Homily For Friday Fourth Week of Easter Year A, 5th May, 2023

Readings: Acts. 13:26-33 ; Ps.2; John 14:1-6

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

 

IN JESUS WE FIND THE TRUTH AND THE WAY OUT OF OUR PREDICAMENTS IN THIS PASSING WORLD

 

With the ugly situation of things in our world, there are different grades of sufferings and problems in our societies today, that both the poor and the rich are testifying to it. Hence, we can fill the struggles, the tears, the disappointments that people are passing through everyday.

 

In fact, some people have lost hope in themselves and even in everything they do as they run up and down seeking for solutions. The poor are seeking for daily bread, upliftment and favour, the rich are seeking for protection and good health, while the evil ones are taking advantage of the situation to destroy the little faith of the people. The evil in the world is putting our faith to test and most people are giving in to their scheme as they are unable to overcome them.

 

So today, Jesus in our Gospel passage said ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me.’ And he conclude by saying: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’ Here, we have one of the most consoling words of Jesus to his disciples who were afraid after he had told them about his passion and what will happen to them as well. He reassured them that he will always be with them as he goes to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house.

 

In a similar way we heard in our first reading, the story of St Paul’s encouragement to the Jewish community in Antioch in Pisidia, telling them how the people in Jerusalem had treated Jesus so badly, rejecting him and condemning him to death, a most painful and humiliating death on the Cross, but God has turned all of that into joy and salvation, as everything had indeed been part of God’s plan of saving humanity. Therefore, Jesus is reminding us again the Covenant which God has made with us for He will not abandon us to destruction.

 

Dear friends, Jesus is indeed the Way, the Truth and the Life. In him we find the truth and the way out of our predicaments in this passing world. He is the only Way for us to pass through and overcome the ugly situation we find ourselves. He is the Truth that all of us should be following in order to unveil the lies, deceptions and evil that is going on in our world. He is the Life that we have all been seeking to have and protect. Thus, Jesus is saying to us, do not let your heart be troubled, trust in God and trust in me.

 

Therefore, all we need is to have a total faith and trust in God through Jesus who has assured us that he will not abandoned us in this ugly situation. Let us from now on, put our complete trust in God, knowing that in Him alone can we find the truth and a way out of the predicaments and trials we are facing in our world today. Let us be patient no matter how difficult our lives and conditions may have been at this moment, for God knows how best to handle the situation. Let us encouraged one another for it is our duty as Christians to bring hope to humanity especially in this most difficult moment in human history.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, You are the author of our lives, freedom and salvation, all we have are yours, thank you for being with us in our daily troubles, struggles, fears, tears, hope and joy, may you provide for the poor, console the troubled, heal the sick, protect and put simile on the faces of your children today and always. Amen. Do have a blessed day.

Homily For Thursday Fourth Week of Easter Year A, 4th May, 2023

Readings: Acts. 13:13-25 ; Ps.89; John 13:16-20

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

 

THE SPIRIT OF A TRUE DISCIPLE

 

A good follower of anyone is generally referred to as a disciple and a true disciple is simply a learner, a student of a teacher and the goal of such student is to become like the teacher. This does not mean that the disciple will become equal with the teacher, but will develop the same qualities and skills as that of the teacher.

 

So today, as Jesus continues with his instruction on what it means to be his followers in respect to the mission he is about to entrust to his disciples said to them after washing their feet: “truly, truly I say to you no servant is greater than his master, no messenger is greater than the man who sent him… whoever welcomes the one I send welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me”.

 

Thus, as we listened to the Scripture, we are reminded to follow the Lord and obey his ways, his teachings and ensure that we are walking in the path of truth that he has shown to us. Also, as disciples of Christ there is need to know the purpose of our life and mission which is to become like Jesus in deeds and in character, this is the spirit of a true disciple. By so doing, we will have confident that God will enable us to carry out the work that He has entrusted to us even when persecuted, knowing that neither men nor the devil can affect our soul.

 

A good example of a man who followed the example of Jesus as his Lord and Master is St. Paul, who in our first reading today demonstrated great courage and faith in Jesus. For as he visited the Jewish community in the city of Antioch in Pisidia in Asia Minor and was asked to speak to the people in the synagogue, he began by speaking of the coming of Jesus the true Messiah in whose name he has been preaching and travelling around the community. Paul began by reminding the people of God’s historical plan for the salvation of humanity, and how He had always guided His people from the time of Moses to the coming of the Messiah.

 

Therefore, as followers of Christ, we are reminded that we have also received the same message of truth and encouragement from the Lord through our faith in him. Now like St. Paul, we have to be courageous in following the instructions of our master Jesus especially at this difficult moment when so many people around the world are suffering from the effects of human wickedness, greed and corruption. Many people have lost their lives, their loved ones, their jobs. Some are isolated from people they loved, hunger and starvation have turned people to what they are not, fear and uncertainties have become the lot of the common man in the street, kidnapping and violence have become the order of the day.

 

Dear friends, in the midst of all these difficulties, we are called to be courageous, hopeful, steadfast and to share with others the massage of hope that we have received from the Lord. We are called to bring God’s light into the darkness of lies, deceit, corruption and greed in the world. Following the example of our Master Jesus, we are called to awaken hope once again in our lives, families and in the hearts of humanity. No doubt that this is a very difficult task, but we cannot run away from it. All we need to do is to stand on the strength of our hope and belief in God, so that in all our words, actions and deeds the power of God will be made present in our families and in the world through us.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we follow the example of Jesus our Lord and Master, grant we pray, the grace of courage and faith so that as your true disciples, we may have confidence to carry out your mission in the world, even in the midst of persecution, sufferings, sickness and death, knowing that your love and care for us surpass all our challenges. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed and peaceful day.

Homily For Wednesday Fourth Week of Easter Year A, The Feast of SS Philip and James, 3rd May, 2023

Readings: 1Cor 15:1-8; Ps.19;  John 14:6-14

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

 

DO WE TRULY KNOW THE LORD?

 

The main goal of discipleship is acquiring the mind of the master and the price to pay is desiring to obey and learn from the Master. This is clear with the use of the imagery of Father and Son by Jesus to explain his relationship with God the Father. But oftentimes, the people and even his disciples find it difficult to understand the systematic fashion of this relationship.

 

So in our Gospel passage today, Jesus tried to explain this relationship to his disciples when he said to them: I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, If you know me, you know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him. Curiously, Philip said, ‘Lord, let us see the Father and then we shall be satisfied'. But Jesus said: you must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; I tell you most solemnly, whoever believes in me will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father and whatever you ask for in my name I will do it.

 

Here Jesus is saying that if we want to know God and understand his ways in relation to humanity, all we need to do is to look at him (Jesus) as the Son of the Father who has come to reveal the true image of God to humanity. We are to observe what he does, listen to what he teaches, watch how he behaves, what and who he loves, what he rejects or defends. By so doing, we will discover God in him because as the Son, he is the true human image of God. He is one with the Father in unity of existence and life and this is evidence in the Words he spoke and the works he performed.

 

Consequently, those who believe in him are endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit and will do greater works then he has done, for he has gone to the Father and whatever they ask in his name he will do it, because they will be asking in accordance with the Holy Spirit in union with the name of the very person of Jesus whose request the Father will always granted.

 

So today we celebrate the feast of SS Philip and James, two great Apostles of our Lord Jesus, who laboured and worked hard to serve the Lord and brought his Good News to different corners of the world. Tradition has it that, Philip evangelized and preached in places like Greece, Asia Minor and Syria. It was during one of his ministry, according to tradition, that he was martyred when along with Bartholomew, tried to convince the wife of the local ruler to convert to the Christian faith and the furious ruler ordered Philip and Bartholomew to be crucified upside-down.

 

But Philip asked his persecutors to release Bartholomew, which they did, but he himself remain on the cross, and there he died a martyr. In a similar way St. James  whom we celebrate today was often referred to as "St. James the Less" to distinguish him from the other apostle named James, who was the brother of John. James the Lesser as he was called, was also a devoted disciple of the Lord, who was credited with the evangelization and conversion of many peoples just like Philip and the other Apostles. He was also martyred in Egypt, where he worked greatly in spreading the Gospel and defending the faith he has found in Jesus.

 

So, why Philip and James share a feast day is because, for centuries, the Catholic Church had special feasts to honor only four of the apostles. While the Church memorialized the remaining apostles all together on June 29. But in the sixth century, the bodies of SS. Philip and James were brought to Rome from the East and were laid to rest in the Basilica of the Holy Apostles. Since they arrived together at the same location, the Church instituted a single feast day for both apostles.

 

Dear friends, the questions we need to ask ourselves today are: Do we truly know the Lord?  Do we really believe in God as our Father? Do we personally and truly know and believe in Jesus as the way, the truth and the life? Have we any personal experience of the power of the Holy Spirit. The truth is that we can only do great work in his name when we have a personal experience and encounter with the risen Lord, just like the disciples Philip and James who after experienced the risen Lord, sacrificed their lives for the sake of his Gospel.

 

Therefore, I don’t what your experience of the Lord has been? I don’t know what you want God to do for you, I don’t know that pray points you recite everyday, I don’t know how deep your requests are, all I know is that if we truly have a personal relationship with Jesus and believe in him as the way, the truth and the life, we are going to be endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit and will do greater works then he has done, for he has gone to the Father and has promised us that whatever we ask in his name he will do it.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we follow Jesus the way, the truth and the life, help us to carry out our responsibilities effectively, may we through the intercession of SS. Philip and James, have a personal experience of your presence in our lives, so that presenting our needs before you, we may find favour in your presence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a fruitful day.

Homily For Tuesday Fourth Week of Easter Year A, 2nd May, 2023. The Memorial of St. Athanasius

Readings: Acts. 11:19-26 ; Ps.87; John 10:22-30

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

 

ARE WE STILL CHRISTIANS IN NAME AND IN CHARACTER?

 

Giving a name to things is one of the habits and traditions of the human person. Little wonder Adam’s first assignment was to give names to what God has created. And throughout human history and even today a name is a powerful thing with great significant that can not be neglected. Names of things have deep meaning drawn from experiences that help define the reality surrounding such things.

 

So today in our first reading, the disciples of Jesus were for the first time given the name “Christian” in Antioch. But why a new name with a new word for these disciples of Christ in Antioch? Why was the name given by outsiders and why is the name different from other groups of the Jewish sect? From the reading, we heard that persecution forced many believers from Jerusalem to be scattered to various areas, as some from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks, telling them the Good News about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

 

Thus, seeing that their devotion, passion, love, behaviour, activity, and speech were like that of Christ Jesus, they called them Christians. This is because it was common for the Greeks to give nicknames to particular groups based on their way of life in relation to their leader. So since this new group were characterized by behaviour and speech centered in Christ, they called them “Christians,” or “those of the party of Christ.” And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians” because their behaviour, activity, and speech were like Christ.

 

Today, we are called Christians, followers of Christ, but are we still Christians in name and character? Are we really behaving like Christ?, Are we still having that devotion, passion, love, behaviour, activity, and speech like that of Christ and the early disciples? The disciples were scattered to various places due to persecution but everywhere they go they proclaimed the Good News of Jesus with their lives, are we doing the same today?

 

Dear friends, today we have the personal responsibility to ask ourselves, “What does the name Christian means to me? Am I living out the responsibility of the name Christian which I claim to bear? Does the name Christian speaks of my deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Do I perceive the name Christian from the world’s perspective today or for what it’s really means Christ-like people?

 

Remember, the people of Antioch gave the name to the disciples of Christ based on the experience of the reality they represent, but what name will the people of our society today give to us based on how we have represented the reality of the name Christians? In fact, do you still belong and believe in the true meaning of the name Christians?

 

Hence, Jesus says in our Gospel passage today,  you do not believe, because you are no sheep of mine. The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from me. So, let us learn to live our lives like true Christians as we are often called.

 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, grant we pray, that we may always find delight in bearing the name Christians even in the midst of persecutions and difficulties. Through the intercession of St. Athanasius, give us grace like the early disciples to bear authentic witness of the Good News of Jesus by our way of life, he who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. God bless you.

Homily For Monday Fourth Week of Easter Year A, 1 May, 2023. (Happy New Month)

Readings: Acts. 11:1-18 ; Ps.41; John 10:11-18

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

 

TRUE LEADERSHIP IS OBTAIN THROUGH SACRIFICAL LIFE OF LOVE

 

Leadership is one of the characteristics of the human person, it is that which makes us unique from every other creatures. It is a gift from God by which we serve Him and our neighbour responsibly. However, a critical look at what is happening in our world today, it is obvious that humanity are losing the true meaning and essence of leadership.

 

This is because we have failed to understand the true meaning and source of leadership and this can be seen in the kind of fruit we bear as leaders. The fruit of leadership in this generation is so complicated: leadership has become a tool for power tussle, selfishness, deception, greed, corruption and intimidation of people. For we have abandoned God who is the source and giver of true leadership skills and knowledge.

 

Hence, in our Gospel passage, while addressing the people on the good leadership qualities and attitudes, Jesus said: good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep. While the hired man, since he is not the shepherd and the sheep do not belong to him abandons the sheep and runs away as soon as he sees a wolf coming, and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep. Then he continues by saying: I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep.

 

Here, Jesus tells us that the attitude of a good leader is a life of sacrifice, love, care, discipline, mercy and knowledge of the sheep or people entrusted to the leader. And this is what Jesus demonstrated with his life. Showing us that love is the root of leadership. Without true love for the people, there will never be a leader to be called a good shepherd.

 

Therefore, today we are called to come back to the source of love, God himself, who teaches us that love is an attitude of a true leader that seeks the good of others despite how we feel about them. He teaches us to be merciful, just as he is merciful. Love in leadership is an attitude that is sacrificial, an attitude that forgives, an attitude that accommodates, preserves, heals and builds up others when every other thing fails. This is the kind of attitude in leadership that the world needs now, the attitude that comes from the pure love of God and neighbours.

 

Dear friends, how can humanity recover this leadership skills rooted in the power of love? How can we harness it to bear more fruit in our societies where it seem as if true leadership exist no more? This is possible when we realize that we are all products of love and are called to live out our essence, which is to love.  

 

We are called to be good examples to one another, imitating Jesus the Good Shepherd, who has been so loving and caring towards us. And these we are called to reciprocate to others, and by so doing we will finally reach that grazing ground where all who followed Jesus the good shepherd in simplicity of heart will feed on the green pastures of eternity in heaven.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we listen to your words today, may we embrace the attitudes and qualities of good leadership, knowing that in us resides that leadership of love that is lacking in our society today. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful Month

Homily For Fourth Sunday of Easter Year A, The Good Shepherd/Vocation Sunday, 30th April, 2023

Readings: Acts.2:14. 36-41; Ps.23; 1 Pet. 2:20-25;  John 10-1-10

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

 

SHERHARDS, LEARN TO ENTER THROUGH THE GATE OF THE SHEEPFOLD AND FIND PEACE FOR YOUR SOUL

 

The imagery of shepherd and sheep occur frequently in the Scriptures. A figurative term which represent the leaders and those entrusted to them. Today in our Gospel passage, we heard Jesus talking about the gate of the sheepfold and the attitudes of the sheep and shepherds. He said: I am the gate of the sheepfold. All others who have come are thieves and brigands; but the sheep took no notice of them. I am the gate. Anyone who enters through me will be safe. The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and leads them out.

 

Traditionally, shepherds were image of the rulers of God’s people and of God himself. So in this Gospel passage after dispute with the Pharisees who were the leaders of the people, Jesus using this parable, illustrates the difference between true leaders of the people and the false ones. Telling us that the people need to be organized into a fold, protected and guided by the one true Shepherd. This Shepherd image has become a model for Christian ministry as the Church imitates Jesus the true Shepherd whose voice the sheep know and follow.

 

Also, in the scriptures, we have a good number of passages that describes the characteristic behaviour of a sheep. So, the understanding of sheep behaviour is essential for us to know what Jesus is saying to us today. One of the characteristics of sheep is their Flocking behavior. Sheep are best known for their strong flocking and following instinct. They will run from what frightens them and bond together in large groups for protection. This is the only protection they have from predators, for there is safety in numbers. It is this strong flocking instinct that allows one person to look after so many sheep.

 

Another characteristics of sheep is following the leader. When one sheep moves, the rest will follow, even if it does not seem to be a good idea. The flocking and following instinct of sheep is so strong that even from birth, lambs learn to follow the older members of the flock. The dominant members of the flock usually lead, followed by the submissive ones.

 

This will help us to understand the Social life of good sheep, as we know sheep are very good social animals. They often ensure that they have visual contact with other sheep. And they become highly-agitated if separated from the rest of the sheep. These great characteristics are highly needed among us, who follow Jesus the Good Shepherd. We need to have sense of belonging, we need to learn to flock together, we need to have love instinct for one another and for the shepherd. We need to be docile and submissive.

 

We must not be separated from others nor allowed anyone to separate from the flock. We must learn to be humble and meek like sheep. As we know sheep are usually very quiet and gentle, holding themselves aloof from the world, we must learn to do the same. Good sheep tend to listen to their leaders and show respect to them, we must learn to do the same.

 

Sheep are highly obedient and because of their obedient character, they are one of the most loved animal, so we too must learn to be obedient so as to experience love from the Good Shepherd and from one another. Although, We are sheep, but sometimes the Good Shepherd entrust his leadership to us in order to follow his examples in serving the people. Therefore, we must learn to follow Jesus the Good Shepherd of our souls

 

Little wonder, every fourth Sunday of Easter the Church celebrate the Good Shepherd Sunday or Vocation Sunday, a day dedicated to reflect on Jesus the Good Shepherd, who guides all the flock of God into the path that He has prepared for us. It is also an occasion to celebrate Vocation, because God has also called some of us to follow Him to be shepherds in the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd.

 

The shepherds are the bishops, the priest and all leaders of different capacity who are called to serve the Lord and His people as guidance, helpers, coordinators, parents and teachers of his flock. We are called to follow the examples of the Good Shepherd Himself in serving the people.

 

However, as there are many Shepherd leaders who are working so hard to follow the good example of Jesus the Good Shepherd, there is no doubt that in our societies, there are some false and bad leaders who are not walking in the path of the Good Shepherd, but instead, allowed themselves to be overwhelmed by the sins of greed, selfishness and corruption in the world.

 

Dear friends, we must learn the be good sheep and good Shepherd. For in our societies we see that some shepherds who ought to guide and feed the sheep are now feeding on the sheep, scattering them in order to select their choice and feed on their milk, wore their wool, eat their flesh, enriching and fatling themselves from their products. While treating the sheep harshly and brutally, abandoning the sick, the weak and the strayed.

 

Most leaders in our society have betrayed their mission: instead of promoting a just society in accordance with the plan of God, they are using their authority to enrich themselves while oppressing the people entrusted to them. Today, the duties neglected by such leaders are now hunting everyone. The consequences of our bad leadership is what is affecting the whole world today. Therefore, it time for us to return to God the true Shepherd of our souls, it is time to listen to the voice of Jesus and follow him the true gate of the sheepfold. It is time to change our ugly, greedy, selfish and corrupt ways of doing things. 

 

Though, we have gone astray like lost sheep but now, let us come back to the shepherd and guardian of our souls Jesus Christ, who suffered for us and left an example for us to follow his way as we have it in our second reading. let us entrust ourselves and all the leaders of the world to Jesus, who is the good shepherd. He assures us that even though we are the least, the nobodies and most neglected in the eyes of the world, he will not forget us but will continue to provide for our daily needs through his good and faithful leaders.

 

LET US PRAY, Lord God, as we celebrate Good Shepherd/ vocation Sunday, we pray for all the leaders of the world both religious, secular and in the family, that you will make us true Shepherd of your flock so that we may truly be able to find meaning to our respective vocations in life and for those who are still discerning the path to their vocations, especially all who are discerning their call: the seminarians, religious sisters and brothers, and those looking for life partner, may you help and guide all of us to our true vocation in life. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed and grace filled Sunday.

Homily For Saturday Third Week of Easter Year A, 29th April, 2023

Readings: Acts. 9:31-42; Ps.116; John 6:60-69

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

 

DO NOT WALK WAY WHEN THE ARTICLS OF OUR FAITH SEEMS DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND

 

Everyday of our lives we make choices that we think are good for us. But sometimes some choices are very difficult to make. However, the root of any choice we make in life comes from the fundamental option we have made as a human person. Our fundamental option is the option we make for or against God, to love or to be selfish, to be good or evil, to be holy or sinful. This option has a way of influencing any other choices we make in life.

 

Today, in our Gospel passage, we heard how the people reacted when faced with hard choice on account of the teachings of Jesus. For as he ends the discourse on the Bread of Life he said to them: whoever, eats my flesh and drink my blood has eternal life… For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. So, hearing this hard teaching, many of his disciples decided to walk away. Then Jesus asked the twelve: will you also go away? Peter answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.

 

Following these responses, we can see how important it is for us to make the fundamental option for God if we really want to follow him. As we heard that most of the followers of Jesus left him behind after he spoke of himself as the Bread of Life. Thus, many of them refused to believe in such hard truth and teaching. This may be as a result of their ignorance, impatience and inability to accommodate difficult moment and realities that is beyond them.

 

Dear friends, everyday we are called to make this fundamental option between God the Creator and the creatures who have made themselves gods. For this is the reality of our faith in Christ, so, the Christian faith which we have is not something we should take for granted, as we may often find it difficult to remain faithful especially when we are confronted with arguments and realities that are opposite and in contrast to our faith. Yet, at the same time, we are called to continue to be faithful and dedicate ourselves completely in obedience to the teachings of Christ.

 

Thus, when the articles of our faith or our life situations seems difficult, we are called to come to Jesus. We are called to believe in him who came from above and bears testimony of heavenly things. We are called like the apostles to say Lord to whom shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life. We are to bear witness of these things through the power of the Holy Spirit, knowing that our choice for God is a choice for love, and a life of love is a sacrificial life neither easy nor comfortable.

 

Therefore, inspired by the faith and courage of St Peter, who in our first reading today did great miraculous works in the name of Jesus, let us bear witness to the faith we have found in Jesus, by identifying ourselves with him who is the bread of life, full of love and goodness, as we live a life of holiness and building a good relationship with others like Dorcas in our first reading who was never tired of doing good.

 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, our hope is all in you, when in difficult moment of decision making regarding our faith in you, give us the grace and courage like St. Peter to bear authentic witness to the faith we have found in Christ Jesus, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Do have a fruitful weekend.