Homily For Friday Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 10th February, 2023. The Memorial of St. Scholastica

Readings: Gen 3:1-8, Ps.32, Mark 7:31-37

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

LORD OPEN ONCE AGAIN THE EARS AND TONGUES OF HUMANITY TO HEAR AND PROCLAIM YOUR WORDS

 

Reflecting on the 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 humanity paid deaf hears to the instructions of God by allowing herself to be deceived by the serpent and as a result of this ugly attitude separate herself from the presence of God out of pride and selfish desires for deceptive things of this passing world.

 

Thus, today in our Gospel passage, we hear 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 learn from St. Scholastica whose memorial we celebrate today. For despite the challenges of the time, she lived a virtuous and prayerful life, dedicated wholly to God and committed herself to live an upright life of piety and charity, inspiring others in her community to be more dedicated and faithful to God. St. Scholastica showed us all what it truly means to be Christians.

 

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. Through the intercessions of St. Scholastica,  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 Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 9th February, 2023

Readings: Gen 2:18-25, Ps.128, Mark 7:24-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

LEARN TO ACCEPT WHO YOU ARE NOW AND PERSISTENTLY WORK TOWARDS WHO YOU DESIRE TO BE

 

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 desire. 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 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. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a favourable day.

Homily For Wednesday Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 8th February, 2023

Readings: Gen 2:4-9.15-17, Ps.104, Mark 7:14:23

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

WHEN THE INTERIOR LIFE IS DEFILED BY SIN THE HEART BEARS THE UGLY FRUITS OF CORRUPT

 

Listening to our first reading today, 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. 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, covetousness and immoderate desires for more wealth of the nation 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 also, that from a corrupt heart comes the desire for fornication and adultery. And all these comes from within our hearts, especially 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, when our interior life is defiled by sins, our hearts bear ugly fruit of corruption. So, we must ensure that our interior life and 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 Wishing you a fruitful day.

Homily For Tuesday Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 7th February, 2023

Readings: Gen.1:20-2:4, Ps.8, Mark 7:1-13

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

LET LOVE AND GOODWILL BE THE FOUNDATION FOR MAKING AND IMPLEMENTING OUR LAWS

 

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 some 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 reminded 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).

 

So, he 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 God saying, ‘Let us make man in our own image, in the likeness of ourselves, and let them be masters of the fish of the sea, the birds of heaven, the cattle, all the wild beasts and all the reptiles that crawl upon the earth.’ Thus, God created man in the image of himself with laws and regulations to guide us. But we have neglected these laws in favour of what are purely human traditions.

 

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.

 

Dear friends, let love and goodwill be the foundation for making and implementing our laws. For there can be some elements of 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. Sometimes we neglect the essential service of God because of some religious regulations. We often judge people based on our human standard. And sometimes we piously go through all kinds of devotional exercises but deep down our hearts is gossip and destructive criticism of others.

Therefore, we are called today not to be like the Pharisees by holding unto unnecessary human traditions, rather, we should focus our attention more on the teaching of Jesus about the love of God and neighour and this should guide our implementation of every other laws and regulations.

 

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 to change this ugly attitudes in order to embrace your teaching on love and humility. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful day.

Homily For Monday Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 6th February, 2023

The Memorial of Saints Paul Miki and Companions

Readings: Gen.1:1-19, Ps.104, Mark 6:53-56

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

EXPERIENCING THE HEALING TOUCH OF JESUS

 

In creation story, we were told that God created everything so good and perfect just as we have it in our first reading today. 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, just like Paul Miki and Companions whose memorial we are celebrating today. They are the Holy Martyrs of Nagasaki in Japan.

 

This 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 a 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 Good Shepherd, the crown of true and everlasting glory.

 

Hence, let us discern what we can do in order to contribute in our  little ways, towards ensuring the restoration of humanity and all God’s creation which we are destroying by our lives and actions. 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 towards 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 through the intercessions of SS.  Paul Miki and Companions, may the victims of human persecutions and slavery experience restoration and the healing touch of Jesus in their lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed week.

Homily For Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, 5th February, 2023

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

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

 LET YOUR LIFE BE THAT LIGHT AND SALT NEEDED IN OUR DARK AND TASTELESS SOCIETY TODAY

 

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 fuel,  no light, no food, no water, no good roads, no one thing to be proud of in this country, little wonder 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 realty 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 darkness of greed,  corruption and sinful things of this passing world.  

Hence, today being the fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A,  our attention is drawn towards the very essence and nature of our lives as Christian and our mission in the world. This is well illustrated with the theme of LIGHT and SALT.

 

For 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 were composed of Israelites the chosen people of God, who possessed the Word of God and ought to be salt and light in the world but have failed. So, gradually, throughout his teaching, Jesus tried to deepen these idea 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. In a similar way, we are given candle light which we are to kept 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 great effect on things around them.

 

No doubt the scriptures contains different references to salt. Often times it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification. Salt as we know is used to enhance flavor, 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, it irritates those in darkness, confirms truth, purifies and exposes sin. Light makes us warms 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 to preserves the faith and give flavour to human life. Light to 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. For we have continued to embrace the things of this passing world and are spoiled by its destructive ways. We have gotten 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 gotten that we are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top 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, organizations and institutions we find ourselves? 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 deep darkness of sin, corruption and greediness? How come we have failed to give that  taste of love, joy, goodwill,  integrity,  honest, holiness,  compassion to our tasteless and corruption families,  societies and our country Nigeria where life has become short, brutal and hopeless, no money in circulation, no fuel,  no light, no food, no water, no good roads.

 

Why have we failed to be the salt and light of this nation?  Why have 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 the implementations of those policies? I don’t think so,  for I know we are involved, but we have gotten 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 in a different manner? 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 what. We have to do the best within our capacity by utilizing our gifts and talents, using them to touch others 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 in the life of people around us who are suffering and tasting for love and compassion.

 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as we struggle everyday 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, 4th February, 2023

Readings: Heb. 13:15-17.20-21, Ps.23, Mark 6:30-34

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

WHY HAVE WE BECOME LIKE SHEEP WITHOUT RESPONSIBLE SHEPHERDS?

 

There is no doubt that humanity are constantly in need of one thing or the other, we are never tired of searching for things that will satisfy our desires for physical and spiritual well being. This is even worst with the ugly situation in our country today were people are lost, confused, sick and completely broke as a result of what we have created out of our selfish desires.

 

Today in our country we are all suffering like sheep without responsible shepherds, no money in circulation,  no fuel,  no light, no food, no good roads, no one thing to be proud of in this country, because we have constantly fail to do the right things or elect people off goodwill to manage  public offices. This can be likened to  the situation and condition of the people in our Gospel passage today of which Jesus and his disciples devoted time trying to address the situation.

 

But as the situation grew worst, 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 are like sheep without a shepherd and he healed their sickness and taught them for a while.

 

Here, Jesus fulfills his role as the expected messiah who is to liberate his people from all kinds of diseases and ugly situations. 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. For we are told in our first reading that Jesus has become the great Shepherd of the sheep by his blood that sealed an eternal covenant, thereby making us ready to do his will in any kind of good action; by turning us all into whatever is acceptable to himself. How I wish that we all can learn to do the right thing and be responsible with whatever obligation entrusted to us just like Jesus and his disciples.

 

Dear friends, the hopeless and ugly situation in our country today are good indications that we are just floating in this world like sheep without responsible Shepherds. 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 we should remain focused towards achieving the greater goal through goodwill.

 

For these are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us so much. We must ensure that neither death nor life, no angel, no princes of this world, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord who is our true Shepherd.

 

Therefore, let us come to Jesus our Good Shepherd and embrace his love and compassion. Let us have goodwill for one another. Let us be good leaders in any level we find ourselves.  Let us pray for good leaders especially in these coming elections, by going out to elect good and credible leaders in every sector and offices in our societies, not just president, governors and senators. Let us know those we are entrusting with the responsibility of managing public offices. By so doing, our prayers and desires for good leaders will be granted.

 

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, guide us once again towards the path of truth, love and fulfilment even in the midst of all the confusion in our country today. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed weekend.