Homily For Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent Year C, 22nd December, 2021

 Homily For Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent Year C, 22nd December, 2021. 

Readings : 1 Samuel 1:24-28, 1 Samuel 2:1,4-8 , Luke: 1:46-56

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LET US REJOICE IN THE LORD FOR HE HAS DONE GREAT THINGS OF ALL HUMANITY

As we look back to all the events that happened this year and how we are able to manage to survive all of them. I think it is indeed necessary to contemplate the victory and greatness of our God, which knows no limits. Just like Mary in our Gospel passage and Hannah in our first reading. For in our first reading today, we heard from the Book of the prophet Samuel, how Hannah filled with joy came to thank God for answering her prayers. For she once came to the Lord in sorrow and frustration and she prayed to the Lord to help and rescue her from her troubles. 

The Lord heard her prayers, and blessed her with a child, who was to be known as Samuel. And since Hannah had promised that if she had a son, she would dedicate and offer him to the Lord, and thus, in our first reading today, we heard how she joyfully came to the Lord and offered Samuel to be God’s servant. And in our Psalm today we heard the great song of joy that Hannah sang, in thanksgiving to God who had shown her love and blessings.

In the same light, we heard in our Gospel passage how Mary sang the magnificat in honour to God for the great thing he has done not just for her but for all humanity. Thus, Mary having heard that her cousin Elizabeth at the time, who had been long barren had conceived a child just like Hannah came and found out that what the Lord had revealed to her through the angel Gabriel was indeed true, that her cousin Elizabeth had miraculously conceived in her old age. And herself, about to have a Child without any human relations but by the power of the Holy Spirit. These made Mary to rejoice greatly, for it was truly a great and joyful moment which God has shown to all his people. 

Dear friends, the world is so busy preparing for the coming of her Savour. The streets are full of people struggling and bobbling, the markets are full of people buying, selling, cheating and chatting, the Churches are full of people praying, singing and celebrating. We are so busy with everything except the very essence of the season that is, the salvation of our souls. Today God is calling us to reflect deeply and to dispose ourselves to embrace him with joy just like Mary and Hannah. He wants to come into our soul to share the joy of his presence with us. Jesus is coming to us, for he comes to us more than we go to him. As we await his coming, may God help us to be well prepared physically, materially and more importantly spiritually.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, only the soul for whom you have done great things can truly proclaim with fitting praise the joy of your presence. As we embrace the season of Christmas, we joyfully surrender unto you, our whole life, our senses, our judgement, for our spirit rejoices at the coming of Christ Jesus our Savour, and may this joy always remain in our hearts through Christ our Lord. Amen. Peace be with you.

Homily For Tuesday of the Fourth Sunday of Advent Year C, 21st December, 2021

 Homily For Tuesday of the Fourth Sunday of Advent Year C, 21st December, 2021 

Readings : Song of Songs 2:8-14 , Ps. 32, Luke: 1:39-45

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE ACT OF SHARING THE JOY OF THE LORD WITH OTHERS

Every good news we hear have a way of activating the joys in our hearts and when this happens we necessarily want to share this joy with other. This is the case with the women in our Gospel passage today, who received favour from the Lord and decided to share their joy with one another as they play their part in the saving plan of God. 

For Mary having heard that her cousin Elizabeth, who at that time had been long barren have now conceived a child, she came and found out that what the Lord had revealed to her through the Angel Gabriel was indeed true, that her cousin Elizabeth had miraculously conceived in her old age. And herself, about to have a Child without any human relations but by the power of the Holy Spirit. These made Mary to rejoice greatly, for it was truly a great and joyful moment which God has shown to all his people. 

Thus, the psalmist today tells us to ring out our joy to the Lord, O you just; O sing him a song that is new for our Lord is coming to save us. Our beloved comes leaping upon the mountains as we heard in our first reading. Therefore, as we wakeup this morning may the joy of the coming Lord fill our heart with passion, love and ready to accomplish great things for the Lord. May the Lord give us the grace and skills to face the tasks of the day and help us to share our joy and favours with others just like Mary who shared her joy with Elizabeth. Also, through the joy we share, may others leap for joy just like the child in Elizabeth's womb. 

Dear friends, it’s few days to Christmas, as we struggle with our daily task, may God grant us the wisdom, inspiration and skills that will enable us to accomplish great things today and always. let us be hopeful, joyful and patient. Fear not, be focus, be ready, be determine and do not delay in preparing, for the Lord is at hand. 

LET US PRAY, Almighty God, as we anticipate the coming of your Son, may we be well disposed and prepared to embrace him with joy, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Do have a fruitful and peaceful day.

Homily For Monday Fourth Week of Advent Year C, 20th December, 2021

 Homily For Monday Fourth Week of Advent Year C, 20th December, 2021. 

Readings: Is. 7:10-14;  Ps. 24; Luke 1:26-38

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

A HUMBLE SUBMISSION TO GOD’S WILL

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

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

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

Dear friends, this Holy season of Advent have been filled with a lot of uncertainty, sorrow and grief, challenges and trials, obstacles, difficulties and suffering all over the world. But we are consoled in today’s Gospel passage that talks about the Annunciation of our Lord and Saviour with the words of the angle, telling us not to be afraid, for we have won God’s favour. This is to make us know that  the Lord has special plans for us, if only we can be humble and submissive to God’s will just like Mary when she said: “let it be done to me according to your will”. 

Thus, we are called to draw strength, faith and courage from Mary in her total submission to God’s will, knowing that despite all the darkness, sorrow and uncertainties in our world, God will not abandoned his people. His promise of salvation is a reality that we will surely experience. Therefore, let us entrust ourselves in humility to God just as Mary had done. Let us ask for his mercy and forgiveness as we also forgive one another. It is not time to judge people or lose faith. Rather, it is time to pray for each other as we grow stronger in faith and in our love and devotion to God. knowing that he is closer to us in this turbulent times for he does not fail in his promises.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as the event of Advent come to it peak, the occasion of the annunciation reminds us of your promises and plans to redeem humanity, as we listen to your words today, may we respond positively to your requests and so be filled with the joy of your presence, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless you.

Homily For Fourth Sunday of Advent Year C, 19th December, 2021

 Homily For Fourth Sunday of Advent Year C, 19th December, 2021. 

Readings: Micah 5:2-5;  Ps. 80; Heb. 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

THE JOY OF SAYING YES TO GOD’S PLAN FOR US

As we await the commemoration of the nativity of our Lord Jesus, an event that reminds and reveals to us the great plan of God towards redeeming humanity. So this Sunday we are required to say yes to this plan of God. And this is evident in our readings today, in our first reading we heard prophet Micah saying: out of you will be born for me the one who is to rule over Israel; for the Lord is therefore going to abandon them till the time when she who is to give birth gives birth. 

This prophetic words came to fulfilment in the life of Mary as we have it in our Gospel passage today which reminds us the moment when Mary, after the event of Annunciation, having received the message from Angel Gabriel about the plan of God for her and her cousin Elizabeth, she came to visit Elizabeth, for both are now miraculously pregnant with child. For at that time, Mary was just having the Child Jesus in her not long after he was conceived in her womb by the power of the Holy Spirit, while Elizabeth, who had become pregnant earlier, was having John the Baptist in her womb, even in her old age as a barren woman.

At this visitation, Mary sang the magnificat in honour to God for the great thing he has done not just for her but for all humanity. For having heard that her cousin Elizabeth, who at that time had been long barren have now conceived a child, she came and found out that what the Lord had revealed to her through the Angel Gabriel was indeed true, that her cousin Elizabeth had miraculously conceived in her old age. And herself, about to have a Child without any human relations but by the power of the Holy Spirit. These made Mary to rejoice greatly, for it was truly a great and joyful moment which God has shown to all his people. 

Hence, this grace- filled event reveals the special role that Mary played in God’s plan for human salvation. So, as she brings the Word of life dwelling in her womb to Elizabeth, Mary became the image of Church’s missionary activity for she is filled with the Holy Spirit ready to visit and bring Christ to all humanity. This also presents to us the joyful moment when Mary bearing the Word Made Flesh visited barren and lonely humanity well represented by the person of Elizabeth. Thus, in this act of kindness, we recall the faith and the wonderful commitment showed by Mary, as an example and inspiration to all of us. For she totally obeyed the plan of the Lord and entrusted herself completely to the divine will of God. 

Dear friends, saying yes to God’s plan for us is so important. And I must tell us that God has a special plan for everyone, a plan which is unique. But sometimes it seem as if God has favoured some persons more than others. Well, in the eyes of men it seems true, but God has actually favoured each person in a very unique way only that we sometimes do not understand what God is doing in our lives. Our understanding of favour is quite different from that of God. However, all we need is to say: God, here I am! I am coming to obey your will just as we heard in our second reading today, an affirmation of Mary’s response to God’s plans for her.

 So as Christians, in Mary we found a great role model for each and every one of us. For, following the example of Mary we also embark on our own journey of faith, learning from her obedience and dedication to the mission that has been entrusted to her throughout her life just as we are entrusted with the task of spreading the Gospel passage to all humanity.

But the truth remains that, we are so busy with the things of this passing world and have failed to carryout our mission. Today, the streets are full of people struggling and bobbling, the markets are full of people buying, selling, cheating and chatting, the Churches are full of people praying, singing and celebrating. We are so busy with everything except the very essence of our mission, which is, the salvation of our souls. Today, we are called to reflect deeply and to dispose ourselves to embrace the Word of God with joy just like Mary and Elizabeth. 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, only the soul for whom you have done great things can truly proclaim with fitting praise the joy of your presence. As we embrace your words today through the visitation of our Mother Mary, we joyfully surrender unto you, our whole life, our senses, our barrenness and loneliness, for our spirit rejoices at the coming of Christ Jesus our Savour, and may this joy always remain in our hearts through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a fruitful Sunday celebration

Homily For Saturday of the Third Week of Advent Year C, 18th December, 2021

 Homily For Saturday of the Third Week of Advent Year C, 18th December, 2021

Readings Jer. 23:5-8, Ps. 71, Matt.1:18-24

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LEARN TO PRAYERFULLY FACE THE CHALLENGING MOMENTS OF YOUR LIFE LIKE ST. JOSEPH

As we continue the preparation of the birthday of our Lord Jesus, the liturgy today presents to us the events preceding the birth of Jesus and invites us to contemplate in a special way the roles St Joseph played in the life of Jesus and Mary of which our gospel passage today presents to us how Jesus Christ conceived. A challenging moment in the lives of Mary and Joseph.

 Mary who was betrothed to Joseph was found to be with a child; but Joseph being a man of honour and wanting to spare Mary’s publicity, decided to surely with great sorrow to send Mary away quietly. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit, she will bear a Son, and you shall call him Jesus, for he will save his people from sins. We could imagine the great trauma Joseph was passing through when we think about the love he has for Mary. But even in these circumstances, he intends to do the will of God.

Hence, we can see how this Gospel passage reveals to us the magnanimity of Joseph’s heart and soul. How he wished to follow his own plan, but God was reserving another plan for him, a greater mission. Joseph was a man who always listened to the voice of God, he was deeply sensitive to his secret will, he was a man attentive to the messages that came to him from the depths of his heart. He did not persist in following his own plan, he did not allow bitterness to poison his soul; rather, silently he was ready to make himself available to the event of the new mission entrusted to him. This reveals to us how deep and great St. Joseph’s holiness of life was.

Dear friends, the challenge to every baptized Christian is to live a holy life and God cannot abandon us in this struggle. For he promised us in the first reading to raise up for us a righteous branch who shall reign as King and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in our land. He shall save the needy when they cry, the poor, and those who are helpless. Look at how the Lord helped Joseph in the challenging moment of his life, giving him grace to cooperate with his will even when it seems difficult, he said to him “do not fear”. 

So like Joseph, we should not fear to face those challenging moments of disappointment, pain, sorrow, guilt, betrayals, complex and complicating situations in our lives, for by combating them comes our victory and through the power of the Holy Spirit our souls are purified and the will of God is made manifest in our lives. 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, give us the grace to imitate the silence and holiness of St Joseph, especially in a world full of noise, iniquities and distractions. A world  that encourages neither recollection nor listening to you nor one another. Grant us the grace to cultivate the inner attitude of silence and recollection in order to fully embrace the spirit of this season so as to joyfully experience the glory of Christmas. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a grace filled weekend.

Homily For Friday Third Week of Advent Year C, 17th December, 2021

 Homily For Friday Third Week of Advent Year C, 17th December, 2021.

Readings Gen.49:2.8-10, Ps. 72, Matt.1:1-17

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THROUGH OUR FAITH IN GOD OUR GENEALOGY IS TRACED TO THAT OF CHRIST

Advent season as we know is divided into two parts the first which runs from the first Sunday until 16th of December dwells on the second coming of Christ, the eschatological aspect of Advent. While the second aspect which focuses on the first coming of Christ at Bethlehem runs from today 17th -24th December. Hence, the best way to begin this second aspect of advent is by reflecting on the genealogy of Jesus Christ our Saviour as we have it in our Gospel passage today. 

From this genealogy of Jesus, we can observe that generations come, generations goes, great men and women came and passed on, new generations continue to spring up as God continue to unveil his plan for humanity. Just as he revealed to Jacob in our first reading today when he gathered all of his sons and their own families, and said his parting words as he was about to die. He blessed all of his children, some more than others, and from among all of the children, Judah stood out to be the one who received a more favourable blessing.

This shows how the Lord had revealed through Jacob what he was going to do for the people of Israel and for humanity. For Judah's kingship over all Israel was given to David, who became the rightful king and God’s chosen one, and God promised that David’s house will rule over Israel forever which is evident in the genealogy of Jesus as we heard in our Gospel passage.

Dear friends, this is our own generation, but the question that comes to mind is: our genealogy to what extent can it be traced to that of Christ? The things we are doing now to what extent have they been influenced by the events of the passed generations and to what extent are they going to influence the future generations. Therefore, let us use this great opportunity of Advent season to open our hearts, our minds and our whole beings for the Lord. Let us return to the Lord and focus our attention on him as we renew our faith in him and play our role in his plan of redeeming humanity.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we open our hearts to embrace your coming, may you continue to watch over us and guide us in our journey of faith and as we struggle with the ugly situation in our world today, may the Holy Spirit, teach us what to do today, how to do them, when to do them and give us the grace to do them properly. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. May God bless and guide your ways today and always.

Homily For Thursday Third Week of Advent Year C, 16th December, 2021

 Homily For Thursday Third Week of Advent Year C, 16th December, 2021.

Readings Is. 54:1-10;Ps. 30; Luke 7: 24-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

JESUS TALKS ABOUT THE ROLE AND MISSION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST 

As Christians, one of the mandate that Jesus gave to us is to proclaim the Good News of our salvation, for in this mandate everyone of us has a special role to play. But the question is how are we playing this role? In our Gospel passage today, Jesus talks about the mission and role of John the Baptist when after John’s messengers had gone he said: What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Oh no, those A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says: See, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare the way before you. ‘I tell you, of all the children born of women, there is no one greater than John.

Here, Jesus talk about the manner in which John the Baptist plays his role in the mission entrusted to him.  John knew who he was in the sight of God. He knew his strengths and his weaknesses, he knew that his life was centered on Christ. No doubt the mission of John the Baptist was quite challenging as he encountered many obstacles just like other prophets before him. He faced strong opposition and rejection from the Pharisees who doubted and challenged his teaching and works for baptism of repentance of which many people believed in him. 

This though, was not a burden for him, for he clearly understood God’s sovereignty, he understood who Jesus is. He rejoiced in the coming of Jesus and his role in the mission and life of Jesus. He knew he was the announcer of Good News, but not the Good News itself. However, he did not have to make a public show of himself. He was not out to promote his own ministry or reputation. Even though it seems as if he is becoming insignificance when Jesus arrived, he did not feel so. His aim was to identify Jesus to the people which he did with all humility. 

Thus, John shows us what it means to be a true disciple of the Lord. That as disciples, we should not allow pride, ambition, ego and selfish desire to dictate how we live our lives. If not, we will easily be carried away by worldly temptations and lose our way by falling deep into the trap of sin. Rather, we are called to be humble and to be faithful to God at all times. Hence, prophet Isaiah in our first reading  today said: do not be afraid, you will not be put to shame, do not be dismayed, you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth.

Dear friends, we all have a significant place in the plan of God. No doubt that John understood his role in the mission of Christ and shows the essence of humility in exercising it. Do we have any clue of what our role is in the mission of Christ? In what ways do we exemplify humility in the little task entrusted to us? Let us learn from John the Baptist how to humbly exercise our role in any task or mission entrusted to us. 

LET US PRAY: Almighty God, you created each one of us to fulfill your plan on earth, grant us the grace to faithfully and courageously fulfill our mission and purpose in this world. As we contemplate the example of John the Baptist, may we learn to be humble in carrying out the mission and vocation entrusted to us, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed and joyful day.