Homily For Monday in Holy Week Year A, 30th March, 2026

 

Readings: Is.42:1-7; Ps.27; John 12:1-11

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHAT ARE WE OFFERING TO GOD IN APPRECIATION FOR ALL HE HAS DONE FOR US?

Six days to the passion and crucifixion of Jesus, we are called to embark on a spiritual journey of faith, passion and hope with Jesus. Little wonder, the first reading today, talks about the Saviour whom God sent into the world to bring forth justice and peace, and to reconcile the world with himself.

Reminding us again that God has sent us a redeemer in the person of Christ, his Son and servant, who reveals God’s desire to save his people, by his readiness to take up the Cross and suffer for our sake.

This is evident in our Gospel passage today, where we have the story of how Mary, in appreciation, anointed the feet of Jesus just before he commenced his Passion. This happened as Lazarus and his sisters gave a dinner to Jesus, perhaps in thanksgiving.

Martha did the serving. Mary honoured Jesus by anointing his feet with a precious ointment. This is because, when Mary saw her brother sitting at the same table with Jesus who turned her mourning into joy, could any gift be too great or precious to express her gratitude? No!

The generosity of Mary in the eyes of Judas, appeared wasteful. But Mary knew that Jesus was worthy of her honour and service, even when it cost so much. Here, Judas sees waste, but Jesus sees love.

She pours her love on the feet of the one who will pour himself out on the whole world for the salvation of all humanity. Mary made a dramatic gesture of love which anticipates the love of Jesus on the Cross. But what are we offering to Jesus in appreciation for all he has done for us?

Dear friends, let us ask ourselves today if we have any kind of Mary's spirit in our hearts, the spirit that prompts us to show love and gratitude to our Lord and Saviour and to one another? This holy week, can anything be too precious so as to distract us from spending quality time with the Lord in thanksgivings for his love and mercy in our lives?

Therefore, let us endeavour to utilise this golden opportunity to experience the Lord personally in our lives, as we resolve this day to live our lives faithfully, to be more humble, open and willing to listen to God.

Let us struggle to get rid of all pride, ego, over ambition, selfishness and greed in our hearts, for all these desires lead us to fall into temptation to sin and so distract us from reaching our goal of journeying with the Lord in his passion, death and resurrection at Easter.

LET US PRAY: Lord Jesus, nothing was too great in Mary's heart to offer you, may nothing distract us from expressing our love and gratitude to you as we journey with you this period of your passion and crucifixion for the salvation of humanity, you who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. God bless you.

HOMILY FOR PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION YEAR A, 29Th MARCH, 2026

Readings: Is. 50:4-7; Ps. 22; Phil 2:6-11; Matt. 26:14-27:66

Rev Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

COME LET US JOURNEY WITH THE LORD IN HIS TRIUMPHANT VICTORY OVER SIN

Today, being Palm Sunday, a very special Sunday that ushers us into the holy week, the week we have to come closer to God as we have never before. This begins with a triumphant journey which Jesus invites us to make. A triumphant journey that reflects an image of something deeper, something that portrays that together with Jesus, we are setting out on a pilgrimage along the high road that leads to the victory of life over death, joy over sorrows, peace over chaos, love over wickedness and victory over failure.

Thus, in our Gospel reading today, we have a comprehensive account of the Lord’s passion from the time of his triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem, as well as from the time when he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, arrested, put on trial, handed over to the Romans, condemned to death and was crucified as a criminal.

These represent a very distinct extreme between the glory and triumphant nature of the entrance procession of Jesus into Jerusalem and the humiliating and painful nature of his crucifixion at Calvary. Thereby, reminding us that we are on pilgrimage with the Lord, the king of peace, who calls us to strive for purity of hearts and clean hands, calling us to embrace the truth we found in him. So, we journey with Jesus our triumphant King.

We must know that there are three things about the kingship of Jesus. First, he is the king of the poor: though rich he humbled himself and became poor. He emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave and became as men are; and being as all men are he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high as we heard in our second reading and prophesied in our first reading today.

So, the poverty of Jesus comes from the inner freedom, from a pure heart that is above the greed for possession and power. The inner freedom that overcomes the corruption and greediness in the hearts of men and women of our world today. Secondly, the kingship of Jesus will be that of peace. He will do away with wars, crises, hatred, corruption, and greediness to proclaim peace on earth.

Thirdly, his kingship will be universal. His kingdom will extend peace from sea to sea and those seeking the face of God will truly find peace. Therefore, let us regard as our home the heavenly Jerusalem, not this earthly one that is passing away. Let us enter paradise with Jesus, and discover how far we have separated ourselves from God.

Dear friends, we are called today and this week to make a triumphant journey with the Lord as we begin the Holy Week. So, we are not to miss out on the spiritual aspect of this Holy season. Therefore, let us all spend more time with God in prayer, deepening our devotion through works of charity and through reading the Scriptures, and develop a personal relationship with God.

In fact, let today’s celebration be a reminder for us, of the spiritual and social values that Palm Sunday really represents, so that, despite all the darkness and uncertainties, all the despairs and terrible things happening around us and in our societies today, we may still have that very one hope and one faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, our King and Saviour just like early Christians who used the palm branch to symbolize the victory of the faithful over enemies of the human soul.

Thus, let us enter into the Holy Week with an open heart and mind, by letting the Lord enter spiritually into our hearts and into our beings as gloriously and joyously as the people of Jerusalem had welcomed him with branches of palms and with great rejoicing and reverence. Let us spread before his feet, not our garments or soulless palm branches, which delight the eye for a few hours and then wither, but rather let us offer ourselves, clothed in his grace. So, we who have been baptised into Christ should ourselves be the garments that we spread before him.

And not just the physical branches of palms, garments or soulless olive branches, which delight the eye for a few hours and then wither. Rather, with a pure soul, clothed in God's grace, love, mercy and holiness. Therefore, let our souls take the place of the palm branches as we break the Eucharistic bread and embrace the Lord Jesus in his journey towards our salvation, and by so doing experience the presence of God personally and collectively in our lives.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we proclaim the kingship of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, let us embrace your kingship with all our hearts and so journey with him this period of holy week, desiring to be righteous and holy as we embrace your mercy and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a spirit-filled Palm Sunday celebration.

Homily For Saturday Fifth Week of Lent Year A, 28th March, 2026

 

Readings: Ezek. 37:21-28; Ps. Jer.31; John 11:45-57

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHEN GOD IS WITH YOU, ALL THE PLANS OF YOUR ENEMIES WILL LEAD YOU TO VICTORY

Oftentimes, we do things without knowing or understanding the full meaning of what we are doing. Because sometimes we feel or think that we can change God’s plan by frustrating the effects of others, but later discover that we are unknowingly fulfilling the plan of God for them.

This is evident in our Gospel passage today, where we heard how the Jewish authorities were filled with rage on account of the news of the resurrection of Lazarus which increased the popularity of Jesus. So they convoked a council to discern how to get rid of him.

For them, this man works many signs and people are now believing in him. If we let him go on this way, everybody will believe in him, and the Romans will come and suppress the Holy Place and their nation. They were jealous and afraid not just of the Romans but also of the possibility of losing the temple and even their privileged position as leaders.

Thus, Caiaphas, being the high priest, decided that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation should perish. Though being the high priest, he did not just speak, but unknowingly, was prophesying that Jesus had to die to save humanity from sin and death.

Dear friends, have you ever planned the downfall of someone, and your plans turned out to be a stepping stone for their victory? This happens because our actions and attitudes are often like those of the Jewish authorities.

For we condemn people out of jealousy and unnecessary fear we feel because of what God is doing through them. Sometimes, we feel threatened and intimidated by people’s good deeds and blessings, because we don’t see the need to appreciate them or see the hands of God in what they are doing.

This is very bad and should not be seen among us. The truth is that, God has a plan for everyone. God’s plan for Jesus is to save humanity, which he had promised through the prophet Ezekiel as we heard him in our first reading today saying: “I shall rescue them from all the betrayals they have been guilty of; I shall cleanse them; they shall be my people and I will be their God”.

This, no doubt, is what this season of Lent is all about, calling us to prepare ourselves well to celebrate the upcoming mysteries of the Holy Week, by embracing it with openness to God’s mercy and a renewed faith and obedience to God’s will. Let us all spend some time reflecting on how we can enter into the most sacred time of this season, so that we may truly have a personal experience of God’s presence, so as to grow more spiritually and be ever closer to God our Father.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, you promised to guard us as a shepherd guards his flock, to turn our mourning into joy and to give gladness for grief. May this Holy Season of Lent remind us again of your loving mercy for humanity, especially in the ugly situations of sickness, poverty, greed, corruption and sins that are ravaging our families, societies and the world at large. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a grace-filled weekend.

Homily For Friday Fifth Week of Lent Year A, 27th March, 2026

 

Readings: Jer.20:10-13; Ps.18; John 10:31-42

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

WHY HAVE WE FAILED TO UNDERSTAND THE PERSONALITY OF JESUS? 

Coming very close to the peak of our Lenten season, when we recall the great price Jesus paid for our redemption. The Gospel passage today, reminds us of the trouble Jesus has to bear from the Jewish authorities on account of his personality just like prophet Jeremiah was also persecuted terribly and suffered in the hands of those who used to be his friends as we have it in our first reading today, where we heard of his lamentations and words for all those who have persecuted and plotted against him. 

Similarly, Jesus was misunderstood and persecuted by the people who should have understood him better. This is because they have a wrong conception of God. Hence, Jesus challenged them to accept his personality as the Son of God who reveals the love of the Father and gives eternal life. 

But because of the unclear image of God they have in their minds they could not accept the teachings of Jesus in relation to God the Father. Thus, they tried to stone him; this, of course, is the danger of having a wrong conception about God.

Dear friends, most people have a wrong conception about God and behave the same way as those in our readings today, where in the name of God, some people are ready to kill others. In fact, throughout history, Jews, Christians and Muslims have fought in the name of God. 

Today the same thing is still happening in our societies and countries. These ugly attitudes will continue to happen because we do not have the right image of the God whom we claim to be serving. 

The Jews condemned Jesus because of the particular image they had of God, which prevented them from accepting the teachings of Jesus, and since they were also deeply biased and had a prejudice against Jesus, it was difficult for any words of truth or reason to change their minds. So, they persecuted the Lord just as their ancestors had persecuted Jeremiah and the other prophets. 

Similarly, through our disobedience, pride and ignorance, we may have behaved or are behaving just like those in our readings today, who have persecuted the prophets and also refused to listen to the truth which Jesus has told us as regards his personality. But brethren, what image of God do we have in our minds? Is it the image of a God who is Pure, Loving and Merciful? Or an image of one who dominates others and condemns them?

LET US PRAY: Lord God, may this season of Lent guide us to have a true image of you in our minds and may this image reflect in our relationship with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed day.

Homily For Thursday Fifth Week of Lent Year A, 26th March, 2026

 

Readings: Gen. 17:3-9; Ps.: 105; John:8:51-59

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

DON’T BE IGNORANT OF THE DIVINE IDENTITY OF JESUS

A critical reflection of the scriptures, it is obvious that Jewish authorities find it very difficult to believe in the teachings of Jesus. Still, ordinary people who experienced his miracles and teachings accepted them as coming from God.

Hence, in our Gospel passage, the Jews continue to challenge the identity and personality of Jesus. They could not understand his words and actions. So, they continue to misinterpret the real meaning of what he says because they took it literally.

Here, Jesus made a very strange claim on his identity, and insists he would be lying if he were to say he does not know the Father, to emphasise this, Jesus said: " Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am. This brought more argument with the people who wished to stone him. But, John in this gospel goes to great lengths to help us believe that Jesus not only came from God, but is God.

This shows us the difference between the way Jesus chooses to reveal himself and the way the Jewish authorities perceived him. Jesus wants us to develop a divine way of looking at things with deeper meaning, especially as he brings things to life, just as we heard in our first reading how the promise made to Abraham looks impossible when looked at literally, but divinely came through and was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

Dear friends, having heard the teachings and works of Jesus in the scriptures and traditions of the Church and in our daily lives, the question remains: what is your personal disposition and understanding of the personality and identity of Jesus? Who is Jesus to you?

Do not be ignorant of the Divine identity of Jesus. As we can see, the Jewish authorities do not believe in Jesus, because they could not understand the divine life of Jesus, and they could not understand his relationship with God the Father.

Because they failed to understand that the Father gives glory to Jesus, since it is His divinity that he manifests and by so doing glorifies the Father. We are called today to develop a divine way of understanding the mysteries of God but not rejecting them because we do not understand them. Thus, during this season of Lent, let us turn towards God once again with all our hearts and devote our whole lives to seeking to know Him more.

LET US PRAY: Lord Jesus, as we meditate on your passion this season of Lent, may we experience the power of your presence to embrace more deeply your sacred mysteries. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Peace be with you.

Homily For Wednesday Fifth Week of Lent Year A, 25th March, 2026

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Readings: Is. 7:10-14.8:10; Ps.40; Heb.10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

REJOICE MOST HIGHLY FAVOURED ONE, THE LORD IS WITH YOU

Today 25th of March, the Holy mother Church celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, an event that marks exactly nine months before the birth of Jesus at Christmas, recalling the very moment when our Lord and Saviour was conceived in the womb of Mary, as she responded to the revelation of God’s Good News through the Archangel Gabriel saying: I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word. With this response, the Word became flesh and dwells among us through a humble Virgin, thereby revealing the arrival of the long-awaited Saviour into the world as we have it in our Gospel passage today.

Meanwhile,  in our first reading, we heard how King Ahaz also received a revelation from God through the Prophet Isaiah, of the coming of God’s salvation to his people. But Ahaz refused to accept the sign, out of false humility, saying that he would not put God to the test even when the prophet had specifically said that God would give him a sign. This shows a lack of faith and disobedience from King Ahaz, which is quite opposite to that of Mary, who humbly accepted God’s will. 

When comparing the response of Mary to that of Ahaz, who further led the people of Judah into sin, as he did not follow or obey God’s laws. We will see that his lack of faith is indeed opposite to Mary’s total submission to God. Ahaz's pride and false humility are the opposite of Mary’s total humility and devotion to God.  Hence, Mary became the role model for all of us, as her obedience and willingness to accept her role as the Mother of God and Saviour is something that all of us Christians should also emulate in our own lives.

Dear friends, this Holy season of Lent has been filled with a lot of uncertainty, sorrow and grief, challenges and trials, obstacles, difficulties and suffering all over the world. But we are consoled in today’s Solemnity of the Annunciation of our Lord and Saviour with the words of the angel, telling us to rejoice, most highly favoured, for the Lord has special plans for us, if only we can say like Mary: “let it be done to me according to your will”. 

Thus, we are called to draw strength, faith and courage from Mary in her total submission to God’s will, knowing that despite all the darkness, sorrow and uncertainties in our families, societies, country and the world, God will not abandon his people. So let us learn to accept and submit to God's will like Mary, because his promise for salvation is a reality that we will surely experience. 

Therefore, let us entrust ourselves in humility to God just as Mary had done. Let us ask for his mercy and forgiveness as we also forgive one another. It is not the time to judge people or lose faith. Rather, it is time to pray for each other as we grow stronger in faith and in our love and devotion to God. knowing that he is closer to us in these turbulent times, for he does not fail in his promises.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, this occasion of the annunciation reminds us of your promises and plans to redeem humanity. As we listen to your words today, may we respond positively to your requests and so be filled with the joy of your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a safe and peaceful day.

Homily For Tuesday Fifth Week of Lent Year A, 24th March, 2026

 

Readings: Num.21:4-9; Ps. 102; John:8:21-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHAT DOES THE CROSS OF CHRIST REPRESENT IN OUR LIVES?

The symbol of the cross has become the universal image of Christian belief, an instrument of salvation which often appears in Christian artworks. This is because countless generations of artists have turned it into a thing of beauty to be carried in procession or worn as jewellery and used in other religious activities.

But the cross in the eyes of early Christians had no beauty; it was a sign of sorrow, a symbol of courage, an expression of faith which stood outside the city walls, decorated only with decaying human bodies, as a threat to anyone who believed in Jesus. However, this ugly event has turned into a glorious act. This shows the power of God over humanity. Telling us that God is the source of victory, He has the power to turn an ugly situation into a glorious one.

This is evident in our first reading today, where we heard of the rebellion of Israel against God, their lack of gratitude and appreciation for all that God had done for them. The people had repeatedly grumbled and disobeyed the Lord, spurning his love and committing all sorts of sins and betraying God for pagan idols.

At this God sent fiery serpents among the people; their bite brought death to many in Israel. Then, they cried to Moses, confessing that they had sinned against God. So Moses interceded and made a fiery serpent and put it on a standard. So, if anyone is bitten and looks at it, they will live.

That's why in our Gospel today, Jesus is reminding us yet again how sin leads to death, and how he himself is going to die as he has repeatedly mentioned to the disciples of his upcoming passion and death. He mentioned how he would suffer and die and be lifted up on the Cross for the salvation of humanity, pointing out the true reality of what had happened with Moses and the Israelites.

The truth is that God reveals his love, his greatest glory, when his Son was lifted up on the cross, for there the victory of our salvation was achieved, and at the Cross, Jesus tells us everything and solves all our difficult problems.

Dear friends, as we struggle with the ugly situations in our lives, societies and our country caused by sin and human frailty, let us deeply look at the Cross of Christ, what do we see? How do we feel about the Cross? What does the Cross represent in our lives? Do we feel the love of Jesus? Can we perceive the high price of our salvation? Have we realised that the Cross of Christ is a symbol of love and victory?

As we reflect on these, let us return to God, for it is time to let go of our sinful ways of life. But what is keeping us from returning to God? Today we are called not to die in our sins, rather, we should look up to the Cross of Christ and find the strength, love and mercy of God.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, your Son paid the price of our salvation on the cross and saved us from sin and death. As we resolve to embrace his mercy, may he change all the ugly situations in the world, countries, societies and our families. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. It's a beautiful day, so cheer up, because God cares about you personally.