Homily For Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 17th November, 2024

Readings: Dan. 12:1-3; Ps. 16; Heb.10:11-14.18; Mark 13:24-32

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE REALITY OF THE END TIME AND THE NEED TO BE PREPARED

Preparation they said, is the secret and foundation of every successful event. So, as a human person, there are two most important realities in our life. The first one can be predicted, prepared for and is constantly celebrated, that is, our birthday. The second one, which is the ultimate, is not known and less attention and preparation is being made for it, that is, the day of our death. This reality is what Jesus is addressing in our Gospel passage today.

Hence, Jesus knowing how important this day is, instructed his disciples in our Gospel passage saying: “In those days, after the time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will come falling from heaven and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory; then too he will send the angels to gather his chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the world to the ends of heaven.

Here, Jesus emphasized the need for us to be well prepared for the coming of God’s kingdom, warning us to read the signs of the End Time event just as we can read the signs of nature, for failure to do so, we may find ourselves unprepared when the time comes.

Little wonder we are told in our first reading to know that there is going to be a time of great distress and troubles as never before since nations first came into existence. When that time comes, your people will be spared, all those whose names are found written in the Book. Of those who lie sleeping in the dust of the earth, many will awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting disgrace.

In our second reading, we are told that Jesus Christ has offered one single sacrifice for sins and then taken his place forever at the right hand of God, where he is now waiting until his enemies are made into a footstool for him. Because, by virtue of that one single offering, he has achieved the eternal perfection of all whom he is sanctifying. Therefore, we must learn to sacrifice for the good of others despite the situation in our lives, in our country and the world at large.

Dear friends, our life as Christians demands that we should be alert, we should be prepared at all times and be ready to make sacrifices. Today, we are called to be ready, we are called to repentance, and we are called to embrace the new life of grace, love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness and peace the Lord is offering us. We are called to a life of constant struggle towards perfection in order to embrace the Lord whenever he comes. Because so many people will be caught unprepared when they realize that the day of the Lord has finally come, and they have nothing to show to God for all the gifts he has given us.

Therefore, preparation is the key word. Let us not be deceived when the world suggests to us that the day of death is not coming soon so forget who we are, and then, the day and time will take us by surprise. Rather, let us be like that wise servant who is prepared at all times for the coming of the master. We should be watchful for we know neither the day nor the hour when the Lord will call us.

We are reminded today that this world is passing away, so we need to stay awake and be ready. We are called to abstain from things that will separate us from our God. We should look into our inner being and our interior life in order to embrace the life of holiness, goodness, purity and self-control, for they are the extra oil that will help us to be more prepared.

LET US PRAY, Lord God; we often fail to listen to your warnings concerning the things of this passing world and the need for us to stay awake and be ready for your coming. Give us the grace and wisdom to be well-prepared and ready to stand before you whenever you call us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Happy Sunday and peace be with you.

Homily For Saturday Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 16th November, 2024

 

Readings: 3 John 1:5-8; Ps.112; Luke:18:1-8

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

DON’T GIVE UP KEEP PRAYING FOR GOD WILL SURELY INTERVENE

As human beings, we are often in need of something from one another. I don’t know if you have been truly in need of something from a friend who is capable of giving you what you need but will not. Or have you been in a situation where you needed something from a friend but could not get it because you could not reach him easily?

 Such a situation can make one to be under serious pressure. Then the question that comes to mind is, are we going to give up or persevere in our struggles of waiting and reaching out to him? This kind of disposition is what we experience sometimes when we pray and our requests are yet to be granted.

Little wonder Jesus, in our Gospel passage today, using the parable of the widow and the unjust judge, addresses the issues of faith in difficult times and the need to persevere in prayer. Here Jesus reassures us that God hears our prayers. He tells us that we need to pray continually and never lose heart. In this parable, Jesus is not comparing God to an unjust judge, but saying that if through perseverance one obtains justice from an unjust judge, how much more will we receive from a good and loving father? For persevering in prayer teaches us that God does not need to be informed of our needs.

The parable also serves to encourage those suffering injustice to continue their struggles and call for justice. We should persist in our complaints, and prayerfully confront unjust authorities in order to effect the change needed for justice to reign. Thus, Jesus is encouraging us never to lose heart, rather, we should approach God with confidence, persisting until we obtain what we need. We should keep on asking, seeking, and knocking in prayer until we obtain the answer we need.

Dear friends, there are times when we asked, and we received, sought and found, knocked, and it was opened to us. But there were also times when we asked but did not receive, sought but did not find, and knocked, but the door remained shut. In such moments persistency and perseverance in prayer are what we are called to embrace.

For they will help us to understand how to trust God knowing that he does not need to be informed of our needs. Therefore we are encouraged never to lose heart. Don’t give up. Keep praying, for God will surely intervene. This is certainly one of the biggest challenges of our faith today. People are not just patient with God. We want to have everything right now as it is hot. That is why, patient, persistency and perseverance are very difficult virtues for most people today.

LET US PRAY: Almighty God, oftentimes we are not patient with you in our prayers. Give us the grace to persevere and be persistent in our prayer life and in every other thing we do in life, especially in our relationship with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a fruitful weekend.

Homily For Friday Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 15th November, 2024

Readings: 2 John 4-9, Ps.119, Luke:17:26-37

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

ONE WILL BE TAKEN, THE OTHER LEFT 

In this world we are so busy preparing, acquiring and safeguarding the things of this passing world. 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. Noise is everywhere; no one wants to be patient with the other, and no one wants to give way to the other. We are so busy with everything except the very essence of our existence that is, the salvation of our souls. 

Little wonder, Jesus who is speaking of the 'end times' in our Gospel passage today, wants his listeners to notice how life was going on normally in the days of Noah and Lot when flood and fire consumed them. The people were engaged in their everyday activities when the disaster struck. On that night two will be in one bed: one will be taken, the other left; two women will be grinding corn together: one will be taken, the other left. No extraordinary warning, no premonition, no time to plan an escape. So, too, the Son of Man will come suddenly and unexpectedly. 

Our times certainly sound very much like Noah’s days, where everyone seems so busy and distracted, unable to concentrate on what is important. But Jesus is warning us today that the time for a decision can catch us unawares. He insists that with a real sense of urgency, we need to take our lives seriously. 

And St. John, in our first reading, tells us that many deceivers in the world make us too comfortable with the things of this passing world at the expense of heavenly things. Among them are those refusing to admit that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. They are the “Deceivers”; they are the Antichrist. Hence, we must watch our actions, or all our work will be lost and not get the reward it deserves. 

Dear friends, If we have not yet trusted Christ Jesus as our Saviour, we should do so now for tomorrow may be too late. If there are ugly behaviours and sins we are yet to give up, the time to do that is now. Jesus tells us that we will not have any warning signs of the coming day of judgment any more than the preaching of the Gospel. There will be no time to repent when that day comes. 

Therefore, if we believe and obey, if we acknowledge our sins and trust in the mercy of God, we have to do it right now, for the day of judgment draws very near. Let us not be unaware or apathetic about its coming. Let us not be too busy and comfortable with the things of this passing world. 

Know that the only way to be prepared is to live a good and holy life, a life that is based on love. For when we live this way, then the coming of the Son of Man will not be a disaster but a day of glory for our final salvation. Nonetheless, we should not be afraid to approach Jesus for mercy and restoration, all we need is an active faith. 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we have become so busy with the things of this passing world while neglecting to prepare our souls for your coming. As we listened to your words today, may we realize the need to prepare our souls for your coming more than any other thing in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless you.

Homily For Thursday Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 14th November, 2024

 

Readings: Philemon 1:7-20, Ps.146, Luke:17:20-25

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HAVING THE RIGHT DISPOSITION TOWARDS THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Oftentimes, whenever we hear about the kingdom of God, two questions come to mind; the first question is when is it coming? And the second question is, what will it look like? This is not different from the Pharisees in our Gospel passage today who after hearing Jesus talking about the kingdom of God, asked him when the kingdom will come. This is because they presume that the kingdom of God is yet to come, and will be visible like an earthly kingdom.

But, Jesus replies that the kingdom is already present though invisible, for the kingdom of God is within us. The kingdom is essentially God's reign in the soul of humanity through his Son Jesus. For with the presence of Jesus, the kingdom of God is already here among us. And within our hearts, God’s reign has already begun. So through our union with Jesus, we already have a foretaste of eternal life.

However, Jesus said to his disciples, a time will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man and will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or, “Look here!” Make no move; do not set off in pursuit; for as the lightning flashing from one part of heaven lights up the other, so will be the Son of Man when his day comes.

Here, Jesus encourages his disciples not to get worked up or even overly curious about the end times and the second coming of the Son of Man. Instead let us concentrate on the here and now, especially on our relationship with him as we ponder constantly on his teaching. Jesus also warns us not to be distracted by fake prophets and preachers who claim private revelations about the end of the world. Rather, we should focus on how to shape our lives to attain the demands of God’s kingdom.

Dear friends, we must learn to prepare ourselves for God’s kingdom not as something that will come in a far distant time but as something that is already here with us. And this should be seen in our attitudes and actions especially in our relationship with God and with one another. This is what St. Paul, in our first reading today, is teaching us when he said to Philemon: “I did not want to do anything without your consent; it would have been forcing your act of kindness, which should be spontaneous.

I know you have been deprived of Onesimus for a time, but it was only so that you could have him back forever, not as a slave any more, but something much better than a slave, a dear brother; especially dear to me, but how much more to you, as a blood-brother as well as a brother in the Lord.” These words of St. Paul describe how we ought to relate with one another as one people of God.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we await your Kingdom, help us to be well prepared for it whenever it comes. Give us the grace to be faithful and dedicated servants, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a faithful day.

Homily For Wednesday Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 13th November 2024

 

Readings: Titus 3:1-7, Ps.23, Luke:17:11-19

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LEARN TO SHOW GRATITUDE TO GOD FOR FAVOURS RECEIVED

Many great events in the scriptures illustrate the compassionate concern of Jesus in the struggles of humanity and how he wishes to set us free from the shackles of all our troubles. But how often do we show gratitude for such great love?

 This is evident in the occasion of our Gospel passage today, where we heard the story of Jesus’ encounter with the ten lepers. Ten of them were cured, but only one, who was a foreigner among them, came back to thank Jesus. From this man’s gratitude, Jesus made a comment on human ingratitude when he asked “Was there no one to return and give thanks to God except this foreigner?”

 The problem is that we don’t always remember that the ultimate source of our graces and gifts is God. That is what makes the Samaritan leper special, and distinguishes him from the other nine. Unfortunately, God’s greatest gifts, our life and health, and our ability to think and achieve great things are often taken for granted. More so, the story of these lepers is a good example of how we sinners can and should appeal to Jesus for cleansing, especially from our sins. We should come in faith knowing that God is always willing to cleanse every sinner who comes to Him.

So, let us sincerely turn to God once again with all of our hearts and with all of our strength, just like the lepers who came to Jesus with faith, knowing that he could heal them and make them better. This is what all of us must have as well, a strong and genuine faith. Today may be our great opportunity to be restored, and what is needed is to put our faith into action and say, Jesus! Master! Have mercy on us.

Dear friends, I don’t know what type of leprocious problems you are passing through? Are you weighed down by sin or sickness? Are you feeling helpless and rejected? Or do I know people who are helpless and need some help? Do I feel the need for Jesus’s help in some part of my life? Let us pause for a moment and imagine Jesus looking at us. How does he see us? What are you saying to him, and what is he saying to you?

Jesus wishes to set us free from sickness, troubles, challenges and manipulations of the evil ones. He desires to be with us as we struggle every day to overcome the challenges in our families, society and the world at large. Therefore, we should not be afraid to approach Jesus for healing and restoration; all we need is an active faith and a heart of gratitude like the leper in our Gospel passage today.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, you know our innermost being and the challenges we are struggling with, come to our aid. We pray and cleanse us from all our physical, emotional and spiritual leprosy as we thank you for all you have done for us, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Peace be with you.

Homily For Tuesday Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 12th November 2024. The Memorial of St. Josaphat

 

Readings: Titus 2:1-8.11-14, Ps.37, Luke:17:7-10

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HUMBLE AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS SEEK NO REWARD FROM THEIR MASTER

These days, the rate at which people seek rewards for what they have done and some even for what they have not done is quite disturbing. Today it is difficult for people to do things without looking for what they will gain from it. It takes courage to trust people even when they extend their hands of generosity to others because we often think that they have some interior motives behind the generosity. But this should not be our attitude as disciples of Christ.

Little wonder, in our Gospel passage today, Jesus, in the parable of a dutiful servant,t, corrects some of the wrong thinking and notions about being a disciple and teaches us what our true place and disposition should be. In the parable, Jesus compared our relationship with God to that of a master and his servant. Where the servant had a duty to serve his master well and to do what he had been told to do without seeking any compliments. Because the master has no obligation to congratulate or please the servant.

Therefore, this tells us that we are “unworthy servants” before our Worthy and righteous God, who loves us even in our unworthiness. So disciples should not seek reward for their good deeds. Our obedience to God is required by the very nature of who God is and not something to boast about or seek a reward for since our obedience to him is that of a son or daughter to a loving Father.

Dear friends, today we are reminded that in following Jesus, we should do all our good works in humility without any strange attachment. We should do what we can to help others we meet on our way for no reason other than to help for the seek of help. And St. Paul, in our first reading, tells us how every one of us ought to behave in the respective positions we found ourselves.

Therefore, as a faithful servant, all that is required is for us to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly before God without seeking any reward for that is what we are called to do. Remember that everything that happens to us, whether prosperous or adverse, comes from God so that you neither become puffed up in prosperity nor discouraged in adversity. Thus, in anything you do avoid evil, do good, and seek peace.

These are things we can learn from St. Josaphat whose memorial we celebrate today. He was a monk who, through persistence and perseverance, rose to the position of leadership within the Church as an Archbishop. He fought for the unification of the Church despite the rising tensions and clashes between those who were supportive of the union and those who opposed it.

As the leader and shepherd of his flock, he struggled to resolve the tensions and differences. However, these tensions and violence eventually led to his martyrdom. He dedicated himself fully to ensuring that he leads and steers the faithful to the right path through his personal holiness and exemplary lifestyle. He is known for constantly mortifying his flesh and resisting the temptations to sin.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, teach us how to be a humble and faithful servant, even when it is difficult. Through the intercession of St Josaphat, grant us the grace to be faithful and humble servants at any level we find ourselves without seeking rewards. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a faithful day.

Homily For Monday Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 11th, November 2024. The Memorial of St. Martin of Tours

Readings: Titus 1:1-9; Ps.24; Luke 17:1-6

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHY WE MUST FORGIVE AND CORRECT ONE ANOTHER IN FRATERNAL CHARITY 

The fragile nature of the human person has made it clear that we are not perfect, as we are likely to offend one another in any relationship we find ourselves. As a result of this, there is a need for us to learn how to accommodate one another’s imperfections. But one of the major challenges we face in most relationships today is the ability to properly accommodate and correct one another especially when one is straying from the norms set up for the good of the relationship.

This is what Jesus is addressing in our Gospel passage today, for he gave us the practical steps we need to follow in order to correct and reconcile with one another to build a stronger relationship when he said, be on your guard for when your brother does something wrong, reprove him and, if he is sorry, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times a day and seven times comes back to you and says, “I am sorry,” you must forgive him.’

Here, Jesus calls us to forgive and apply fraternal correction in any relationship we find ourselves in, for we are responsible for one another’s welfare, and these steps and stages give room for reconciliation and accommodation. So, fraternal correction must always be inspired by real charity which is one of the spiritual works of mercy. However, this is never an easy task, especially when one has to bear the sacrifice of forgiveness because forgiving a very grievous offence is one of the most difficult things to do.

However, forgiving a grievous offence is like recovering a lost treasure that contains: joy, peace, freedom, a healthy mind and healing. But how often do we seek to recover this lost treasure in our lives caused by unforgivingness? Hence, Jesus today calls us to persistently seek reconciliation until we gain our brothers and sisters back whenever they have offended and separated from us. 

But if they refused to be reconciled we should pray for their conversion. For in all our proceedings, we should seek direction in prayer, knowing that God manifests his mercy when he transforms people and leads them to conversion, as he changes us and turns us from selfish and rebellious individuals into truly loving people. For we are meant to watch over our neighbours. We must cultivate a good character and show good examples at any stage and level we find ourselves.

Little wonder St. Paul addressing the issues of leadership said to Titus in our first reading today: I told you: that a leader must be a man of irreproachable character; he must not have been married more than once, and his children must be believers and not uncontrollable or liable to be charged with disorderly conduct. 

Since, as president, he will be God’s representative, he must be irreproachable: never an arrogant or hot-tempered man, nor a heavy drinker or violent, nor out to make money; but a man who is hospitable and a friend of all that is good; sensible, moral, devout and self-controlled; and he must have a firm grasp of the unchanging message of the tradition. 

Dear friends, it is our duty, obligation and responsibility to ensure in a fraternal charity that our fellow brothers and sisters, friends and neighbours, colleagues and collaborators are forgiven, corrected and guided whenever they go astray. Every one of us has the responsibility to strengthen our relationship and be a good example for one another as we work the path towards our salvation.  

Therefore, mutual love and fraternal charity are the only ways and processes of fulfilling this obligation. Let us then be inspired by St. Martin of Tours, whose memorial we celebrate today; his life was truly exemplary to us before God. He was a champion of the true faith amidst several challenges and heresies that were rampant in his time. He protected his flock from the false teachings and helped to guide them down the right path, leading by example through his own virtuous life.

  

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we are rebellious and proud people, we lack the courage and disposition to correct and accept corrections. Through the intercession of St. Martin of Tours, give us the grace and courage to correct one another in fraternal charity as we also learn to accept corrections when corrected. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed week