Homily For Saturday Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 29th November, 2025

 

Readings: Dan. 7:15-27; Ps. Dan. 3:82-87; Luke:21:34-36

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

BE CAREFUL WITH THE THINGS OF THIS PASSING WORLD OR YOUR HEART BE LED ASTRAY

The things of this world are so captivating that if we are not careful, we will be like a foolish traveller who, having encountered a pleasant garden, forgets to continue towards his destination.

This is exactly what Jesus is trying to draw our attention to in our Gospel passage today when he said: Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth.

Here Jesus is reprimanding us concerning the danger of attaching ourselves so deeply to the things of this passing world. For we are often interested in the external beauty of things around us while neglecting the essence of life. We are interested only in worldly goods and not the things of the heart like justice, mercy, love and compassion.

So Jesus is telling us to change our ugly ways of life, for it is time for us to look into our lives and examine ourselves to know whether we have been living in accordance with God’s will, or whether we have fallen astray. Then, we can also look forward towards the life that is to come, which God has promised us through his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Moreover, what becomes of us after the coming of our Lord is what the prophet Daniel in our first reading is talking about when he said: All sovereignty and kingship, and the splendours of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty and every empire will serve and obey him.’

Dear friends, we must not let the cares of the things of this passing world rob us of the grace of heaven since we believe that our true homeland is in heaven. But how are we preparing to embrace our heavenly home?

Today, people hardly reflect on the coming of Christ, which was so strong in the early days of the Christian movement, leaving a strong impression on the disciples of Christ. So like the servants awaiting their master’s return, we are called to be ready and to watch at all times for the day of the Lord which will come at the hour we do not know.

Thus, we are to be prepared knowing that our most important ‘treasure’ is our heavenly home which God has promised to give us. Therefore, the best thing we can do with our worldly possessions is to use them for the good of others, especially the poor, since we are responsible and accountable for one another’s welfare.

This divine generosity is meant to help us in preparation for the coming of Christ. Remember what really matters in life is our capacity and readiness to receive what God has in store for us in heaven.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we continue our struggles with the ugly events of this passing world, may you continue to guide us and strengthen us in our journey of life and help us to endure our trials and challenges, for you alone are our source of strength, hope and fulfilment in life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed weekend.

Homily For Friday Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 28th November, 2025

 

Readings: Dan. 7:2-14; Ps.Dan.3:53-59; Luke:21:29-33

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

KNOW THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR 

St. John of the Cross, one of the doctors and mystics of the Church, 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 are 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, and most of our readings draw our attention to this.

 

Thus, 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. 

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 us to have 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.

 

And this is what we have in our first reading today, where we heard about the vision of the prophet Daniel talking about the passing away of the kingdoms and things of this world and the coming of God’s Kingdom when he said: I gazed into the visions of the night. And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man. He came to one of great age and was led into his presence. On him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship, and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants. His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed.

 

Dear friends, heaven and earth will pass away but God's Word will never pass away. So this new month we are reminded once again that all those who refuse to believe in God after hearing his words but 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. God’s faithful people will triumph victoriously in heaven.

 

But 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 the 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 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. Peace be with you

Homily For Thursday Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 27th November, 2025

Readings: Dan. 6:11-27; Ps. Dan. 3:46-52; Luke:21:20-28

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

STAND FIRM FOR OUR REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NEAR

As we continue to reflect on the great event of the coming of the Lord. Jesus, in our Gospel passage today, continues his warnings concerning what will happen to us and 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 in 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. When these things begin to take place, we should stand erect, hold our heads high, because our liberation is near at hand 

We will understand it better when we reflect on our first reading today, how God delivered Daniel from the Lion’s den but let the Lions completely crush the bones of those who sought to destroy him.

Seeing what happened, King Darius then wrote to men of all nations, peoples and languages throughout the world saying, ‘May peace be always with you! I decree: in every kingdom of my empire let all tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.

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; rather, it is 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 of this passing world is close at hand.

Although we do not know when, Jesus assures us that he will return in power and great glory. Therefore, we should take heed 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 country today. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day.

Homily For Wednesday Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 26th November, 2025

Readings: Dan. 5:1-6.13-14.16-17.23-28; Ps. Dan. 3:40-45; Luke:21:12-19

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE POWER OF ENDURANCE IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION

Everywhere in the world, we see and hear of human wickedness, intimidation, manipulations, kidnapping, killing and real activities 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, 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.

Thus, 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 our most cherished relationships to the test: we will be betrayed and persecuted by our closest relations and friends. However, we should not prepare any defence, because God himself shall give us eloquence and wisdom that none of our opponents will be able to resist or contradict.

Here, 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 recommends 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, a period of persecution is a time to bear witness through our endurance, courage and tenacity. Just like Daniel in our first reading today, who courageously bears great witness before the king by interpreting the mystery of the message God sent to the King who has defiled the sacred vessels.

Dear friends, the circumstances in which Jesus invites us to share the Good News are quite challenging and difficult, especially now that the world is passing through difficult times, as families, societies, countries, and churches are badly affected by the economic, social, security and political situations around us of which their 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 this time of difficulties. For God knows what we are passing through now, and in due time, he will give us victory, 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 to the Gospel, especially in these difficult times, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day.

Homily For Tuesday Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 25th November, 2025

Readings Dan.2: 31-45; Ps. Dan. 3:35-39; Luke:21:5-11

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHY WE MUST BE PREPARED 

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, 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. For 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, we must be prepared for the end-time event, let us not be deceived by the things of this world. So, our lives as Christians demand that we be alert and ready. 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. 

Today, 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 to do the will of God just like Daniel in our first reading today, who courageously told the vision of King Nebuchadnezzar and interpreted it in order to help the King be more prepared to embrace the will and plan of God.

LET US PRAY: Almighty God, we often fail to listen to your warnings concerning our excessive 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 C, 24th November, 2025. The Memorial of St. Andrew Dung Lac and Companions

 

Readings: Dan.1:1-6.8-20; Ps.  Dan. 3:29-34; Luke:21:1-4

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LEARN TO SHOW SINCERE GRATITUDE TO GOD 

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 are what God desires to see. 

Little wonder in our Gospel passage today, Jesus observes the attitude of people towards their thanksgiving offering. 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, gave sincerely 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 heart, 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 hearts, 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, just like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah in our first reading, who remain faithful to God. And God favoured them with knowledge and intelligence in everything connected with literature, and in wisdom; while Daniel had the gift of interpreting every kind of vision and dream.

This is what we see in the lives of St Andrew Dung Lac and Companions, whose memorial we celebrate today, for when they heard the Gospel, they accepted it despite persecution and even death. They realise that true happiness is found in interior living of the Gospel and not in material things of this passing world. 

They embraced martyrdom and became a great instrument in preparing humanity towards the kingdom of God. We, too, can be another great instrument of preparation in God’s hands, if we make ourselves available.

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 PRAY: Lord God, all we have is given to us out of your abundant goodness. 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.

Homily For Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 23rd November, 2025. The Solemnity of Christ the Universal King

 

Readings: 2 Sam.5:1-3; Ps.122, Col. 1:12-20, Luke 23:35-43

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF GOD’S KINGDOM

In the year 1925, the period when the world was still recovering from the ugly event of the First World War that ended in 1918, the period when humanity, as a result of the war, began to turn away from God and the teachings of the Gospel in search of worldly powers and dominion.

On account of this, Pope Pius XI promulgated the Feast of Christ the King in order to call humanity to conversion and renewal of loyalty to God through Jesus the True Universal King. The Pope believed that the celebration of the Feast of Christ the Universal King would be appropriate to constantly remind humanity about God.

So, every last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Church invites us to celebrate the Lord Jesus as King of the Universe. For we are called to look to the future with more insight into the ultimate goal of history, towards the definitive and eternal kingdom of God through Christ our Lord. Given that he was with the Father in the beginning, when the world was created, and he will fully manifest his Lordship at the end of time, when he will judge humanity.

But the questions that always come to mind as we celebrate this great feast are: what is the nature of this Kingship of Christ? How does it relate to the events of human history? What is the effect of this Kingship in our society today? What message or lessons can we learn from it?

This same question is the issue in our Gospel passage today, where we heard how the Lord Jesus was crucified on the cross between two criminals. For we heard the people saying: Let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One, the king of the Jews.’

The soldiers also mocked him saying, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ One of the criminals hanging there abused him. ‘Are you not the Christ?’. ‘Save yourself and us as well.’ But the second criminal spoke up and rebuked him. ‘Have you no fear of God at all?’. ‘You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did.

But this man has done nothing wrong. And he said to Jesus, ‘Remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And Jesus replied saying: ‘Indeed, I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.’

Here, we see how humanity rejected the Prince of Peace by nailing him to the cross. But as Prince of Peace, he still offered peace to humanity despite our constant rejection of his peace. Though humanity still cries out every day for peace, it is not sacrificing for peace like Jesus, who on the cross sacrificed all for the peace and salvation of humanity.

Hence, we see how on the cross the Lord reigns over humanity. On the cross, he gave us the answers to the questions we have in mind concerning his kingship. He made us know that his kingdom is beyond the activities of this passing world.

He also showed us that mercy and compassion are the hallmark of his kingdom, which was prefigured in the kingship of David in our first reading today. Little wonder, he made us know that his kingdom does not need any physical proof, for we only experience its presence and effect in and around us.

 So, we are called to look to the future with more insight into the ultimate goal of history towards the eternal kingdom of Christ. For he was with the Father in the beginning, when the world was created, and he will fully manifest his Lordship at the end of time, when he will come as a triumphant King and judge humanity based on our actions, deeds and faith.

For we heard in our second reading today that he is the image of the unseen God and the first-born of all creation, for in him were created all things in heaven and on earth: everything visible and invisible. He has taken us out of the power of darkness and created a place for us in the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and the forgiveness of our sins.

Hence, we must know that there will be a time for great separation, when the good will be separated from the bad, holy from sinful, righteous from evil, sheep from goats, of which our deeds will reveal who we are and where we truly belong.

Dear friends, no doubt that we are living in a world full of greed and selfish people who are deeply rooted in ugly attitudes of egoism and materialism, with uncontrollable desires for pleasure that leads to so many ugly things happening in our country Nigeria today. We are calledto embrace the teachings of Christ the Universal King for this is what today’s celebration requires of us.

So, as we celebrate this great feast, let us turn toward Christ for he is our true King of peace. And following him means carrying our own cross, forgetting our challenges, sorrows and worries and faithfully obeying his commandment in a very sacrificial way. For it is by the blood of his cross, that Jesus reveals the nature of his Kingship, not in saving his life, but by offering it as a ransom for our salvation.

Therefore, we must learn to reign with Christ through the Cross. Trying to do away with the cross in our lives will deprive our souls of true love and loyalty to Christ the King of Peace, who today wants to reign supreme in our hearts and souls. So, let us join in the triumphant procession holding palm branches and singing Hosanna in the Highest, recalling the inscription above the cross: which says: Jesus the King of the Jews.

 Let us also say like the good thief, “Lord, remember me in your kingdom”, for this is the prayer and last request of a humble, sinful soul. This should also be the prayer and desire of every one of us today as we celebrate Christ, the universal King of Peace. Let us show him honour, not just with palm branches but with the splendour of hearts full of love and merciful deeds.

Let us, in joy, express and spread before his presence the garments of our heavy hearts weighed down by sins and shame. Let us do this along with the inner desires of our souls, so that he can pass through our souls and purify our whole being in order to rule in our hearts as the King of Peace, for that is the nature of his Kingship.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly King, as we celebrate the universal Kingship of Christ your Son, amidst the hostile forces and evil of this passing world, may we be victorious as you fill us with the peace and joy of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a blessed Christ the King celebration.