“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

Lk 7:18-23

In today’s gospel, john’s disciples served as the link of communication between Christ and him. So, he sent two of them to go and ask Christ: “Are you the one to come or should we wait for another?”  This question is about waiting. Indeed, John knows that someone must come, however, the problem is whether it is Jesus or must they wait for another.

Waiting is not an easy game. It can be compared to a child waiting for the return of his or her mother. He may continue to distract himself by playing around, or get tired of waiting and fall asleep in order not to bother him or herself any more. “If she likes let her come back, if she likes let her remain there, I am tired of waiting! This is what sleeping off could mean.

So, in the waiting game, the players must be rich in the virtue of faith, patience and alertness. It is a period of trial and much temptation. During this period, either of two things may happen to a Christian.  First, he or she might lose his or her faith.  This may be expressed as different questions and denials. Second, his or her faith might become stronger. This could be expressed through actions and positive professions.

“¿Eres tú el que ha de venir o tenemos que esperar a otro?”

Lk 7:18-23

En el Evangelio de hoy, los discípulos de Juan sirvieron como el vínculo de comunicación entre Cristo y él. Entonces, envió a dos de ellos a preguntar a Cristo: “¿Eres tú el que venga o debemos esperar a otro?” Esta pregunta es sobre esperar. De hecho, Juan sabe que alguien debe venir, sin embargo, el problema es si es Jesús o debe esperar a otro.

Esperar no es un juego fácil. Se puede comparar con un niño que espera el regreso de su madre. Puede continuar distraerse jugando, o cansarse de esperar y quedarse dormido para no molestarse más. “Si le gusta que regrese, si le gusta que permanezca allí, ¡estoy cansado de esperar! Esto es lo que podría significar dormir.

Así que, en el juego de espera, los jugadores deben ser ricos en la virtud de la fe, la paciencia y la alerta. Es un período de prueba y mucha tentación. Durante este período, cualquiera de dos cosas puede suceder a un cristiano. Primero, él o ella podría perder su fe. Esto puede expresarse como preguntas y denegaciones diferentes. Segundo, su fe podría volverse más fuerte. Esto podría expresarse a través de acciones y profesiones positivas.

The Mystery in Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant

Readings: 1^st: 1Sam 7:1-5. 8-16: Ps 88:2-5. 27. 29; 2^nd: Rom 16:25-27: Gos: Lk 1:26-38

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

Today is the fourth and last Sunday of Advent. Today’s celebration is an excellent song to God’s everlasting love revealed in his covenant with his servant David. The mystery of the Old Covenant will soon be revealed in Mary, the ark of God’s New Covenant.

You may find and purchase it (print and eBook) at:
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In our first reading, in appreciation of God’s love, David wished to build a house for God. However, God would not allow him. Instead, God 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 throne will be established forever” This promise and covenant will soon be fulfilled.

It is based on this same promise that both Luke and Matthew traced and wrote the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Mt 1:1-17; Lk 3: 23-38). The reason was to prove that Jesus is an offspring of David and one of whom the prophets spoke. The hidden mystery of the old covenant is about to be revealed in the new covenant.

In our second reading, Paul gives God glory for giving him the strength to preach the good news. He equally throws more light on the fact that Christ is the Mystery kept hidden for ages. His revelation is the salvation of the world. This good news is the mystery that God himself concealed in the old covenant.

As we continue our preparation for Christmas, we must continue to give all glory to God for what he is about to do in our lives and our world. Hence, Paul’s message today sets us on the 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. It is also about the revelation of the hidden mystery of the old covenant in the new. Jesus Christ is that mystery!

Mary’s role in the history of salvation stands out clear today. She receives the message with humility: “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your words.” With these humble words, she accepted her role in the history of salvation. Mary’s faith was a statement of her total self-donation to God’s own will for our salvation.

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Her response was a statement of her humility, generosity, courage, and love for humanity. Hence through here generosity, Mary reminds us that this is a season of joy, receiving, and sharing. Today, as the angel brought the good news to Mary. So, we must continue spreading this message.

Finally, as we wait for the next couple of hours 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.  In all the ages, my mouth will proclaim your truth!”

Peace be with You!

Maranatha!

El Misterio en María, la Arca de la Nueva Alianza

Lecturas: 1^ra: 1Sam 7, 1-5. 8-16: Sal 88, 2-5. 27. 29; 2^da: Ro 16, 25-27: Ev: Lc 1, 26-38

Esta breve reflexión fue escrita por el Padre Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp. Es un sacerdote católico y  miembro de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos). Es un misionero en Puerto Rico, la isla del encanto. Es el Canciller de la Diócesis de Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; Párroco de la Parroquia la Resurrección del Señor, Canóvanas, y el Superior Mayor la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos), Circunscripción de Puerto Rico y Republica Dominicana. Para más detalles y comentarios se puede contactarlo al: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com. 

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

Hoy es el cuarto y último domingo de Adviento. La celebración de hoy es un gran cantico para el eterno amor de Dios revelado en su alianza con su siervo David. El misterio de la antigua alianza pronto será revelado en María, el arca de la nueva alianza de Dios.

En nuestra primera lectura, en agradecimiento al amor de Dios, David quiso construir una casa para Dios. Sin embargo, Dios no lo permitiría. En cambio, Dios le hizo una promesa a David, y la selló con una alianza: “… Preservaré a la descendencia de tu cuerpo después de ti. Seré un padre para él, y él será un hijo para mí. Tu trono será establecido para siempre.” Esta promesa y alianza es lo que esperamos que se cumpla pronto.

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Se basa en esta misma promesa que tanto Lucas, como Mateo procedieron trazar y escribieron la genealogía de Jesucristo (Mt1:1-17; Lc 3:23-38). El propósito era para demostrar que Jesús es realmente del linaje de David, y el que los profetas hablaron. El misterio oculto de la antigua alianza está a punto de ser revelado en la nueva alianza. 

A medida que continuemos con nuestra preparación para la Navidad, debemos seguir dando toda la gloria a Dios por lo que él está a punto de hacer en nuestras vidas y en nuestro mundo. Por lo tanto, el mensaje de Pablo hoy nos pone en la pista hacia la encarnación de la Palabra de Dios que está muy cerca.

El Evangelio de hoy nos presenta dos figuras importantes en el “drama de la natividad de Cristo”. Primero el ángel Gabriel, el mensajero fiel aparece con un mensaje. Su mensaje es sobre el cumplimiento de una promesa. Es también, sobre la revelación del misterio oculto en la antigua alianza que cumplió en la nueva. ¡Jesucristo es ese misterio!

El papel de María en la historia de la salvación se destaca claramente hoy. Ella recibió el mensaje con humildad: “Yo soy la esclava del Señor, hágase en mí según tu voluntad.” Con estas humildes palabras, María aceptó su papel en la historia de la salvación. La fe de María fue una declaración de su auto donación total a la voluntad de Dios para nuestra salvación.

Su respuesta fue una declaración de su humildad, generosidad, valentía y amor por la humanidad. Por lo tanto, la generosidad de María nos recuerda que esta es una temporada de gozo, de recibir y de compartir. Hoy, como el ángel trajo la buena nueva a María, así también, debemos continuar difundiendo este mensaje.

Finalmente, mientras que esperamos las próximas dos horas para la manifestación de la nueva alianza y el cumplimiento de la promesa de Dios a su siervo David, y a nosotros, unamos al salmista para proclamar: “Cantaré eternamente el amor del Señor. ¡Anunciare su fidelidad por todas las edades!

¡La paz sea con ustedes! 

¡Maranatha!

Rejoice All You Who Are Faithful!

Readings: 1^st: Is 61:1-2.10-11: Ps: Lk 1:46-54; 2^nd: 2 Th 5, 16-22: Gos: Jn 1:6-8. 19-28

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

The third Sunday of Advent is a Sunday of joy (Gaudete). Having come thus far in our journey, the Church says to us as the prophet Nehemiah said to the Israelites: “Go and enjoy…Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh 8:10). However, after today, we must continue our journey with a new zeal and expectation.

Finally, brethren, as we rejoice today, let us say a loud amen to the prayer of Paul: “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.” Indeed, He will not fail us until we have received Christ, the fullness of our joy and salvation.  Indeed, he will not fail us because: “All His promises are yes, and amen (2 Cor 1:20).

Peace be with You!

Maranatha!!

¡Alégrense todos los Fieles!

Lecturas: 1^ra: Is 61:1-2.10-11: Sal: Lc 1:46-54; 2^da: 2 Th 5:16-22: Ev: Jn 1:6-8. 19-28

Esta breve reflexión fue escrita por el Padre Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp. Es un sacerdote católico y  miembro de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos). Es un misionero en Puerto Rico, la isla del encanto. Es el Canciller de la Diócesis de Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; Párroco de la Parroquia la Resurrección del Señor, Canóvanas, y el Superior Mayor la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos), Circunscripción de Puerto Rico y Republica Dominicana. Para más detalles y comentarios se puede contactarlo al: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com. 

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

El tercer domingo de Adviento es un domingo de gozo (Gaudete). Habiendo llegado tan lejos en nuestro camino, la Iglesia nos dice como el profeta Nehemías dijo a los israelitas: “vayan y disfruten. No se aflijan, porque la alegría del Señor es tu fuerza” (Ne 8:10). Sin embargo, después de hoy, debemos continuar nuestro viaje con un nuevo celo y expectativa.

Por último, hermanos, al regocijarnos hoy, digamos un fuerte amén a la oración de Pablo: “Que el Dios de la paz les haga perfecto y santo, y que todos ustedes sean listos y sin culpa por la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Dios les ha llamado, y nunca les defraudará.” Seguramente, él no nos fallará hasta que hayamos recibido a Cristo, la plenitud de nuestra alegría y salvación. Ciertamente, él no nos fallará porque: “Todas sus promesas son sí, y amén (2 Co 1:20).

¡La paz sea con ustedes!

¡Maranatha!

Why is Jesus Christ Coming?

Readings: 1^st: Is 40:1-5.9-11: Ps:84:9-14; 2^nd: 2 Pt 3:8-14; Gos: Mk 1:1-8

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

In this second week of Advent, we continue to prepare for the Lord’s coming. Today, the Church calls us to reflect on the good news of this season. Thus, we are to reflect on the reason for Christ’s coming and on what we ought to do this season.

Today, our readings focus on the nearness of the Lord’s coming and the need for repentance for the forgiveness of sins. So, one essential question today is, why is Christ coming? He is coming because he loves us. He is coming to save us. He is coming to make all things new. He has a mission, and that mission is for us and our salvation.

Peace be with You!

Maranatha!

¿Porque viene Jesús?

Lecturas: 1^st: Is 40:1-5.9-11: Ps: 84:9-14; 2^nd: 2 Ped 3:8-14; Gos: Mc 1:1-8       

Esta breve reflexión fue escrita por el Padre Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp. Es un sacerdote católico y  miembro de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos). Es un misionero en Puerto Rico, la isla del encanto. Es el Canciller de la Diócesis de Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; Párroco de la Parroquia la Resurrección del Señor, Canóvanas, y el Superior Mayor la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos), Circunscripción de Puerto Rico y Republica Dominicana. Para más detalles y comentarios se puede contactarlo al: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com. (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

En esta segunda semana de Adviento, continuamos preparando para la venida del Señor. Hoy, la Iglesia nos llama a reflexionar sobre la buena nueva de este tiempo. Por lo tanto, debemos reflexionar sobre el propósito de la venida de Cristo, y acerca de lo que se espera que hagamos en esta temporada.

Hoy, nuestras lecturas se centran en la cercanía de la venida del Señor, y en la necesidad de arrepentimiento para el perdón de los pecados. Entonces, una pregunta muy importante hoy es, ¿por qué viene Cristo? Viene porque nos ama. Viene a salvarnos. Viene a hacer nuevas todas las cosas. Él tiene una misión, y esa misión es para nosotros, y para nuestra salvación.

¡La paz sea con ustedes!

¡Maranatha!

Advent: Season Of Great Expectation And Joyful Hope
Readings: 1^st: Is 63:6-17. 64, 1-8: Ps 79; 2^nd: I Cor 1:3-9; Gos: Mk 13:33-37

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392

Today is the first Sunday of Advent, and of a new liturgical calendar year B. Remarkably, as we begin a new liturgical year today, we move from the gospel according to Matthew to the gospel according to Mark, the shortest of the four canonical Gospels.

Advent is a season of hope. It is a period when, 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 patience and prayer. During these four weeks, what are we expected to do? We are expected to prepare for the birth of the messiah. It suffices to note that while we prepare physically, the most important must be spiritual preparation.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!

Adviento: Temporada de una gran Expectación y Gozosa Esperanza

Lecturas: 1^ra: Is 63:16-17. 64:1-8: Ps: 79; 2^nd: I Cor 1:3-9; Gos: Mt 13:33-37

Esta breve reflexión fue escrita por el Padre Canice Chukwuemeka Njoku, C.S.Sp. Es un sacerdote católico y  miembro de la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos). Es un misionero en Puerto Rico, la isla del encanto. Es el Canciller de la Diócesis de Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; Párroco de la Parroquia la Resurrección del Señor, Canóvanas, y el Superior Mayor la Congregación del Espíritu Santo (Espirítanos), Circunscripción de Puerto Rico y Republica Dominicana. Para más detalles y comentarios se puede contactarlo al: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392

Hoy es el primer domingo de Adviento y de un nuevo calendario litúrgico, año B. Sorprendentemente, al comenzar un nuevo año litúrgico hoy, nos movimos del evangelio según San Mateo al evangelio según San Marcos, el más corto de los cuatro evangelios canónicos.

El Adviento es una temporada de esperanza y un período durante el cual, como cristianos, esperamos el cumplimiento de la promesa de Dios por medio de sus profetas. Además de ser una época de esperanza, es igualmente una temporada de paciencia y oración. Durante estas cuatro semanas, ¿qué se espera que hacemos? Se espera que nos preparamos para el nacimiento del Mesías. Es suficiente señalar que, mientras que nos preparamos físicamente, lo más importante debe ser la preparación espiritual.

¡Maranatha!”

La paz sea con ustedes.

Let Christ the King of the Universe Reign in your Life 

Readings: 1^st: Ez 34:11-17; Ps: 22:1-6; 2^nd: I Cor 15:20-28; Gos: Mt 25:31-46

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

The thirty fourth Sunday of ordinary time marks the end of every liturgical year. Most importantly, it is the solemnity of Christ the King. The Feast of Christ the King was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 against the deadly influence of Secularism. The feast is intended to proclaim in a resounding and effective way, Christ’s royalty over all nations.

In the first reading of today, the Lord through prophet Ezekiel reassures us of his continuous care for us: “I am going to look after my flock myself… I shall be a true shepherd to them….” One remarkable thing about this reading is that for nine times, the personal pronoun “I” was employed. First, this is to convey God’s personal interest in his flock. Second, this was to prove his promises already fulfilled in Jesus Christ in our time.

In this reading also, God presented “the manifesto” of his reign to be headed by Christ. God’s own manifesto is different from those presented to us by politicians of our days: “free education, housing, medical care, transportation, low taxation, more jobs, low income rates etc.” They never fulfill their promises before the end of their tenure in office.

In contrast, the manifesto of God is absolutely different, because it is real and true. It is not charity with a hook. This is because, God is a faithful King: “God is not human, that he should lie. Does he speak, and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Nu 23:19). Never!

In the second reading, Paul reminds us of Christ’s kingship and reign. He will continue to maintain his reign until He conquers death, our last enemy. Christ accomplished a task that no other could. That is, the defeat of sin and Satan through his own death. It was a hundred percent and total knockout.

He did it: “By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands…nailing it to the cross and by triumphing over them…” (Col 2, 14). He did it 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. We owe him homage every day of our life because, He is the King of kings.

Today’s gospel reminds us of the reign of Christ. His reign, is that of justice. He will judge each according to his deeds. There will be no corruption, embezzlement, manipulation, or structural injustices during his reign. Rather, “…He will judge among the nations; 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, and His scepter shall be peace and justice” (Is 2:4).

Where is Christ supposed to reign? Of course, first, in our hearts! So, it suffices to note that, today’s celebration would be meaningful, only if we personally permit Christ to reign in our lives. 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 and reign. 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). 

In conclusion, as we celebrate Christ the King of the universe today, let us permit him to be truly in control of the kingdom of our heart because as the “Bonus pastor,” If we make Him the king of our lives, we shall lack nothing, and surely, his goodness and mercy shall follow us, all the days of our life. And of course, we shall dwell peacefully in His palace.

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!