Homily For Tuesday Fourth Week of Advent Year A, 20th December, 2022

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

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

LET IT BE DONE TO ME ACCORDING TO YOUR 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 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 year 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, so we too can say in faith: “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 country today. 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.

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent Year A, 19th December, 2022

Readings Judges 13:2-7,24-25, Ps. 71, Luke: 1:5-25

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHAT IS GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU FOR GOD HAS A PLAN FOR EVERYONE?

Oftentimes, things happen in our lives that we can not explain how and why they happened. This is to tell us that we are unique and special, because, in our uniqueness we come to realize that God has a special plan for everyone. This is evident in our readings today where we are presented with the message about the visits of the angel announcing the birth of great men giving birth by barren women in the old and new testaments scriptures. 

In our Gospel passage we have Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist and the unnamed mother of Samson in the first reading today. They remind us that God is in control of the human history, and intervenes graciously in favour of the helpless and despised. For he knows how to guide us towards his plans for us.

Thus, Angel Gabriel was sent to bring good news to Zechariah, who did not believe his words. The first message of the angel to Zechariah was: “do not be afraid!” Up until now, most people do not know the plan of God for them and this causes fear in their lives. So, the message of the angel continues to be valid, “do not be afraid” for God has a plan for everyone and through prayers God reveals his plan for us. 

Dear friends, the greatest plan of God is the salvation of our souls, to reconcile the heart of humanity toward their Creator, to reconstruct the fabric of human relationships and to build up a community of love and holiness. This was the mission of Samson, John and also the mission of Jesus and continues to be the most important mission and plan of God today. But, how are we contributing towards this mission? Remember, it is on this mission that we discover the purpose and plan of God for each one of us. 

Homily For Fourth Sunday of Advent Year A, 18th December, 2022

Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14;  Ps. 24; Rom. 1:1-7; Matt. 1:18-24.

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

IS GOD STILL WITH US?

Today is fourth Sunday of Advent, the Sunday that ushers us into the Holy Season of Christmas, the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ, an event that reminds and reveals to us the great plan of God towards redeeming humanity. Little wonder our readings today focused on the revelation of God’s plan to dwell with us and redeem us. 

Hence we heard in our first reading how prophet Isaiah when the people of God were passing through crises, war and oppression, told King Ahaz to ask for a sign from the Lord no matter how deep. But in false humility Ahaz said he will not put the Lord to test. In response prophet Isaiah said: ‘Listen now, House of David: are you not satisfied with trying the patience of men without trying the patience of my God, too? Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel, a name which means “God-is-with-us”

This prophetic words came to fulfilment in the life of Mary at the event of Annunciation, who having received this message from Angel Gabriel, accepted God’s will and plan for her. For she is about to have a Child without any human relations but by the power of the Holy Spirit. This grace- filled event reveals the special role that Mary playing in God’s plan for human salvation. But when Joseph realized this, he was heartbroken since Mary was betrothed to him and he loved her so much. But what will he do? How is he going to handle this? The Gospel tells us that Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put Mary to shame, resolved to send her away quietly before the angel in a dream spoke to him about his mission and role in the salvation of humanity.

Here, we see 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, what a great virtue.

Little wonder the Angel said to him: 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 give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet: the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel, a name which means ‘God-is-with-us’ as we have it in our Gospel passage today.

Thus, St. Paul in our second reading today said: this news is about the Son of God who, according to the human nature he took was a descendant of David: it is about Jesus Christ our Lord who, in the order of the spirit, the spirit of holiness that was in him, was proclaimed Son of God in all his power through his resurrection from the dead. Through him we received grace and our apostolic mission to preach the obedience of faith to all pagan nations in honour of his name. This means that Jesus is that Word of God made Flesh and dwell with us. He his the “Emmanuel” God with us.

But the question before us today remains: is God still with us? If the answer is yes, Are we still with God? These  questions are very important because a deep reflection on what is going on in our societies and the world at large, one will surely have doubts about the presence of God in so many activities and events in our lives today. I have heard people asking very pertinent question concerning the circumstances around them saying: Is God still with us especially with the present situation in their lives? Is God still with us with this present situation in our country, our societies and our families? Is God still with us with the sad news of kills and kidnapping of innocence souls in our society. 

Is God still with us when greedy men and women are looting the common fund and resources of our nation? Is God still with us when bribery and corruption have become a way of life? Is God still with us when we make and promulgate bad rules and regulations that are destroying human lives and our environments? Is God still with us when immorality and wickedness have become the fashion and a way of life. Is God still with us brothers and sisters, when true love is seen as a scam, or impossible virtue? Is God still with us when holiness, honest, integrity, hardworking, life of sacrifice and sincerity have become old school? Is God still with us?

Dear friends the answer to these questions is not blowing in the wind, because God is with us much more than we can ever imagined. But the questions remains are we still with God? Are you stand with him? Is  my way of life showing that I am still standing with God? For one thing is sure, you can choose to be with someone but you can not force anybody to remain with you. God has chosen to be with us and he is always with us but are we with him? Are we still paying attention to him? Are we listening to what he is saying to us? Are we not running away from God? Are we not saying to him,  leave us alone so that we can do whatever we want? Are we not feeling restricted by the presence of God around us? Are we not saying to God, I don’t want you now, come only when I need you? And after we have separated ourselves from God, now we are calling on him whom we have abandoned even when he had never abandoned us. 

Therefore, it is time to come back to God for he is very much with us, I don’t know how far we have separated ourselves from God, it is time to come back for he is coming to be with us. I don’t know how tough our activities this year have been, what is important now is that God is with us, but are we with him? He wants to help us, are going to listen to him? He wants to guide and save us, are we going to follow him? If the Lord is with us, are we going to remain with him?  We have left God and followed our own plans and the results are obvious, why not learn to follow the plan of God like St Joseph and Mary?  But,like king Ahaz we have abandoned True Love, holiness, honest, integrity, hardworking and the results are very obvious, hatred, wickedness, corruption, greed, kills, kidnapping. Now let us come back to God who is always with us. For the psalms today says: who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The man with clean hands and pure heart, who desires not worthless things. Who has not sworn as to deceive his neighbours. 

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, may we always remain with you who is always with us as we joyfully surrender our whole life, our senses, our troubles, our barrenness and loneliness in anticipation for you coming who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Wishing you a fruitful Sunday celebration

Homily For Saturday the Third Week of Advent Year A, 17th December, 2022

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

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

CAN MY WAY OF LIFE BE LINKED TO THAT OF CHRIST AND HIS GENEALOGY

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.

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? Can my way of life be linked to that of Christ and his genealogy? 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 Friday Third Week of Advent Year A, 16th December, 2022

Readings Is. 56:1-3.6-8;Ps. 67; John 5:33-36

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HOW IS MY WAYS OF LIFE TESTIFYING ABOUT JESUS AND OUR SALVATION

Today as we make the end of the first face of the Holy Season of Advent, our Gospel passage presents to us the response of Jesus concerning his authority. For he said:  you sent messengers to John, and he gave his testimony to the truth, not that I depend on human testimony; no, it is for your salvation that I speak of this. John was a lamp alight and shining and for a time you were content to enjoy the light that he gave. But my testimony is greater than John’s: the works my Father has given me to carry out, these same works of mine testify that the Father has sent me.’

Here, Jesus is teaching his listeners about his personality and he wants to assure us that he is speaking the truth about himself. He made it clear that his mission comes from the Father and that his works are proof of this. He then used the mage of a shining lamp as a powerful way of describing the faith of John. Jesus tells us that while he respects the testimony of John the Baptist, for crucial evidence we should look at the works that he has done in obedience to his Father. So the first witness Jesus gave was the testimony of John the Baptist. Then in his second and third witnesses, Jesus appeals to the miracles he performed by divine power of God his Father. But the Jewish authorities failed to believe in these testimonies.

Dear friends, do we truly believe in the testimonies of Christ as we have it in our scriptures today? How is my way of life testifying about Jesus and the salvation he came to offer us? Today, as we are called to deepen our belief in the coming of Jesus, we invited to be a light of faith for those around us. So, let us make our ways of life reflect our belief in Jesus. So that people can look into our life and our actions, rather than rely on just spoken evidence of our mouths and so dispel the darkness of doubt and unbelief in our hearts.

Little wonder, we heard the Lord through prophet Isaiah in our first reading today saying: Have a care for justice, act with integrity, for soon my salvation will come and my integrity be manifest. And blessed is the man who does this and the son of man who clings to it: observing the sabbath, not profaning it, and keeping his hand from every evil deed. Therefore, let us make our lives living testimonies of Christ’s love and salvation for all humanity. 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we await the coming of Christ, make us instruments of peace and the testimonies of your presence with us even in the midst of all the challenges around us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful day.

Homily For Thursday Third Week of Advent Year A, 15th December, 2022

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

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HOW ARE YOU PLAYING YOUR ROLE IN THE MISSION OF CHRIST ?

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.

Homily For Wednesday Third Week of Advent Year A, 14th December, 2022. The Memorial of St. John of the Cross

Readings Is. 45:6-8,18,21-25, Ps. 85, Luke: 7:19-23

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO DO NOT LOSE FAITH IN GOD

In our world today, there are so many people who are confused about their faith in Christ Jesus as the Messiah. And the way things are going in our world today, we really need to think twice about our faith as Christians, whether we are actually ready to live out our faith in the midst of the ugly situation that are challenging our faith in God. For some are yet to embrace the teaching of the Church about the person of Jesus and his coming in glory, just like the disciples of John the Baptist who in our Gospel passage today came to Jesus asking him whether he is the Messiah and Saviour that the world had been waiting for, since John the Baptist sent them.

Thus, Jesus told them to Go back and tell John what they have seen and heard: the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, the Good News is proclaimed to the poor and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me. For all had proclaimed the fulfilment of the Lord’s prophecies and promises, and no further explanation or proof is required.

Here, we can see that some situation can make someone as great as John the Baptist to have doubts about the person of Christ. But this was because at that time, there had been plenty of false Messiahs that arose and led the people into rebellion as we have it in our world today. But they all failed, since they were all false and not the true Messiah. Although St. John the Baptist had indeed seen the signs when he baptised the Lord, and he recognised Him as the Lamb of God, the Saviour, but he did still have some doubts.

Dear friends, we may somehow have some doubt about the coming of the Lord. But this should not discourage us. For if someone as dedicated and faithful as St. John the Baptist had doubt in the Lord, then all the more shall all of us experience such doubt. However, we should hold on to our faith because our doubt can not change what God has planned. Because if we do not hold firm to our faith in God, we will end up losing our faith as well as our way and the grace he is offering us. 

That is why in this season of Advent  we are reminded of the salvation and grace that God has given to us to hold on for his coming into our souls. And prophet Isaiah in our first reading tells us to hold on to God for apart from him, all is nothing. Let us turn to him and be saved for he is a God of integrity and a Savour. Let us learn from St. John of the Cross whose memorial we celebrate today. 

St. John of the Cross is one of the great doctors and mysticists of the Church who truly understands and embraced the authority of Jesus and so inspires in our soul, how to continue to be in love with the Lord, he said:  What more do you want my soul and what else do you search for outside, when within yourself you possess all the riches, delights, satisfactions, and fullness of the kingdom of your beloved whom you desire and seek. Therefore, be joyful and glad in your interior recollection with him for you have him so close to you. Desire him deep within your soul, and there adore him. Do not go in pursuit of him outside yourself for he is deep with you. 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we are so fragile and weak, always quick to doubt. Help us to hold on to our faith in you even in the midst of all our doubts. May we not allowed our fears and doubts to mislead or distract us from the blessings of this season. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a fruitful day.