First Sunday of Advent Year C, 1st December, 2024. (Happy Sunday Month)

 

Readings: Jer. 33:14-16; Ps.25; 1Thess. 3:12-4:2; Luke 21:25-28.34-36

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

CELEBRATING IN JOYFUL HOPE FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD

In a special way, today we enter a new month and new liturgical season, the season of Advent and in a special way, every first Sunday of Advent, the Church begins another liturgical year within the three years of A, B and C in the liturgical circle of the Church. In this Advent season, we are celebrating year C. And the season of Advent, as we know, is one of the most important seasons in the life of every Christian. The word Advent stems from the Latin root, Adventus, which means 'arrival' though from the root word advenire whereby ad means 'to' and venire means 'come' that is the coming of someone great.

So Advent is a period of intense preparations and a time of waiting in hope for the coming of the Lord, which is in two folds: first, the coming of the Messiah, that is, the birth of Jesus at Christmas, and second, the return of Jesus at the Second Coming “ the parousia”. This is why the Advent season is divided into two parts. The first, which runs from the first Sunday until the 16th of December, dwells on the second coming of Christ, the eschatological aspect of Advent. The second aspect, which focuses on the first coming of Christ at Bethlehem, runs from 17th to 24th December.

Thus, Advent is a season characterized by four major themes, which include: ‘Hope’, ‘Peace’, ‘Joy’ and ‘Love’. So, on this first Sunday of Advent, our focus is on hope. A joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour who is our hope. Thus, as we anticipate the birth of Christ, who is the source of our salvation, our hope and the Light that dispels the darkness of this world, it is our duty as Christians to keep hope alive in the world for as long as there is hope, no situation is impossible.

But what should be our disposition this season? Our disposition should be one of watchful expectation in order to recognize the Lord and be at peace with him when he comes. We are to be ready and prepared to welcome him with joy in our daily lives. Hence, this is the season of reconciliation, when we must ensure that we reconcile with God and with one another. It is a season when we have to reexamine our way of life.

Advent is a time of reconfiguration of our lives to that of Christ and also to take stock of what we have done and what we are going to do from now onwards. Our disposition to welcoming the Lord in our hearts should be at its very peak, and this should be seen by our ways of doing things. Also, our desire for conversion and holiness should be more visible by shaping our lives more to that of Christ who showers his love, mercy and compassion to all.

This is what the readings of this season call our attention to, especially in the twofold coming of Christ as we have it in today’s readings. Thus, in the first reading, we heard from the prophet Jeremiah addressing the people of Judah at the darkest moments in their history, reminding them of God’s promises of a righteous Branch of light, truth and hope when he said: in those days and at that time, God will make a virtuous Branch grow for David, who shall practice honesty and integrity in the land. This righteous Branch we see in the person of Christ Jesus. Thus, we are reminded that Christ is our true Hope, and he is the joy of this season.

And Jesus, in our Gospel passage today, tells us that there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect and hold your heads high because your liberation is near at hand. Here, we heard the message of hope and warning, calling us to embrace the message of the season. So, we must keep watching or our hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on us suddenly, like a trap

Dear friends, today we are called to be ready, we are called to repentance, and we are called to embrace the new life the Lord is offering us. We are called to a life of constant struggle towards perfection. Little wonder St. Paul, in our first reading today, says: brothers, we urge you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus to make more and more progress in the kind of life that you are meant to live: the life that God wants.

 This is exactly what this season of Advent is all about and the Church is offering us another opportunity to encounter the Lord personally and to make that encounter a permanent experience. We should place our hope in Christ, for while there is hope, there is life. For it is because of the Lord that we can hope once again, knowing that beyond the sufferings of humanity due to sin and death, there is Light that dispels the falsehoods of evil and the despair of darkness that covers the whole world.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we embrace this season in expectation of the coming of Christ your Son, may the Holy Spirit inspire us to have the right disposition that will enable us to embrace the Lord when he comes. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Happy New Month and God bless you

Homily For Saturday Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 30th November, 2024. Feast of St. Andrew Apostle

 

Readings Rom 10:9-18 , Ps.19:2-5, Matt 4:18-22

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE MISSIONARY ZEAL OF ST. ANDREW

Today, we celebrate the feast of St Andrew, one of the Apostles of Christ, and our Gospel tells us the story of how a call from the Lord changed the direction of the lives of the first disciples, who left everything and followed him. Andrew was one of them. He was one of the disciples of St. John the Baptist before becoming a follower of Christ.

Andrew, according to scriptures, proclaimed the good news to his brother, Peter (John 1:40-41). He was the one who brought the boy with loaves of bread and fish to him so that he might give them to the people waiting in hunger. And St Andrew sets an example that points certain things at the heart of preaching the Gospel. He was involved in introducing the Greeks to Jesus and also joined in spreading the Gospel beyond the confines of Palestine (John 12:20-22).

The life of St Andrew shows us that being a preacher involves having a clear conviction and faith in Jesus and readiness to share this faith and conviction with others. He dedicated himself just as his brother Peter and the other Apostles in ministering to the people and proclaiming the Lord’s coming. And even after the Lord had ascended into Heaven, he continued to preach the faith. He brought the faith to many places such as Ukraine, Russia, the Balkans, Greece and other places.

Andrew worked hard in spreading the Good News to those who are yet to witness the Lord and embrace his salvation. For through him many were converted and inspired by his works and preaching. He also established many Churches and built the foundation for many Christian communities. He was the first Bishop of the Christian community in the city of Constantinople.

However, Andrew, like other Apostles, encountered persecution and suffering in Greece, where he was arrested, and was greatly tortured and eventually martyred by crucifixion. He was crucified on an X-shaped cross, which is referred to today as the Cross of St. Andrew, in memory of his faith and dedication to the mission of Christ.

Dear friends, today we are called, like St Andrew, to follow Jesus and following Jesus means leaving behind the life we have now and embracing the new life he is offering to us. When we opt to follow Jesus, our life revolves around him. It’s no longer what we feel like doing, but what his word instructs us to do. It also means leaving behind our sinful ways of life and embracing the holiness of life. Therefore, let St. Andrew be our inspiration and role model in our response to the calling of the Lord to spread the Good News.

So let us be conscious of what St. Paul tells us in our first reading: But they will not ask his help unless they believe in him, and they will not believe in him unless they have heard of him, and they will not hear of him unless they get a preacher, and they will never have a preacher unless one is sent. Hence, the Lord is sending us; let us follow the good examples of St. Andrew in responding to the Lord's Invitation to follow him.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we are called to follow your Son Jesus; as we respond to this call, may we, through the intercession of St Andrew, find inner joy in our soul that will prompt us to spread the Good News of the Gospel with faith and conviction. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a fruitful week ahead.

Homily For Friday Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 29th November 2024

 

Readings: Rev. 20:1-4,11-21:2, Ps.84, Luke:21:29-33

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

PAY RAPT ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS OF THE END-TIME EVENT

One of the doctors and mystics of the Church, St. John of the Cross, says that the further you withdraw from earthly things, the closer you approach heavenly things and the more you find yourself in God. This advice will be very helpful as we come to the end of this liturgical year and about to embrace the season of Advent, when the Church calls our attention to the need to be prepared for the coming of the Lord.

Hence, in our Gospel passage today, Jesus tells us about the passing away of the things of this world and the dreadful events associated with it in relation to the end-time events. He illustrates the signs of this event with the story of the fig tree, telling us to take notice of the signs of the times for they will help us to discern between what is of true value and what is passing away. For heaven and earth will pass away, but the words of the Lord will never pass away.

Here, Jesus presents the final recommendations of the end time. He insists that we should pay rapt attention to the signs nature is giving us concerning the end time events, that these signs should lead to hope founded firmly on the word of God, which drives away fear and despair, knowing that the kingdom of God is very near to us. This is even more evident in our first reading today, where we heard about the final defeat of the devil, the great enemy and deceiver of humanity.

For he has been deceiving humanity by turning us away from our God and making us believe that this world is our home. So we are reminded once again that all those who refuse to believe in God and choose to follow the devil and his false prophets will be destroyed and defeated completely. For he and his agents and those who follow him will be thrown into the burning lake of eternal darkness. While God’s faithful people will triumph victoriously into heaven as a beautiful bride dressed for her husband.

Dear friends, how are we embracing the word of God we hear at this period? What signs are we seeing around us today? How can we interpret the signs of this time, the signs that tell us that this world is passing away? Do these signs make us dread the second coming of the Lord or joyfully embrace it in anticipation? Remember, the words of Jesus are truth that will never pass away. Therefore, Stand erect, and hold your heads high because our liberation is near at hand.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, humanity has been greatly deceived by the devil, who has made us to be so attached to the things of this passing world. As we embrace your words this season, may our souls once again long and yearn for you our God, the living God. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. It’s Friday, may the joy of the Lord be our strength.

Homily For Thursday Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 28th November, 2024

Readings: Rev.18:1-2,21-23,19:1-3,9; Ps.100; Luke:21:20-28

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HOW PREPARED ARE YOU FOR OUR REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NEAR?

As we continue to reflect on the great event about the coming of the Lord. Jesus, in our Gospel passage today, continues his warnings concerning what will happen to the beautiful things of this passing world, which he illustrated very well by telling us what will eventually happen to the great city of Jerusalem in relation to what will happen at the end of all things. This passage contains the truth that we need to be reminded of often. That is, the need for us to be prepared for the day of the Lord despite all the beautiful and seductive things we encounter in this world.

Thus, as the great and holy city of Jerusalem was besieged and destroyed by the Romans less than four decades after the death and resurrection of Christ, so will the things of this world pass away, including those who are attached to them. Just as we also heard in our first reading today, the account of the declaration of the Angel of God at the end of the last trumpets how the world ends with the plagues, the final defeat of the devil and all the forces of the wicked, which is well illustrated with the fall of ‘Babylon’ that shall never rise again, for it has come to it’s final and ultimate defeat. While God has triumphed and won the ultimate victory for his faithful people.

Dear friends, there is no doubt that there are great signs of the end time event, but this should not be an occasion for fear but rather a period for intense preparations. Nonetheless, for the righteous, it is a period of joy and happiness since our redemption from the powers of evil is close at hand. Although we do not know when, but, Jesus assures us that he will return in power and great glory. Therefore, we should take heed and not be deceived by the beauty of the things of this passing world, for our redemption is drawing near.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we make efforts every day to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ, your Son, give us the grace and courage to remain steadfast even in the midst of all the crises in our world today. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day.

Homily For Wednesday Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 27th November, 2024

Readings: Rev.15:1-4, Ps.98, Luke:21:12-19

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE REASON FOR THE CONSTANT PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS

The word persecution is often associated with the Christian faith, for most times when we hear about persecution, the victims are often Christian faithful. But why do Christians often face persecution? This is because in our world today, we see and hear of human wickedness, intimidation, manipulations, kidnapping, killing and other immoral activities people do for the sake of power, fame, money and lustful desires.

 And anyone who tries to resist, challenge, correct, change or stop these ugly attitudes, becomes an object of elimination. Yet, in the midst of all these ugly situations, Christians are required to continue to speak about God’s goodness, love, compassion and forgiveness, which humanity is not ready to embrace.  This, of course, is the reason for the constant persecution of Christians.

So, we should not be surprised when Jesus, in our Gospel passage today, declares that his followers are going to be persecuted on account of bearing witness to his name, a reality that will put even their most cherished relationships to the test: they will be betrayed even by their closest relations and friends. However, we should not prepare any defence because God myself shall give us eloquence and wisdom that none of our opponents will be able to resist or contradict.

Little wonder Jesus gave us the details of the challenges that await us as his followers, such as arrests, persecution, trials before government authorities, betrayal by family and friends, hatred on account of his name, and even execution. He made us know that we should not lay blame on a particular person or group of people, or the society, or even on our enemies for such ugly treatment. For they are rather an opportunity to testify and bear witness of him to the world. 

Here, Jesus not only describes what his followers will have to endure but offers assurance that he will support them and make them strong. So he recommends that there comes a time in the spiritual life of his followers when they will have to choose to endure rather than despair. For by their endurance, they will gain their lives. Hence, a period of persecution is a time to witness through our endurance, courage and tenacity. 

Dear friends, the circumstances in which Jesus invites us to share the Good News is quite challenging and difficult, especially now that the world is passing through difficult times, for families, societies, countries, and churches are badly affected by the current economic situation that is affecting the whole world. But just as Jesus was not abandoned by his Father in his hour of need, we, too, will not be abandoned in this time of difficulty. 

For God knows what we are passing through now and in due time he will give us victory and we will join the elders in our first reading today to say: how great and wonderful are all your works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are all your ways, King of all ages, for Jesus says that our endurance will win us our lives.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we struggle with the ugly situation in our world today, grant us the courage and strength to persevere in witnessing the Gospel, especially in this time of persecution and difficulties. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day.

Homily For Tuesday Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 26th November 2024

Readings: Rev.14:14-19 , Ps.95, Luke:21:5-11

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN, AND WHAT SIGNS SHOULD WE EXPECT?

As we approach the season of Advent, we are reminded of the need to be well-prepared for the coming of God’s kingdom. This is evident in our readings these days and more so in our Gospel passage today which presents to us warnings about the end times. Here we see how those who were listening to Jesus were anxious to know what signs to look out for concerning the End Times event. But the timing of such an event is God’s secret.

So, today, Jesus warns us not to waste our time seeking signs; rather, we should be prepared, and we should remain firm in faith. He also warns us about following those who claim to know when the end is coming. We may see many of the signs written in Scripture happening already in our time, and people are terrified, looking for someone to show them the way. Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and the Life. Without him in our lives, we may be lost because the future lies in his hands, and nothing can destroy or hurt us as long as we remain faithful to his commands.

Dear friends, what signs are you searching for in this passing world? You better be prepared for our lives as Christians demand that we should be alert and ready, just like St. John tells us in our first reading about the harvest time for the harvest of the earth is ripe. Thus we should be prepared at all times for this world is passing away. Hence, we are called to abstain from things that will separate us from our God. We are called to look into our inner being, our interior life, in order to embrace the life of holiness and self-control that will help us to be more prepared.

LET US PRAY: Almighty God, we often fail to listen to your warnings concerning our excess desire for the things of this passing world and the need for us to prepare and be ready for your coming. Give us the grace and wisdom to be well-prepared to stand before you whenever you call us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed day.

Homily For Monday Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 25th November, 2024

Readings: Rev.14:1-5; Ps.24; Luke:21:1-4

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LEARN TO GIVE THANKS TO GOD FROM YOU HEART

Thanksgiving is one of the best ways of showing gratitude to God for the good things we have received from him. This great act of charity should be done with a grateful heart. Our attitude and intention towards this act is what God desires to see. Little wonder, in our Gospel passage today, Jesus observes the attitude of people towards their thanksgiving offertory.

He commented on the attitude of people who give out of their abundance while commending the attitude of the poor widow who, from her heart, sincerely gave everything that she had, expressing her faith and love for God through this wonderful gesture.

Here, Jesus tells us that what matters is not the amount we give but what lies in our hearts; the strength of our generosity comes from the heart. Today, Jesus invites us to open our hearts and be ready to give in a sacrificial way like this poor widow in our Gospel. For God, who knows our heart, looks at our efforts.

The truth is that the greatest gift we can give to anyone is the gift of love, for it is only in true love that one can truly give all that he has without reservations. So, as Christians, it is our obligation to follow the Lord’s teaching and dedicate ourselves and all that we have to him wholeheartedly, in faith and love at all times.

Dear friends, let our thanksgiving to the Lord not only come from the abundance of what we have but from true and sacrificial love that comes from our heart, expressing our gratitude, faith and love for God and our neighbour. Only such offertory and thanksgiving are pleasing to God and acceptable to him.

Let us join the great saints and elders in our first reading today who followed the Lamb wherever he goes, for they have been redeemed from amongst men to be the first fruits of God and for the Lamb, since they never allowed a lie to pass their lips and no fault can be found in them.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, all we have is giving to us out of your abundant good. Through the intercessions of Mary, may we learn to show gratitude sacrificially for such a great gift and so gain more favour from you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Have a fruitful week ahead.