Homily For Saturday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 20th July, 2024

 

Readings: Micah 2:1-5, Ps. 10, Matt 12:14-21

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

STOP PLOTTING AGAINST THE INNOCENT FOR GOD WILL SURELY FIGHT FOR THEM

 

Plotting against one another is one of the ugly attitudes of people in our societies today and this plotting is often against the innocents. This  is exactly the condition of the world we are living in today. The world were people who are entrusted with the noble task of leading and managing the resources and affairs of the people, plot against the people and make decisions to eliminate and destroy them just for their personal gain and selfish interest.

 

This is what we have in our Gospel passage today, where the Pharisees who are the leaders of the people, because of their selfish interest and pride went out and began to plot against Jesus, discussing how to destroy him, because of his great works and teaching to the people.

 

Jesus knew this and withdrew from the district. Many followed him and he cured them all, but warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah which reminds us about the figure of the suffering Servant of Yahweh, in the person of Jesus.

 

Here Jesus experienced constant opposition and hostility in the hands of the Pharisees who sort to destroy Him. So, Matthew in this Gospel identifies Jesus with the Suffering Servant who is filled with God’s spirit, in spite of the aggression of his opponents, he does not suspend his ministry of healing, forgiving and spreading the Good News. For he is full of gentleness and compassion.

 

Hence, Jesus the suffering Servant of God, the lovable and gentle teacher, has come to bring the light of truth to this crazy world, for he does not seek the death of sinners, but their conversion and salvation. Therefore, in him we also can find the courage and strength to persevere in this times of difficulty, suffering and persecution. For God has chosen us as His beloved sons and daughters. He has given us His Spirit so that we can stand firm against all the evil activities going on in this crazy world.

 

But for those who have chosen to be instruments of destruction, manipulation and deception of humanity just for their selfish interest or for vain glory or for fun thereby letting people die for these wrongs that they do. Prophet Micah says  in our first reading concerning such people: Woe to those who plot evil, who lie in bed planning mischief! No sooner is it dawn than they do this evil, their hands have the strength for it. Seizing the fields that they covet, they take over houses as well, owner and house they confiscate together, taking both man and inheritance. Therefore, they will have no share in the kingdom of the Lord, for the evils they have done will be their portion and lot.

 

Dear friends, there is no doubt that we are really living in an evil and crazy world where people plot against the innocents who mean well for the people, but we must know that the transcendent power and authority belong to God. Yes we are affiliated in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

 

Thus, we must know that true greatness is found in service and not in domination or subjection of others. Good leaders serve the community, they subdue arguments and divisions, they maintain unity in times of distress and act as role models for the young ones. Remember, you don't have to be great to get started but you have to get started in order to be great.

 

LET US PRAY: Oh Lord, like little boy we  kneel with all humility, asking for your grace and courage to overcome the evil and ugly situation going on in this crazy world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a pleasant weekend.

Homily For Friday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 19th July, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 38:1-6.7-8.21-22, Ps. 38, Matt 12:1-8

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

MERCY IS WHAT THE LORD DESIRES FROM US

 

Mercy is one of the attributes of God and this attribute run through the scriptures as it is actually the summary of most of the stories in the scriptures. Because at the end of everything it is the mercy of God that we need more than His justice. Little wonder Jesus in our Gospel passage today teaches us about the essence of making laws.

 

This is clear from his response to the Pharisees who criticized the attitude of his disciples who on the Sabbath were seen plucking ears of corn to eat because they were very hungry. So, Jesus corrected them and made them know the right disposition as regards the application of God's law and any law at all, when he said to them "I desire mercy and not sacrifice". This is because the Pharisees emphasized on strict keeping of the law of Sabbath while neglecting the spirit of the law which has to do with God’s love and mercy.

 

This is also evident in our first reading, where we heard of God’s mercy on king Hezekiah, who was suffering from a terrible illness that would have led to his death. But he begged the Lord in prayer to remember what he had done for the sake of his people, for Hezekiah had been faithful to God and led the people of Judah to return once again to God.

 

So God had Mercy on him and said to prophet Isaiah: ‘Go and say to Hezekiah, “The Lord, the God of David your ancestor, says this: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will cure you: in three days’ time you shall go up to the Temple of the Lord.” I will add fifteen years to your life.’ Such is the mercy of God.

 

Dear friends, Law exists for the good of the people, but often times we find ourselves seeking more recognition by exercising too much control over other people’s lives under the disguise of laws. Hence, we should not lack compassion and mercy or close our hearts against our neighbour like the Pharisees, an attitude that reminds me of the words of Pope Francis when he said: "If our heart is closed, our heart will soon come like stone, then the stones will end up in our hands and, then, we will be ready to throw them at someone.

 

Therefore, this should not be the case, rather, we should always consider the essence and purpose of making laws and applying them, bearing in mind that human needs which supersedes all other human interest should be the guiding principle of any law both social and religious. In fact the ritual demands of the Sabbath encourages mercy, forgiveness and compassion which are at the heart of any true religion. Thus, as we make laws and implement them, let love, compassion and mercy be our guiding principle.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, you show the light of your truth to those who go astray, may we always embrace your laws and apply them with mercy and compassion, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed day.

Homily For Thursday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 18th July, 2024

 

Readings: Isaiah 26: 7-9.12.16-19, Ps. 102, Matt 11:28-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

BRING YOUR HEAVY BURDENS OF LIFE TO THE LORD FOR HE WANTS TO HELP US

 

Thinking about the ugly condition of our societies today, where the ugly and sinful attitudes of greed, corruption, pride and selfishness of humanity have places heavy burden and stress on us all and often times these burdens are so heavy that we don’t know how to carry them. The worst of these burdens are the sorrows we bear in our hearts: sorrows caused by our sins, unhealthy relationships we engaged in, unforgiven attitude and family problems as a result of the bad influence of the society.

 

Thus, today in our Gospel passage Jesus says to us: Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

 

No doubt that everyone of us has a task and a mission to accomplish and this can be very demanding. Little wonder prophet Isaiah in our first reading invites us to earnestly seek the Lord like a woman with child, who writhes and cries out in her pangs, for when God’s judgements appear on earth the inhabitants of the world learn the meaning of integrity and righteousness.

 

In a similar way, Jesus recognizes the sorrows in our lives, how we labour and are overburdened as a result of our tasks and mission. Hence he invites us to come to him with all our burdens. Yes, it is in the nature of human person to think and worry about things of this world. Every human person thinks and worries about something. Only few people can sometimes find it easy to resolve their problems, but for most people their problems are too great that they move from bad to worst. Hence, this invitation of Jesus opens a refreshing space in our soul, by inspiring hope and drawing us into God’s loving and gentle presence where our souls find peace and solace.

 

Dear friends, what are those tasks and mission the Lord have given to us in this life? How are we carrying out this task and mission? What are the challenges we are facing? Is the task and mission so heavy for us to bear? Are we carrying additional load apart from the one God has given to us? I don't know the heavy burden in your heart right now, I don’t know your cherished plans which have failed and it seems as if disappointments have prevailed, thereby wandering in the darkness of confusion and heavy heart all alone?

 

Today, the Lord wants to help us carry the heavy burdens in our souls. He is inviting us to come to him with all our burdens, all our troubles, all our challenges and  disappointments and he will give us rest.  He says we should embrace his yoke, we should learn from him, for he is gentle and humble of heart and by so doing find rest for our souls. Then we will tell the story of how we overcome our most troublesome and darkest of moments, for we will understand it better by and by.

 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as we come to you with heavy burden and sorrows in our hearts, grant that we may embrace the yoke of Christ and so find peace and solace in our soul. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you the God's favour.

Homily For Wednesday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 17th July, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 10:5-7.13-16, Ps. 94, Matt 11:25-27
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

OUR PRAYER LIFE SHOULD BE LIKE THE HUMILITY OF A CHILD TOWARDS A LOVELY FATHER

Gazing at the crucifix this morning, all I could see was the childlike humility of Jesus towards his loving Father. For he sacrificed himself on the cross for the sake of humanity. Thereby teaching us that our relationship with God in prayer requires the humility of an infant to his loving father.

This type of humility is not a way of glory, but a road of surrender that leads to passion and death of one's self. It is a way of sacrifice, a service to others at the expense of the self. In prayer, Jesus experienced God as his Father and approached him with childlike humility, faith and confidence.

Hence, in our Gospel passage today, Jesus after his reproaches towards the unrepentant cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida, demonstrates to us a humble way of relating with God in prayer when he said, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere infants. Yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

Here Jesus is referring to those who claim to be wise and intelligent, self-sufficient and self-made, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees, Scribes and Lawyers who rejected his message. Also, those who think that they don’t need God, for they can save themselves by their meritorious works.

Thus, Jesus points out that there is a link between prayer and the inner disposition of being a humble child of God in communion with a heavenly Father, through confidence and total abandonment to God. No matter who we are and what we have achieved in life, humility is the key and sure way to reach God in prayer.
Nonetheless, even those who are highly gifted and blessed can become a "baby" who humbly depends upon God’s grace. The uneducated and less privileged persons can be in the same undesirable company as the wise and intelligent if they are not humble in spirit in their relationship with God and their neighbours because our natural and spiritual gifts are only useful in our Christian journey when we have a humble heart.

This is what God is teaching us in our first reading today, when He reminded us through prophet Isaiah, that no power in this world is meaningful without Him. Pride as showed by the Assyrian king, will lead us to nowhere else but destruction and failure. Therefore, it’s time for us to get rid of pride, corruption, greed and unhealthy desires that dwell in us, in order to embrace the life of humility and love.

Dear friends, today God wants us to relate with him in total humility and obedience, just like the humility of an infant to his lovely father. For He is always with us in our daily troubles and struggles, He understands us more than we can ever imagine. Therefore, why not humbly come to Him in prayers for He is always willing to help us in solving those difficult and challenging situations in our lives. Remember, our natural and spiritual gifts are only useful in our Christian journey when we have a humble heart.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we thank you for being with us in our daily struggles, troubles, joys and hopes, may you provide for the poor, console the troubled, heal the sick and put simile on the faces of your children who humbly come to you in prayers. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed day. 

Homily For Tuesday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 16th July, 2024

 

Readings: Isaiah 7:1-9, Ps. 48, Matt. 11:20-24

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

WHY HAVE WE FAILED TO RESPOND POSITIVELY TO GOD’S WORDS?

 

A critical look at the ugly and fragile nature of our societies and the world as a whole it is obvious that humanity is heading towards self-destruction, especially when we look at how the streets are full of people struggling and suffering, the markets are full of people buying, selling, cheating and manipulating others.

 

Our leaders are so busy with acquiring, manipulating and embezzling the common resources, not minding the struggles, the tears, and the disappointments that people are going through every day, as some people have lost hope in themselves and even in everything they do.  We are just so busy with everything except the very essence of our existence, that is, the well-being of humanity and the salvation of our souls.

 

These ugly and fragile kind of conditions are what Jesus is addressing in our Gospel passage today as he continues with his reproaches, this time to cities where he had done great miracles, yet the people failed to embrace the life of the Gospel he preached. Hence he reproached them saying: woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard on Judgement Day with Tyre and Sidon as with you.

 

Yes, Jesus has taught us about the kingdom of God and proclaimed a message of healing and conversion but his teaching and powerful deeds have not yet been embraced by humanity. Hence, Jesus in this Gospel is not just rebuking the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, but all humanity for not being open to the fruits of his Gospel, calling us to reflect on how we are losing out on what God is offering us.

 

Dear friends, why have we failed to respond positively to God’s Words? Now Jesus is saying woe to humanity for we are heading towards self-destruction. We might not feel very comfortable with the idea of Jesus rebuking and uttering terrible words of threats on these big and powerful cities that represent all humanity. But the questions we need to ask ourselves are: Has humanity really embraced the Word of God we hear every day? Is the Word bearing fruits in our lives? Can we recognize in this fragile condition of our country and society the great deeds that Jesus is doing to save humanity and the need to turn back to God?

 

Do we think that repentance is for others and not for us? Jesus is saying woe to us for failing to embrace and live out the Gospel teachings because he seems to expect some sort of changes in us when we hear his Words or when we encounter him in prayers. Therefore, God is calling us to repentance, He wants to come into our souls and dwell.

 

Today He is rebuking all humanity, He wants us to come to Him for He comes to us more than we come to Him. And this is what prophet Isaiah is telling us in our first reading today, reminding us that unless we stand by God we can not stand at all. Hence, if we believe in God, and put our trust in Him, we will have the assurance and guarantee of restoration, for God does not want us to suffer the consequences of our sins, that is why He keeps reminding us about the upcoming danger. But, if humanity constantly refuses to believe in God, we will end up in self-destruction.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we embrace your words today, may we experience your love, joy and healing both physically, materially and more importantly spiritually, as we wait patiently for the restoration of all humanity from the ugly and fragile condition of this passing world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless you.

Homily For Monday Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 15th July, 2024. The Memorial of St. Bonaventure

 

Readings: Isaiah 1:10-17, Ps. 50, Matt 10: 34-11.1

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

I HAVE NOT COME TO BRING PEACE IN THE WORLD BUT A SWORD

 

The way things are going in our world today, we need to think twice about our faith as Christians, and whether we are ready to live out our faith in the midst of all the ugly situations in our societies today. Therefore, if we are willing to live out our Christian faith and obligations, then we need to make a radical decision towards our discipleship in a personal and radical way, for these days, it is not enough to say am a Christian, we must convincingly and radically practice our faith by following the example of Lord Jesus.

 

Little wonder Jesus in our Gospel passage today, takes his discourse on discipleship to a radical and difficult level when he said: 'Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth: it is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword. For anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers a son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.’

 

So, these hard words of Jesus can only be understood in the light of our life experience, because there are moments when we have to make radical and difficult choices as disciples of Jesus. These moments may wield the sword of division or separation among those people and things which are so dear to us.

 

However, Jesus does not endorse us engaging in armed conflict, but he warns that we have to struggle to put him first, before family ties, knowing that divisions will surely occur as people have to decide to be for or against God. Hence, he states that the cost of discipleship extends to one even losing his life. Nevertheless, he promises that even the small efforts we make in following him will be rewarded.

 

Thus, Jesus demands a total commitment towards finishing the journey of discipleship once begun or not beginning at all. Because following Jesus demands the sacrifice of all that one has. For none of us can become his disciple if we do not give up our excess desire for worldly pleasures and possession, and pay our unreserved loyalty and allegiance to God over all other competing loyalties in our lives including family, self-interest, and possessions.

 

This is what prophet Isaiah is emphasizing in our first reading today, as he speaks about what God demands of His people. That God does not demand our sacrifices and offerings, rather, He desires our real love, genuine faith and total dedication to Him. This is what we have in the life of St Bonaventure whose memorial we celebrate today. He was a great theologian whose task and mission was to defend and reform both the Church and the community of the faithful, a burden he faithful carried out through total submission to the grace of God and mercy.

 

Dear friends, today the Lord is calling us to take our wrong-doing out of His sight. We must cease to do evil. Learn to do good, search for justice, help the oppressed, and cease to be hypocrites who claim to believe in Him and yet, our actions are contrary to what we claim to believe in. Also, we heard about the sword of the Gospel and its consequences as we are called to make a radical decision to sincerely and faithfully follow Jesus and to accept the consequences of living by the truth of the Gospel.

 

But how much are we willing to let go for the sake of following the truth of the Gospel? Why are we finding it difficult to follow Jesus?  What are the habitual desires and possessions that are holding us from making this radical decision today? It is time to come to God with all our hearts, for tomorrow may be too late.

 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, the excess desire for the pleasurable things of this passing world have weakened our hearts towards you. Through the intercessions of St. Bonaventure, give us courage and grace to let go of our ugly desires, to hold firm in our faith despite losing people and things that are dear to us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful week ahead.

Homily For Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 14th July, 2024

 

Reading: Amos 7:12-15; Ps. 85; Eph.1: 3-14; Mark 6:7-13

Rev.  Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

THE NATURE AND THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF OUR MISSION AS CHRISTIANS

Why do we always rebel against God and each other? What is it that makes us reject God’s instructions? Why do we prefer to obey human beings who are leading us astray over God who is guiding us through the right path? Why do we reject God’s love and embrace human wickedness? For it is obvious that in every generation God always sends messengers to remind us of his love and plan for us.

 

But the rebellious nature of humanity has always kept us away from responding to God's invitation to Life of love, holiness, faithfulness and integrity. This is because humanity has always failed to understand the true ways of God his creator. However, God has not stopped caring and stretching his hands of love towards us.

 

This is exactly what we have in our readings today. In the first reading, we heard how God sent prophet Amos and he went about doing the work of God, by calling people to repentance and faces the consequences of their sins. But Amaziah and King Jeroboam had sinned and also led the people of Israel to sin against God as well. 

 

So Amaziah saw Amos as a rival and a threat to his personality and influence, so he went up to King Jeroboam complaining about Amos and asking him to get out of Israel and return to the land of Judah, and stop prophesying in Bethel because he doesn’t want to hear the truth just like most of our leaders today who does not like to hear the truth.

 

Also, in our Gospel passage today, we heard how Jesus sent his twelve disciples, the foundation of the future Church community, to do the same work of evangelization that he has been doing, while making them know the nature and conditions of the mission his about to entrust to them

 

Here, he gave them authority over unclean spirits and instructed them to preach repentance, that radical conversion towards the vision of the Kingdom, they were to anoint the sick and heal them. These three activities cover the whole nature of the human person: spiritual, mental and physical. Healing and wholeness, health and holiness. In this mission, they were instructed to travel lightly, bringing only what they needed. No food or money or even a change of clothes. They will not need these things because they will be taken care of by the people they serve.

 

So in this Gospel, Jesus is preparing his disciples for a task ahead. He lets them experience the nature of their mission, the challenges, obstacles and dangers which await them. He gave them the guiding principles towards the mission and sent them out. As we know, they succeeded because the power of God was working in them. The message entrusted to the disciples by Jesus is to offer peace and announce the coming of God's kingdom. This same message of peace and justice, forgiveness and healing has been entrusted to the Church down the centuries.

 

Little wonder, we are told in our second reading, that God has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he sent forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

 

Now, it is our turn to witness this Gospel. Remember the disciples returned with joy. We also will experience that same joy when we do what the Lord wants because, our joy is rooted in our identifying with Jesus, not in what we do. So the source of our joy should be our status in heaven as beloved sons and daughters of God, and not on our success over the evil forces or the things of this passing world. Thus, the Lord has entrusted to us an awesome responsibility and privilege to carry the message of God’s love, peace and mercy to the world.

 

Dear friends, today no doubt, we are reminded about the nature and guiding principles of our mission,  calling humanity to repent from our sinful and rebellious attitudes in order to embrace the compassionate love and care that God is offering us. As disciples of Christ, we have received a lot from God without payment; we should learn to give without expecting a reward.

 

Therefore, we must offer to others these same gifts which we have received. We are to show love to people, forgive, help the needy and share with one another the gifts God has blessed us with and if our love and care are rejected, we should offer it as a sign on judgment day.  Remember, your kind gestures today can turn someone's life around now or later and by so doing we are extending God’s divine compassion to humanity who are lost in this passing world.

 

LET US PRAY:  Heavenly Father, as we are reminded about the condition and nature of our mission for which you sacrificed a lot to save us from our rebellious and sinful attitudes, open our hearts once again to repent and embrace your compassionate love and care for us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Happy Sunday to you all