Welcoming Jesus Christ: Our Divine Guest And Friend!

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

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

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

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

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

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

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

Peace be with you all!          

Maranatha!!

Our Lord And Saviour Is So Close To Us!

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

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

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

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

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

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

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

Peace be with you all!          

Maranatha!!          

Jesus Christ: Source and Submit of Our Peace!

Readings: (1st: Ish 66, 10-14; Ps: 65, 1-7. 16. 20; 2nd: Gal 6, 14-18 Gos: Lk 10,1-12. 17-20)

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

In his encyclical, “Pacem in terris” (on Peace on Earth), Pope John XXIII begins his message thus: “Peace on earth, which all people of every era have most eagerly yearned for, can be firmly established only if the order laid down by God be dutifully observed”. The pope reiterated the exaltation of Pius XII that: “Nothing is lost by peace…Jesus brings us peace and leaves us peace”. One of humankind’s natural desires especially at the individual and family levels is to live a peaceful and peaceable life with oneself, with others and with one’s environment. Ordinarily, one would expect that with the discovery and invention of means that make life easier and more meaningful, that humanity would enjoy more peace. Unfortunately, it has not been so. Because peace is a gift of, and from God, it must be appreciated and preserved!

On this 14^th Sunday of Ordinary time therefore, the Church draws our attention to the fact that, as a resounding gift of God to humanity, Jesus Christ is the source and submit of our peace. As a gift, if not properly handle, or taken for granted, we are bound to lose it. Ikenga had a good job, because he was brought up by missionaries, he lived a very peaceful, simple, moderate and yet, comfortable life with his family. However, he succumbed to the pressure of joining one of the elite clubs in town. In order to adjust to their life style, he quickly moved into a bigger and more expensive apartment, and changed his car to one of the most flashy and latest models. Shortly after this, he was severally accosted by different sets of fierce looking people, forcing him to: “Settle us or…!” Worst still, he became so obsessed with his flashy car, that the fear of it been snatched someday made him have sleepless nights to the point that on many occasions he jumped up to the dismay of his entire family from his dreams, screaming: My car! My car!! My car!!! It then dawned on them that they have lost the peace they initially enjoyed.

In the first reading of today, God in his infinite goodness realized what we needed most, and thus opens the depth of his being for us to have peace: “Now towards her I send overflowing peace like a river.” When we allow this peace flow into our hearts and rule our lives we become fulfilled and satisfied. It is in the peace that flows from God that every other peace must take its source and anchor. Unfortunately, most of us today have lost the mark by assuming that peace has its source from the mundane. What a pity! “Peace” according to Jürgen Moltmann (1988), “means the blessed joy of a successful life, sanctification of life in the reality of all its relations. It is the fullness of life in the presence of the living God. It is the fullness of life in the mutual love of human beings and the fullness of life in the community of creation with all other creatures.” This can only flow from Jesus Christ the prince of peace! In the second reading, Paul unlike Ikenga above, refuses more troubles because, he already bears an indelible mark, which is Christ the source and submit of his peace. He refuses to give chance to the voices which cry out: “Settle us or…!” Often times we like these voices, derive joy in distorting peace, rather than let it flow from our hearts as it did from Christ’s. Rather than foster peace we derive joy in sowing seeds of discord, and rather than walk in peace, we thrive best in an atmosphere of chaos. We must make room for peace because, without it one cannot serve God and others. Paul in today’s gospel acclamation earnestly prays for us: “May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts!” It therefore suffices to note that the absence of peace in any heart, family, community, society, or nation leaves it devastated. Peace advances community, and any community that welcomes peace welcomes an opportunity for both spiritual and material prosperity. On the contrary, any individual or community that refuses the offer of peace must be ready to play host to the voices which cry out: Settle us! Settle us!! Settle us or….!!!”

No human society or individual suffering from the lack of peace can prosper until it has achieved it. Also, freedom is unthinkable without peace. “There is nothing more specifically Christian than to devote oneself to working for peace”, said Basil the Great (cf. Epistola 114, PG 32:528). This is why in the gospel of today Jesus equips us as his disciples, with the message we must bring to our world: “Peace be with this house.” It is both a gift we must offer to all and a debt we owe our world. Jesus knows full well that this is what our world needs most and he is ever ready to let us have it. With this peace that Christ offers us today we must be ready to transform our world from the culture of war, hatred, racism, and all forms of vices that destabilizes our societies. Each one of us must be ready to be that man or woman commissioned by Jesus to say to others, “Peace be with you!”

This Sunday therefore, we must bear in mind that peace only takes root in the human heart, that peace is blind to barriers of denominations, race, ideologies, philosophies, and geography, and that a powerful sense of peace grows out of an appreciation of our closeness with our creator, neighbours, and with all the tiny elements of creation. Furthermore, peace is golden! So we must actively seek it, grasp it, nurture it, and value it. Fortunately, peace is also uncontrollably contagious and spreads by contact. The spirit of peace will triumph only if we preach, teach, and act out our firm conviction that love can triumph over hate, hope over despair, and peace over chaos. Let us pray with Francis of Assisi: “Lord make me an instrument of your peace…and where there is sadness, joy.” We must dream and work for peace, so that our world will be a livable place. We must also allow ourselves to be instruments through which peace is mediated to our world and people. Therefore, “the peace of Christ which we celebrate today must leave its mark on us so that we become messengers of peace of all around us.” This is so that, rather than hear the cruel voices which yell at us: “Settle us! Settle us!! Settle us or…!!!,” we all will hear the divine and tender voice that beckons us: “Cry out with joy to God all the earth!

Peace be with you all!          

Maranatha!!

Total Commitment In Serving The Lord

Readings: (1st: I Kg 19, 16-21; Ps: 15, 1-2. 5. 7-11; 2nd: Gal 5, 1.13-18 Gos: Lk 9, 51-62)

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

On this 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Church encourages us to: “Acclaim Jesus Christ who is more to us than the entire world, and whose Spirit has made us resolve to follow him wherever he leads us.” In the readings of today, one would at a close glance find themes like: Calling, Following Christ, Commitment, etcetera. All of these point to one central theme – Total Commitment in Serving the Lord. Eleven year old Ofeke disturbed his uncle (a priest) so much about going to spend his next long vacation in his parish. Knowing the solitary nature of the parish house and his busy schedule, his uncle tried to dissuade him but to no avail. Eventually, his uncle caved in to his demand and asked his mother to bring him. Ofeke arrived on Friday, spent the weekend, and by Monday morning he has packed his bag ready to end his vacation. He went to his uncle and asked him to take him home immediately. His uncle knew his problem. Ofeke could not cope with the solitude of the Parish house in spite of the food and DSTV channels at his beck and call. He was asked to wait till the weekend for his mother to come and pick him. Reluctantly, he agreed and waited for Friday to come. Very early on Friday morning Ofeke picked up his bag and told his uncle: “I am going home whether Mummy comes or not!” Most Christians are like Ofeke, quick to follow but without much commitment.

In the first reading, God called Elisha through Elijah. Although Elisha was busy with his business he had to severe every tie in order to follow his new master Elijah. He committed his entire life to his call. The kissing of his father, the slaughtering of his oxen, and bidding of farewell to his men, are all symbolic gestures to prove that he has made up his mind to follow his master. Most importantly, the slaughtering of his oxen bears a great meaning. He “killed everything” that could constitute a distraction to serving God. Perhaps he knew that if he had bequeathed them to, or asked someone to take care of them for him, sometime in future he might either be tempted to go and pay them a brief visit or return to their service. To eschew this temptation, he slaughtered them, offered them as sacrifice to God, and as food to his men. He did this to show them that he was totally committed to his new found love. Is it not baffling today that Christians are not committed to Christ in spite of our Baptismal, Religious and even Marital vows to follow Christ? This is because, our Oxen still lives. We must “slaughter” them as a sign of total commitment to Jesus Christ or, our attention will continue to be divided because: “You cannot serve God and Marmon at the same time” (Lk 16, 13).

In the second reading Paul reminds us of the freedom we have in Christ. This freedom like the one Elisha got from his service to his oxen is for a purpose. This freedom enables us to be free from other commitments that enslave us in order to be totally committed to Christ. Therefore, it is freedom not to be wasted on frivolities of life. That is what Paul describes as “self indulgence.” It is not freedom to become busy-bodies or a mediocre. Instead, it is freedom to follow and serve the Lord closely. Jean Jacques Rousseau in one of his philosophical thesis writes: “Man is free, but everywhere in chains.” Therefore ours is a freedom that also binds us to Christ and Charity towards others. This is why Paul says: “I am in chains because of Christ” (Phil 1, 13). Yes, even though he was saved from the perils of the world, he remained “a slave” for a worthy course. In short, ours is a freedom that helps us commit our entire life’s endeavour to Christ and his course: “But once I found Christ, all those things that I might count as profit, I reckon as loss” (Phil 3, 7-8). Yes, we have freedom but it is for the sake of serving Christ.

The gospel brings us to the zenith of this total commitment to the Lord. In it, Christ himself saw the lopsided nature of the commitment of the young men wishing to follow him. Having addressed their individual situations and complains, He makes a categorical statement: “Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Of course, we know the consequences of looking back. It turned Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt (Gen 19, 26). What Christ means and wants here is total commitment! This is not neglecting the fact that occasionally we might go off the track. However, when we do, we must as a matter of urgency return to the Lord. “Looking back” is therefore a dangerous venture in our Christian journey. So this Sunday, the church calls us to be totally committed to Christ and to her, the visible sign of Christ on earth. Like Elisha, we must “slaughter” or “kill” all the forces, obstacles and vices like: selfishness, materialism, greed, pride, laziness, immorality, cheating, backbiting, gossiping avarice, nepotism, tribalism, etcetera, that prevent us from serving the Lord well. This is the only way we can cry out and say: “O Lord, you are my portion and cup.” If we are totally committed to the Lord, He will definitely show us the part of life and true freedom in this world and beyond.

Peace be with you all!          

Maranatha!!          

Looking Up To Jesus Christ!

Readings: (1st: Zec 12, 10-11; 13, 1; Ps: 62, 2-6. 8-9; 2nd: Gal 3, 26-29 Gos: Lk 9, 18-24)

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com, Phone: +23408063767512, +23408024942843

Taking a cursory look at most religions of the world, one will find a common phenomenon. Each time their followers come together for worship, they align themselves either physically or spiritually in the same direction. For instance when the followers of Christianity and Islam gather to pray, they face one direction. Of course, this is not to say that God is not everywhere. The Christians face their sanctuary while the Muslims face the direction of the Sun (which of course determines the positioning of their Mosque). When they pray, they all spiritually try to channel their attention or gaze to the one to whom they entreat. If there is anything the church has always encouraged her faithful to do always, it is to be united in seeking the face of God. This is very much evident in the recent call of Pope Francis on the 2^nd of June, 2013 to be united in one holy hour of adoration (prayer) for peace in the world and in our families. This was a call to be united in looking up to God. On this 12^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, therefore, the church once again re-echoes this call of looking up to Jesus Christ. “Therefore in today’s celebration, with all our differences, we become one as we gaze in prayer on the Christ we have contributed in bruising, and who gave his life as a ransom for our sake.”

In the first reading of today, God promises to allow us as one people share in the one Holy Spirit. It is this one Holy Spirit that unites us in our single quest of looking up to Jesus. In this we find that though bruised and derided, the Christ who the prophet speaks about is the epicenter and fountain of life from which we ourselves draw life. Hence, Isaiah writes that: “By his stripes we are healed” (53, 5). In order words, united in looking up to Jesus, we ourselves share both in his sufferings and joys. As we channel all our “spiritual energies” towards the author of life, who though was crucified, we ourselves become liberated, purified and worthy of his eternal presence. The second reading of today, though scanty in words has a very powerful message to communicate to us. One finds that it also reminds us that Christ is the one who unites us. We become the faithful of God through one baptism, and also, share in the life of Jesus Christ in whom we are baptized. Thus, Paul writes: “You are, all of you, sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. All baptized in Christ…there are no distinctions between Jews and Greeks…but you all are one in Christ Jesus”. This means we are to walk towards and look up this same Jesus in faith as one people with one goal. All we do must proceed from him and at the same time tend towards Him. This is what John the Apostle means when he refers to him as:  “The Alpha and the Omega” (Rev 22, 13), the terminus ad quo and the terminus ad quem. Because Christ is the one in whose life we share through our baptism, we are to faithfully approach him in all circumstances of life. “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who leads us in our faith … But what you have come to is Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem where the millions of angels have gathered for the festival” (Heb 12, 2). Looking up to Jesus therefore means trusting him, depending on him, and waiting on him in all circumstances of life. It equally means clinging to him for good. This is what Paul means by “clothing yourselves in Christ”.

In the gospel, in spite of the many troubles and death our Lord Jesus Christ experienced, we still find in him the source of our strength and entire life. Hence, Jesus’ admonition of “take up your cross and follow me” also means fixing our gaze on him. To look up to Jesus faithfully, we must detach ourselves from all distractions and all that will prevent us from comprehending fully the power and divinity of Jesus Christ. This is also the idea behind renouncing oneself. When we renounce ourselves to follow Jesus, we concentrate on him, and we are lost in the contemplation of him. Therefore, looking up to Jesus as a Church is equally a call to pray. This is what the Church does any time she gathers her children together in prayer. It is a renunciation of the individual self in order to be united as one big family in “looking up to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.” When we as a church and one big family are lost in this glorious gaze we find ourselves face to face with Jesus Christ in whose suffering, baptism and life we share. Not only do we find ourselves in his presence, we are transformed for good as a family. It suffices to note however, that for us to achieve this, we must constantly as a church mean it, earnestly work towards it, and say like the Psalmist: “O God, you are my God, for you my soul is thirsting…so I gaze on you in your sanctuary”

Peace be with you all!          

Maranatha!!

Jesus’ Forgiveness and Our Faith!

Homily For 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year C).

 Oh Lord Jesus, Restore Us to Life!  

Readings: (1st: I Kg 17, 17-24; Ps: 29, 2-6. 11-13; 2nd: Gal 1, 11-19 Gos: Lk 7, 11-17)

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the parochial vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details contact him on:canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com or +23408063767512

Since Pentecost the Church has been celebrating solemnities that fall within the ordinary time. Today we return to the normal readings of the Sundays in ordinary time. Today is the 10^th Sunday of Ordinary time and one theme that one could find running through all the readings of today is: New Life or Restoration to Life. A close look at both the first reading and the gospel of today shows that both stories are quite similar and revolve around the same story line – bringing some one back to life. One finds the following similarities: A mother or mistress is involved, a son is involved, the son was dead, a man of God miraculously restored the dead son to life and ultimately returned him to the mother, the restoration to life in both cases brought about feelings of joy and praises to God, etcetera. There is some level of agreement among most biblical scholars that Luke got his story from I Kings. However, he used Jesus to replace Elijah.

In the second reading, Paul recounts his conversion. Of course, the former Saul when placed in the “scale of life,” would almost weigh nothing, and was as good as dead. However, he was restored to normal life through his encounter with Jesus Christ. He was dead because his activities as Saul were prompted by his human nature or Flesh, whereas as Paul he became fully alive through the grace and love of Jesus Christ. A story was told about a certain woman named “Ojionu” who attended a Church programme with her husband. When the Pastor invited widows for a special prayer session, Ojionu stood up from her seat and started walking towards the Pastor. Citing his wife from his own sitting position, the man called out to her: “Ojionu, the Pastor is calling widows, I mean those whose husbands are dead!” The woman who heard him well turned around, took a mean glance at him and responded: “Do you still consider yourself alive? As far as I am concerned you are dead!” This is the type of response one gets when one could no longer fulfill the obligation required of some one that is alive.

Such a man in this story, like Saul and the young men in our readings of today need to be restored to life. Some scholars (like David Hume in Philosophy of Religion who are opposed to Miracles), would argue that these young men as well as Lazarus (Jn 11), were not actually dead, but were in the state of coma or deeply asleep. They would perhaps further argue that if they were actually dead Christ would not have been able to raise them. Whatever the case is, the question is, of what good is a comatose? It takes the grace of God to restore the person because he or she is as good as dead, and in fact neither useful to the living nor to the dead. He simply hangs in a balance. There is no doubt today that most Christians are comatose in nature and so need to be restored back to life. In fact owing to our condition in this state, we cannot call out to Christ for help, safe our loved ones do so for us as these mothers did it for their sons. This is why we need to intercede for others and also humbly implore others to do so for us in order to invite Christ to restore us to life. This is why David cried out to God: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Ps 51, 12).

We die every day like the young men in our readings today. It is Christ who restores us to life every day. In other words, like Paul, it is through the grace of Jesus Christ that we are restored and live again. The life we live is therefore only but a grace granted unto us, and it is for a purpose! For what purpose are we restored to or are we given new life?  Paul was restored to life in order to bear witness to Christ. This is why he says “woe to me if I do not preach the gospel” (I Cor 16, 19). He was restored to life so that he himself could become an instrument through which others are restored to life also. He was restored in order to affect others no more negatively, but positively, and as a source of joy, peace and hope unto others rather than being a source of sorrow as was the former Saul in him. These are also the reasons for God restoring us every day to life through the Sacraments we receive. When Christ restores us to life he also expects us to live it to the fullest and this simply means walking in truth, appreciating the gift of life itself, and by extending it to others. Another purpose for restoring us to life is for it to bring joy to those around us just as the restoration of these young men became the source of joy of their mothers and the people around them. In order words, our life – that is, the fact that we are alive both physically and spiritually should bring joy and hope to those around us. Furthermore, the fact that we are restored to life daily by God must move people to praise God and thank Him for what he has done for, in and through us.  The restoration of life to us must elicit a positive testimony to the glory of God. This is because, when we do well in life definitely those around us will give glory to God for our being. Jesus therefore tells us: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mt. 5, 16). This is the only way we can say we have a meaningful life.

In all of these, what it means is that when God plays his role of restoring us to life, the onus therefore, lies on us to make God’s gift of life and call a permanent experience (2 Pt. 1, 10). Jesus restores us to life for us to complete our mission, to make those around us happy, in order to give us another chance to better our lot and those of others around us. It is also in recognition or appreciation of our good life as was the case of Hezekiah (Is 38), and Dorcas (Acts 9, 36). In fact, for whatever reason God decides to restore us to life, all of them point to one fact: That God is the author of life. He is the one who through his Son and the Holy Spirit sustains us. What we do with this life is therefore very important because we do not just live for ourselves but for God and others. So in appreciation of this wonderful gesture of God, like the Psalmist, we must also say: “I will praise you Lord, you have recued me.”

Peace be with you all!          

Maranatha!!

Do This In Memory Of Me!

     Readings: (1st: Gen 14, 18-20; Ps: 109, 1-4; 2nd: I Cor 11, 23-26 Gos: Lk 9, 11-17)          

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the parochial vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details contact him on:canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com or +23408063767512

The solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), which the Universal Church celebrates today reminds us all of the wonderful gift of God to us through the person of Jesus Christ who is sacramentally present in the form of bread and wine. This feast originated in France in the mid 13^th century and was extended to the whole Church by Pope Urban IV in 1264. It is celebrated on the Thursday following the Trinity Sunday or on the Sunday following that feast. While the primary focus of this solemnity is on the spiritual nourishment that Christ gives us, its secondary focus is on the Body of Christ as it is present in the Church. The Church is called the Body of Christ because of the intimate communion Jesus shares with his Church. In order to help keep in focus both the unity and diversity of the Church, Jesus employed the metaphor of a body in which He is the head and the Church the body to express this (Col 1, 18).

The Body and Blood of Christ (Eucharist), is the most excellent of gifts ever given by anyone on earth. It also shows how much God loves and cares for both our temporal and spiritual welfare. Therefore, we celebrate today the sacramental presence of Christ in his Church. Lucky Dube of the blessed memory in one of his songs “blessed both the hand that gives and the one that receives.” However, he did not tell us whose blessing is greater, but there is a saying that “there is more joy in giving than in receiving”. Today, virtually all the readings touched one issue – giving or offering of something. The first reading succinctly tells us that: “Abram gave him (Melchizedek) a tithe of everything”. He did not give it with the sole intention of getting something in return. Of course, Melchizedek did bless him, and offer thanks to God on his behalf with bread and wine. These were offerings of one’s self in the form of material items. In fact, Abram is a specialist in self donation as we see also in Gen 22, 1-18.

Today as ever before, God offers Himself wholly and cheerfully to us to eat and drink as a way of expressing his unconditional love for us. He sees our physical weakness orchestrated by spiritual hunger and thirst. He also sees the weakness of our power of reminiscence and so, offers himself sacramentally to us in the form of bread and wine: “Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming the Lord’s death.” As humans, we are quick to forget and so need to be helped to remember. Hence, the Lord commands us: “Do this in memory of me!” Obeying this command goes beyond mere remembering. “The command of Jesus to repeat his actions and words until he comes does not only ask us to remember Jesus and what he did. It is directed at the liturgical celebration, by the apostles and their successors, of the memorial of Christ, of his life…(CCC 1341). This is why we employ the word “re-enacting” because, when one merely remembers, it could come as a flash and off it goes. But when we re-enact, we re-live the experience and we eat truly his Body and drink truly his Blood. At another level also, “do this in memory of me,” positions us well in order to be ready to offer ourselves completely to, and for the emancipation of others. When we re-live this experience, we are totally drawn into it, and the result is that we are nourished spiritually and physically for the purpose of offering ourselves too to others as Christ did. “Do this in memory of me,” sustains our hope for the Parousia; it prepares and equips us for the great call and reunion not only with Christ but also, with all the Faithful (in the Communion of Saints).

In the gospel, Jesus says to us as he says to Andrew and his colleagues: “Give them something to eat!” At the time he said this to Andrew it could be taken for granted that that he (Andrew), was handicapped because Jesus was yet to offer himself for the first time in the form of bread and wine, and so had not issued the command: “Do this in memory of me!” The disciple’s eyes were not yet opened to the mysteries of Christ’s Body and Blood. For us who have been fed and who continue to feed on the Body and Blood of Christ what Christ expects of us is simply to: “give them something to eat”. What are we to feed them with? We are not being asked to give what we do not have. Although our world is highly religious, yet there are many yet to be nourished by the good news. When they are converted, then we would have succeeded in bringing them to the banquet of the Body and Blood of Christ where Jesus Christ our Lord and Master himself is the “Chief Chef.” Therefore, we must be hospitable enough to get the weak seated comfortably in order to participate in the great feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. We must make those who are hungry and thirsty for both physical and spiritual food our guests, and begin to feed them with what the Lord offers us.

Finally, today the solemnity of Corpus Christi, what Christ offers us is his real Body and Blood, real food and real drink which is the “locus of our faith”. With it, Christ draws us closer to himself. Christ is present with us in the Holy Eucharist as the head of the Church. So, today’s celebration is therefore an opportunity to thank God for the gift of himself to us through Jesus Christ who sacramentally is present with us.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!!

 One Church, One Faith and One Spirit: Make us Truly One, O Lord!

Readings: (1st: Prov 8, 22-33; Ps: 8, 4-9; 2nd: Rom 5, 1-5 Gos: Jn 16, 12-15)

                   This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, Province of Nigeria South East. He is currently the parochial vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. For more details contact him on:canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com or +23408063767512

As we return to the Ordinary Time in the Church’s liturgical calendar, today the Universal Church celebrates the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Once, a very curious young girl rushed to her father – a professor of Mathematics, and asked him: “Daddy, daddy, I have always heard Priests say during weddings that the Mathematics of marriage is 1+1=1. Is it true, and are they right?” The man not knowing what to answer immediately paused for a while. Then he broke the silence and asked his daughter: “Have you ever heard me say that before?” The girl responded: “No daddy”! The man continued: “Fr. Thomas is your friend right?” The girl agreed: “Yes daddy”! He finally said to her: “The next time you see him, ask him to solve this mathematic for you because, he is an expert in the Mathematics of marriage okay?” And the girl responded: “Okay daddy”. The man applied Wisdom in order to avoid solving and failing this simple linear equation (1+1=1), the answer of which is absolutely wrong going by the rule of Mathematics, and human reasoning.

In today’s first reading, Wisdom is personified. He is both God the Creator, and at the same time, the witness to creation. In order words, as we celebrate the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity today, we are reminded that it is only the Trinitarian God that can comprehend and explain Himself in His fullness. As humans, the wisdom we possess is only but a spark of the Wisdom which is God Himself: “The wisdom of man is foolishness before God” (I Cor 3, 19). Hence, ours is limited while God’s is absolute, all encompassing, deeper and wider than the whole of creation. This means that it is only the Creator that can comprehend the creature not the other way round. So, in as much as the mystery we celebrate today is real, it can only be fully comprehended by the three divine persons themselves. Therefore, we must be humble, to admit only of the things that it pleases God to reveal to us. Poking into the deep and depth of the Trinitarian unity makes us vulnerable to crashing out.

In the second reading, Paul tells us that: “The LOVE of GOD is poured into our hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT.” From this, one can gain some insight into what this union is like. The LOVE of GOD is JESUS CHRIST who like the HOLY SPIRIT cannot be separated from God. Each of them do their work and yet they remain one and undivided. The gospel reading further buttress’s this bond of unity that exists between the three divine persons. Each and every one of them bears witness to the word and truth that others profess. Each affirms and confirms the work of others. None of them confuses or contradicts the other. They work at the same time, place and on the same project. They are not separated by time, or season, and so operate in the same era. Just as their mission and work is not divided, their glory is also not divided because, they are ONE.

The doctrine and theology of Trinity is one that has raised lots of debates and controversies in the history of the church. For some, it could best be termed “confused,” because they found it absolutely incomprehensible. How can there be three individual persons in one God? They angrily question. Yet for others because it is incomprehensible, it has been tagged a Mystery. This terrain is therefore not to be walked by those who walk by sight or as Paul puts it: “it cannot be unraveled by human wisdom or philosophy. It defiles all forms of mathematical and logical calculations. Unfortunately, some who have attempted to unravel this mystery with mundane wisdom have been caught by the dangerous trap set by heresy. Although the name Trinity is no where mentioned in the scriptures, but we know that Jesus commands us to: “Baptize them in the name of the father the son and the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28, 19; Acts 2, 38). The Tradition and Magisterium of the Church teach that: “The divine persons are relative to one another… Because it does not divide the divine unity, the real distinction of the persons from one another resides solely in the relationships which relate them to one another…. because of that unity the Father is wholly in the Son and wholly in the Holy Spirit…” (CCC255). In light of this, Trinity is a doctrine that holds that there are three distinct persons united in one divine nature. This means that there are “three persons in one God”.

As we celebrate the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity today, we must pause to reflect on what it means to us a people and Church. We must learn from them that we must remain united in faith. This of course means, respecting one another. Here, the principle of complementarity and collaborative ministry must not be over looked. However, this unity must not rob us of the uniqueness of our being and individuality. The saying that: “in the church, there is unity but no uniformity” comes to mind. This is true, and expresses itself in the different modes and shades of spirituality which exists in the Church. In spite of these, all of us are still united in the pursuit of God’s kingdom. Thomas Aquinas says that: “The ultimate goal of spirituality is the glorification of God, while its proximate goal is the sanctification of man” (Summa Theologiae, Taurini: Marietti, 1948), I-II, g. 112, a. 4.). Yes, as one united but not uniformed people, we must work earnestly towards this goal. Furthermore, just as each of the three persons is unique, also each one of us is created unique. Just as they are not selfish but work with one purpose, we must not be selfish or work for our personal gratification. Just as no one  member of the divine persons lords it over the other, we must in this church of ours eschew the wicked spirit of segregation, “cliquism”, hatred, unforgiveness, “god-fatherism”, ill-fated manipulations, oppression, suppression and the unjust treatment of any member of this One, Holy, Apostolic and Trinitarian Church.

How we can live together in this one big family – the Universal Church, without bursting the ego of the other, without destructive tendencies and frictions, without robbing others of their unique identity? We must learn that all the conflicts, rough and cutting ages we go through are ways through which our union is strengthened. History has proved this to be right. However, it is important to note that if we must remain united, we cannot resolve our conflicts by banding words, gossiping, spreading falsehood, rumour mongering, fermenting and propagating propagandas, flexing of “ecclesiastical muscles”, ungodly lobbying, pulling ugly strings, obdurately refusing to shift our position on issues or by carrying sledge hammers, weapons of mass destruction, daggers, and all sort of man-made weapons. Hence, Paul reminds us that: “…For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal …” (2 Cor 10, 4). We must also be ready to come to terms with reality, and be ready, irrespective of what it will cause us to preserve the unity of our Church. If really we must live together as the divine persons of the Trinity do, we must love and respect the other, and humble ourselves as Jesus Christ did (Phil 2, 6-1). It is only when we live together as the three divine persons do, that: “The greatness of the name of the Lord will be made known through all the earth” (Ps. 8, 2).

Peace be with you all!          

Maranatha!!