Homily For Tuesday Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time Year C , 18 November, 2025

 

Readings: 2Macc. 6:18-31; Ps.3; Luke:19:1-10

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE ENCOUNTER THAT LEADS TO CONVERSION, RESTITUTION AND RESTORATION

Oftentimes we are quick to criticize, condemn and label people as sinners, outcasts and good for nothing. But this is not the attitude of Jesus, who is always compassionate, especially to sinners and those rejected in society, and wants us to do the same.

This is evident in our Gospel passage today, where we were told the story of Zacchaeus. A man who was regarded as a public sinner. Wanting to see Jesus, but being small in size, he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree and waited for Jesus to come by. He really had a great desire to see Jesus.

Thus, the attitude of Jesus upon seeing Zacchaeus on the tree was very touching. Jesus does not ask, nor does he demand anything. He only responded to the inner desire of a sinful man who sought to see him, and he said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I am to stay at your home today” Zacchaeus got down and received Jesus, in his house with great joy. This encounter brought about his conversion, restitution and restoration.

Here we can see that sometimes in our lives, when we struggle with our inner desires and weaknesses, all we need is to sacrifice our pride and humbly climb the sycamore tree of grace, for on it we find satisfaction and peace.

No doubt, people complained and criticised Jesus, saying, “He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house”. But Jesus does not care about the criticism. He went to the house of Zacchaeus and defended him from the criticism. And rather than calling him a sinner, he called him “son of Abraham”.

Here we see how Jesus accepts those who were not accepted. He offers a place to those who do not have one. He receives as brothers and sisters people whom society and religion rejected.

Similarly, we heard in our first reading how Eleazar demonstrated a life of nobility by refusing to live a life of pretence and defilement, for he resolved to die with honour rather than to live disgraced.

Such pretence he said, “does not square with our time of life; many young people would suppose that Eleazar at the age of ninety had conformed to the foreigners’ way of life, and so be led astray on my account;

This will only bring defilement and disgrace to my old age. For even though for the moment I avoid execution by man, I can never, living or dead, elude the grasp of the Almighty”.

Dear friends, when we climb the sycamore tree of grace salvation comes to our souls. This is what we must learn from Zacchaeus and Eleazar who remained faithful and did not live a life of pretence. We must learn to be a good example to other people and try to accommodate people’s differences and weaknesses.

But how do we accept people who are despised and marginalized in our society? Can we, like Jesus, perceive people’s inner desire for compassion and give them attention?

Remember, the compassion and tenderness of Jesus brought about a total change in the life of Zacchaeus. Why not show some compassion to those we meet today, for it may be the only opportunity to embrace the salvation they will ever have in their life?

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we are sinners in need of your mercy. As we climb the sycamore tree of grace with contrite hearts, may you find in us the inner desire for mercies and, in your compassion, purify us and welcome us back to your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed day.

Homily For Monday Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 17th November, 2025. The Memorial of St Elizabeth of Hungary

Readings: 1Macc. 1:10-15.41-43.54-57.62-64; Ps.119; Luke:18:35-43

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

KNOWING YOUR NEEDS AND HOW TO PRESENT THEM TO GOD

 

The compassionate love of Jesus in its historical and physical solidarity with human suffering springs from the love of God the Father and constitutes the basis of the Church’s liberating activity, which is rooted in our faith in God. 

Little wonder in today’s Gospel passage, the blind beggar gives us a complete lesson about faith, expressed with total simplicity in front of Christ Jesus. He had faith enough to call out to Jesus as he passed by, even when he was scolded by the people close to him, his need for Jesus was so great that he cried all the louder, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!

 

Then Jesus asks an unusual question “What do you want me to do for you?” So even though his need was obvious, Jesus wanted him to ask. In the same way today, Jesus is asking us: My child, what do you want me to do for you? 

Why not, like this blind beggar, tell Jesus you need? Even though he knows your needs, you still need to present them before him. This blind man needed his eyesight restored, so he asked Jesus aloud, “Lord, that I may see!” And Jesus said Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’

 

Here Jesus reveals his compassion towards human sufferings and wants us to imitate him in trying to overcome these suffering though caused by our sins and disobedience to God’s command as we heard in our first reading today where the king proclaimed his whole kingdom that all were to become a single people, each renouncing his particular customs to accept his religion, sacrificing to idols and profaning the Sabbath. 

The king erected the abomination of desolation above the altar, and any books of the Law that came to light were torn up and burned. Whenever anyone was discovered possessing a copy of the covenant or practising the Law, the king’s decree sentenced him to death. But God never abandoned his people, for those who hoped in him were protected.

This is what we see in the life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, whose memorial we celebrate today, for she was known for her constant visit to the sick and those who were particularly repulsive; to some, she gave food, to others clothing; some she carried on her shoulders, and performed many other kindly services. For when we live this way, then the coming of the Son of Man will not be a disaster but a day of our final salvation.

Dear friends, what is the one thing you really need in your life? Have we ever felt helpless? Do we feel the need for Jesus’s help in some part of our lives? Why not in faith present it before him who is willing to help us? 

Also, do we know people who are helpless and need some help? How strong is our compassion towards them? Let us look at them for a moment and imagine Jesus looking at them. How does he see them?

 

Therefore, like Jesus, each one of us is called to reach out to people around us who are really in need of our assistance. This includes our family members, our neighbours, our colleagues and others whom we encounter in life. The truth is that you may be the only person who can bring the healing and compassion of Jesus into their lives.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we present our needs before you today, may we experience once again your compassionate love and grant our hearts' desire according to your Holy will, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. It’s another week, and I wish you God’s favour and blessings.

Homily For Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 16th November 2025. The World Day For The Poor

  

Readings: Mal. 3:19-20; Ps . 98; 2Thess.3:17-12; Luke:21:5-19

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHY SHOULD WE CONTINUE TO ENDURE EVEN IN THE MIDST OF  PERSECUTION AND HARDSHIP? 

In most places around the world, 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 to be eliminated, as we see in our country today. 

Yet in the midst of all these ugly situations, we are required to continue to speak about God’s goodness, love, compassion and forgiveness. A very difficult task to do, especially when we are suffering as victims of this ugly situation.

Hence, Jesus in our Gospel passage today while talking about the end time event in relation to the destruction of the beautiful temple of Jerusalem, 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, he said, because God himself shall give us eloquence and wisdom that none of our opponents will be able to resist or contradict, for our endurance will win us our lives.

Here, as Jesus foretells the destruction of the physical temple in Jerusalem, we need to recall what replaces that temple. This temple was replaced by the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in the soul of humanity. 

So we are born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Though we still talk about the glories of the temple of Jerusalem, how it is being adorned, its splendour and beauty. 

But what about the new temple, be it the physical temple of our Church, or other objects of worship, or that of our homes, our families or even our bodies which is temple of the Holy Spirit, today Jesus is letting us to know that a day will come when they will be destroyed and will no longer exist for nothing last forever in this passing world. So we should not be distracted by the beauty of the things of this passing world or let them separate us from the love of God, be it in the form of persecution or death.

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, on society, or even on our enemies for such ugly treatment. For they are rather an opportunity to testify and bear witness to him in the world. 

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

For we heard Prophet Malachi in our first reading saying: The day that is coming is going to burn up evildoers, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor branch. But for those who fear my name, they are the sun of righteousness who shall rise with healing in its wings. 

 

And St. Paul talking about the need to work hard in preparation for the coming of the Lord says in our second reading: we order and call on people who have failed to work to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat and stop giving unnecessary excuses under the pretence that the coming of the Lord is near.

Dear friends, our message today is centred on hope, faith and love, letting us know that God remains present in the world and also in our lives even when things have gotten so bad that we feel as if the world is over for us. 

So these theological virtues of hope, faith, and love become very important to us, because the circumstances in which Jesus invites us to share the Good News are quite challenging and difficult, especially now that we are passing through difficult times, as individuals, families, societies and countries. 

No doubt we are all affected by the current political crisis, injustice and other social, economic, security and human selfish factors, of which these troubles and conflicts are 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 these times of difficulties. 

Let us be sure that God knows what we are passing through now, and in due time, will give us victory, for Jesus says that our endurance will win us our lives. So do not give up in times of persecution and hardships, for your endurance will win you your life. 

Finally, we will recall that Pope Francis, since 2017, the year of Our Lord, dedicated every last Sunday before the Solemnity of Christ the King, as the World Day of the Poor. An occasion where we are all reminded of the poor, those people in our community who lack the basic needs of life as they depend on others to survive. 

Therefore, today we are called to be of help to the best we can to the poor, knowing that God has a plan for each of us. Each person has been given a special talent according to his/her ability in order to fulfil that plan. So everyone no matter your present condition is special, unique and a masterpiece

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we struggle with the ugly situation in our country today, grant us the courage and strength to endure patiently, especially in these difficult times, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful Sunday celebration.

Homily For Saturday Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 15th November, 2025

 

Readings: Wis. 18:14-16.19:6-9; Ps.105; Luke:18:1-8

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE POWER OF FAITH AND PERSISTENCE IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

Have you 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 put one under serious pressure.

Then the question that comes to mind is, are we going to give up or persevere in our struggles of waiting or 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 he is saying that if, through perseverance, one obtains justice from an unjust judge, how much more will we receive from a good and loving Father? 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 with their struggles and the call for justice. We should persist in our complaints, and prayerfully confront unjust authorities 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. For we are told in our first reading that God keeps his children from all harm, for the whole creation in obedience to his commands was once more newly fashioned in its nature.

Dear friends, there are times when we ask and we receive, seek and find, knock and it is 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, never give up, for prayer drives and directs us to the will of God.

So, persistence 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, thereby encouraging us never to lose heart. 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. The fact remains that patience, persistence and perseverance help us to conform our will to God’s will, but these are very difficult virtues for most people today.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, 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 relationships with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a delightful weekend.

Homily For Friday Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 14th November 2025

Readings: Wis. 13:1-9; Ps.19; Luke:17:26-37

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HOW PREPARED ARE YOU FOR ONE WILL BE TAKEN, THE OTHER LEFT?

Every day of our lives we are so busy preparing, acquiring and safeguarding the things of this passing world. Every day the streets are full of people struggling and bobbling, the markets are full of people buying, selling, cheating and chatting, the Churches are full of people praying, singing and celebrating.

Noise everywhere, no one wants to be patient with the other, 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 speaking of the 'end times event' 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. 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 really 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, especially those who do not pay attention to the Word of God. Thus in our first reading, we heard that naturally stupid are all men who have not known God and who, from the good things that are seen, have not been able to discover Him-who-is, or, by studying the works, have failed to recognize the Artificer.

Dear friends, if we have not yet trusted in 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. For 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 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 true love.

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 realise 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 C, 13th November, 2025.

 

Readings: Wis. 7:22-8:1; Ps.119; Luke:17:20-25

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF 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 disposition is not different from the disposition of the Pharisees in our Gospel passage today, who, after hearing Jesus talking about the kingdom of God, asked him when the kingdom would 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 replied 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.

Dear friends, today 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 constantly ponder 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, wisdom demands that we focus on how to shape our lives to attain the demands of God’s kingdom.

Little wonder in our first reading we are called to choose wisdom for she is a breath of the power of God, pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty; nothing impure can find a way into her. She is a reflection of the eternal light, an untarnished mirror of God’s active power, an image of his goodness. For in each generation she passes into holy souls, she makes them friends of God and prophets; for God loves only the man who lives with Wisdom.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we await your Kingdom, help us to be well prepared for it whenever it comes. And 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 C, 12th November, 2025. The Memorial of St Josaphat

 

Readings: Wis. 6:1-11; Ps.82; Luke:17:11-19

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE DANGER OF INGRATITUDE AND THE BENEFIT OF GRATITUDE

In the scriptures, we have great events that 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 because he realized that God is the source of his healing. Unfortunately, God’s greatest gifts, which are our life and health, and our ability to think and achieve great things are often taken for granted by most of us. 

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. This is what we see in the life of St. Josaphat whose memorial we celebrate today. He was a monk who eventually 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. 

Dear friends, I don’t know what type of leprosy problems you are going 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.