Homily For Friday, the Second Week of Advent Year C, 13th December 2024. The Memorial of St. Lucy

Readings Isaiah 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-6; Matt. 11:16-19

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHY HAVE WE FAILED TO TAKE THE WORD OF GOD SERIOUSLY? 

Reflecting on the disposition of humanity today, I can not but ask myself questions about our faith in God, who we often claim to love and serve. This is because, despite all the articles of faith and evidence in both scriptures and historical tradition, we still do not have a good grasp of who God is in our lives. 

This very disposition is always the case with every generation and this is what Jesus is addressing in our Gospel passage today when he said: to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! 

Here, Jesus made us know that the problem with this generation is that we have failed to listen neither to the message of John the Baptist nor that of Jesus. There is no doubt that John’s uncommon lifestyle made people accuse him of having a demon, while Jesus’ habit of eating and drinking with sinners affected his reputation among the Jews. But Jesus made us know that his generation finds reason to take offence at both John and Jesus himself. 

So, Jesus compares those who are rejecting his message to that of children in the marketplace who cannot decide whether they want to play a wedding song or a funeral song but can’t get the people to dance when the tune is piped.  For they played their pipes and expected others to dance; they beat their breasts in lamentation and expected others to weep, but they did not. They complain if others do not comply with their demands. 

To such a company, Jesus refers to an evil generation in which he and John the Baptist found themselves. Just as in our generation today, some people have refused to repent when challenged by the teachings of John the Baptist, and some people also refused to join the celebrations of Jesus and do not take his message seriously.

Dear friends, why have we failed to take the Word of God seriously? Why have we failed to embrace the article of faith made available for us by the Lord in our scriptures? Why do we take for granted the signs and messages the Lord is giving us this Advent season and always?

  Today in our first reading, we heard the Lord saying through prophet Isaiah: “I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is good for you; I lead you in the way that you must go. If only you had been alert to my commandments, your happiness would have been like a river, your integrity like the waves of the sea”. So let us not be like market people who pay no attention to the message the Lord has for us.

Rather, let us be like St. Lucy whose memorial we celebrate today, for she is known for her humble obedience and trust in God’s words. She knows how to present her burdens to God and since the name Lucy means light, she is known as the patron saint of those with eye problems. This light reminds us also about the Light of Christ whose Advent of his birth we are celebrating.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, enkindle in us once again the fire of your love so that we may embrace your message, and through the intercession of St. Lucy, we may become your great servants dedicating our lives and service to loving you and our neighbours. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.  Have a lovely day.

Homily For Thursday the Second Week of Advent Year C, 12th December, 2024

 

Readings Isaiah 41:13-20;; Ps ,145; Matt. 11:11-15

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

IN A WORLD OF NOISE, LEARN TO LISTEN TO GOD’S DIRECTIONS

The ears, as we know, are one of the very important organs of the human person. This organ consists of the pinna, which aids the human ability to hear. It is a gift from God through which we have the faculty of being able to perceive sounds and recognize something in an auditory way. To exercise the faculty of this organ effectively we must learn to use it to listen attentively to information. The world, no doubt, is full of noise, echoing different things in our minds through our ears.

But how do we use these organs? How has this organ helped us in our spiritual life in this noisy world? How have we managed the noise in our lives, in our families and in society which distracts us from listening to God? What are the things we hear or listen to? The Word of God we hear every day. How has it developed our relationship with God and our neighbour?

Hence, Jesus ends our Gospel passage today by saying: If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen!’ Here, Jesus is referring to our ability to listen to God’s Word and act on it even in the midst of this noisy world. Jesus was making this comment while referring to the mission of St. John the Baptist as his herald to proclaim his coming into this world and to prepare the path for him. He revealed to all of us the truth about God’s love for us. So, referring to the role of John the Baptist in the mission of the Lord, Jesus said: I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.

Thus, we have been made to know that the persons who seek to gain some spiritual insight into what Jesus is saying will have that insight increased when they listen. Whereas whoever does not listen to Jesus will end up in spiritual ignorance. To avoid this, we are reminded through prophet Isaiah that the faithful people of God would not be forsaken or abandoned, for God still loved us despite all the terrible and sinful things we do if only we could listen to him.

Dear friends, by listening, hearing and following Jesus, we grow in familiarity with his voice and hear him more. And by so doing we make Jesus the light of our lives placed on the lampstand to give light and insight to our souls as individuals, family and society, illuminating all the darkness around us. Therefore, we are called to put our ears into positive us and be submissive just like John the Baptist and so cultivate the habit of listening to God and one another.

 LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, our ears are gifts from you; help us to use them properly. And as we carry out our activities today, may our ears hear the consoling words of Jesus guiding and directing us towards the light of his presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Remain blessed.

Homily For Wednesday Second Week of Advent Year C, 11th December, 2024

 

Readings Isaiah 40:25-31; Ps 103; Matt. 11:28-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

COME TO THE LORD WITH YOUR BURDENS OF LIFE FOR HE WANTS TO HELP US

The ugly situation in our country today places a heavy burden and stress on us, and often, these burdens are so heavy that we don’t know how to carry them. The worst of these burdens is the sorrow we bear in our hearts: sorrows caused by our sins, unhealthy relationships, unforgiveness and family problems. These burdens sometimes are so heavy that we don’t know how to carry them, we don’t know who can help us understand how to carry them or overcome them.

Today in our Gospel reading, Jesus invites us to come to him with our burdens. For he recognizes the sorrows in our lives, how we labour and are overburdened. This invitation opens a refreshing space in our soul, by inspiring hope and drawing us into his loving and gentle presence who is always with us.

Little wonder we heard the prophet Isaiah in our first reading today saying: how can you say My destiny is hidden from the Lord, my rights are ignored by my God? Did you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is an everlasting God, he created the boundaries of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary, his understanding is beyond fathoming. He gives strength to the weary, he strengthens the powerless. Young men may grow tired and weary, and youths may stumble, but those who hope in the Lord renew their strength, they put out wings like eagles. They run and do not grow weary, walk and never tire. So, we should learn to present our burdens to God in faith.

Dear friends, Jesus, wants to listen to all of our troubles and assures us that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. When we spend time with Jesus we find rest for our souls. He speaks to us in the silence of our hearts and gives us inner peace. Therefore, why carry your burdens alone? Jesus is willing to help you, for he promised that when we are troubled and turn to him, he will help us. So let us trust in his word,

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we are carrying heavy burdens of the things of this passing world, as we present these burdens before you, may we find rest for our souls. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Remain blessed.

Homily For Tuesday, the Second Week of Advent Year C, 10th December 2024

Readings Isaiah 40:1-11; Ps 96; Matt. 18:12-14

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

ARE YOU LOST IN THE SINFUL THINGS OF THIS PASSING WORLD? GOD IS SEARCHING FOR US

It is natural and common for any human person to desire to seek and find any valuable thing he/she has lost. Some people even have sleepless nights over their lost items. Some can go to any length hoping to recover any of their valuable commodity that is lost. If we can do this just for perishable things of this passing world, don’t we think that God will do even much more to save every single soul he created in his image and likeness?

 Little wonder in our Gospel passage today, Jesus, while addressing his disciples, tells us the parables of the lost sheep, which illustrate the unrelenting love of God for each of us, especially sinners. In this parable, we see examples of someone searching for what is precious to him. And when he found it his joy was so great. So, Jesus uses this example to explain to us how God seeks us when we are lost in sin and his joy when our friendship with him is renewed. His searching for us cost him the sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ.

This can help us to realize how precious we are to him and that he never gives up on anyone except those who choose to be lost. All we need is for us to return to God who is patiently waiting for us. Just like the prophet Isaiah in our first reading today said: Console my people, console them’ says your God. ‘Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call to her that her time of service is ended, that her sin is atoned for.

Dear friends, are we lost in sin? Have we given up in our struggle with sin? Do you think that our sins are so great that God cannot forgive us? Do we feel lost now? Jesus is searching for us, he is waiting for us at the confessional. When was the last time we visited him at the confessional? Just know that he loves us and we are too precious to be lost in this sinful world. Therefore, let us embrace the faith and mission our Lord entrusted to us. Let us refuse to be lost in the sinful things of this passing world but rather join the Lord to search for his lost sheep.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we are lost in this passing world due to our sinfulness; seek out humanity once again from the wilderness of sins so that we may return to you, just like the lost sheep, and so rejoice and praise you once again with the angels. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day.

Homily For Monday, the Second Week of Advent Year C, 9th December 2024. The Solemnity of Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary

 

Readings 1 Gen. 3:9-15.20; Ps 98; Eph. 1:3-6.11-12; Luke.1:26-38

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF MARY 

Today, the Holy Mother Church celebrates the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception, one of the prerogatives of Mary, which shows her special role in the universal plan of God. So, reflecting on the role of Mary in God’s plan for our salvation, the Holy Mother Church ascribes some special prerogatives or privileges to her. These prerogatives concern what the Faith of the Church affirms in connection with the Blessed Virgin Mary. They include her Immaculate Conception, her perpetual virginity, her assumption into heaven and the title Mary, the Holy Mother of God (Theotokos), which is the foundation of other prerogatives.

Hence, the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception refers to the moment when Mary was conceived in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. That very moment when she came into existence as willed by God. She was immaculately conceived because of the role she was to play as the bearer of our Lord Jesus Christ. Immaculate means pure without fault, free from the taint of the original sin. 

Mary, by this privilege, is full of grace and remained free from sin throughout her life by the will of God, for  God chose to make her worthy of his Presence. Since our God, who is pure, perfect and sinless, could not have dwelled in a womb tainted by sin. Hence, in today’s Solemnity of Immaculate Conception, we celebrate one of the four great Marian Dogmas, as defined by the Church in the state of Mary, being the Mother of God, the bearer of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

Thus, our Gospel passage today presents to us the story of the annunciation by the angel to Mary. An event which immediately precedes the story of the annunciation to Zechariah (1:5-25). These two stories are unique and special. The condition of the women in these stories reveals the unique plan of God for each one of them because neither Elizabeth (Zechariah’s wife) nor Mary at that moment was a likely candidate for motherhood. 

This is so because, Elizabeth was too old, so John’s birth will require a miracle. Mary was a virgin, so Jesus’ birth will require even a greater miracle. But in all, God planned and designed it to be so, and both Mary and Elizabeth, saying yes, cooperated with the plan of God. This tells us that our success in life is determined by our disposition towards doing the will of God. Hence, we have to identify our plans and purposes with the universal plan of God for humanity.

This is what Adam and Eve failed to do in our first reading today; they did not follow the plan of God for them, for out of pride and disobedience,e, they separated themselves from God. That is why after Adam had eaten of the tree the Lord God called to him. ‘Where are you?’ he asked. ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden;’ ‘I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid. By this very action, humanity has fallen and separated from God, his creator. Nevertheless, God has never given up on humanity. He has a plan to save us, as we heard in our second reading today, of which Mar,y, in preparation for her role in this salvific pl, was conceived immaculately,ely, and this great privilege is what we are celebrating today.

Dear friends, saying yes to God’s plan for us is so important. And I must tell us that God has a special plan for everyone, a unique plan. But sometimes it seems as if God has favoured some persons more than others. Well, in the eyes of men, it seems true, but God has favoured each person in a very unique way, just like our Mother Mary, only that we sometimes do not understand what God is doing in our lives. Our understanding of favour is quite different from that of God. 

Therefore, all we need is to say yes and trust in God for he has plans which are meant uniquely for each person. We do not need to know the plans God has for us, all we need is to trust and cooperate with his plan. For God alone knows the plans he has for us, and in due time, he will reveal them to us just as he revealed to Mary the plan he has for her through the angel.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as we celebrate the great privilege of Mary regarding your plan for humanity, give us the grace to constantly embrace your will and plans for us by saying yes to your words. Help us cultivate the inner attitude of silence and recollection in order to welcome Christ joyfully when he comes, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Have a grace-filled celebration.

Homily For Second Sunday of Advent Year C, 8th December, 2024

 

Readings: Baruch: 5:1-9; Ps.126; Phil. 1:4-6.8-11; Luke 3:1-6

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

PREPARE A WAY FOR THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATH STRAIGHT AND HIS PEACE WILL REIGN IN YOUR HEART

In this world we are so busy preparing, acquiring and safeguarding the things of this passing world. But only a few persons are preparing for the future reality of human life, that is our eternal life in God’s Kingdom. Little wonder, the Church for the past seven days now, have been schooling us in the liturgical Season of Advent, calling our attention to the need for us to be prepared and be opened to embrace the coming King, our Lord Jesus, who is the King of Peace that is coming to dwell among the fallen humanity, to save us from sin and damnation.

Thus, today, the Second Sunday of Advent, we are presented with the theme of intensive preparation following the cry of John the Baptist who preached in the wilderness of Judea as he proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight, as we have it in our Gospel passage today.

Also in our first reading, we heard prophet Baruch saying: Jerusalem, take off your dress of sorrow and distress, put on the beauty of the glory of God forever, wrap the cloak of the integrity of God around you, put the diadem of the glory of the Eternal on your head: since God means to show your splendour to every nation under heaven and the name he gives you forever will be, ‘Peace of righteousness and glory of godliness integrity, and honour.

Therefore, as we embrace this Second Sunday of Advent, our focus moves from hope to that of peace where we look up to our Lord Jesus as the Prince of Peace and the Bearer of the everlasting peace and harmony which is lacking in our world today. So, this Sunday we reflect on the Peace that God has bestowed on us through the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into this world.

But a critical observation of what is going on in our world today, one may be greatly distressed and worried especially as regards the crises of war, protests, secessions and the effects of the current economic hardship. This ugly situation has taken away the peace we are meant to enjoy in this world, as many people are yet to recover from the direct and indirect effects of this terrible and ugly situation in our societies today.

However, amidst all these situations, we are reminded that all hope is not lost, for our Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will surely intervene in our situation and help us once again. No doubt that many people are worried about their means of livelihood, especially those who have no jobs and those who have lost their jobs and occupations in addition to the high cost of commodities. We must not give up or surrender to fear and anxiety. Rather, we should hold firm to the promises the Lord made to us, for in him, we can find true peace and grace to overcome our worries, fears and uncertainties.

 Let us be encouraged by the words of St. Paul in our second reading today where he said. I am quite certain that the One who began this good work in us will see that it is finished when the Day of Christ Jesus comes. Remember, the Day of the Lord may come like a thief, and since everything is coming to an end, we should be living a life that fosters peace, holiness, justice and integrity so that the Lord may find us at peace when he comes in glory.

Dear friends, in the wilderness of this passing world, we are called to prepare a way for the Lord’s peace to reign in our souls. But the only thing that can deny us peace and the fruit of this season is sin, such as unforgivingness, hatred, greed, injustice and immorality. So, what is keeping us from turning away from these ugly ways of life? Why not repent from them so as to embrace the new life of peace Jesus is offering us?

Are we finding it difficult to let go of our ugly sinful ways of life? It’s time to come to Jesus and ask for his grace. Let us embrace the word of God we hear this season and truthfully share it with those we encounter, just like John the Baptist who stood for the truth of his mission and offered it to everyone, whenever and however it will best bring conversion to sinner. This is what we are called to do this season. So, let us be agents of peace in our families, society and the world at large.

LET US PRAY: Almighty God, as we prepare the way for Christ coming into our souls. Give us the grace to turn away from sin and embrace the new life of peace and holiness which Christ is offering us this season of Advent. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed and joyful Sunday celebration.

Homily For Saturday, the First Week of Advent Year C, 7th December 2024

 

 Readings Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26, Ps 146., Matt. 9:35-10:1,5,6-8

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

REMEMBER WE ARE LABOURERS FOR GOD’S HARVEST

Walking through the streets I observed how people are struggling to survive in this passing world. I saw their passion, their determination and their willingness to achieve great things in life at the expense of things that prepare us for eternal life. Then my mind turned towards the words of Jesus in our Gospel passage today, when he saw the crowds and had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest’. 

Here, Jesus reveals God’s compassion towards humanity who were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. He then says to his disciples that there is a huge harvest waiting to be reaped. Calling on us to pray for God to send labourers into his harvest. Just as we heard the prophet Isaiah in our first reading today reminding us of God’s promises, saying: Thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: People of Zion, who dwell at Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will be gracious to you when he hears your cry; when he hears he will answer.

Thus, we can see that this 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 missionary activity, which is meant to spread throughout the world, hereby calling us into action. 

Hence, more labourers are needed, for Jesus sees how humanity is harassed and dejected, wandering like sheep without a guiding shepherd. And because the souls of everyone in the world are so precious to Jesus, he needs many more labourers. 

Therefore, the harvest is as big as ever and people are getting lost and clueless as never before. But who are these labourers? They are not just bishops, priests, or religious men and women. But every baptized person is called in a different capacity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those around him/her. So each of us has a vocation, a call to save souls and build the Kingdom of God together. 

Dear friends, how are we carrying out this mission and mandate of Christ? How strong is our compassion towards others? Do we know people who are harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd? Let us look at them for a moment and imagine Jesus looking at them and saying something to them. Do we feel harassed and helpless as a result of what we are going through in life? Do we feel the need for Jesus’ help in some part of our life? Then turn to him and be restored.

So, today, each one of us is called to reach out to people at any particular corner of the field of harvest where we find ourselves now, for we may be the last and only person who may have access to evangelize the people. Starting from our families, neighbours, colleagues in the office and others who we encounter in life. The truth is that we may be the only people who can bring the healing and compassion of Jesus into their lives. 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, give us the grace and courage to be faithful labourers in your vineyard, who will labour to bring your compassionate love to suffering souls who need to hear the Good News of Jesus. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed weekend.