives. This is most especially, when it does appear to us that Jesus is delaying too much to come to our recue.
Once, I saw a small boy seating patiently by the gate in front of their house. Considering that it was getting dark and chilly I asked the boy to go into the house. But he politely refused. When I enquired why he would not go in, he responded: “I have to wait here to open the gate for my mummy when she comes back, and I know that she is on her way now.” Surely, the poor boy was right, and I got it wrong because while we were still conversing we heard a car horn and a flash, and the boy with bright eyes and a bold smile on his face said to me, “here she comes, I told you I know my mummy is on her way.” Immediately, he left me to open the gate for his mum. I guessed, he was happy because he has proved a point to me, and even happier because he has taken the wise decision to continue his waiting game instead of succumbing to my temptation to seek some pleasure inside the house. This should be our attitude as we wait for Christ. Unfortunately, the tendency is for us to become impatient or act foolishly. However, with wisdom, we will definitely make the right choice.
In the first reading of this Sunday we are reminded that “wisdom is found by only those who look for her”. Here wisdom is personified as a woman, and it only takes a wise man to go out in search of her. The wise man does this with patience and hope, and so, never gives up until he has achieved his aim. Hence, with wisdom we are better Christians and more equipped to face the challenges of this life. Unfortunately, many of us neglect this fact and indeed the very fact that God has endowed us with wisdom in order to know how best to worship him. This is especially in our pursuit of truth through religion. Without wisdom our spirituality will be shallow and un-balanced. Without wisdom, our religious and Christian life will remain at the levels of mere fanaticism, fundamentalism, and all forms of senseless extremisms. Without wisdom, we are losers in every sphere of life. But with wisdom, we seek, find and worship God well. So in order to go to heaven, we need to be wise. Therefore, we must pray for it and earnestly ask God to help us find her because finding her is finding God and the path of eternal life.
In the second reading, Paul encourages the Thessalonians as well as us not to bother or grief too much about those who have died or gone before the second coming of Christ. That is, the Parousia. “…Do not grief about them like other people who have no hope…God will bring them with him…” This advice is anchored on the hope we have in the resurrection of the dead. So instead of worrying so much about them, the wisest thing to do is to worry about ourselves. What is supposed to bother us should not be what will become of the dead but, what will become of us the living when Christ comes. What should bother me is, how do I get there, how prepared am I for the Lord should he appear now as he promised. We must note carefully that there is no time or space attached to this coming of Christ, the least idea that Paul gives us is that “we shall see him when he appears in the sky.” But the sky is not a particular geographical location. So it could be anytime or any where! In spite of what seem to us humans in our limited wisdom as delay in the fulfillment of Christ’s promise about his coming, the fact is that: “All the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God …” (2 Cor 1, 20). It is quite unfortunate that even Christians now make caricature and mockery of Christ‘s promise about his Parousia. Once, I heard someone say to another, “I hope this promise of yours will not be like the promise of Jesus’ Parousia (second coming)?” They laughed over it because Christ’s word and promise is now empty. For this fellow, he has waited too long, and Christ on his part has delayed too long. So there is no need of trusting him anymore. He has delayed so long that he need not be believed any longer. What a pity! But the truth is that the wise never give up. They never get tired of waiting, all they do is get themselves fully prepared, ready and yet, keep themselves busy. So whether we are dead or alive, Christ’s promise will be fulfilled.
In the gospel of this Sunday Jesus used the parable of the ten virgins which is unique to Matthew, to teach us how best to be vigilant and prepared at all times for the coming of the Lord into our lives. While five of the virgins were wise in waiting for the “bridal train”, the other five were foolish in waiting for the same train. What separates these two categories of waiters or disciples is that same “thin line” that separates wisdom and foolishness, heaven and hell, good and evil etcetera. As thin as this line seems, yet it is thick. It is the part of the servant to wait patiently for his master to return. The moment of waiting should therefore not be for us a weary moment, but the moment of righting our wrongs, when we refill our spiritual lamps and wisely prevent the costly oil from being exhausted for nothing sake. We must not like the five foolish virgins, allow ourselves to become victims of the eleventh hour. Rather, as wise disciples, we must remain vigilant for Jesus’ return. We must not allow anyone to cheat or distract us. The question someone might ask is: As a matter of charity why did the wise virgins not share their oil with their sisters? The answer is simple. That would have been an awful and most stupid thing to do because right in the middle of the party all the oil will finish, the lamps extinguished, and the entire place thrown into darkness. This would be the embarrassment of the highest order orchestrated by a misguided notion of charity. Second, there is no excuse for the foolish virgins not to have oil in their lamps because they had all the time in the whole world to get enough but due to their laziness they did not. Instead they began to look for the black sheep when darkness has fallen. Indeed, it will be practically impossible to find it.
Jesus is on the way! His delay in coming should not be an excuse for us to lose out. Rather, it should be a blessing for us to get ourselves ready because, “everything works for the good of those who love and trust God” (Rom 2, 28). Let us therefore ask God today to endow us with much wisdom with which to be able to wait patiently until Christ comes to darken the door of our lives and souls. So, like the psalmist today, let us say to God daily: “For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord, my God. My body pines for you like a dry weary land without water!”
Peace be with you all!!
Maranatha!!!