Homily For Saturday Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 14th February, 2026. The Memorial of SS. Cyril and Methodius, and St. Valentine’s Day

 

Readings: 1Kings 12:26-32.13:33-34; Ps.106; Mark 8:1-10

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

CELEBRATING THE POWER AND VICTORY OF LOVE OVER HUMAN SELFISHNESS

When God created humanity, he entrusted all his creation to us and gave us regulations to follow in order to ensure successful fulfilment of this responsibility. But out of pride and selfishness we disobeyed God’s instructions and regulations. Hence, we separated ourselves from God, where we should have remained and enjoying the bliss of God’s presence, just as we heard in our first reading today.

For we heard how Jeroboam out of greed and selfishness separated himself and the people entrusted to him from God by creating for himself a golden image in replacement of the living God. Such conduct made the House of Jeroboam a sinful House, and caused its ruin and extinction from the face of the earth.

This is how we often behave and separate ourselves from God and are heading towards destruction and suffering. Nonetheless, God has not abandoned us in our downfall. He is still compassionate, caring and loves us even in our imperfections and our disobedience, for his compassion for the sufferings of humanity is so great. This is evident in our Gospel reading today, where Jesus reveals his compassion towards humanity. This compassionate love of Jesus in it’s historical and physical solidarity with human suffering, springs from the love of God the Father for his creatures..

Here, Jesus had compassion on the people who had been with him for days listening to his words. He then says to his disciples that there is need for him to give them something to eat before sending them away less they may faint on the way since some of them have come a long distance. This compassion of Jesus is meant for us to spread it throughout the world in a practical way by our ways of life.

This what we see in the lives of SS. Cyril and Methodius, and St. Valentine whose memorial we celebrate today. For all over the world people are celebrating especially young people, we are celebrating what they called the valentine’s day. A day we celebrate love. But today we are celebrating not just love, but the power and victory of love over human selfishness. The seed of this celebration comes as a result of the ugly event that happened on February 14, around the year 270 A.D., when Valentine, a holy Roman Catholic priest, who lived in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, was executed.

But the questions that comes to mind are: why was he executed and how does this ugly event relate to what we are celebrating today? According to history, what happened was that under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns and the emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. So the emperor discovered that men of Rome were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.

Thus, to deal with this problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. But Valentine a priest of Rome, realizing the injustice of this declaration by the emperor, defied this order and continued to perform marriages rite for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, the emperor ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. This ugly event was carried out on February 14, around the year 270.

However, in 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius, in honour of this St. decided to put an end to the Feast of Lupercalia, which was a pagan celebrate of the god of fertility in the name of love, though in an immoral way that is not acceptable to Christian faith. So in order to replace this feast with something more acceptable, the Pope declared that February 14 be celebrated as St. Valentine's Day in memory of his sacrificial passion for love among the people. And gradually, February 14 became a date for the celebration of love which is often expressed in different ways such as exchanging love messages, poems and simple gifts such as flowers to our loved ones.

Thus, Valentine celebration reminds us of the gift of God's love to humanity. For God loves unconditionally and sacrificially, he loves us till the very end. So, we have to also love one another the way God loves us. We must know that Valentine day is not a carnal celebration of love. But more of sacrificial and spiritual celebration. That is why as Christians we do not celebrate Valentine in a carnal or selfish manner or the sinful way the world celebrates it in the name of boyfriend and girlfriend, committing immorality, fornication and adultery in the name of love, which of course is not love, but lust.

Therefore, Valentine’s day for us should be a day we protect and promote true love for one another. It is a day we remember how much we care for one another and what we are to one another. It is a day we build up and nurture long-lasting love, friendships and good relationships with one another.

Dear friends, God has not abandoned us even in our imperfections, he still cares about us. All he wants from us is to be faithful to him and be compassionate to one another. But how strong is our compassion towards others? Do we know people who are helpless and need some help? Let us look at them for a moment and imagine Jesus looking at them. How does he sees them? Have I ever felt helpless? Do I feel the need of Jesus’ help in some part of my life?

Today, like Jesus, each one of us are called to reach out to people around us who are really in need of our assistance. This includes our family members, our neighbours, our colleagues and others who we encounter in life. The truth is that, you may be the only person who can brings the love, help us healing and compassion of Jesus into their lives.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, our fragile and contingent nature propelled by pride and sins have always bring about our downfall, but you have never abandoned us. As we embrace your love and compassion, give us the grace to look at people around us with the compassionate eyes of Jesus and be of help to them the best we could. Amen. Have a peaceful weekend and happy Valentine's day .

Homily For Friday of The Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 13th February, 2026

 

Readings: 1Kings 11:29-33.12:19; Ps.81; Mark 7:31-37

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LORD, THE WORLD HAS MADE US DEAF AND DUMB, COME AND OPEN OUR EARS AND TONGUES ONCE AGAIN

Reflecting on the ugly events in this world, especially how people pay attention to the things of this world at the expense of the things of God. How the world has engaged our attention to herself that we have now become deaf and dump to things that concerns our spiritual life. Yes we go to Church as often as possible, we engaged in one spiritual activity or another.

But the questions are, do we really listen and hear God speaking to us through those activities? Do we still see the hands of God in what we do? Are we really convinced of what we do in the house of God? Are we confused about our faith as a result of ugly events and scandals? The world really want us to be deaf to the word of God and mute to speak the great things God is doing for us.

This is evident in our first reading today, where we heard the consequences of paying deaf ears to God’s instructions. For Solomon in his old age let’s his hearts be separated from God because of the lost for the ugly thing of this passing world. So today we heard how his kingdom was divided and separated from him because of his sin. In a similar way humanity are constantly paying deaf hears to the instructions of God by allowing herself to be deceived by the serpents of this passing world and as a result of this ugly attitude, we are separating ourselves from the presence of God out of pride and selfish desires.

Thus, today in our Gospel passage, we heard how Jesus dramatically and figuratively heals us of our deafness and dumbass caused by our constant embracing of the sinful things of this passing world. Hence, when the deaf and dumb man was brought to Jesus for healing. He took the man aside, puts his fingers in his ears, touches his tongue with spittle, looks up to heaven and prays, " Ephphatha! Be opened".

Immediately the man’s ears were opened, his tongue loosed and he is able to speak plainly. This same words are use during baptism while touching the ears and lips of the baptized, a gesture that signifies the spiritual openness of one’s heart to God’s words.

Dear friends, out of pride and greediness we have often separated ourselves from the presence of God and as a result have become deaf and dumb to his teachings and instructions. Hence, we all need to have our ears opened so that we can hear and understand fully the message of Jesus and share it to the world.

I don’t know how far we have separated ourselves from God as a result of sin, I don’t know how deep our deafness and dumbness are, all I know is that today God is saying to us, fear not, have courage for the eyes of the blind shall be opened, ears of the deaf unstopped and the tongue of the mute shall sing for joy. All we need is to trust God no matter the affliction we are passing through in this world, for he is able to save us from them all.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, our strong desire for the things of this passing world has made us so deaf and dumb towards your words. Let us hear your voice once more saying to us “Ephphatha, be opened”, so that we can hear your words deep down our hearts and joyfully proclaim it to all humanity. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. It's Friday, as you go about your activities, may the joy of the Lord be your strength.

Homily For Thursday of The Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 12th February, 2026

Readings: 1Kings 11:4-13; Ps.106; Mark 7:24-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

ACCEPTING WHO YOU ARE IN PRAYER SO YOU CAN BE ELEVATED

In our society today, most people hardly accept who they are. For these days people spent all their resources and energy trying to convince others of what they are not by seeking their approval. What happens is that, at the end they will lose their nerves and other people will convince them that what they are doing doesn't have any value and because of that they give up their dream.

This is not the same with the syrophoenician woman in our Gospel passage today, who when approached Jesus pleading for the restoration of her daughter did not give up even when her request was not granted immediately.

For we are told that Jesus entered a house in Tyre and Sidon and did not want to be recognized. It is then that this Gentile Syrophoenician woman came to him and prostrated herself before Jesus and begged him to exorcise the evil spirit in her daughter.

But Jesus’ answer seems somewhat strange when he said: “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” However, the woman responded, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps. Her humble and powerful faith were immediately rewarded and her daughter was healed.

This story portrays the anticipation of the future faith of the Gentiles who will later become Christians. However, the irony of this passage is that, in Israel Jesus was trying to convince people that he was the Messiah, as he was being challenged to prove it with a sign.

But here in Gentile territory he met a woman who was convinced he was the Messiah and he could not discourage her efforts. Nonetheless, his apparent attempt to put her off was just a test, of which her great faith was proven by accepting her humble background and persistency in her request.

She accepted the place of a “dog” as a Gentile in relation to Israelites been the chosen children of God to whom the message and grace of the Messiah came first. Though she accepted that she may not be able to sit down at the Messiah’s table and eat with the “children,” but she should be allowed to pick up some of the crumbs of unmerited mercy and grace of God for the sake of her daughter.

Dear friends, we must learn how to humbly accept who are and be more persistent in our quest and desire for something. We must stop wasting valuable time trying to prove who we are not, let us first accept who we are in faith, then, work hard to improve who we want to be in relation to our faith in God. Let our faith in God help us to accept who we are. Whatever we want to do, let us have faith in God and in ourselves, and be determined because, faith, determination and sacrifice are the secrets of any success in life.

Therefore, tell yourself today that you can get that which you desire, when you plan for it, work everyday for it, then you will begin to see a different face in the things you do. The truth is that people are rewarded in public for things they do for years in private.

So, let us learn from this syrophoenician woman who accepted who she was and was determined with faith to achieve her dream through humility and persistency. Let us not be like King Solomon in our first reading who failed to remain faithful to God in his old age.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, the syrophoenician woman accepted her humble background with great faith in your Son Jesus, as we humbly make a leap of faith today, with determination and sacrifice towards our dreams in life, may you grant our hearts desires through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed day. 

Homily For Wednesday Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A , 11th February, 2026

 

Readings: 1kings 10:1-10; Ps.37; Mark 7:14:23

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

UNDERSTANDING THE DENGER OF DEFILING THE PURITY OF OUR HEART

From the scriptures, we heard how God has entrusted to humanity his wonderful creation with the following instructions: ‘You may eat indeed of all the trees in the garden. Nevertheless of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you are not to eat, for on the day you eat of it you shall most surely die (Gen. 3:3). But we have often failed to keep this instruction out of pride and greediness which have corrupted our hearts and as a result most of our ugly attitudes are the fruit of this corrupt heart and these often separate us from God.

Little wonder in our Gospel passage today, Jesus makes it clear that we are not defiled or separated from God, by external things, such as the kinds of food we eat, but by the sins of the heart, evil intentions and sinful actions which we entertain in our hearts. Telling us that physical activity of the human person does not defile a person because the physical is being controlled by the inner interior being of the person. For when the interior life of a person is corrupted by sin, then the fruit of this corruption is manifested in the physical activity of the person.

For just as a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so will a corrupt heart bring forth corrupt fruits, corrupt appetites, passions and covetousness and immoderate desires for the passing things of this passing world from which comes wickedness; malice, hatred, and a delight in mischievous actions, deceit; Lasciviousness; that filthiness and foolish talk which darkened the soul.

Hence, Jesus teaches us that from a corrupt heart comes the desire for fornication and adultery. And all these comes from within our hearts, especially it’s the corrupt nature that brings about the carnal mind, the evil treasure in the heart which defile the human person and render one unfit to communion with God. Because they stain the conscience; and, if not mortified and rooted out, will send us out of our heavenly kingdom.

Thus, the defilement we ought to avoid is not from what entered our mouths as food, but from what comes out of our mouths, which shows the goodness or wickedness deep down in our hearts. For the human heart is the source of every good and evil deeds. Hence, the pollution of the human heart is very dangerous, for in it comes all the powers and faculties of the soul. So there is need for us to know that lustful and sinful thoughts of the heart defiles the human person and makes one abominable in the sight of God.

Dear friends, we must ensure that our hearts are constantly purge of all these corruptions in other to bear good fruits of love, forgiveness, compassion and holiness. For it is only when this occurs that there will be need for a new hearts and right spirit to be formed and created within us for having repented and received the pardoning grace of God. Because nothing will last in the soul more than the regenerating graces of the Holy Spirit which gives sight to the heart darkened by sin in order to effectively lead others to the truth that illuminates their hearts from the darkness of sin and death.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, the human hearts have been corrupted and darkened by sins. As we struggle to constantly purge our hearts from sin and corruption, may you, create a pure heart within us so that we can bear good fruits of love and holiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day.

Homily For Tuesday of The Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 10th February, 2026, The Memorial of Saint Scholastic

Readings: 1 King 8: 22-23.27-30; Ps.84, Mark 7:1-13

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

SEPARATING THE TRUE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD FROM HUMAN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Oftentimes, we find it difficult to separate the commandments of God from human traditions. This no doubt plays out in our making and interpreting of laws and it has great consequences in our relationship with God and our neighbours just as we have it in our Gospel reading today, where we heard how the Pharisees multiplied religious laws and rituals to such an extent that it was impossible to know them all, talk more of observing them. So Jesus accuses them of neglecting the true commandment of God over their petty regulations.

These petty laws and traditions were highly detailed but unwritten human laws which the Scribes and Pharisees regarded as having the same binding force as the Law of Moses. However, Jesus was not totally against these laws and regulations. What he was against was the legalism by which the mere observance of some external actions were equated with being a devout lover of God. Hence he reminds them of the quotes from the prophet Isaiah saying: “this people honours me only with lip service, while their hearts are far from me. The worship they offer me is worthless; the doctrines they teach are only human regulations.” (Is 29:13).

Hence, Jesus goes ahead to illustrates the hypocrisy involved in this ugly attitudes by showing how some supposedly devout people neglected the basic responsibility of respect and care for parents by claiming that they had consecrated all that they owned to God and the temple, while in fact they are keeping it for their own personal use. So for one to declare something to be “Corban,” an offering devoted to God, when his parents are in need, is in direct conflict with the commandment of God that says: honour your father and mother.

 Here, Jesus made it clear that the real commandments of God is the unconditional love of God and neighbour which is evident in our first reading where we heard Solomon after building a house for the Lord expressing his reverence and love for God and his chosen people saying: hear the entreaty of your servant and of Israel your people as they pray in this place, hear; and, as you hear, forgive.

This is important as we celebrate the memorial of St. Scholastic. For she was deeply prayerful and faithful to God. She was the twin sister of St. Benedict.

Dear friends, as we examine our hearts to see if we have in anywhere engaged multiplication of laws and regulations . We should never engage ourselves in such behaviour. Therefore, we should examine ourselves to see if there are elements of the Pharisee in us and these happen whenever, we focus our attention on laws while neglecting the spirit of the law which is the real focus of today’s Gospel.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, out of pride and greediness, we have often neglected the true meaning of your commandment of love but hold on to unnecessary human traditions which lead us into destructive criticism of others. Help us to change this ugly attitudes in order to embrace your teaching on love and humility. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day.

Homily For Monday of The Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 9th February, 2026

 

Readings: 1kings 8:1-7.9-13; Ps.132; Mark 6:53-56

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

EXPERIENCING THE HEALING TOUCH OF JESUS

From the beginning, we were told that God created everything so good and perfect. But out of pride and greediness, humanity have destroyed and keep on destroying the good things that God has entrusted to us. As a result of this humanity are suffering the consequences of our destructive actions which manifest in different from such as: natural disasters, illnesses, diseases, afflictions, slavery and troubles.

But time and time again, God though not pleased with this destructive nature of humanity, has not stopped to restore humanity back to it glorious state. This gracious act of restoration is made more evident in the life and mission of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to redeem us through the path of humility and love.

Little wonder in our Gospel passage today, we heard of the great works of Jesus who was then at Galilee, ministering to the people who came to him seeking to be healed from their various illnesses, diseases, afflictions, slavery and troubles. People kept on bringing their sick ones to him and many people who had faith in him were healed by merely touching his cloak. This passage summarizes what Jesus was doing for the people. It indicates the tremendous desire of the people to be healed and made whole by Jesus. Thus, the presence of Jesus brought Joy and relieve to them.

Dear friends, God really cares about us, for no matter the situation we may find ourselves, we must know that the touch of Jesus heals and restores everything. Therefore, we all are called to embrace the loving touch of Jesus and cooperate with him in his work and mission of healing and restoration of humanity.

Hence, let us discern what we all can do in order to contribute even in little ways, to ensure the restoration of humanity and all God’s creation which we are destroying by our lives and actions. Let us learn from Solomon in our first reading today whose goal was to build a house for the Lord and ensure peace among the chosen people of God.

So, let us seek to renew our faith in God and grow stronger in our love and devotion towards him. The people in our Gospel today rushed to Jesus with their needs and their hopes because they recognized him. Maybe we need to follow their example by bringing to him those things in us that are still in need of healing and restoration.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we submit our lives into your care, let your healing touch restore us once again, and so experience restoration in our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed week.

Homily For Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, 8th February, 2026

 

Readings: Is. 58:7-10; Ps. 112; 1Cor.2:1-5; Matt. 5:1-13-16

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SALT OF EARTH AND LIGHT OF THE WORLD?

Reflecting on the ugly situation in our families, societies and the world at large, especially in our country today, where life has become short, brutal and hopeless, no money in circulation, no light, no food, no water, no good roads, not much to be proud of in this country. Every day we experience so much wickedness and hatred around us, and we all seem to be keeping quiet about it.

Now we all have to face the reality before us, both small and great, rich and poor, learned and unlearned, young and old, good and bad, holy and sinful. Because we have lost our dignity as God’s chosen people who are called to be light and salt to the hearts of humanity who are consumed in the darkness of greed, corruption and sinful things of this passing world.

Hence, today our attention is drawn towards the very essence and nature of our lives as Christians and our mission in the world. This is well illustrated by the theme of light and salt.

In our Gospel passage today, we heard from Jesus the famous parable of the salt of the earth and the light of the world. When Jesus taught this parable, his audience consisted of Israelites, the chosen people of God, who possessed the Word of God and were expected to be salt and light in the world, but had failed. So, gradually, throughout his teaching, Jesus tried to deepen these ideas of salt and light to each one who decided to follow him. He wanted them to understand the grace and purpose of their mission in the world.

That is why, during our baptism, we are given salt as a sign of God’s life in us and are commanded never to lose or forget the life and joy that God has given us to share with others. Similarly, we are given candlelight which we are to keep brightly burning as a flame of faith in our hearts as we journey with others towards our heavenly kingdom.

Therefore, every Christian is called by God to influence the world around them positively, just like St. Paul in our second reading, when the said: I came among you in great ‘fear and trembling’ and in my speeches and the sermons that I gave, there were none of the arguments that belong to philosophy; only a demonstration of the power of the Spirit. And I did this so that your faith should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God. So when Jesus used the illustrations of salt and light, he was pointing out what our lives as his disciples should be. And as we know, both salt and light have properties which have a great effect on things around them.

No doubt the scriptures contain different references to salt. Oftentimes it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification. Salt, as we know, is used to enhance flavour, it preserves, purifies things, salt distinguishes Identity, adds Values to things, it’s inexpensive but valuable, necessary for life, it is a basic identity of believers, it is either we use it or lose its effects. Thus, to be salt means to deliberately seek to influence the people in our lives by showing them the unconditional love of Christ through good deeds.

Also, light in the scriptures is a symbol used to mean awareness, knowledge, and understanding. Light clarifies, Illuminates, Inspires, defeats darkness, shines brightly and freely, it guides, stimulates and motivates, provokes action, irritates those in darkness, confirms truth, purifies and exposes sin. Light makes us warm and assures us of safety, and also facilitates progress. Hence, to be light means to be a witness to others concerning the truth of God's Word and love for humanity.

Consequently, Jesus clearly defines the role of Christians in the world as that of salt and light. Salt preserves the faith and gives flavour to human life. Light illuminates darkness and reflects the glory of God. However, most of us Christians have failed to appropriate these benefits, privileges and responsibilities of being salt and light to humanity. As a result, many people suffer because we have failed to be the light and salt in our dark and tasteless societies and families.

This is because we have continued to embrace the things of this passing world and are spoiled by its destructive ways. We have forgotten that we are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men. We have forgotten that we are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden.

Dear friends, the questions before us today are: Are we still the light of his world? Are we still the salt of this country? Are we still the light of our societies and offices? Are we still the salt of our families, organisations, and institutions we find ourselves in? If the answer is yes, how come we have not been able to illuminate our families, our societies and our country that are sinking into the deep darkness of sin, corruption and greediness?

How come we have failed to give that taste of love, joy, goodwill, integrity, honesty, holiness, compassion to our tasteless and corrupt families, societies and our country Nigeria where life has become short, brutal and hopeless, no money in circulation, no jobs, no light, no food, no water, no good roads.

Why have we failed to be the salt and light of this nation? Why have we chosen to mingle with darkness? Why have we chosen to remain silent and lose the sweet taste of love and goodwill God has given us? Is it the case that Christians are not involved in making policies in our societies and implementing those policies? I don’t think so, for I know we are involved, but we have forgotten who we are, so we have been thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men of darkness and lawlessness.

So, the core message today is that each and every one of us as disciples and followers of Christ the Lord must be ready to do and be what he has taught and commanded us to be. If we call ourselves Christians and yet we are incapable, unwilling or fail to do or be what we have been called to be, how can we be that salt or light then? Are we not like the hypocrites who believe in one thing and yet act differently? Remember, if we lose the value and taste of who we are, the world will trample upon us because we will be good for nothing.

But, how can we then live our lives so that we may truly reflect God’s light and relevant salt in our dark and tasteless society? It is by doing what we heard in our first reading today taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah ( 58:7-10), where we are told to share our joy, happiness and blessings with others. We have to stand up and speak out in the midst of injustice and corruption. We have to stand and uphold the truth of our faith no matter the cost.

We have to do the best within our capacity by utilising our gifts and talents, using them to touch other people’s lives through our sincere and genuine show of love, care and concern for one another, so that our light may illuminate the path of others who are still dwelling in the darkness of uncertainty and sin. Therefore, let our presence bring happiness and joy to the lives of people around us who are suffering and yearning for love and compassion.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as we struggle every day to truly carryout the mission entrusted to us, give us the grace and courage to dedicate ourselves, our time, our energy and effort to becoming true light and salt in our dark and tasteless families, societies, country and the world at large. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Happy Sunday.

Homily For Saturday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 7th February, 2026

 

Readings: 1Kings 3:4-13; Ps.119; Mark 6:30-34

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LET US BE LEADERS WITH A LISTENING HEART

 

Humanity is constantly in need of one thing or another; we are never tired of searching for things that will satisfy our desires for both physical and spiritual well-being. This is even worse with the ugly situation in our world today where humanity seems lost, confused and sick as a result of our greed and selfish desires. This can be likened to the situation and condition of the people in our Gospel passage today, to which Jesus and his disciples devoted time trying to attend.

 

But when the situation kept increasing, Jesus said to his disciples, " You must come away to some lonely place, all by yourselves and rest for a while, for there were so many coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat. As they went through their boat, the people went after them on foot. So as Jesus stepped ashore, he saw a large crowd, and he took pity on them, for they were like sheep without a shepher,d, and he healed their sickness and taught them for a while.

 

Here, Jesus fulfils his role as the expected messiah who is to liberate his people from all kinds of diseases. The teaching and healing touch of Jesus reveals to us 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. This is very important because God has never abandoned his people for he will always send helpers or leaders who will stand in for the good of his people.

 

One such leader is the person of Solomon in our first reading today. Solomon having succeeded his father David, asked God in prayers saying: “Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil, for who could govern these people of yours that is so great?” God was very pleased with this request and granted him more than he requested which made Solomon one of the greatest kings the world has ever known.

 

Dear friends, humanity needs leaders with listening hearts and discerning spirits just like Solomon, for the hopeless and ugly situation in our world today are good indication that we are just floating in this world like sheep without a responsible shepherd. Thus, we need to come to Jesus our true and Good Shepherd. 

We must make sure that nothing comes between us and the love of Jesus our Lord, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. For these are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us so much.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we are lost in this passing world, as we come to you in need of your love and direction both physically and spiritually, make us responsible leaders with listening hearts and guide us once again towards the path of truth, love and fulfilment even amid all the confusion in our world today. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed weekend.

Homily For Friday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 6th February, 2026. The Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions

  

Readings: Eccl. 47:2-13; Ps.18; Mark 6:14-29

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LORD GIVE THE GRACE TO STAND FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE

One of our great musicians, Lucky Dube, in one of his albums said that he who stands for the truth will always stand alone. This is the case with John the Baptist, whose head was the prize for the truth he told Herod and Herodias, as we heard in the Gospel passage today. 

This terrible crime, which points to what is done to Jesus in his Passion, demonstrates how good people, especially when they struggle for justice, are condemned to suffer at the hands of greed and powerful people who become very cruel. As a result, the innocent suffer.

 

The root of the whole problem is that King Herod made an unwise promise out of pride, but 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. Thus, the head of the innocent, who was in prison for speaking the truth was sacrificed. 

This is the same with St. Paul Miki and Companions whose memorial we are celebrating today. They are the Holy Martyrs of Nagasaki in Japan. These twenty-six Martyrs of Japan were crucified on a hill, now known as the Holy Mountain, overlooking Nagasaki.

 

Among them were priests, brothers, and laymen, Franciscans, Jesuits, and members of the Secular Franciscan Order; there were catechists, doctors, simple artisans, and servants, old men and innocent children, all united in common faith and love for Jesus, their good Shepard. They remained faithful to the very end and faced martyrdom with courage and so received from Jesus the crown of true and everlasting glory.

Dear friends, in a world full of corruption and injustice, how far can we stand for the truth we professed? Or like Herod, how often do we make unwise promises out of pride? When we make bad decisions, how quickly are we able to change our minds, to admit that we are wrong? If today we happen to be one of Herod’s guests, what would have been our reaction? Will I have protested or stayed silent? So how do we react, when we see others suffering injustice? 

 Perhaps, today we can think of all the victims of truth in our societies, the vulnerable, the innocent in our society and all those who are exploited and used to achieve the ends of others. These ugly events in our society, how are we confronting them? Do we have the courage to speak up or protest, even at the cost of our heads and our lives? So, let us learn to remain firm in speaking the truth, just like John the Baptist and King David, whose praises we heard in our first reading today.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, give us the grace to stand for the truth and help us never to make unwise promises, direct our intentions and guide our words so that we may grow in compassion for the innocent victims in our families, societies, country and the world at Homily For Friday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 6th February, 2026. The Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions 

Readings: Eccl. 47:2-13; Ps.18; Mark 6:14-29

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LORD GIVE THE GRACE TO STAND FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE

One of our great musicians, Lucky Dube, in one of his albums said that he who stands for the truth will always stand alone. This is the case with John the Baptist, whose head was the prize for the truth he told Herod and Herodias, as we heard in the Gospel passage today. 

This terrible crime, which points to what is done to Jesus in his Passion, demonstrates how good people, especially when they struggle for justice, are condemned to suffer at the hands of greed and powerful people who become very cruel. As a result, the innocent suffer.

 

The root of the whole problem is that King Herod made an unwise promise out of pride, but 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. Thus, the head of the innocent, who was in prison for speaking the truth was sacrificed. 

This is the same with St. Paul Miki and Companions whose memorial we are celebrating today. They are the Holy Martyrs of Nagasaki in Japan. These twenty-six Martyrs of Japan were crucified on a hill, now known as the Holy Mountain, overlooking Nagasaki.

 

Among them were priests, brothers, and laymen, Franciscans, Jesuits, and members of the Secular Franciscan Order; there were catechists, doctors, simple artisans, and servants, old men and innocent children, all united in common faith and love for Jesus, their good Shepard. They remained faithful to the very end and faced martyrdom with courage and so received from Jesus the crown of true and everlasting glory.

Dear friends, in a world full of corruption and injustice, how far can we stand for the truth we professed? Or like Herod, how often do we make unwise promises out of pride? When we make bad decisions, how quickly are we able to change our minds, to admit that we are wrong?? If today we happen to be one of Herod’s guests, what would have been our reaction? Will I have protested or stayed silent? So how do we react, when we see others suffering injustice? 

 Perhaps, today we can think of all the victims of truth in our societies, the vulnerable, the innocent in our society and all those who are exploited and used to achieve the ends of others. These ugly events in our society, how are we confronting them? Do we have the courage to speak up or protest, even at the cost of our heads and our lives? So, let us learn to remain firm in speaking the truth, just like John the Baptist and King David, whose praises we heard in our first reading today.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, give us the grace to stand for the truth and help us never to make unwise promises, direct our intentions and guide our words so that we may grow in compassion for the innocent victims in our families, societies, country and the world at large, through Christ our Lord. Amen.  God bless you.

Homily For Thursday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 5th February, 2026. The Memorial of St. Agatha

 

Readings: 1Kings 2:1-4.10-12; Ps. 1Chr. 29; Mark 6:7-13

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

FINDING JOY IN THE MISSION OF OUR SALVATION

The rebellious nature of humanity has always kept us away from responding to God's invitation to Life of love, holiness, faithfulness and integrity. Hence, humanity has always failed to understand the true ways of God, its creator. However, God has not stopped caring and stretching his hands of love towards us. In every generation, God always sends messengers to remind us of his love and plan for humanity.

This is exactly what we have in our readings today. In the first reading, we heard David instructing Solomon, his son, saying: " Be strong and show yourself a man. Observe the injunctions of the Lord your God, following his ways and keeping his laws, his commandments, his customs and his decrees, as it stands written in the law. And in our Gospel passage, where Jesus sent his twelve disciples, the foundation of the future Church community, to do exactly the same work of evangelisation that he had been doing.

 Hence, he gave them authority over unclean spirits and instructed them to preach repentance, that radical conversion towards the vision of the Kingdom, and they were to anoint the sick and heal them. These three activities cover the whole nature of the human person: spiritual, mental and physical. Healing and wholeness, health and holiness. In this mission, they were instructed to travel lightly, bringing only what they needed. No food, money, or even a change of clothes. They will not need these things because they will be taken care of by the people they serve.

So in this Gospel, Jesus is preparing his disciples for a task ahead. He lets them experience the nature of their mission, the challenges, obstacles and dangers which await them. He gave them the guidelines about the mission and sent them out. So, they succeeded because the power of God was working in them. The message entrusted to the disciples by Jesus is to offer peace and announce the coming of God's kingdom. This same message of peace and justice, forgiveness and healing has been entrusted to the Church down the centuries.

Now it is our turn to witness it. The disciples returned with joy. We will experience that same joy when we do what the Lord wants because, our joy is rooted in our identifying with Jesus, not in what we do. So the source of our joy should be our status in heaven as beloved sons and daughters of God, and not on our success over the evil forces or the things of this passing world.

Thus, the Lord has entrusted to us an awesome responsibility and privilege to carry the message of God’s love, peace and mercy to the world. Unfortunately, many of the disciples have to face rejection and persecution from the people, who, through their rebellious attitude, have refused to believe in God even though he has always been so patient, loving, caring and forgiving.

 This is what we see in the life of St Agatha of Sicily, whose memorial we celebrate today, for Agatha, who, from her very early years, was notably beautiful. And because of her love for Jesus, she dedicated her life to God as a consecrated virgin. But this did not stop men from desiring her. One of the men who desired Agatha was Quintianus, and because he was of a high diplomatic ranking, thought he could force her to turn away from her vow and so force her to get married.

His persistent proposals were consistently turned down by Agatha. Hence, he sentenced Agatha to prison in a brothel to see if she would change her mind. But noticing that Agatha was enduring all the torture with a sense of cheer, he commanded that she be subjected to a worse form of torture; he ordered that her breasts be cut off.

Dear friends, today we are reminded about the condition and nature of our mission, calling humanity to repent from our sinful and rebellious attitudes to embrace the compassionate love and care that God is offering us. As disciples of Christ, we have received a lot from God without payment; we should learn to give without expecting a reward. Therefore, we must offer to others these same gifts which we have received.

We are to show love to people, forgive, help the needy and share with one another the gifts God has blessed us with, and if our love and care are rejected, we should offer it as a sign for the judgment day. Remember, your kind gestures today can turn someone's life around now or later and by so doing we extend God’s divine compassion to rebellious humanity.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as we are reminded about the condition and nature of our mission for which you sacrificed a lot to save us from our rebellious and sinful attitudes, open our hearts once again to repent and embrace your compassionate love and care for us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Peace be with you. 

Homily For Wednesday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year 4th February, 2026 International Day of Human Fraternity

Readings: 2 Sam 24:2.8-17; Ps. 32, Mark 6:1-6

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

NEVER LOOK DOWN ON PEOPLE 

 

In life, people are quick to neglect and look down on others whom they believe cannot offer them anything good at the moment. They are quick to forget that everyone, no matter the present condition is a potential instrument for God's blessings. This is the ugly attitude of the people of Nazareth in our Gospel passage today.

 

When Jesus came to his hometown, he taught the people in the synagogue in such a way that they were astonished, but instead of embracing the message of Jesus, they treated him with contempt and, in their pride, they said: ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? This is the carpenter’s son, surely? Isn't his mother the woman called Mary, and his brothers and sisters here with us? Where did he get all these?’ And they would not accept him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is only despised in his own country and his own house’, and he did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith and he marvelled because of their unbelief.

 

Thus, out of pride and contempt, the people rejected the blessings God had for them. And like the prophets of old, Jesus was not accepted by the very people to whom he had been sent. Because the people showed only little faith, he was only able to cure a few of the sick. But he went on to teach in other villages, while there were few great works done in his hometown. So, if he is not allowed to do good where he would, he must do it somewhere else.

 

Therefore, he had to move on, he did not insist on convincing those whose minds were closed. Consequently, they miss out on the blessings he is offering them.  So in their pride, they treated him with contempt. Today, this kind of ugly attitude is what stops people from doing good because they don’t want to be treated with contempt, and as a result, a lot of people have been deprived of their blessings out of human pride and contempt.

 

This is what we see in our first reading, where David, out of pride, carried out a census of the people. Realising how wrong he was and the consequences on the people, he said, “Lord, ‘It was I who sinned; ‘I who did this wicked thing. But these, this flock, what have they done? Let your hand lie heavy on me then and on my family.’

 

Dear friends, do not treat anyone with contempt, for everyone is a potential instrument of God’s blessings and favour. And if we want to make a difference in life, we should be ready to ignore what people are saying about us now, we have to forget our past failures and our humble beginning. People may not appreciate us now, they may even say all kinds of things about us, just to humiliate and discourage us.

 

Therefore, we should put all our obstacles behind us and work hard for our dreams, give our time to them, sacrifice our sleep and comfort, sweat for them, plan for them, overcome all our terrors of opposition, enduring pains and obstacles, with the help of God we will succeed and become a source of God's blessings. Then we will sing joyfully to God our strength and all the people will gather about us in praise of our God. And they will say: Is not this the Carpenter's sons or daughters? Where then did they get all these? Yes, that's who we are, for Jesus is the Carpenter of our success and salvation.

 

LET US PRAY: Almighty God, oftentimes in our pride we treat people with contempt because of their humble background, give us the grace to realise that everyone is a potential instrument of your blessings and favour to humanity, and as we struggle towards our goals, may you crown all our efforts and sacrifices with success. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Homily For Tuesday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 3rd February 2026.

 

Readings: 2 Sam. 18:9-10.15.24-26.30.19:3; Ps.86; Mark 5:21-43

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LEARN TO PUT YOUR FAITH INTO POSITIVE ACTION THAT YIELDS POSITIVE RESULTS

There is no doubt that people are facing numerous difficulties. Every day, we struggle against these troubles and tribulations, and people are doing everything they can to overcome them. But oftentimes, it seems as if we are not making progress because we don’t have enough faith to subdue our challenges, and out of fear, we fall victim and are helpless. The fact remains that we have faith, but we have not been able to actively and radically put it into action like the synagogue official whose daughter had died but came to Jesus for help and also the woman with a haemorrhage in our Gospel passage today.

In this passage, one of the officials came to Jesus and said, ‘My daughter is desperately sick, but come and lay your hand on her and she will live.’ Jesus then rose and his disciples followed him to the official's house. On their way, a woman who had suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years came behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, ‘If I can only touch his cloak I shall be well again.’

So, when Jesus turned round and saw her, he said to her, ‘Courage, my daughter, your faith has restored you to health.’ And from that moment the woman was well again. When Jesus reached the official’s house and saw the crowd making a commotion he said, ‘Get out of here; the little girl is not dead, she is asleep.’ And they laughed at him. But he went inside and took the little girl by the hand, and the girl arose.

Here, the father of this little girl had faith and radically put his faith into positive action, for he confessed great faith in the resurrection. He believed that even Jesus’s slightest touch would restore life in his daughter, likewise the woman with a haemorrhage.

This story of the little girl and the woman with haemorrhage has interesting similarities: Both were called “daughters”, and both were restored at the demonstration of radical faith in the touch of Jesus. The woman had been ill for twelve years, and the little girl was twelve years old. Both the woman and the little girl have been cut off from normal societal activities.

On the other hand, there were also differences between them. First, the official is an influential man in the community, but the woman is unclean and an outcast. The man approaches Jesus boldly, but the woman approaches him timidly. The girl was raised based on the father’s radical faith, the woman was restored through her faith, for she was very sure that the very moment she touched the Lord’s cloak, all her troubles were ended, for her body was made whole again.

This woman and the little girl represent the sinful humanity in need of God’s mercy, salvation and restoration. The faith and intercession of the synagogue official signify the great intercessions of the saints and the people of God towards the restoration of humanity. The woman’s bleeding signifies the iniquity of all humanity who are defiled by the constant shedding of innocent blood through violence, wars and abortions, thereby making humanity unworthy of God’s presence.

The woman reaching out to touch Jesus and her restoration signifies the effort each one of us needs to make to reach out to God to be restored and finally the willingness of Jesus to heal all of us just as he had healed the woman from all of her troubles and restored the girl to life. But this requires that we radically put our faith into action.

Dear friends, we are called to put our faith into positive action. For if we have no faith in the Lord and refuse to put our faith into action, we will suffer, and there is no hope for us. I don’t know why we are often stubborn and often harden our hearts and minds by refusing to trust the Lord who is so generous and compassionate.

Today, therefore, we are made to know that it is not enough to have faith; we must radically put our faith into action, no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in. For it is through active faith that we can reach out to God in prayers and so obtain what we desire

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of faith, give us the grace and courage to put our gift of faith into positive action that yields positive results. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day.

THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS INTO THE Homily For Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 2nd February, 2026

 

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. (World Day For Consecrated Life)

Readings: Mal.3:1-4, Ps.24, Heb. 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS INTO THE TEMPLE OF HUMAN HEARTS 

Today, in a special way, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation. An event that takes place forty days after the birth of Jesus, at the time of Christmas. A day we are reminded of the event of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple at Jerusalem. This event serves three purposes: the first is the redemption of the firstborn male, which, according to the law of Moses, was set apart for God. The second purpose is the purification of Mary, which is done after giving birth, and the third is the Presentation of Jesus into the temple of God, which dwells in human hearts.

 

Hence, in our Gospel passage today, St Luke explained that Mary and Joseph wished to fulfil all the prescriptions of the law to emphasise that Jesus was born into a family of simple people, lowly but of steadfast faith: a family that belonged to the poor of Israel, the true People of God. It is important to note that these three purposes are the purification of the mother, the redemption of the son and the presentation, aimed at giving an account of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple of God, which dwells in human hearts. A symbol of the reality that shows the act of offering the Son of the Most High to the Father who sent him.

 

Hence, this becomes the confirmation of the words of the Prophet Malachi which we heard at the beginning of the first Reading: “Behold”, says the Lord, “I send my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming to purify the sons of Levi. Then the offering will be pleasing to the Lord” (3:1- 4), thereby indicating the role of the child.

 

The same child Jesus, who is immediately presented in the Temple, is the same person who, as an adult, would purify the temple of our hearts (Jn 2:13-22). Above all, he would make himself the sacrifice and the High Priest of the New Covenant, as we heard in our second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews. A passage which tells us about the new priesthood instituted by Christ the High Priest.

 

For which he will suffer greatly as prophecy by Simeon in our Gospel passage concerning both the Child Jesus and Mary the Mother when he said: “Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against, a sword will pierce through your soul also that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

 

Thus, this is pointing out the salvation which Jesus will bring to his people, that which he embodies in himself, as he passed through the Cross, the violent death by which he was to vanquish death and transform humanity with the sacrifice of his life through love. Hence, he becomes the true Light of the world of which Simeon and Anna proclaimed as a revelation, that Jesus was to be the High Priest of all, who is to absolve and redeem all mankind from their sins. By so doing becomes the true Light that enlightens every man who is born into this world.

 

Dear friends, today as we encounter Christ the true Light of the world presented in the temple of our hearts, let us of course, allow ourselves to be enlightened and made radiant by this light. Let us share in its splendour, and be filled with its radiance so that no one remains in the darkness. Let us bring this Light of Christ into our families and our homes, so that through sharing in his light we may be brought out of the darkness that covers our lives as individuals, families, communities, societies, country and the world at large.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we celebrate the presentation of your Son Jesus today, let the light of his presence dispel the darkness in our lives, in our families, societies and so illuminate our paths as we struggle and journey in faith towards achieving our goals and purposes in life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless you.

Homily For Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, 1st February, 2026. (HAPPY NEW MONTH)

 
Readings: Zep. 2:3:3:12-12; Ps. 146; 1Cor.1:26-31; Matt. 5:1-12

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

UNDERSTANDING AND FOLLOWING THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

Each day of our lives is a struggle for perfection, we grow from one level of understanding and knowledge to another. But what really gives value to this growth is the fundamental principles we follow. Because the fundamental principles of life help us to be focused and determined to achieve our goals. Therefore, Jesus, knowing the value and importance of the faith he has come to offer humanity, laid down the fundamental principles that will guide his disciples in the new way of life which he is offering us.

These fundamental principles are what we find in our Gospel passage today, in the famous Sermon on the Mount by our Lord Jesus, also known as the Beatitudes. This famous Sermon opens to us the interior life of Jesus: poor in spirit, gentle, merciful, hungry for justice, pure in heart, a peacemaker, who is prepared to sacrifice and suffer persecution for the cause of what is right.

These, of course, are guiding principles to a new life he has called us to live. Here, Jesus gave us eight characteristics of blessed people, which are the fundamental principles of Christian life. Each of these Beatitudes is a statement of an ideal way we ought to live and be in close contact with God. Let us now examine these principles in relation to the life of Christ especially his passion.

First, these principles began by talking about the poor in spirit which brings to mind the low condition of mankind that looks up to a Redeemer and the glory to come. This we can relate to the life of Jesus, who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. But, upon the cross, he was stripped, mocked, spat upon, crowned with thorns, and given vinegar to drink.

Secondly, we were told that those who mourn are blessed, for their true repentance, watchfulness, humble mind, and continual dependence on the mercy of God through Christ Jesus shall be comforted by the Lord. We can recall the agony of Jesus, we can recall his cry, " My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me? But he was consoled with the grace of resurrection.

In these principles, we were told that the meek are blessed, for being patient, silent and submissive to the will of God, and so are comforted even in this world. This is true because Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently. For we were told that when he suffered, he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and he did not open his mouth. Therefore Christ’s patience on the cross was great. So, we too must be meek and patient looking upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Next is about those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they are blessed. This is because, their desires for spiritual blessings shall be satisfied. Since in his passion, Christ taught us the way to perfection and holiness. Also, we are told that the merciful are blessed, for their compassion, help and pity on the souls of humanity who are in sin and need mercy.

Yes, Christ suffered for us as a remedy for our sins, and secondly, as an example for us to follow. So we must be merciful. We are also told that the pure in heart are blessed; for they shall see God, since their hearts are made pure in holiness and are capable of seeing God, just like Jesus who was like us in everything except sin.

Also, the peace-makers are blessed, for they love and delight in peace which Christ is offering to humanity, when he said peace be upon us, forgive them Father for they do not know what they are doing. Finally, we were told that those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed, for victory is theirs since they understand that there is nothing in our sufferings that can be compared to the victory of eternal life. Yes, for Christ says: that no man has greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. And this is what Christ did on the cross. And if he gave his life for us, then it should not be difficult for us to bear whatever hardships arise for his sake.

These are exactly what we heard in our first reading today which says: Seek the Lord, all you, the humble of the earth, who obey his commands. Seek integrity, seek humility: you may perhaps find shelter on the day of the anger of the Lord. In your midst, I will leave a humble and lowly people, and those who are left in Israel will seek refuge in the name of the Lord.

Little wonder, St Paul in our second reading said: it was to shame the wise that God chose what is foolish by human standards, and to shame what is strong that he chose what is weak by human standards; those whom the world thinks common and contemptible are the ones that God has chosen, for he has chosen those who are nothing at all to shame those who are everything.

Dear friends, we are called to understand and follow the fundamental principles of Christian life of perfection. For we are truly blessed when we are poor in spirit, when we mourn for our sinfulness, gentle, hunger and thirst for holiness. We are blessed when we are merciful and peacemakers in a world that is full of wickedness, greed and corruption. Today, we are called to live our lives in these virtues and when we encounter challenges, difficulties, persecutions and troubles, we should remain faithful to the end for none of these tribulations shall be compared to the victory of eternal life.

 LET US PRAY: O God, from whom all good things come, grant us the grace to live out these fundamental principles of our Christian life and so overcome this sinful world, to enjoy the beatific vision of eternal life in You, through Christ our Lord. Amen. As you begin your task this week, may the glory of God inspire you and elevate you to greater heights. Have a blessed Sunday.

Homily For Saturday Third Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 31st January, 2026. The Memorial of St. John Bosco

 

Readings: 2 Sam. 12:1-7.10-17; Ps.51; Mark 4:35-41

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHY ARE YOU AFRAID? PEACE! BE STILL!! SAYS THE LORD

In the scriptures, we often hear stories of how people struggle with heavy storms as they are assailed by the sea. Today, our fishermen and the mariners who are involved in the sea business can tell us better what it means to be on the sea during heavy storms. A situation where the need for a Saviour is highly anticipated. Such was the case with the disciples of Jesus in our Gospel passage today. It is a story about the disciples' panic and fear of perishing as a result of the heavy storm that is affecting their boat.

As this heavy storm was about to break their boat, the disciples could not believe that Jesus was asleep while they were afraid and needed help from anywhere. So they went to him and woke him saying, ‘Teacher, do you not care if we perish? And Jesus said: “Peace! Be still!!” And the Storm ceased and there was a great calm. And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, how is it that you have no faith. The men were astounded and said, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey him.’

This story signifies God's chosen people on a transit of faith, frightened by the guilt of sin and wounded by the waves of the sea, the abode of evil forces and monsters of this world. The boat can be taken as a symbol of the faith of the Church and the people of God struggling with the world’s principalities and powers, while the storms are symbols of heavy persecutions and sufferings by the people of God. And Jesus is saying: why are you so afraid, you men of little faith.

Dear friends, there is no doubt that there is an active presence of evil in the world, which manifests itself in different forms. So everyday is a struggle against the malice of the evil ones, and people are doing everything they can to overcome them. Today, Jesus is inviting us into his boat of life, thereby calling us to journey on this boat with an unwavering faith and a repentant heart, because the world is being tossed around by the waves of the evil forces, the enemies of humanity. And it is only God who can subdue it, for he has promised to restore us back to himself.

This is exactly what we heard about David in our first reading today, for after David had committed grave sins against Uriah and God, the prophet Nathan confronted him about this ugly situation. David felt very remorseful about his actions and asked God for mercy. And this the Lord granted him and promised to restore him and calmed down the storms of destruction in his household. 

This is what we see in the life of St. John Bosco whose memorial we celebrate today for despite the challenges and oppositions he faced in life, he remained committed to his work as a priest and made great impacts in the lives the youths of his time and even in our time for through many people who sharing in his spirituality, founded the Order of the Salesians of Don Bosco, one of the great religious orders in our society today.

Therefore, I don't know the great storms of doubt and fear in your soul? I don’t know if you are under the power of the evil forces of this world. All I know is that with great faith in God, the heavy storms in our lives will become calm. So, why are you afraid? Peace! Be Still!! Says the Lord. Why not present your challenges of life to Jesus, for he will surely rebuke the violent storms in our hearts so that we can experience once again the calmness of his peace and joy.

LET US PRAY: Lord God. As we struggle every day to overcome the ugly situation around us, grant that the violent storms and waves of sin and bondage in our lives, our families and the world, will end in a wonderful calm that brings peace in our souls. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a fruitful and joyful weekend.

Homily For Friday, Third Week in Ordinary Time, Year C, 30th January, 2026

 

Readings: 2Sam. 11:1-4.5-10.13-17; Ps  51; Mark 4:26-34

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

MAKE YOUR HEART A FERTILE SOIL FOR GOD’S KINGDOM 

In the scriptures, using a simple story to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson has always been one of the characteristics of Jesus when addressing the people on matters of great importance. By couching his teaching in parables, Jesus made certain points much clearer to his audience. This is evident in our Gospel passage today, where he told us the parable of the mustard seed, using it to describe the nature of God’s kingdom, which he came to establish in the hearts of humanity. 

Here, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed growing from the Word of God spoken to the hearts of his few disciples which will grow and spread to the hearts of all humanity. This analogy focuses on the size of the seed that grows to become a mighty tree that gives shelter and salvation to all.

More so, Jesus is not just speaking of the size of the mustard seed, but also the faith of the people as that of a mustard seed. Telling us that just as the mustard seed responded to the word of God and grows into a mighty tree, so will the faith of the people grow into a great vessel through hearing and doing the Word of God, and so build up the kingdom of God.

Nevertheless, these two analogies of the mustard seed symbolise the humble beginnings of the Christian faith, which is well watered by the Holy Spirit to grow and give life and hospitality to all the people of the world. Hence, in building the kingdom of God, we are reminded that we can be tempted in different ways just like David in our first reading, who when tempted by the beauty of an innocent woman, failed to control himself and so fell into the sin of adultery which led him to commit another sin of murder as he tried to cover up his sins. 

This very single mistake caused great damage to the mission of David and to his household.  So we should learn from this costly mistake of David. We should not give in to temptations and lost of the eyes. Rather, we should learn to remain faithful until our souls are saved in our heavenly kingdom. 

Dear friends, we need to let our knowledge of God’s kingdom grow like that of a mustard seed, knowing that in the world today we have different kinds of seeds. But the question remains, what kind of seeds are we embracing and watering in our lives today? Are we watering valuable mustard seeds of faith, love, holiness, hospitality, obedience, and charity that will lead us to God’s kingdom? Or are we watering weeds that are distracting us from attaining heaven? 

We must stop watering such weeds, let us feed ourselves with valuable mustard seeds of virtues and values. For when we feed and water such values, we will grow stronger like the mustard tree where people may find solace and so build up God’s kingdom. 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as you sow the seeds of your word in our hearts, give us the grace to grow them into the mustard tree of faith, holiness and hospitality and by so doing build up your heavenly kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day.

Homily For Thursday Third Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 29th January, 2026

 

Readings: 2 Sam. 7:18-19.24-29; Ps.132; Mark 4:21-25

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR EARS TO LISTEN?

The ears, as we know, are organs of hearing which consist of the pinna. It is a gift from God, through which we have the faculty of perceiving sounds and recognising things in an auditory way. To exercise the faculty of this organ effectively we must learn to use it to listen attentively to information. For the world, no doubt, is full of noise, echoing different things in our minds through our ears.

But what are we feeding our ears with? How do we use these organs? How has this organ helped us in our spiritual life despite this noisy world? How have we managed the noise in our lives, in families and society, which distracts us from listening to God? What are the things we hear or listen to? The Word of God that we hear every day - how has it developed our relationship with God and our neighbour?

Therefore, when Jesus said in our Gospel reading today, “he who has ears let him hear”, he is referring to our ability to listen to God's Word and act on it even in the midst of this noisy world. Thus, what Jesus means is that the person who seeks to gain some spiritual insight into what he is saying will have that insight increased when they listen, whereas whoever does not listen to him will end up in spiritual ignorance. To avoid this, we need to learn from King David, who, after Nathan had spoken to him, went in and, seated before the Lord and listening to him, he said: ‘Who am I, O Lord, and what is my House, that you have led me as far as this?

Dear friends, by listening, hearing and following Jesus, we grow in familiarity with his voice and hear him more. And by so doing we make Jesus the light of our lives placed on the lampstand to give light and insight to our souls as individuals, family and society, illuminating all the darkness around us.

 LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, our ears are a gift from you, help us to use them properly. And as we carry out our activities today, may our ears hear the consoling words of Jesus guiding and directing us towards the light of his presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Remain blessed.