Homily For Fourth Sunday of Advent Year B, 24th December, 2023

Readings: 2Sam 7:1-5,8-11,16; Ps. 89; Rom 16:25-27; Like 1:26-38

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

 

MAKING A HUMBLE SUBMISSION TO GOD 'S PLAN

As we await the commemoration of the nativity of our Lord Jesus, an event that reminds us and reveals to us the great plan of God towards the redemption of humanity. This Sunday we are required to say yes to God’s plan and this yes requires the sacrificial love for God and humanity that will make us abandon our personal plans in order to embrace the plan of God. Hence we are called to reflect on the theme of Love. This is evident in our readings today beginning with the first reading where we heard about King David who now was a king of a united kingdom of Israel, with Jerusalem as the capital, set out to build a house for the Lord. But the Lord knowing David’s plan asked him through prophet Nathan to stop, for instead it is the Lord who will build a dynasty for David, a dynasty that will last forever, a promise which was fulfilled in Jesus as echoed by angel Gabriel’s words to Mary in our Gospel passage today.

 

Thus, today’s Gospel presents to us the story of the annunciation by the angel to Mary. An event which immediately precedes the story of the annunciation to Zechariah (1:5-25). These two stories are unique and special. The condition of the women in these stories reveals the unique plan of God for each one of them because, neither Elizabeth (Zechariah’s wife) nor Mary at that moment was a likely candidate for childbearing. This is so because, Elizabeth was too old, so John’s birth will require a miracle. Mary was a virgin, so Jesus’ birth will require even a greater miracle. But in all, God planned and designed it to be so and both Mary and Elizabeth saying yes, cooperated with the plan of God. An action that shows the sacrificial love they have for God and humanity.

 

Concerning this plan of God and the sacrificial love required, St. Paul in our second reading says, “Glory to him who can give us the strength to live according to the Good News I preach, and in which I proclaim Jesus Christ, the revelation of a mystery kept secret for endless ages, but now so clear that it must be broadcast to pagans everywhere to bring them to the obedience of faith”. This is the plan of God for humanity, for God wants to reconcile with us for us to fulfil the purpose for which he created us.

 

Dear friends, saying yes to God’s plan for us is so important. And I must tell us that God has a special plan for everyone, a unique plan. But we are required in a sacrificial way to make a humble submission to God’s plans over our plans. Though, sometimes it seems as if God has favoured some persons more than others. Well, in the eyes of men it seems true, but God has favoured each person in a very unique way only that we sometimes do not understand what God is doing in our lives. Our understanding of favour is quite different from that of God.

 

Therefore, all we need is to say yes and trust in God for he has plans which are meant uniquely for each person. We do not need to know the plans God has for us, all we need is to trust and cooperate with his plan. For God alone knows the plans he has for us and in due time he will reveal them to us just as he revealed to Mary the plan he has for her through the angel all we need is to love God and make a humble submission to his will for us.

 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as we approach the birthday of Christ your Son, give us the grace to constantly embrace your will and plans for us by saying yes to your words. Help us cultivate the inner attitude of silence and recollection in order to welcome Christ joyfully when he comes, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Do have a grace-filled Sunday.

Homily For Saturday Third Week of Advent Year B, 23rd December, 2023

Readings: Malachi 3:1-4,23-24; Ps 25; Luke: 1:57-66

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

OUR BIRTH AND NAMES REVEAL THE MYSTERY OF OUR PURPOSE AND MISSION IN LIFE

 

One of the most significant days in our lives is our birthday. This day often comes with joy and praise and in the mood of 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, reflect and suspect that something different and surprising was happening, things worth remembering. Showing us that, when God names a child, that child is significant in his plan.

 

John’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 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 our birth and names have a way of revealing our purpose and mission in life. This shows that 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 time today to reflect on the mystery, the meaning and circumstances surrounding your birth and your names? 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 fulfil 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 fulfil 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 fulfil 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 Friday of the Fourth Week of Advent Year B, 22nd December, 2023

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

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

LEARN TO MAKE JOYFUL APPRECIATION TO GOD LIKE MARY AND HANNAH

 

As we look back to all the events that happened this year and how we can 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. 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 rejoice greatly, for it was truly a great and joyful moment which God had shown to all his people.

 

Dear friends, are we truly grateful to God? For only a grateful heart can joyfully 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, and 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 Saviour, and may this joy always remain in our hearts through Christ our Lord. Amen. Peace be with you.

 

Homily For Thursday Third Week of Advent Year B, 21st December, 2023

Readings : Song of Songs 2:8-14 , Ps. 33, Luke: 1:39-45

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

THE  JOY OF VISITATION

 

Every good news we hear has a way of activating the joys in our hearts and when this happens we necessarily want to share this joy with others. This is the case with the women in our Gospel passage today, who received favour from the Lord and decided to share their joy 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 had 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 rejoice greatly, for it was truly a great and joyful moment which God had 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 wake up this morning may the joy of the coming Lord fill our hearts with passion, love and ready to accomplish great things for the Lord and 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 a few days to Christmas, and as we struggle with our daily tasks, 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 focused, be ready, be determined 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 Wednesday Third Week of Advent Year A, 20th December, 2023

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

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

 

LEARN TO ACCEPT THE WILL OF GOD JUST LIKE MARY

 

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 the 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 would give him a sign. This shows a 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 are opposite of Mary’s total humility and devotion to God.  Hence, Mary has 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 has 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 angel, 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 accept the will of God and 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 abandon 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 our love and devotion to God. knowing that he is closer to us in these challenging moments for he does not fail in his promises.

 

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

Homily For Tuesday The Third Week of Advent Year B, 19th December, 2023

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

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

DO NOT BE AFRAID 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 Testament scriptures.

 

In our Gospel passage, we have Elizabeth mother of John the Baptist and the unnamed mother of Samson in the first reading. They remind us that God is in control of 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, your prayer has been answered!” 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.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, every day we struggle to identify ourselves with your plans for us, grant that we may faithfully follow your plans and find joy in doing them no matter how difficult they may be, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed and fruitful day.

Homily For Monday the Third Week of Advent Year B, 18th December, 2023

Readings Jer. 23:5-8; Ps. 72; Matt.1:18-24

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

LEARN TO ADDRESS THE CHALLENGING MOMENTS OF YOUR LIFE LIKE ST JOSEPH

 

As we continue the preparation for the birthday of our Lord Jesus, the liturgy presents to us the events preceding the birth of Jesus and invites us to contemplate the roles St Joseph played in the life of Jesus and Mary which our Gospel passage today presents to us how Jesus Christ came to be born. A challenging moment in the lives of Mary and Joseph.

 

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

 

Hence, we can see how this Gospel passage reveals to us the magnanimity of Joseph’s heart and soul. He wished to follow his 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 plan, he did not allow bitterness to poison his soul; rather, silently he was ready to make himself available to the event of the new mission entrusted to him. This reveals to us how deep and great St. Joseph’s holiness of life was.

 

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

 

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

 

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