Homily For Friday Fourth Week of Advent Year A, 23rd December, 2022

Readings : Malachi 3:1-4,23-24, Ps 24, Luke: 1:57-66

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHAT ARE THE MYSTERIES SURROUNDING YOUR BIRTH AND NAMES?

One of the most significant day in our lives is our birthday. This day often comes with joy and praise and in the mood of the joy that a life has been born, one of the things that comes to mind is giving a name to the baby as an identity. This event is very important and necessary. In fact the naming of objects and persons is an important ritual found in scripture. We can recall in the book of Genesis (Gen.2:19-20), when God created Adam and gave him the responsibility of giving names to all creation. So the act of giving a name to people has been a traditional event not only in the scriptures but in every human culture.

 Thus, our Gospel passage today, gives us the record of the events of the birth and naming of John the Baptist. From the passage, great, significant and surprising things happened on the birth and naming of John the Baptist, of which we can identify three unusual features: first the old have given birth. Secondly, the child has a strange name “John” derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning " YAHWEH is gracious", a name which no one bears in the family and thirdly, Zechariah's dumbness is taken away on account of giving this name. These brought great joy to the people and they praised God. However, such remarkable events caused the crowd to fear and reflect that something different and surprising is happening, things worth remembering. Showing us that, when God names a child, that child is significant in his plan. 

John who’s birth was prophesied by the prophets such as prophet Malachi in our first reading today saying: “Look, I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me. And the Lord you are seeking will suddenly enter his Temple. Who will be able to resist the day of his coming? Who will remain standing when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire and the fullers’ alkali. He will take his seat as refiner and purifier; he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver.” No doubt the mission of John the Baptist was quite unique and challenging because of his special role in preparing humanity for the coming of the Lord. 

Dear friends, what are the mysteries surrounding your birth and  your name? For we all have a significant place in the plan of God and our names are not just a common ceremony, because they bear the mystery of our mission and purpose in life which are testimonies of God’s plan for us. So, why not take out time today to reflect on the mystery, the meaning and circumstances surrounding your birth and your names. For by God’s grace we will understand better who we are and what our mission and purpose on earth are. And by so doing, we will faithfully stand for the truth which we represent and fulfill our plans and purposes, just like John the Baptist who stood for the truth of his mission and offered it to everyone, whenever and however it will best bring conversion to sinner even at the cost of his head. 

LET US PRAY: Almighty God, you created each one of us to fulfill your plan on earth and in our names we bear the mystery of our mission and purpose, grant us the grace to faithfully and courageously fulfill our mission and purpose in this world, through Christ our Lord. Amen. As we embrace the Christmas season, may the joy of the Lord be our strength.

Homily For Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent Year A, 22nd December, 2022

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

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

ARE YOU TRULY GRATEFUL TO GOD? FOR ONLY A GRATEFUL HEART CAN SHOW JOYFUL APPRECIATION

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, are we truly grateful to God? For only a grateful heart can joyful show appreciation like Mary and Hannah. But today 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, showing joyful appreciation to God for the salvation of our souls. 

Today God is calling us to reflect deeply on all he has done for us this year and show joyful appreciation just like Mary and Hannah, For 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 for his joyful coming.

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 Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent Year A, 21st December, 2022

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

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LEARN TO SHARE YOUR JOY WITH OTHER JUST LIKE MARY 

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 and for humanity. 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 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.