Homily For Monday Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 1st August, 2022. Happy New Month. The Memorial of St. Alphonsus Liguori

 Readings: Jer.28: 1-17; Ps 119; Matt. 14:13-21

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

THE LORD CARES ABOUT OUR SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING 

Humanity are constantly in need of one thing or the other, we are never tired of searching for things that will satisfy our desire for physical and spiritual well being. This is the situation and condition of the people in  our Gospel passage today, where we heard how the people were in search for Jesus for more bread. So as Jesus stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sickness and also fed them in a miraculous way.

Here, Jesus fulfills his role as the expected messiah who is to liberate his people from all kinds of diseases. The healing touch of Jesus reveals to all those who are in need that God is faithful to his promises. This healing and wholeness are offered as a sign of the presence of God’s kingdom among his people. But Jesus did not just heal the sick, he also fed the crowd. 

This feeding of the crowd refers back to the journey of the people of God in the desert from Mount Sinai to the promised land which in a special way signifies the event of our Eucharistic celebrate. The Eucharist has the same characteristics of this miracle: the community gathered together, the transformation of humble elements into a glorified body of Christ to satisfy our spiritual hunger which is an abundant gifts of God to humanity. In fact, because of the link to the Eucharist, this is the only miracle that is reported by all the four gospels. 

However, we can interpret this miracle of feeding the crowd in two ways. First, we can simply interpret it as a miraculous event, pointing to the divine origin and mission of Jesus. Secondly, we can interpret the miracle as the fruit of sharing with one another, for it is possible that once the disciples began to share the little food they had with those around, others also who had actually brought some food with them started sharing what they have and indeed grace multiplied what they have to the point of having left over. How I wish humanity can learn to share our resources with one another, believe me, the world will witness another miracle of multiplication of resources that will be enough for everyone with left over for the future generations.

So, as Jesus heals and feeds the physical aspect of humanity, he also knows that we need the food of the Eucharist to sustain us spiritually for our journey to heaven which is our promised land. Here, Jesus did not bring the loaves and fish out of nowhere. Rather, he took what was offered to him and multiplied them greatly. This bread is the gift of the Eucharist which we receive back from Jesus whose heart is always moved with pity and compassion towards us. 

Dear friends, God loves us so much, that he is willing and ready to satisfy our unquenchable hunger for physical and spiritual things. This is what prophet Hananiah in our first reading failed to understand, who spoke to please the king and his listeners, saying before everyone that the Lord would help Judah to crush the Babylonians, and helped to reverse all the losses and humiliations that they had suffered under them. But this was not the truth, he only said something that everyone wanted to here by reassuring false hope. Thus, prophet Jeremiah why rebuking him made it known that God is going to throw him and all the evil agents that are destroying humanity off the face of the earth.

 Therefore, let us learn to embrace the life of love the Lord is offering us just like  St. Alphonsus Liguori, whose memorial we celebrate today. He was  the founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists. He was truly a holy man and a role model that we can emulate in our own lives. St. Alphonsus Liguori was remembered for his great piety and dedication to serve the people of God. He was known for his simple and yet effective homilies, his courageous and loving outreach to those under his care and in touch with the plight and troubles of the people in his community. So why not , come to Jesus and embrace his love and you will be satisfied.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we are really hungry, in need of your love and satisfaction both physically and spiritually, through the intercessions St. Alphonsus Liguori feed us once again with your heavenly grace and multiple the little bread and fish we share with others and provide for us the basic needs of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Happy New Month.

Homily for Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 31st July, 2022

 Reading: Eccl.1:2.2:21-23; Ps. 90; Col. 3:1-5.9-11; Luke 12:13-21

Rev.  Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

All OUR WORLDLY  POSSESSIONS ARE VANITY VANISHING WITHOUT GOD 

There is no doubt that the material things of this passing world are so beautiful and captivating. Of course, they are gifts from God and he alone gives us the right to them. But what we possess is meant to help us grow in our relationship with God and neighours not to separate us from them, because if we are not careful, too much love for material possession can be an obstacle on our way to God’s Kingdom. Little wonder Jesus in our Gospel passage today warns us against covetousness and excessive attachment to worldly possessions which he greatly emphasized with the story of the rich Man Harvest. 

In this story a rich man who, having had a good harvest from his farm, thought to himself, “What am I to do? I have not enough room to store my crops.” Then he said, “This is what I will do: I will pull down my barns and build bigger ones, and store all my grain and my goods in them, and I will say to my soul: My soul, you have plenty of good things laid by for many years to come; take things easy, eat, drink, have a good time.” But God said to him, “Fool! This very night the demand will be made for your soul; and this hoard of yours, whose will it be then.

Here, Jesus tells his disciples about the need to live a life of detachment. He used this story to teach his disciples and all of us about the futility of excessive worldly desires and it’s pursuits. Thereby showing us the foolishness of human greed, as well as pride and ego. For in this man we see the uselessness of human selfishness, covetousness and excess desire for worldly possession, as he constantly focused only on himself saying I will do this, I will do that, ‘my goods, my fruits, my barns, my soul, etc, without any interest or room for his neighbours or the poor. He has no thought of God, nor of his own servants. If he had looked a little beyond himself, he would have seen many places where he could have bestowed his crops.  Thus, there is need for us to constantly prune ourselves from excess love for material possession of this passing world. 

For we heard in our first reading that things of this passing world is vanity without God. That vanity of vanities. All is vanity! Since a man who has laboured wisely, skillfully and successfully must leave what is his own to someone who has not toiled for it at all. This, of course, is vanity and great injustice; for what does he gain for all the toil and strain that he has undergone under the sun? What of all his laborious days, his cares of office, his restless nights? This, too, is vanity. 

The fact remains, that, material possessions in themselves are good, for we would not survive for long without them, but excess attachment to it at the expense of eternal life is grade one suicide. No doubt, it is difficult to give out or share our possession, but the ones who give up everything are the ones who receives more in this life as well as in heaven. 

For we heard St. Paul in our second reading saying: Let your thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth, because you have died, and now the life you have is hidden with Christ in God. That is why you must kill everything in you that belongs only to earthly life: fornication, impurity, guilty passion, evil desires and especially greed, which is the same thing as worshipping a false god; and never tell each other lies. You have stripped off your old behaviour with your old self, and you have put on a new self which will progress towards true knowledge of the image of God.

 

Dear friends, what is the essence of our existence in this world? What does God really required from us in this life? Do you know that without God everything in life is vanity vanishing? So today Jesus addressed the very thing that most people are not ready to give up. Those things such as: money, houses, credentials, love of power, pride and wealth. But, if we are honest enough, we will admit that we all have some things we would be very slow to let go if Jesus should make the demand of them. Those things we so much attached ourselves with and would not like God to ask us to give them up for the sake of following him.

In fact, it might be a good thing today, for us to ask ourselves, what would be the most difficult thing for us to give up if Jesus should ask us to do so. It might be some thing we own like our properties, treasures, fame, beauty, influence and power or our wealth; it may be a relationship, or our job, or our habit and attitudes. So, whatever we posses that will separate us from our mission of following Jesus and loving our neighbours, today we are called to give them up and come follow the Lord, because in leaving them for the sake of Jesus, we actually gain all in abundance. 

Therefore, detaching and sharing what we possess with others especially the poor is a sure way to finding life, peace and happiness. And Jesus is telling us that it will be difficult for us to enter his kingdom when we choose to attach ourselves with the riches of this passing world. Though material possessions are gifts from God and he alone gives us the right to have them, but what we possess is not meant to separate us from God, rather, they should help us to grow in our relationship with God and neighours. Hence, let us not be carried away by the beauty of the things of this passing world, for nothing last forever. Rather, we should remain steadfast in our faith in God, who has called us to love him and to love one another, for that is all that the Lord requires from us in this life.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we are living in a world where materialism is the order of the day, help us to learn how to live a life of detachment and prune us always from the sin of covetousness and pride, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed week.

Homily for Saturday Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 30th July, 2022

 Readings: Jer. 26:11-16.24, Ps. 69, Matt. 14:1-12

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WE MUST LEARN TO STAND FOR TRUTH NO MATTER THE COST 

One thing that the world hates to hear is the sound of the word "truth". Why! Because it makes the world to tremble as most things in the world are built on falsehood and deceit and people are becoming comfortable with falsehood as a way of life. This is obvious especially with the ugly situation of corruption where humanity are placed in perpetual darkness and confusion as the voices that speak the truth are silenced by all means. 

Today people want to be "free" to do whatever they like, they don't want anybody to remind them the hard truth about the realities of life. Hence, they can do anything just to silence truth. Thus, the cost of speaking the truth has become so expensive that sometimes it cost a life of an individual or even a whole community. It is even more demanding when the truth to be told has to do with the conversion of one in authority.

This is the case with John the Baptist in our Gospel passage today, whose head was the prize for the truth he told to Herod and Herodias. For Herod had arrested John and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ Herod had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. 

But, on the occasion of Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. She conspired with the mother and demanded for the head of John the Baptist. The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered John to be beheaded and the head be given to the girl, who took it to her mother. 

These ugly attitudes towards John the Baptist points at what is done to Jesus in his Passion, demonstrating how good people, especially when they struggle for truth and justice, are often condemned to suffer in the hands of greed and powerful people. But should we stop speaking the truth because of fear of losing our lives. I don't think so, because truth saves life, it brings freedom, it releases tension, it brings peace, it settles quarrels and disputes. Truth is freedom which must be offered to everyone, whoever, whenever and however it will best bring conversion to its enemies, just like John the Baptist did to Herod and Herodias even at the expense of his life. 

Herod made a bad decision, which out of pride finds it difficult to change his mind and admit that he was wrong. He did not plan to execute John that night. He was persuaded by Herodias to do so, because he was a weak man. He is a slave to the opinion of others, he feared the people who revered John; he also fears the reaction of his guests if he should retract his oath. This is also what we have in our first reading where the priest, the prophet and some people planned to kill prophet Jeremiah because he told them the truth concerning their sinful attitude and there repercussions. But he was saved by some officials who stood up for the truth and said: ‘this man does not deserve to die: he has spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God.’

Dear friends, in one way or the other we play one if not all the characters in our readings today. Sometimes we are Herod or Herodias, Herodias’ daughter, Herod’s guests, John the Baptist, Jeremiah, the priests prophets and even the crowds. So   like Herod, how often do we make decisions out of pride? When we make bad decisions, how quick are we able to change our mind, to admit that we are wrong. Are we like Herodias who is waiting for an opportunity to silenced the innocents who confront us with the truth?  If today we happen to be one of the guests of Herod, what would been our reaction? Will I have protested and stand for truth like the officials in the case of Jeremiah or  stayed silent like the guests of Herod? Thus, what do we do when we see others suffering injustice? Do we have the courage to protest, even at the cost of losing our lives? Today we are called to speak the truth, for the world needs to hear the truth no matter the cost.

LET US PRAY:  Lord God, it is difficult to speak and stand for truth in our world today, give us the grace and courage to become instrument of your word in truth and in deeds just like St. John the Baptist and prophet Jeremiah. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful weekend.

 

Homily for Friday Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 29th July, 2022. The Memorial of Saints. Martha, Mary and Lazarus

  Readings: Jer. 26:1-9; Ps. 69; Luke 10:38-42

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LET US LEARN HOW TO WELCOME AND LISTEN TO GOD AS A FAMILY EVEN IN OUR BUSY SCHEDULES JUST LIKE MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS 

Today we celebrate the memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus very close family friends of Jesus. Usually we celebrate only the memorial of Saint Martha, but since January 26th, 2021, Pope Francis made this day an obligatory memorial not just for St. Martha but also for the family. That is Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus. In this family we see what should be a good example of our attitude towards Jesus in our families. In our relationship with Jesus we often do not know what Jesus requires from us.  Oftentimes we worry about so many things in life, and this often distract us from relating with Jesus properly. But just will always have a way of teaching us how to relate with despite our different charisms and disposition. 

This is what is playing out in our Gospel passage today, where we heard the story of how Martha was so busy trying to make Jesus comfortable as he visited them at their house in Bethany. But when Martha observed that her sister Mary was not helping out in the preparation, rather was busy listening to Jesus, she said to Jesus: “Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her”.

 

Here, Jesus is not condemning this great sacrificial virtue nor condoning laziness. Rather, he is saying that busy without listening and listening without doing is completely worthless. Because in our relationship with him, Jesus wants us to learn how to listen to him even in our busy schedules. Hence, he gently corrected the impression of Martha who was too busy and distracted with so many things that she risks losing sight of what is really important, that is, listening to Jesus. This is because Martha gives the impression that Mary is just sitting there doing nothing. But, in fact, she was listening to Jesus. 

However, Jesus is not telling us to be content with sitting down to listen to his word, for he always insists that the best way of listening to his word is by putting it into practice. While his objection to Martha is because she was too anxious and distracted by many things that she was not able to really listen to him and for Jesus listening is the best option. 

This act of listening to God is what the people in the first reading today failed to do, where God through  prophet Jeremiah called the people of Judah to repent and turn away from their sins, so that He might forgive them and stop the wrath and the punishments as a result of their many sins. For unless they repent from their sins, what happened to the sanctuary of Shiloh would also happen to them all. But they did not listened to him, rather, they all seized hold of Jeremiah and said, ‘You shall die! Why have you made this prophecy in the name of the Lord.

Dear friends, in our relationship with Jesus, are we more of listener or more of accommodating and caring? Are we more like Martha, Mary or Lazarus for they were all close family friends of Jesus? Let us learn how to welcome and listen to God as an family even in our busy schedules just like the family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. For today many of us are so busy and anxious of so many things that we have no time to listen to God speaking to us and addressing the situation we are actually busy trying to solve. 

Today we are called like Martha to pause and listen, so that we can hear God speaking to us and directing us towards the right path. Remember, Martha who was known as a friend of Jesus, loved to welcome him into her home, let us also learn from her, for it is a great virtue to be hospitable and caring especially when we spend quality time to listen to God and letting him direct and guide us towards carrying out our daily tasks without being distracted by the things of this passing world. 

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we are anxious and worried about so many things, but indeed only one thing is needed, give us the grace to truly listen to your word and so have a caring and hospitable family just like St. Martha, Mary and Lazarus. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed day.

Homily for Thursday Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 28th July, 2022

 Readings: Jer.18:1-6, P 146, Matt 13:37-53

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

GOD IS OUR POTTER WE ARE NOTHING BUT A RAW CLAY HOPING TO BE MOULDED INTO A HEAVENLY VESSEL

A story was told of a beautiful clay pot used to decorate a garden. The clay pot was the point of attraction to all including it’s fellow ordinary clay. So one day the ordinary clay approached the beautiful clay pot and said, we have no doubt that you are clay just like us. But how come you have become so beautiful and special that everyone admires you? The clay pot smiles and said: there was a time when I was nothing but a dumb lump of red clay. Then one day a Potter came with a digger and a hoe, dung me out of the dumb lump and painfully separated me from my fellow clay and brought me to his house I cried out but he ignored me. 

He rolled and pounded me on a wooden table several times without mercy. I cried out, don’t do that! Leave me alone!’ But the Potter suddenly placed me on a spinning wheel and suddenly spun around and around and around until I lost all consciousness. Just when I thought it was over, he placed me carefully into an oven which is hotter than the hell fire. 

Why me! I cried out in anguish! But the potter only smiled and gently said: because you are special! I struggled, I yelled, knocked and broke several times, but the Potter was patient and meticulous in ensuring that I adjusted to his will. Realizing that I cannot win, I surrender completely to the will of the Potter and he only nodded in understanding and quietly said: “is not over yet! 

Then he pulled me out of the oven, when the heat became cooled he carefully picked me up, dust away some dirt and behold I was totally transformed, looking so beautiful and special. And the potter smiled and said:  this is what you are meant to be. For God has made you into a special vessel for special purpose. 

This story reflect what prophet Jeremiah is telling us in our first reading today that God is the Potter and we are the clay. Though God has created humanity as beautiful clay in his hands to be molded into a beautiful and special vessel for heavenly kingdom. But humanity have sinned and rebelled again God and his plan for us. Unless we repent and turn away from our sinful ways we will all perish. 

Hence we are called to repentance for there will be a day of judgement of which Jesus in our Gospel passage, used a parable to describe that the kingdom of heaven will be like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in fish of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. Here Jesus is telling us that the kingdom is open for all but not all can be suitable to dwell in it, only those who on the judgement day are found suitable can be admitted into the kingdom.

Dear friends, God is our potter, we are nothing but raw clay hoping to be moulded into heavenly vessels. So, all God required from us is for us to let him mould us into the heavenly vessels that he planned for humanity. No doubt that sin has destroy our original nature, but just like when the pot a potter was shaping spoils in his hands and he forms it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. So will God re-mould us into a new vessel for his heavenly kingdom if we repent from our pride and sinful ways of life.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, sin and pride has separated humanity from your plans for us, today we come to you like a clay in a dump lump, be our Potter once again and re-mould us into that heavenly vessels which you planned for us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless you.

Homily for Wednesday Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 27th July, 2022

 Readings: Jer. 15:10.16-21; Ps. 59; Matt 13:44-46

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS OUR ULTIMATE TREASURE 

Everyday under terrible scourges of the sun and noisy street, people struggle to acquire things that they value as treasures of life. The quarreling and fighting, the early morning rush, the traffic jam, the aggressive words all just to acquire things of this life and people are never tired of acquiring properties for themselves and their generation yet to come, forgetting that all these things sooner or later passes away as we ourselves expire from this world. Thus, today we are called to reflect on what should be our ultimate treasure and how we can acquire it. 

So, in the Gospel passage today, Jesus used two parables to describe to the people that the kingdom of God is the greatest and ultimate treasure anyone can and should acquire. He said to them: the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field. Again he said, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.

Here, the parables describe the kingdom of God as the ultimate treasure that cannot be compared to anything whatsoever we have in this world. Though the kingdom is open for all but not all can be suitable to dwell in it, only those who on the judgement day are found suitable can be admitted into the kingdom. Using these parables Jesus explains what the kingdom of heaven is like and what we need to do in order to acquire it. The essence of these parables is to remind us that the kingdom of heaven is so precious and great, that it is worth more than our entire life and our worldly possessions and treasures.

Therefore, we must do all that it takes to ensure that we acquire it, losing it over the temporal pleasure, joy, glory, fame, power and influence of the things of this passing world will be complete foolishness. For none of them last forever and what good is it for us to gain the whole world but loses our soul out of God’s kingdom. Hence, for the sake of this kingdom the Lord in our first reading said: I will make you a bronze wall fortified against this people. They will fight against you but they will not overcome you, because I am with you to save you and to deliver you.

Dear friends, what is our ultimate treasure in this life? How many of us are paying attention to the ultimate heavenly treasure? How many of us thinks and search for this ultimate treasure of our souls? How many of us desires to personally discover God in our life? How I wish we will understand the shortness of this life, the emptiness of this passing world and the danger of losing our soul out of greediness for the things of this passing world. Then, we will sincerely desire to experience God personally, because in him lies the  greatest and ultimate treasure of life. And discovering God personally in our lives is the greatest treasure anyone can ever have.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, the world is full of distractions from false treasures, give us a wise and discerning hearts in order to give up all our attachment to worldly possessions in pursue of the heavenly and ultimate treasure of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Peace be with you.

Homily for Tuesday Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 26th July, 2022. The Memorial of SS. Joachim and Anne

 Readings: Jer.14:17-22, P 78, Matt 13:36-43

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

ARE YOU AMONG THE GOOD SEEDS OF GOD’S KINGDOM OR THE WEEDS OF THIS PASSING WORLD? 

For the past few days now we have been listening to Jesus telling us about the kingdom of God and the need for us to prepare to embrace it. In most of the occasions Jesus used parables to communicate the important of this message. Having listened to him carefully, his disciples in our Gospel passage today asked him to explain the parable of the wheat and the darnel and he said:

 “The sower of the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world; the good seed is the subjects of the kingdom; the darnel, the subjects of the evil one; the enemy who sowed them, the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; the reapers are the angels. Well then, just as the darnel is gathered up and burnt in the fire, so it will be at the end of time. The Son of Man will send his angels and they will gather out of his kingdom all things that provoke offences and all who do evil, and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. Then the virtuous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Listen, anyone who has ears!”

What is most important in this message is for us to “Listen carefully”. This is because the world as we know is coming to an end, for the day of reckoning is very close at hand. This could be the first trumpet might as well be the last. For it is obvious from the signs we are seeing around us today. How can we interpret the signs of this times, the signs that tell us that this world is passing away. 

Many are suffering and many more will have to suffer from greediness of others. Many have died and may more will have to die. Many are perishing in sin, many more will have to perish if we refuse to repent from sin and greediness. Little wonder we heard prophet Jeremiah in our first reading saying: “Tears flood my eyes night and day, unceasingly, since a crushing blow falls on the daughter of my people, a most grievous injury. If I go into the countryside, there lie men killed by the sword; if I go into the city, I see people sick with hunger”.

Dear friends, does these signs make us to be afraid of the second coming of the Lord or do we joyfully awaits its coming? Because the explanation of this parable gives us an account of what will happen on the day of reckoning. And today, we are called to really examine our conscience to know where we are with regards to our vocation as Christians. Are we among the good seeds of God’s kingdom or the weeds of this passing world? For what will be our lot if the Lord calls us today? Will we be among the virtuous who will shine like the sun in the kingdom of our Father? Or among those that will be thrown out of his kingdom and sent into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth? 

The answer to this question is available in our consciences and if we listen carefully now we will hear, for things are not the way they used to be, we all have to face the reality now. Everyday is a golden opportunity, today may be the only opportunity for us to change our sinful ways of life and embrace God completely, just like SS. Joachim and Anne the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose memorial we celebrate today. For they were entrusted with the task of nurturing and bringing up Mary as a great instrument for God’s salvation for humanity. They stand as a model of what good parenting should be 

LET US PRAY:  Heavenly Father, as we listen carefully to your word, let the groans of your children come before you. And through the intercessions of SS. Joachim and Anne, help us to embrace your word and be prepared to embrace your kingdom on the day of reckoning, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless you.

Homily for Monday Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 25th July, 2021. The Feast of St. James, Apostle

 Readings: 2Cor 4: 7-15, Ps 126:1-6, Matt: 20:20-28

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

DO NOT STRIVE TO DOMINATE OTHERS RATHER BE OF HUMBLE SERVICE TO OTHER FOR THERE COMES TRUE GREATNESS

To be great is one of the desires of every human person, it is that which makes us to utilize the unique gift God has given us, from  which we serve Him and our neighbours responsibly. However,  human greediness and selfishness have made us to see greatness as domination and subjection of others in a competitive and comparative manner. Today as we celebrate the feast of St. James,  we heard in our Gospel passage how the disciples of Jesus were struggling with this competitive and comparative attitude. 

This is because the mother of Zebedee’s sons came with her sons to make a request from Jesus saying, ‘Promise that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ And Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking’. ‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ ‘Very well,’ he said ‘you shall drink my cup, but as for seats at my right hand and my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted by my Father.” So, other disciples became angry because James and his brother John through the intercession of their mother desired to have key leadership positions in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus. But Jesus let them know that the transcendent power and authority to lead belong to God and whoever He wishes to share it with. 

 

Here, Jesus prophesied that James and his brother John would "drink of the same chalice" of suffering as himself, since the two brothers had asked to be seated at his right and his left in his kingdom, and he told them that they would be with him in a far different way than they expected. Thus, James suffering martyrdom for the sake of the kingdom, for he was beheaded in Jerusalem at the orders of Herod Agrippa. His death is the only biblical record we have of the death of one of the Apostles, and he was the first to give his life for his Master. He embrace true greatness not by domination and subjection, but, by service, sacrifice and dedication to the faith he has found in Jesus which he wishes to share with others.

So, today we celebrate the feast of a great man, who along with his brother John and Peter was part of the inner circle of Jesus. So like St. James, we are encouraged to seek true greatness in humility of service and sacrifice even at the point of losing everything. And St. Paul also encouraged us in our first reading to be steadfast for we are affiliated in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. Knowing that true greatness is found in humble service and not in domination or subjection of others. For good leaders serve the community, they subdue arguments and divisions, they maintain unity in times of distress and act as role models for the young just like St. James. 

Dear friends, in our strive for greatness, which character in our Gospel passage represent our attitude? Are we like the mother of Zebedee’s son’s? Are we like James and John? Are we like the ten apostles who were angry and jealous for the ugly attitudes of James and John? Are we like the Pharisees who lord it over others? So, we can see how imperfect they were at this stage of their lives, But, later date in their lives, we heard how all these impulses and feelings of imperfection have disappeared. And they became submissive to one another in humble service to the mission of Christ.

Today, we all are called to seek true greatness in humble service of other and not in domination. We are called to utilize the unique gift God has given us and use it to serve Him and our neighbours responsibly in any capacity we find ourselves, bearing in mind that one should not strive to be a leader but a servant because leadership is a gift from God. Remember, true greatness is found in our sacrificial service to others, not in competitive and comparative subjection and domination of others. 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, you have taught us that true greatness is found in the sacrificial service to humanity, give us the grace to live a life of sacrifice and humility. And through the intercession of St. James my our lives be a good example of true greatness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a fruitful week. 

Homily for Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 24th July, 2022. The World Day For Grandparents and the Elderly

 Reading: Gen. 18:20-32; Ps. 138; Col. 2:12-14; Luke 11:1-13

Rev.  Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

HOW TO DIALOGUE WITH GOD IN PRAYER 

As contingent being, it is common for human beings to reach out to other people when we are in need of something. And oftentimes we seek the intervention God especially in some difficult needs and situations.  No doubt that a good number of us have in one way or the other looked up to God or people for help. 

I don’t know if you have ever been truly in need of something from a friend who is capable of giving you what you needed but he is so busy to give you what you need now? Or have you been in a situation where you needed something from a friend but cannot get it because you can not reach him easily? Such a situation can make one to be under serious pressure. Then the question that comes to mind is, are we going to give up or persevere in our struggles on waiting or reaching out to him? This kind of disposition is what we experience sometimes when we pray and our requests are yet to be granted because we don’t really know how to dialogue with God in prayer.

Hence, the disciples of Jesus knowing how important prayer is, and having watched Jesus prayed, asked him to teach them how to pray as we have it in our Gospel passage today as our Lord’s Prayer. And prayer as we know is a means of communication between God and humanity. It is a close link by which we reach God who dwells in our hearts. It is through prayer we discern the will of God for us.  Thus we can learn how to dialogue with God in prayer  from this prayer Jesus taught his disciples as pattern of all prayers 

In this prayer we have four traditional dimensions of prayer which includes: glorification of God, submission, justice and protection. Jesus begins by saying: Father, hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come, thereby teaching us that we begin any of our prayers by glorifying God. Following this is our total submission to God’s providence when we say: give us each day our daily bread. Then, we acknowledge the justice and mercy of God when we say: forgive us our sins as we for give those we have sinned against us. And finally we ask for God’s guidance and protection when we say: lead us not into temptation but deliver us from all evil.

This tells us that we should approach God with confidence as a friend, persisting until we obtain what we need as Jesus illustrated with the story of  a father and his son and  a man who had a visitor and needed the help of his neighbours. With this illustration Jesus emphasized that if we, who are prune to evil, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more shall the heavenly Father give to those who ask him. So, we should learn how to  keep on asking, seeking, and knocking in prayer until we obtain the answer we need. Just like a boy asking his father for a fish or an egg, knowing that his father would not give him a snake or a scorpion instead of the fish or egg he had requested. 

This is what Abraham demonstrated in our first reading  when he kept asking for God’s mercy on behalf of the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. But more than Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, the Lord Jesus sacrificed his life for the redemption of humanity and this is what St. Paul in our second reading today made us to know when he said: the Lord has brought you to life with him, he has forgiven us all our sins. He has overridden the Law, and cancelled every record of the debt that we had to pay; he has done away with it by nailing it to the cross. This of course, shows us how God is willing to hear us whenever we call on him in prayer.

 Dear friends, as contingent being there are times when we asked and we received, sought and found, knocked and it was opened to us. But there were also times when we asked but did not receive, seek but did not find, knocked but the door remained shut. In such moments persistency and perseverance in prayer are what we are called to embrace. For they will help us to understand how to trust God knowing  that he does not need to be informed of our needs, thereby encouraging us never to lose heart. This is certainly one of the biggest challenges of our faith today. People are not just patient with God. We want to have everything right now as it is hot. Patient, persistency and perseverance are very difficult virtue for most people today.

Therefore, it is time for us to change our perspective and wrong disposition towards prayers. It is time for us to spend more quality moment in prayer and be connected with God. We must let our prayers also be meaningful and be genuine from our hearts. It is time  for us to improve the quality of our prayer life by imitating Jesus, who always prayed to his heavenly Father at every possible opportunities. But some of us end up spending lots of time reciting the prayers and yet we did not mean what we say, because we have not learnt how to dialogue with God in prayer especially when we have wrong disposition born from unforgiving heart which must be redirected before we can get a positive response from God.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, oftentimes we are not patient with you in our prayers, because we don't know how to dialogue with you in prayers. Give us the grace to learn how to dialogue with you and to persevere and be persistent in our prayer life and in every other things we do in life, especially in our relationship with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Happy Sunday.

Homily for Saturday Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 23rd July, 2022

 Readings: Jer. 7:1-11; Ps.84; Matt. 13:24-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

HOW TO DEAL WITH THE  EVIL WEEDS AND DARNEL OF THIS PASSING WORLD 

Often times when we reflect on the ugly events that happens around us, we wonder why God who is so good and all powerful permit the evil we see and experience in the world He created. And sometimes, the evil ones are so cruel that we wish that God should just wipe them away from the face of the earth and when this is not coming forth, we complain and even doubt the power of God over this evil. 

The answer to this ugly phenomenon is found in the parable of today's Gospel passage. Here the sower has sown good seed in his field for a healthy wheat harvest. But in the dark of night an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. What Matthew most likely refers to as weed is darnel or cockle, a harmful weed that closely resembles wheat and is common in Israel. The difference between darnel and real wheat is evident only when the plants mature and the ears appear. 

So, when the servants notice the weeds, their first response is to question the quality of the seed. Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from? When the master replies that an enemy has sown the weeds, the slaves are anxious to take care of the problem, to root those nasty weeds immediately. But the master restrains his servants, saying that in gathering the weeds they would uproot the wheat along with them. He orders them to let both grow together until the harvest. Then he will send out his reapers to collect and burn the weeds and to gather the wheat into his barn.

 

In this parable the one who sows the good seed is Jesus, the field is the world, and the good seeds are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Jesus does not, however, say whom the servants represent. Perhaps they represent the disciples or anyone who has questioned why God allows evil to grow and thrive, and wished to take matters into his or her own hands and root out the evil around. But this will not be easy, because, it is not so easy to tell the weeds from the wheat as their roots are intertwined below the ground. Thus, rooting out the weeds would uproot the wheat as well, doing more damage to the crop than leaving the weeds to grow. 

Dear friends, most of us are victims of the evil weeds and darnels of this passing world. Today as we wish to remove these weeds in our lives, Jesus wants us to learn how to be patient and trust God in times of trouble and tribulations for he alone knows the best time and how best to deal with the evil ones. For when that time comes He will gather all evildoers and throw them into the furnace of fire. 

But the problem is that we are not patient with the Lord, we often behave like the Israelites in our first reading today, who have failed to listen to God, for we have chosen to dwell in sin and are intertwined with the sinful weeds of this world. Thus, we heard prophet Jeremiah saying:  Amend your behaviour and your actions. Put no trust in delusive words. Yet here you are, trusting in delusive words, to no purpose! Stop doing evil and learn to do good so that you will be saved . Therefore, we must learn to be patient with the Lord especially as we struggle with the troubles and tribulations of this passing world.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, our hearts are full of weeds of different corruptions and evil planted by the evil ones. As we wait on you, may you guide and protect us from the malice of the evil ones. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Do have a fruitful weekend.

Homily for Friday sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 22nd July, 2022. The Feast of St. Mary Magdalene

 Readings: 2Cor. 5:14-17, Ps. 63, John 20:1-2.11-18

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

LET GO OF YOUR OLD SINFUL WAY OF LIFE AND EMBRACE THE NEW LIFE OF GRACE AND HOPE JUST LIKE MARY MAGDALENE

Every human person has a past and a future, the past is gone we cannot change it, but the future bring hope alive, for in both past and future we make our history a reality that can change the world. Today we celebrate the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, a woman whose life history gives hope to sinners and sense of the past for saints. 

Often Mary Magdalene is referred to as the woman from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons or the repentant prostitute, whichever one, scriptures and history point out that Mary Magdalene had been greatly transformed by her faith in Jesus and her life was changed after her first encounter with Jesus for she abandoned her past life of sin. May Magdalene was a great sinner who ought to had been condemned to die by those who were also unworthy and sinful before God. But grace of God brought about the encounter that transformed her life and she was privileged to be the first to know about the resurrection of Jesus and to also encounter the risen Lord. 

This is evident in our Gospel passage today, which presents to us the encounter of Mary Magdalene with the risen Lord. When the apostles have left the tomb, Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. In her devotion to Jesus, Mary seeks to learn where she might find Jesus’ body so that she might take him away, a task that would be difficult both emotionally and physically. But she was not even concerned with how she would convey the body from one place to another. She only believes that Jesus’ body has been dishonored, and she is determined to see that he is accorded the honor that it deserves. 

So, she remained by the tomb, weeping. Her heart was in earnest to find Jesus. The angels asked her: why are you weeping? she was just busy trying to find the corpse of Jesus. But when she turned around and saw Jesus, her heart was filled with joy and peace. This courageous act of faith brought about her encounter with the risen Lord. Thus, in Mary Magdalene we see a heart that is determined to find Jesus. A heart that truly loves Jesus, a heart that cannot give up the search for Jesus, a heart that listened and remembered the words of Jesus about his resurrection. 

Dear friends, as we celebrate the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, we must learn to let go of our old sinful way of life and embrace the new life of grace and hope God is offering us. So, today we are called to imitate her virtues, knowing that God can use anyone as His instruments if we are ready to embrace Him irrespective of our past ways of life. For St. Paul tells us in our first reading that anyone who is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old creation has passed away, behold the new has come. For Christ died for all so that living men should live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised to life for our sake. 

Therefore, today, we are called to forget our past sinful life and embrace the Lord. We are called to seek the Lord with affection and tears. But often times the clouds and darkness of our sins blind us from recognizing the Lord who is always very close to us. The truth is that, the Lord’s way of making himself known to his people is by his word; his word appeals to our souls, speaking to us in particular way that is unique to us. Are we ready to embrace the Lord once again and make our history a reality that will change this sinful world?

 LET US PRAY: Lord God, like Mary Magdalene our souls seek to encounter you personally once again, give us the grace and strength to always be ready to turn away from sin and embrace your word, that we may personally experience, fill and recognize your presence once again in our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed day

Homily for Thursday Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 21st July, 2022

 Readings: Jer.2:1-3.7-8.12-13, Ps. 36, Matt 13:10-17

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WITHOUT THE  LORD IN OUR LIVES WE WILL BE  A LEAKY CISTERN THAT CAN NOT HOLD WATER

Reflecting on the present situation of our country, I must say that it is obvious that we are like sheep desperately in need of shepherd, as the present leaders have shown that they are not and cannot be the Messiah we are looking for, since we have continually involved in doing evil. We have abandoned the God who has blessed us with all the good things of life in order to embrace the gods of money, wealth and have made ourselves gods to others. What we have in our country today are corrupt, greedy and selfish people who are like a leaky cistern that can not hold water. 

This is the ugly situation God through Prophet Jeremiah is addressing in our first reading today when He said to the people: “I brought you to a fertile country to enjoy its produce and good things; but no sooner had you entered than you defiled my land, and made my heritage detestable. The priests have never asked, “Where is the Lord?” Those who administer the Law have no knowledge of me. The shepherds have rebelled against me; the prophets have prophesied in the name of Baal, following things with no power in them. it is the Lord who speaks. Since my people have committed a double crime: they have abandoned me, the fountain of living water, only to dig cisterns for themselves, leaky cisterns that hold no water”.

 And in our Gospel passage we heard Jesus saying: “The reason I talk to them in parables is that they look without seeing and listen without hearing or understanding. So, you will listen and listen again, but not understand, see and see again, but not perceive. For the heart of this nation has grown coarse, their ears are dull of hearing, and they have shut their eyes, for fear they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and be converted and be healed by me”.

Here, we see the Lord’s sadness and anger at us for our selfishness, greed and ingratitude. For we are constantly disobeying God through our sinful, rebellious and unwilling attitudes to embrace and properly utilize what God has given us for the good of all. Thus, we constantly take God’s patience and kindness for granted. We have taken His mercy and compassion for granted. Today, we are called to come back to God with all our hearts so that He will respond to our needs. For he will restore the fortune of the poor and put our enemies to shame as they will come quaking and trembling in fear of the Lord because of all the evil they have committed. 

Dear friends, without God in our lives we will be a leaky cistern that can not hold water. So, it will never be business as usual, for the righteous God will send good shepherd to His people, who will shepherd us with his staff of justice, mercy, forgiveness and fidelity. Though not in the manner we expect. He will not lead us in any campaign against our corrupt and selfish leaders. 

But he will lead us in campaign against an even more formidable foe, the devil and his agents. And when he has succeeded in overcoming them, our leaders and their corruption and selfish way of life will be taking care of. Then, his kingdom of peace and justice will be established and it will last forever. All we need to do is to trust in the Lord, ask him for directions and be docile to his words.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we have abandoned your ways out of selfishness and greed, in order to build a leaky cistern of corruption and greediness that can not do us any good. Help us to change this ugly way of life, so as to embrace your word and become vessel of love. May Christ our good shepherd guide our paths and lead us into his own dwelling place forever and ever. Amen. Do have a blessed day.

Homily for Wednesday sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 20th July, 2022

 Readings: Jer. 1:1.4-10; Ps. 71; Matt:13:1-9

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LET THE SEED OF GOD’S WORD BLOSSOM IN YOUR HEART SO THAT WE CAN BEAR FRUIT ABUNTANTLY 

Those who are into farming understands very well how a healthy seed blossoms on a fertile soil. Little wonder Jesus in the parable of the sower decided to use this great farming mechanism to explain the relationship between the Word of God and the human heart. Because the Word of God is to the human heart what a healthy seed is to the soil. 

In this parable Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Imagine a sower going out to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on patches of rock where they found little soil and sprang up straight away, because there was no depth of earth; but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, not having any roots, they withered away. Others fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Others fell on rich soil and produced their crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Listen, anyone who has ears!’

Here, Jesus used the parable of the sower to describe different kind of response to God's Word for there are four obstacles that can distract us from making our hearts a fertile soil. These obstacles include: shallow mindedness, hardened heart, worldly desires and finally, trails and persecutions. Most people fall in some, if not in all of these obstacles. But what about the good soil? These are those who made their hearts a fertile soil through love and purity of heart which helped them to hear the Word of God and understands it, and indeed bears fruit and yield an abundant harvest of hundred, sixty and thirty folds. Our Mother Mary is a good example of such people. 

Therefore, the different kinds of ground on which the seed falls represent the different ways in which we receive the Word of God, just like prophet Jeremiah in our first reading today who made his heart a fertile soil for the word of God. Hence, we heard the Lord saying to him: I am putting my words into your mouth. Look, today I am setting you over nations and over kingdoms, to tear up and to knock down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant

Dear friends, today Jesus Christ gives us all the wonderful and beautiful Words of life, wooing us to heaven, are we disposed to letting his word blossom in our souls? Remember, our hearts are the fields in which the Word of God is scattered, to which do our hearts belong: the path way, the rocky ground, the thorns or the good soil. Whichever one, we are called to pay attention and take some time to appreciate and dispose our hearts more, so that God’s Word may find a root in us. 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, each and every one of us have received the seeds of your Words, give us grace to remain open to receiving your Word, so that it will blossom in our souls and bear fruit abundantly. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful day.

Homily for Tuesday Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 19th July, 2022

 Readings: Micah 7:14-15.18-20, Ps. 85, Matt 12:46-50

Rev  Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

ARE YOU PART OF THE TRUE FAMILY OF JESUS?

One of the psychological and spiritual needs of the human person is the sense of belonging, this need is just like the need for food, clothes and shelter. The feeling of belonging is fundamental to our sense of happiness and well-being, for it gives value to life and help us in coping with some painful emotions as it improves our motivation. Hence, we often want to belong with one another, to our friends and families, to our culture and from one association and group to another.

However, one of the common and safest place to belong is our families, especially when it is rooted in the family of God. So today in our Gospel passage, Jesus speaks about belonging to his family and his relationship with members of his family when he said: Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother.’ From the Gospel, Jesus speaks of two ways the people around him could be identified as members of his family. Firstly he talks about those who belong to the family of his birth that is, his mother, father and relations. Then his other family which is made up of those who do the will of God.

 This family he says, is his true family where doing the will of God is the only way of becoming part of this family. This is not to say that Jesus is rejecting his family; to do so would be contradicting his own teaching about loving ones parents and loving ones neighbours. However, Jesus is using this opportunity to emphasize that relationship with God is more important and this is based on our total commitment to doing the will of God through him. Surprisingly, Mary the mother of Jesus belongs to both sides of the family, for she gave birth to Jesus and also the first to do the will of God when she  said, “let it be done unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). For this reason she is the first disciple of Jesus and a model for all Christians.

Thus, to be a Christian or a disciple is to enter into the family of Jesus and embrace a new relationship with God and with one another and this is the most important place to belong. All other bonds, including those of blood should be considered secondary. Because, belonging to God is fundamental to our basic relationships, prior to all human relations. Since we belong first to God before belonging to our families, after which we all go back to God where we ultimately belongs, which will be determined by our attitude towards doing the will of God here on earth.

Dear friends, are you part of the true family of Jesus? Where do we ultimately and truly belong? As Christians, we claimed to be part of God’s family, but do our attitudes and decisions show that we truly belong to God’s family? Do we not often commit ourselves to things contrary to the faith we professed in God? 

Today prophet Micah in our first reading prayers for God’s mercy, asking God to show kindness to His people and forgive our trespasses for the times we have failed to be committed in doing His will, as he called us to turn back to God once again for it is in Him that we truly belong. Therefore, today like Mary and the disciples of Jesus, we are called to do the will of God always in order to truly belong to that true family of Jesus where love of God and love of neighbour unites us together.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we truly belong to your family, give us the grace to always do your will and as we carryout our activities today, grant success to the works of our hands, through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless you.

Homily for Monday sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 18th July, 2022

 Readings: Micah 6:14.6-8, Ps.50; Matt 12:38-42

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WE DON’T NEED TO SEEK FOR SIGNS, RATHER WE MUST LEARN TO ACT JUSTLY, LOVE TENDERLY AND WALK HUMBLY WITH THE LORD 

Listening to the conversation between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees in our Gospel passage today as they asked Jesus for signs. He  said to them, ‘It is an evil and unfaithful generation that asks for a sign! The only sign it will be given is the sign of the prophet Jonah, telling us that, on Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here with us, that is, Jesus himself. 

Hence, Jesus in this Gospel, presents to us the final recommendations of the end time, he insists that we should pay rapt attention to the signs nature is giving us concerning the end time events, that these signs will make us to have hope founded firmly on the word of God which drives away fear and despair, knowing that the kingdom of God is very near to us. He also warns us about following those who claim to know when the end is coming. For we may see many of the signs written in Scripture happening already in our time and people are terrified looking for someone to show them the way. We should know that Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and the Life. 

Reflecting on this, the question that comes to my mind is: where will you and I and the beautiful things of this world be in the next ten, twenty, forty, eighty and hundred years for those who are strong? The deep silence in my soul could not offer me any answer to this question rather, it exposed me to the foolishness of human greediness and selfishness. Hence, I asked myself what does God really requires from us in this world? I found the answer to this question in our first reading where God through prophet Micah says: my people, what have I done to you, how have I been a burden to you? Answer me. For what is good has been explained to you, oh man; and this is what the Lord requires of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.

Dear friends, what signs are we seeing around us today? How can we interpret the signs of this times, the signs that tell us that this world is passing away? Do these signs make us to dread the second coming of the Lord or do we joyfully embrace it in anticipation? Today, Jesus warns us not to waste our time seeking for signs, rather we should be prepared, we should remain firm in faith. He reminds us that he is not just the sign of Jonah, but something far greater than Jonah, and without him in our lives, we will be lost, because the future lies in his hands and nothing can destroy or hurt us as long as we remain faithful to his commands. Nonetheless, what he requires of us in this world is not to seek for signs, but to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with our God.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as we embrace your word today give us the grace to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with you and as we carryout our task this week, may your favour be with us now and always. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed week.

Homily for Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 17th July, 2022.

 Reading: Gen. 18:1-10; Ps. 15; 2Col. 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42

Rev.  Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

WE MUST LEARN TO LISTEN TO GOD EVEN IN THE MIDST OF OUR BUSY SCHEDULE WITH THE THINGS OF THIS PASSING WORLD 

One of the vital aspect of the human person, which is very much lacking in most of our communications these days is listening. This is because, oftentimes, we worry about so many things in life, trying to let people hear us without taking time to listen to them. There are people who are always trying to satisfy everyone without listening to the real thing that matters. I have also come across people who are often worried about how to make others feel more comfortable without minding their own discomfort. They are so concerned with pleasing others even when they are not pleased. What a great sacrificial virtue that is not common these days. 

This sacrificial virtue is the attitude of Martha in our Gospel passage today were we have the story of how Martha was so busy trying to make Jesus comfortable when he visited them at their house in Bethany. But when Martha observed that her sister Mary was not helping out in the preparation, rather was busy listening to Jesus, she said to Jesus: “Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her”.

Here, Jesus is not condemning this great sacrificial virtue nor condoning laziness. Rather, he is saying that busy without listening and listening without doing is worthless. Hence, he gently correct the impression of Martha who was too busy and distracted with so many things that she risks losing sight of what is really important, that is, listening to Jesus. This is because Martha gives the impression that Mary is just sitting there doing nothing. But, in fact, she is listening to Jesus.

However, Jesus is not telling us to be content with sitting down and listening to his word, for he always insists that listening to his word means putting it into practice. While his objection to Martha request is because she was too anxious and distracted by many things, that she was not able to really listen to him and for Jesus listening is the best option. 

It is this act of listening that made Abraham in our first reading to recognized the personality of three men  standing close to him and said to them: My lord, ‘I beg you, if I find favour with you, kindly do not pass your servant by. A little water shall be brought; you shall wash your feet and lie down under the tree. Let me fetch a little bread and you shall refresh yourselves before going further. That is why you have come in your servant’s direction.’ They replied, ‘Do as you say.’ And as they departed one of them said: ‘I shall visit you again next year without fail, and your wife will then have a son.’ What a favour he received from them and this teaches us the important of hospitality and listening to God who speaks to us deep down in our conscience.

Little wonder, St. Paul in our second reading today said: “I became the servant of the Church when God made me responsible for delivering God’s message to you, the message which was a mystery hidden for generations and centuries and has now been revealed to his saints.” Here, St. Paul made us to know that we must learn to listen to God’s message and be hospitable to one another for this is the wisdom in which we are thoroughly trained and instructed and so made perfect in Christ.

Dear friends, we need to ask ourselves if we are more like Martha or like Mary, for they were both friends of Jesus? Are we  more of listeners or  hospitable, accommodating and caring? Today, we must learn to listen to God even in the midst of our busy schedule with the things of this passing world. For many of us are so busy and anxious of so many things that we have no time to listen to God speaking to us and addressing the situation we are actually busy trying to solve. Today we are called like Martha to pause and listen, so that we can hear God speaking to us and directing us towards the right path.

Thus, Martha and Mary who were known as friends of Jesus, loved to welcome him into their home, let us learn from them, knowing that hospitality is perfected when we have a listening ear. For it is a great virtue to be hospitable and caring especially when we spend quality time to listen to God and letting him direct and guide us towards carrying out our daily tasks. 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we are always so busy with the things of this passing world, that we often do not have time listen to you. Give us the grace like Mary to chose the better part which is to truly listen to your word and then be well disposed to be caring and hospitable just like Martha, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed Sunday celebration.

Homily for Saturday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 16th July, 2022

 Readings: Micah 2:1-5, Ps. 10, Matt 12:14-21

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHY DO WE OFTEN PLOT AGAINST THE INNOCENT WHO MEAN WELL FOR THE SOCIETY?  

Plotting against one another is one of the ugly attitudes of people in our societies today and this plotting is often against the innocents. This  is exactly the condition of the world we are living in today. The world were people who are entrusted with the noble task of leading and managing the resources and affairs of the people, plot against the people and make decisions to eliminate and destroy them just for their personal gain and selfish interest, as we have it in our Gospel passage today, where the Pharisees who are the leaders of the people, because of their selfish interest and pride went out and began to plot against Jesus, discussing how to destroy him, because of his great works and teaching to the people.

Jesus knew this and withdrew from the district. Many followed him and he cured them all, but warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah which reminds us about the figure of the suffering Servant of Yahweh, in the person of Jesus. Here Jesus experienced constant opposition and hostility in the hands of the Pharisees who sort to destroy Him. So, Matthew in this Gospel identifies Jesus with the Suffering Servant who is filled with God’s spirit, in spite of the aggression of his opponents, he does not suspend his ministry of healing, forgiving and spreading the Good News. For he is full of gentleness and compassion. 

Hence, Jesus the suffering Servant of God, the lovable and gentle teacher, has come to bring the light of truth to this crazy world, for he does not seek the death of sinners, but their conversion and salvation. Therefore in him, we also can find the courage and strength to persevere in this times of difficulty, suffering and persecution. For God has chosen us as His beloved sons and daughters. He has given us His Spirit so that we can stand firm against all the evil activities going on in this crazy world.

But as for those who have chosen to be instruments of destruction, manipulation and deception of humanity just for their selfish interest or for vain glory or for fun thereby letting people die for these wrongs that they do. Prophet Micah says  in our first reading concerning such people: Woe to those who plot evil, who lie in bed planning mischief! No sooner is it dawn than they do this evil, their hands have the strength for it. Seizing the fields that they covet, they take over houses as well, owner and house they confiscate together, taking both man and inheritance. Therefore, they will have no share in the kingdom of the Lord, for the evils they have done will be their portion and lot.

Dear friends, there is no doubt that we are really living in an evil and crazy world where people plot against the innocents who mean well for the people, but we must know that the transcendent power and authority belong to God. Yes we are affiliated in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. Thus, we must know that true greatness is found in service and not in domination or subjection of others. Good leaders serve the community, they subdue arguments and divisions, they maintain unity in times of distress and act as role models for the young ones. 

Therefore, it is time for us to put off our old self which leads to evil desire, manipulation, covetousness, selfishness and greed, in order to put on a new person born of love, compassion, contentment, purity forgiveness and theme spirit. We all are called today to serve in any capacity we find ourselves, bearing in mind that one should not strive to be a leader but a servant because leadership is a gift given to one by God. Remember, you don't have to be great to get started but you have to get started in order to be great.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, like little boy we come down on our knees with all humility, asking for your grace and courage to overcome the evil and ugly situation going on in this crazy world, where humanity are being manipulated, deceived and destroyed because of few people’s selfish interest. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a pleasant weekend.

Homily for Friday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 15th July, 2022. The Memorial of St. Bonaventure

 Readings: Isaiah 38:1-6.7-8.21-22, Ps. 38, Matt 12:1-8

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 THE LORD DESIRES MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE IN OUR DEALINGS WITH ONE ANOTHER 

One of the attributes of God is mercy, and this attribute run through the scriptures as it is actually the summary of most of the stories in the scriptures. Because at the end of everything it is the mercy of God that we need more than His justice. Little wonder Jesus in our Gospel passage today teaches us about the essence of making laws. 

This is clear from his response to the Pharisees who criticized the attitude of his disciples who on the Sabbath were seen plucking ears of corn to eat because they were very hungry. So, Jesus corrected them on the right disposition concerning the application of God's law and any law at all, when he said to them "I desire mercy and not sacrifice". This is because the Pharisees emphasized on strict keeping of the law of Sabbath while neglecting the spirit of the law which has to do with God’s love  and mercy.

 This is also evident in our first reading, where we heard of God’s mercy on king Hezekiah, who was suffering from a terrible illness that would have led to his death. But he begged the Lord in prayer to remember what he had done for the sake of his people, for Hezekiah had been faithful to God and led the people of Judah to return once again to God. So God had Mercy on him and said to prophet Isaiah: ‘Go and say to Hezekiah, “The Lord, the God of David your ancestor, says this: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will cure you: in three days’ time you shall go up to the Temple of the Lord.” I will add fifteen years to your life.’ Such is the mercy of God.

Dear friends, Law exists for the good of the people, but often times we find ourselves seeking more recognition by exercising too much control over other people’s lives under the disguise of laws. Hence, we should not lack compassion and mercy or close our hearts against our neighbour like the Pharisees, an attitude that reminds me of the words of Pope Francis when he said: "If our heart is closed, if our heart is made of stone, then the stones will end up in our hands and, then, we will be ready to throw them at someone.

Therefore, this should not be the case, rather, we should always consider the essence and purpose of making laws and applying them, bearing in mind that human needs which supersedes all other human interest should be the guiding principle of any law both social and religious. In fact the ritual demands of the Sabbath encourages mercy, forgiveness and compassion which are at the heart of any true religion. 

Thus, as we make laws and implement them, let love, compassion and mercy be our guiding principle. Just as we heard in the life of St Bonaventure whose memorial we celebrate today. He was a great theologian whose task and mission was to defend and reform both the Church and the community of the faithful, a burden he faithful carried out through total submission to the grace of God and mercy.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, you show the light of your truth to those who go astray. Through the intercessions of St. Bonaventure, may we always embrace your laws and apply them with mercy and compassion, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed day.

Homily for Thursday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 14th July, 2022

 Readings: Isaiah 26: 7-9.12.16-19, Ps. 102, Matt 11:28-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE LORD WANTS TO HELP US CARRY THE HEAVY BURDEN IN OUR SOULS 

Thinking about the ugly condition of our societies today, where the ugly and sinful attitudes of greed, corruption, pride and selfishness of humanity have places heavy burden and stress on us all and often times these burdens are so heavy that we don’t know how to carry them. The worst of these burdens are the sorrows we bear in our hearts: sorrows caused by our sins, unhealthy relationships we engaged in, unforgiven attitude and family problems as a result of the bad influence of the society.

Thus, today in our Gospel passage Jesus says to us: Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’ No doubt that everyone of us has a task and a mission to accomplish and this can be very demanding. Little wonder prophet Isaiah in our first reading invites us to earnestly seek the Lord like a woman with child, who writhes and cries out in her pangs, for when God’s judgements appear on earth the inhabitants of the world learn the meaning of integrity and righteousness.

In a similar way, Jesus recognizes the sorrows in our lives, how we labour and are overburdened as a result of our tasks and mission. Hence he invites us to come to him with all our burdens. Yes, it is in the nature of human person to think and worry about things of this world. Every human person thinks and worries about something. Only few people can sometimes find it easy to resolve their problems, but for most people their problems are too great that they move from bad to worst. Hence, this invitation of Jesus opens a refreshing space in our soul, by inspiring hope and drawing us into God’s loving and gentle presence where our souls find peace and solace. 

Dear friends, what are those tasks and mission the Lord have given to us in this life? How are we carrying out this task and mission? What are the challenges we are facing? Is the task and mission so heavy for us to bear? Are we carrying additional load apart from the one God has given to us? I don't know the heavy burden in your heart right now, I don’t know your cherished plans which have failed and it seems as if disappointments have prevailed, thereby wandering in the darkness of confusion and heavy heart all alone? 

Today, the Lord wants to help us carry the heavy burdens in our souls. He is inviting us to come to him with all our burdens, all our troubles, all our challenges and  disappointments and he will give us rest. He says we should embrace his yoke, we should learn from him, for he is gentle and humble of heart and by so doing find rest for our souls. Then we will tell the story of how we overcome our most troublesome and darkest of moments, for we will understand it better by and by.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as we come to you with heavy burden and sorrows in our hearts, grant that we may embrace the yoke of Christ and so find peace and solace in our soul. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you the God's favour.

Homily for Wednesday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 13th July, 2022

 Readings: Isaiah 10:5-7.13-16, Ps. 94, Matt 11:25-27

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

GOD WILL ALWAYS REVEAL HIS PLANS TO HIS HUMBLE AND MERE CHILDREN 

Gazing on the crucifix this morning, all I could see is the childlike humility of Jesus towards his loving Father. For he sacrificed himself on the cross for the sake of humanity. Thereby teaching us that our relationship with God in prayer requires the humility of an infant to his loving father.

This type of humility is not a way of glory, but a road of surrender that leads to passion and death of ones self. It is  a way of sacrifice, a service to others at the expense of the self. In prayer Jesus experienced God as his Father and approached him with a childlike humility, faith and confidence. Hence, in our Gospel passage today, Jesus after his reproaches towards unrepentant cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida, demonstrates to us a humble way of relating with God in prayer when he said,, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere infants. Yes, Father, for such was your gracious will'.  

Here Jesus is referring to those who claim to be wise and intelligent, self-sufficient and self-made, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees, Scribe and Lawyers who rejected his message. Also those who think that they don’t need God, for they can save themselves by their meritorious works. Thus, Jesus points out that there is a link between prayer and the inner disposition of being a humble child of God in communion with a heavenly Father, through confidence and total abandonment to God. For no matter who we are and what we have achieved in life, humility is the key and sure way to reach God in prayer. 

Nonetheless, even those who are highly gifted and blessed, can become a "baby" who humbly depend upon God’s grace. While the uneducated and less privileged persons can be in the same undesirable company of the wise and intelligent if they are not humble in spirit in their relationship with God and their neighbours, because our natural and spiritual gifts are only useful in our Christian journey when we have a humble heart.

This is what God is teaching us in our first reading today, when He reminded us through prophet Isaiah, that no power in this world is meaningful without Him. For pride as showed by the Assyrian king, will lead us to nowhere else but destruction and failure. Therefore, it’s time for us to get rid of pride, corruption, greed and unhealthy desire that dwell in us, in order to embrace the life of humility and love.

Dear friends, today God wants us to relate with him in total humility and obedience, just like the humility of an infant to his lovely father. For He is always with us in our daily troubles and struggles, He understands us more than we can ever imagine. Therefore, why not  humbly come to Him in prayers for He is always willing to help us in solving those difficult and challenging situations in our lives. Remember, our natural and spiritual gifts are only useful in our Christian journey when we have a humble heart.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we thank you for being with us in our daily struggles, troubles, joys and hopes, may you provide for the poor, console the troubled, heal the sick and put simile on the faces of your children who humbly come to your in prayers. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed day.

Homily for Tuesday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 12th July, 2022

 Readings: Isaiah 7:1-9, Ps. 48, Matt. 11:20-24

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WOE TO HUMANITY FOR WE ARE HEADING TOWARDS SELF DESTRUCTION 

A critical look at  the ugly and fragile nature of our societies and the world as a whole it is obvious that humanity are heading towards self destruction, especially when we look at how the streets are full of people struggling and suffering, the markets are full of people buying, selling, cheating and manipulating others. Our leaders are so busy with acquiring, manipulating and embezzling the common resources, not minding the struggles, the tears, the disappointments that people are passing through everyday, as some people have lost hope in themselves and even in everything they do.  We are just so busy with everything except the very essence of our existence, that is, the salvation of our souls. 

These ugly and fragile kind of condition is what Jesus is addressing in our Gospel passage today as he continues with his reproaches, this time to cities where he had done great miracles, yet the people failed to embrace the life of the Gospel he preached. Hence he reproached them saying: woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard on Judgement day with Tyre and Sidon as with you’. 

Yes, Jesus has taught us about the kingdom of God and proclaimed a message of healing and conversion but his teaching and powerful deeds have not yet been embraced by humanity. Hence, Jesus in this Gospel is not just rebuking the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, but all humanity for not being open to the fruits of his Gospel, calling us to reflect on how we are losing out on what God is offering us.

Dear friends, Jesus is saying woe to humanity for we are heading towards self destruction. We might not feel very comfortable with the idea of Jesus rebuking and uttering terrible words of threats on these big and powerful cities that represents all humanity. But the questions we need to ask ourselves are: Has humanity really embraced the Word of God we hear everyday? Is the Word bearing fruits in our lives? Can we recognize in this fragile condition of our country and societies the great deeds that Jesus is doing to save humanity and the need to turn back to God? Do we think that repentance is for others and not for us? Jesus is saying woe to us for failing to embrace and live out the Gospel teachings, because he seem to expect some sort of changes in us when we hear his Words or when we encounter him in prayers. 

Therefore, God is calling us to repentance, He wants to come into our souls and dwells. Today He is rebuking all humanity, He wants us to come to Him for He comes to us more than we come to Him. And this is what prophet Isaiah is telling us in our first reading today, reminding us that unless we stand by God we can not stand at all. Hence, if we believe in God, and put our trust in Him, we will have the assurance and guarantee of restoration, for God does not want us to suffer the consequences our sins, that is why He keeps reminding us about the up coming danger. But, if humanity constantly refuse to believe in God, we will end up in self destruction. 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we embrace your words today, may we experience your love, joy and healing both physically, materially and more importantly spiritually, as we wait patiently for the restoration of all humanity from the ugly and fragile condition of this passing world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless you.

Homily for Monday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 11th July, 2022. The Memorial of St. Benedict

 Readings: Isaiah 1:10-17, Ps. 50, Matt 10: 34-11.1

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE SWORD OF THE GOSPEL AND IT’S CONSEQUENCES

The way things are going in our world today, we really need to think twice about our faith as Christians, whether we are actually ready to live out our faith in the midst of all the ugly situation in our societies today. Because the hostility, persecution, kidnapping and the influential power of things of this world is not stopping soon rather, it will be getting tougher. Therefore, if we are really willing to live out our Christian faith and obligations, then we need to make a radical decision towards our discipleship in a personal and radical way, for this days, it is not enough to say am a Christian, we must convincingly and radically practice our faith by following the example of Lord Jesus. 

Little wonder Jesus in our Gospel passage today, takes his discourse on discipleship to a radical and difficult level when he said: 'Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth: it is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword. For anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; and anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.’ 

Here, Jesus does not directly intend to cause tensions and divisions in family life, but he wants us to accept the consequences that comes with the truth of the Gospel teaching, more importantly, when it comes to living out the Gospel message in a radical way, especially in a situation where our family values have been thrown out of caution as a result of secularism, individualism and excess desires for worldly pleasures, thereby neglecting the things that lead us to God. So, these hard words of Jesus can only be understood in the light of our life experience, because there are moments when we have to make radical and difficult choice as disciples of Jesus. These moments may wield the sword of division or separation among those people and things which are so dear to us. 

However, Jesus does not endorse we engaging in armed conflict, but he warns that we have to struggle to put him first, before family ties, knowing that divisions will surely occur as people have to decide to be for or against God. Hence, he states that the cost of discipleship extends to one even losing his life. Nevertheless, he promises that even the small efforts we make in following him will be rewarded. 

Thus, Jesus demands a total commitment towards finishing the journey of discipleship once begun or not beginning it at all. Because, following Jesus demands the sacrifice of all that one has. For none of us can become his disciple if we do not give up our excess desire for worldly pleasures and possession, and pay our unreserved loyalty and allegiance to Jesus over all other competing loyalties in our lives including family, self-interest, and possessions. 

This is what prophet Isaiah is emphasizing in our first reading today, as he speaks about what God demand of His people. That God does not demand our sacrifices and offerings, rather, He desires our real love, genuine faith and total dedication to Him. Calling us to take our wrong-doing out of His sight. We must cease to do evil. Learn to do good, search for justice, help the oppressed, and cease to be hypocrites who claimed to believe in Him and yet, our actions are totally contrary to what we claim to believe in.

Dear friends, today we heard about the sword of the Gospel and it’s consequences as  we are called to make a radical decision to sincerely and faithfully follow Jesus and to accept the consequences of living by the truth of the Gospel. But how much are we willing to let go for the sake of following the truth of the Gospel? Why are we finding it difficult to follow Jesus?  What is that habitual desires and possessions that are holding us from making this radical decision today? It is time to come to God with all our hearts, for tomorrow maybe too late.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, the excess desire for the pleasurable things of this passing world have weakened our hearts towards your. Through the intercessions of St. Benedict, give us courage and grace to let go of our ugly desires, so as to hold firm in our faith despite losing people and things that are dear to us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful week ahead.

Homily for Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 10th July, 2022

 Reading: Deut. 30:10-14; Ps. 69; 2Col. 1:14-20; Luke 10:25-37

Rev.  Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

GOD HAS TRULY LOVED US, LET US GO AND DO THE SAME

As human beings we are always desiring to know what life requires of us, especially when we are faced with the realities of life. We often want to know the things that should be our first priority. So we always ask questions that will help us in addressing most of the challenges we encounter. These questions may come as sentiments or bias which sometimes meant to test our ability towards understanding the realities on ground.   

This is the deposition of the lawyer in our Gospel passage today, who came to Jesus to test him by asking him question concerning the requirements for inheriting eternal life. This lawyer backing up his question with his knowledge of the ten commandment, made reference to the 'Shema Israel’, the prayer that the people of Israel knew and recite from their earliest years, from which they learned that the most important thing in life is to love God with all their heart, and with all thy soul, and with all their mind and to love their neigbhour as well. 

In other words, loving God with all our heart, with all our understanding and strength, and to love our neighbour as ourselves is what is required of us and it is the foundation of all the things we have to know and do. But this lawyer needed more clarification concerning this requirements, then he asked Jesus a second important question when he said: who is my neighbour? At this point Jesus did not just explained, he illustrated who a true neighbour should be with the famous story of the good Samaritan. 

In this story, the man who was going down can be referred to Adam who represents humanity departing from paradise to the world. While Jerusalem is paradise, and Jericho is the world. The robbers who maltreated the man are hostile powers of this passing world. The priest who passed by represent the Law, the Levite represent the prophets, and the good Samaritan is Christ who came to save wounded humanity. The wounds are disobedience, the beast is the Lord’s body, the inn, which accepts all who wish to enter, is the Church. The manager of the inn is the head and ministers of the Church, who are entrusted with care of human souls. The oil and wine represents the instruments they use in carrying out their ministry of healing, restoration and salvation. Finally, the Samaritan’s promises of returning soon represents the second coming of Christ. 

 In fact, from the story Jesus did not just answer the question: ‘who is my neighbor?’ He gave us the background of his mission and plans for saving wounded humanity and also demonstrate what a true and righteous neighbour should be like, thereby showing us that our neighbours are often those we least expect to be our neighbour. For our neighbour can be anyone even the ones we most despised or feared just like the good Samaritan and this tells us that a true neighbour shows compassion, love, care and makes sacrifice for others just like our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is exactly what Moses is telling us in our first reading today when he said: Obey the voice of the Lord your God, keeping those commandments and laws. For this Law that I enjoin on you today 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 for us and bring it down to us, so that we may hear it and keep it?” Nor is it beyond the seas, so that you need to wonder, “Who will cross the seas for us and bring it back to us, so that we may hear it and keep it?” No, the Word is very near to you, it is in your mouth and in your heart for your observance.

Dear friends, God has truly loved us, we must learn to do the same by sincerely loving one another. And as we know, love is the center of all the teachings of Jesus. Hence, St Paul made us to know in our second reading that Christ Jesus is the image of the unseen God and the first-born of all creation, for in him were created all things in heaven and on earth: visible and invisible. Therefore we are created in the image of God who is Love and this love is his nature which we share, for love is a gift from God to humanity. It is like the stream water, so innocent and pure. A true love is not hidden, it radiates from the innermost being of a person who experienced it. 

So, we must learn to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves.’ For if we love God, then, we will see him in others and treat them justly and honourably. We will not hurt our neighbours but do our utmost best to live in peace with them. 

The truth is that, the absence of love is the cause of all the problems in our world today, as most families exist by grace and not by love. Imagine how wonderful the world would be if we all love one another. How I wish we can invest our time and resources in ensuring love and unity in our dealings with one another. Believe me we will not only be fulfilling the first and greatest commandments of God, but we will also be building a happy and peaceful societies. 

LET US PRAY: Almighty God, in you resides the fullness of love, grant that we may truly love you and our neighbours and so conquer the world full of hatred, self-centeredness, greed and corruption, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Happy Sunday to you all.

Homily for Saturday Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 9th July, 2022

 

Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8, Ps. 93, Matt 10: 24-33

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

ARE YOU REALLY A FIRM DISCIPLE OF JESUS IN THE MIDST OF  PERSECUTION? 

The goal of every disciple is to become like the master. This does not mean that the disciple will become equal to the master, but through the training he becomes like or similar to the master in his own unique way. For a good disciple develops great qualities and skills like that of the master. Hence, Jesus knowing the difficulties and challenges his disciples will encounter, needed to train and instruct them properly, so that they can stand firm in the midst of oppositions and persecution.

Thus, today in our Gospel passage, Jesus continues with his instruction on what it means to be a firm disciple in respect to the mission he is about to entrust to his apostles. Hence he said to his Apostles:  The disciple is not superior to his teacher, nor the slave to his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, what will they not say of his household? What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, proclaim from the housetops. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell. 

As disciples, this encouraging words of Jesus is very apt now that we are passing through difficult moment of poverty, sickness, persecution, intimidation, greed, immorality, killings, wars, famines, genocide in our families, societies, country and the world at large. This ugly condition can make someone to completely lose hope in humanity and also in God.  But Jesus do not want us to lose hope, rather he wants us to be that firm and strong disciples that will stand firm and courageously face the ugly situation we encounter everyday. For Jesus needs firm disciples that will speak and stand for his Gospel no matter the cost. 

Hence, we heard the Lord saying through prophet Isaiah in our first reading: Whom shall I send? Who will be our messenger?’ I answered, ‘Here I am, send me. This prophecy gives us the assurance that the Lord wants us to have faith and trust in Him, despite everything that we may be suffering and enduring because of the sins and wickedness of the evil ones. 

Dear friends, in the midst of persecution are we really firm disciples of Jesus? This question is important because as disciples of Jesus, our purpose in life is to become like him in deeds and in character. By so doing we will have confident that God will enable us to carry out the work that He has entrusted to us even in the midst of persecution, knowing that neither men nor the devil can affect our soul. We can be confident of God’s intimate care for us because He knows even the numbers of the hairs on our head.

Therefore, as true disciples of Jesus we must have confidence and remain firm in faith even in the midst of persecution, sufferings and sickness, because, his love and care for us surpass all our challenges. Thus we are called today to follow God wholeheartedly by living a life of holiness, purity, courage and simplicity, and by so doing inspire others to be part of this mission.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, there is no doubt that our world is full of oppositions and persecutions of your faithful people. Grant that we may follow you wholeheartedly and stand firm in the midst of all the oppositions and persecutions we may encounter in our daily lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a lovely and peaceful weekend.