WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH

1) LEVELS OF CARDINALS:

a. Cardinal deacon

b. Cardinal priest

c. Cardinal bishop

2) CATEGORIES OF CHURCHES:

a. Mission

b. Out Station

c. Parish

d. Cathedral (Vicariate-diocese-archdiocese)

e. Basilica

3) CATEGORIES OF PRIESTS:

a. Diocesan priest

b. Societan priest (e.g: MSP, SPS, SMA MHM, Mafr, etc)

c. Religious priest (Augustinians, Benedictines, Franciscans, Jesuits etc) 

4) HIERACHY OF THE CHURCH

a. Lay faithfuls

b. Deacons

c. Priests/religious

d. Bishops

e. Arch-bishops

f. Cardinals

e. Pope (The Vicar of Christ Jesus on Earth)

5) MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH:

a. Cantors

b. Lectors

c. Acolytes 

d. Choir

e. Deacon

f. Priests/religious

g. Bishops

h. Cardinals

i. Pope

6) CATEGORIES OF BISHOPS:

a. Auxiliary Bishop

b. Co-adjustor Bishop

b. Bishop

e. Arch-bishop

 

7) Categories of Religious:

a. Monks (men)-Nuns (women)

b. Mendicants

c. Hermits

d. Seculars

8) THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES:

a. Faith

b. Hope

c. Charity

9) TYPES OF PRAYER: 

a. Liturgical prayers: Holy Mass, Divine Office etc.

b. Non-liturgical prayers: Holy Rosary, Prayers to Saints and Angels, private prayers etc.

10) MODES OF PRAYERS:

a. Standing

b. Sitting

c. kneeling

d. bowing (it could be simple or deep)

e. genuflecting (it could be single or double)

f. laying 

11) SINS AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST:

a. Presumption

b. Despair

c. Resisting the known truth

d. Envy of another’s spiritual good

e. Obstinacy in sin

f. Final impenitence

12) SINS THAT CRY OUT TO HEAVEN:

a. Willful murder

b. The sin of Sodomy

c. Oppression of the poor

d. Defrauding laborers of their wages

13) CONDITIONS FOR MORTAL SIN:

a. Grave matter

b. Full knowledge

c. Deliberate consent

14) WAYS WE CAN PARTICIPATE IN OTHERS PEOPLE’S SINS:

a. By counsel

b. By command

c. By consent

d. By provocation

e. By praise or flattery

f. By concealment

g. By partaking

h. By silence

i. By defense of the ill done

15) THE TEN COMMANDMENTS:

a. Thou shall not have other gods besides Me

b. Thou shall not say the Name of the Lord thy God in vain

c. Remember to keep holy the Lord ’s Day

d. Honor thy father and thy mother

e. Thou shall not murder

f. Thou salt not commit adultery (all forms of sexual immoralities are included: masturbation, homosexuality, incest, bestiality, rape, lust etc).

g. Thou shall not steal

h. Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor

i. Thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s wife

j. Thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s goods

16) THE GREATEST COMMANDMENTS:

a. To love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength.

b. To love thy neighbor as thyself.

17) THE EVANGELICAL COUNSELS:

a. Voluntary poverty

b. Perpetual chastity

c. Entire obedience.

18) THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH/ DUTIES OF A CATHOLIC:

a. To go to Holy Mass and refrain from servile work on Sundays and holy days

b. To go to Confession at least once a year (traditionally done during Lent)

c. To receive the Eucharist at least once a year, during the Easter Season (known as the "Easter duty")

d. To observe the days of fasting and abstinence

e. To help to provide for the needs of the Church according to one's abilities and station in life

f. To obey the marriage laws of the Church

19) THE POWERS OF THE SOUL:

a. Memory

b. Intellect

c. Will

20) THE PILLARS OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH:

a. The Apostles Creed

b. The Seven Sacraments

c. The Ten Commandments

d. The Lord's Prayer

e. The Holy Mass

f. The Holy Rosary

g. The intercession of God’s Angels and Saints

21) PILLARS OF THE CHURCH'S AUTHORITY:

a. Sacred Scripture

b. Sacred Tradition

c. Living Magisterium

22). The Munera (Duties of the Ordained):

a. Munus docendi (duty to teach, based on Christ's role as Prophet)

b. Munus sanctificandi (duty to sanctify, based on Chris's role as Priest)

c. Munus regendi (duty to shepherd, based on Christ's role as King)

23) THE LEVELS OF THE CHURCH:

a. The Church Militant (Christians on Earth)

b. The Church Suffering (Christians in Purgatory)

c. The Church Triumphant (Christians in Heaven)

24) THE MARKS OF THE CHURCH:

a. Unity

b. Sanctity

c. Catholicity

d. Apostolicity

25) THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL IN ORDER OF THEIR BIRTH:

a. Reuben

b. Simeon

c. Levi

d. Judah

e. Zabulon

f. Issachar

g. Dan

h. Gad

i. Asher

j. Naphtali

k. Joseph (Menasseh and Ephraim)

l. Benjamin

26) THE BEATITUDES:

a. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

b. Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses the land.

c. Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.

d. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.

e. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

e. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.

g. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.

h. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

27) THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS:

a. Jesus is Condemned to Die

b. Jesus is Made to Bear His Cross

c. Jesus Falls the First Time

d. Jesus Meets His Mother

e. Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

f. Veronica Wipes Jesus' Face

g. Jesus Falls the Second Time

h. Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

i. Jesus Falls the Third Time

j. Jesus is Stripped

k. Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

l. Jesus Dies on the Cross

m. Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross

n. Jesus is Laid in the Tomb

28) THE 20 MYSTERIES OF THE HOLY ROSARY:

JOYFUL (Mondays and Saturdays):

a. Annunciation

b. Visitation

c. Nativity

d. Presentation

e. Finding Jesus in the Temple

LUMINOUS: (Thursdays)

a. Baptism of Jesus.

b. Manifestation of Jesus at the wedding feast of Cana.

c. Proclamation of the kingdom of God.

d. The Transfiguration.

e. The institution of the Holy Eucharist

SORROWFUL (Tuesdays and Fridays):

a. Agony in the Garden

b. The Scourging

c. Crowning with thorns

d. Carrying of the Cross

e. Crucifixion

GLORIOUS (Wednesdays):

a. Resurrection

b. Ascension

c. Pentecost

d. Assumption

e. Coronation 

NB: Throughout the Lenten season, the Sorrowful Mysteries is to be prayed only.

29) CHOIRS OF ANGELS IN ASCENDING ORDER:

a. Angels

b. Archangels

c. Principalities

d. Powers

e. Virtues

f. Dominions

g. Thrones

h. Cherubim

i. Seraphim

30) LEVELS OF REVERENCE:

a. Dulia: the reverence we give to Saints

b. Hyperdulia: the reverence we give to Mary as the greatest of Saints and Mother of God

c. Latria: the reverence and worship we give to God alone

31) THE 14 HOLY HELPERS:

1. St. George, Martyr, April 23

2. St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, February 3

3. St. Pantaleon, Martyr, July 27

4. St. Vitus, Martyr, June 15

5. St. Erasmus (Elmo), Bishop and Martyr, June 2

6. St. Christopher, Martyr, July 25

7. St. Giles, Abbot, September 1

8. St. Cyriacus (Cyriac), Martyr, August 8

9. St. Achatius, Martyr, May 8

10. St. Dionysius (Denis), Bishop and Martyr, October 9

11. St. Eustachius (Eustace), Martyr, September 20

12. St. Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr, November 25

13. St. Margaret of Antioch, Virgin and Martyr, July 20

14. St. Barbara, Virgin and Martyr, December 4

32) THE 7 LAST WORDS OF CHRIST:

a. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)

b. Amen I say to thee: This day thou shalt be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

c. Woman, behold thy son. . . .Behold thy mother. (John 19:26-27)

d. Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? (My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?) (Matthew 27:46, ref. Psalm 21)

e. I thirst. (John 19:28)

f. It is consummated.(John 19:30)

g. Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46, ref. Psalm 30:6)

33) THE 4 LAST THINGS (THE NOVISSIMA):

a. Death

b. Judgment

c. Heaven

d. Hell

34) THE SEVEN CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY:

a. To feed the hungry

b. To give drink to the thirsty

c. To clothe the naked

d. To shelter the homeless

e. To visit the sick

f. To visit the imprisoned

g. To bury the dead

35) THE SEVEN SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY:

a. To counsel the doubtful

b. To instruct the ignorant

c. To admonish sinners

d. To comfort the sorrowful

e. To forgive all injuries/offenses

f. To bear wrongs patiently

g. To pray for the living and the dead

 

36) CLASSES OF GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT KNOWN AS CHARISMATA:

a. Teaching

b. Faith

c. Grace of healing

d. Apostleship

e. Prophecy

37) THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS:

a. Baptism

b. Confirmation/Chrismation

c. Holy Eucharist

d. Penance (Confession/Reconciliation)

e. Holy Matrimony

f. Holy Order

g. Anointing of the Sick

40) THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

a. Wisdom

b. Understanding

c. Counsel

d. Fortitude

e. Knowledge

f. Piety

g. Fear of the Lord

41) THE THREE EMINENT GOOD WORKS:

a. Prayer

b. Fasting

c. Almsgiving

42) FRUITS OF THE HOLY GHOST:

a. Charity

b. Joy

c. Peace

d. Patience

e. Benignity

f. Goodness

g. Longanimity

h. Mildness

i. Faith

j. Modesty

k. Continency

l. Chastity

 

43) CARDINAL VIRTUES:

a. Prudence

b. Justice

c. Fortitude

d. Temperance

NB: Please do feel free to share .

The Homily of Saturday in Second Week of Lent Year B, 6th March, 2021

 The Homily of Saturday in Second Week of Lent Year B, 6th March, 2021

Readings: Micah 7:14-15.18-20, Ps. 103, Luke 15:1-3.11-32

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

SIN HAS TAKEN US AWAY FROM GOD, IS TIME TO COME BACK TO GOD FOR HE IS A MERCIFUL FATHER

Everyday of our lives we make choices that we think are good for us. The root of any choice we make comes from the fundamental option we have made for or against God; to love or to be selfish, to be good or bad, to be holy or sinful. And any choice we make has great consequences which can be positive or negative as we have in the parables of the prodigal son in our Gospel passage today. 

In this parable, we can identify three main characters: The Father, the elder son and the younger son. The three characters represent the attitude of group of persons in which Jesus was addressing in the Gospel. First the attitude of the tax collectors and sinners, who were seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say. Secondly the attitudes of the Pharisees and scribes who complained, and then Jesus who is seen as a righteous man who welcomes sinners and eats with them.

Looking at the attitudes of these three characters in the parable, we can deduce that the attitude of the Pharisees and Scribes depicts that of the elder son who is obedient to his father but passes judgment on his disobedient brother, the attitude of task collectors and sinner depicts the younger son who seeks reconciliation and forgiveness from his father. While the attitude of the Father can be seen in the person of God (Jesus) who went out to welcome the prodigal son (task collectors and sinners) and goes out as well searching for the elder and dutiful son (Pharisees and Scribes). 

This parable is applicable to our present context, where the Church is seen as the merciful Father, who welcomes, accommodates and lavishes her love on both saints and sinner. For we are told in our first reading that no god can be compared with our God: taking fault away, pardoning crime, not cherishing anger for ever but delighting in showing mercy? Meanwhile, the saints and the righteous ones in the Church are seen as the elder son who is obedient and faithful to the Father. While sinners, unbelievers are seen as the prodigal son who has traveled to a far distance country seeking to come back to the Father. 

But the questions we should ask ourselves are: where do I belong in the whole picture of this parable? Am I lost in sin? have I traveled far away from God and his Church? Where am I now in my relationship with God, what is the state of my life? what is my attitude towards my neighbour, my family, my father, mother, children? What is my attitude towards those who have offended me in a grievous ways? What is my attitude towards notorious sinners (armed robbers, murderers, prostitutes, drunkards, drug addicts,  womanizers, liars, the wicked, greedy and corrupt people) can I accommodate them if repented?

Dear friends, God is calling us to repentance. Sin has taken us away from God is time to come back, we are lost in a far away land of sin, is time to come back. It doesn't matter what we have done, how sinful we may have been, no matter how grievous. God is waiting for us to come back. He wants to hear us say like the prodigal son: I will arise and go to my Father and say Father forgive me for I have sinned against heaven and before you. 

Friends, God wants to meet us at the confessional, he wants to meet us in the Eucharist, he wants to meet us in those persons we have offended and those who have offered us. He wants to meet us in those we have refused to forgive. He wants to meet us in our families, in your husband, your wife, your children, your neighbours, your colleagues in the office and market place. He wants to meet you in that man who is suffering in prison and hospital because of your unforgiveness. All he wants us to do today is to say, am sorry to those who we have offended and to forgive those who have offended us.

The choice is yours, don't wait until is too late. Why not put a call to someone today and say to him or her am sorry, I have forgiven you, I just realized how wrong I have been, please forgive me. If we can do this, then we will see how blessed our life will be in this Holy season of Lent and we will find reason to rejoice at Easter. Remember that conversion is not just about sinners becoming holy, is more than that. Is about  experiencing and acknowledging the love of God everyday of our lives. 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, sin has separated us for your love, as we listen to your words today, may we come back to you just like the prodigal son, with repented heart and strong will to remain faithful like the dutiful son, knowing that you as our merciful Father awaits our return. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed weekend.

The Homily of Friday in Second Week of Lent Year B, 5th March, 2021

 The Homily of Friday in Second Week of Lent Year B, 5th March, 2021

Readings: Gen. 37:3-4.12-13.17-28, Ps. 105, Matt.21:33-43.45-46

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

THE UGLY ATTITUDE OF HUMANITY TOWARDS GOD OUR LOVELY FATHER

The relationship between God and humanity has always been described with different stories and parables. Which often show how humanity has always been unfaithful to God who has shown so much love to us. One of such parables and stories is what we have in our readings today.

In our Gospel passage, we heard the great parable of a vineyard owner who sent his servants to collect the dues and rents of the tenants whom he had entrusted with the care of his vineyard he leased out to them. But these tenants were wicked and desired to keep everything they gained to themselves, hence they persecuted and killed the servants sent to them. The tenants also killed the son of the vineyard owner, whom he sent to them thinking that the tenants would respect his own son. 

At the end, the vineyard owner came down himself and dealt with all those wicked tenants, punishing them all for their wickedness and the evil things which they had committed out of greed and ego. They lost everything and were punished justly by the owner. This same attitude we have in our first reading in the despicable act which the brothers of Joseph committed against him in order to end his dream and gain for themselves favour and inheritance.

Thus, the parable describes the relationship between God and humanity and how humanity has been summoned for a trial. Here, the owner of the vineyard is God, while the son represents Jesus himself, the Son of God sent into the world to save humanity but was crucified by the same humanity. Again, the vineyard represents the world itself while the wicked tenants represent the ugly attitudes of humanity towards the resources entrusted to us by God. 

Dear friends, our nation is on a trial before God, for God has presented his case against us today, summoning our blessed land and mountains to act as judge between him and the people of this nation, by reminding us how he has blessed us with so many resource, skills, good weather and people. But we have misused them, neglected his message, committed a lot of evil and murder,  yet we are still carrying, seeking for solutions and signs from God. 

Today as tenants in God’s vineyard, we are called to change our ugly attitude positively, we should turn away from greed, corruption, pride and ego. If not, we will likely end up like those wicked tenants who acted with such evil against their fellow men and even against the son of their master and were justly punished. Therefore, what God requires from us today is to do justice, to love kindly and to walk humbly with him for our own good and the good of others. Remember, It was the stone rejected by the builders that became the cornerstone. 

LET US PRAY: Almighty Father, the world is filled with greed, corruption, pride and ego, because humanity have often failed to remain faithful and accountable with the things entrusted us. As we listen to your words today, we ask for your mercy and forgiveness for the time we have failed to be faithful, obedient and accountable with the things you entrusted to us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful day.

The Homily of Thursday in Second Week of Lent Year B, 4th March, 2021

 The Homily of Thursday in Second Week of Lent Year B, 4th March, 2021

Readings: Jer. 17:5-10, Ps. 1, Luke 16:19-31

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

IN YOUR GOOD FORTUNE, NEVER NEGLECT THE POOR LAZARUS AROUND YOU

Whatever we have in this world is a blessing from God, who wishes to bless us so that through us others will be blessed. But this is not often the disposition of most of us. This is obvious when we reflect on the relationship between the rich and the poor in our society today. Where the poor are neglected and treated as if they are less humans. 

This ugly attitude needs to change when we recall the famous parable of the Lord Jesus in our Gospel passage today, about Lazarus the poor man and a rich man whose doorstep Lazarus often dwelled, hoping for the rich man to give him even the scraps of bread and food that fell from his table, but he was often neglected.

 Here, we heard how the poor Lazarus ended up in Paradise, in the presence of God in heaven with Abraham, enjoying the fullness of God’s inheritance and grace, no longer suffering the pains and torments that he had once endured while he was still alive in the world. Meanwhile, we heard how the rich man descended into the depths of hell, suffering in agony for eternity, without any hope of respite or escape, and even when he begged Abraham to send Lazarus for help, it was impossible for that to happen. 

But what was the rich man's offense? Is it because he was rich? No, his sin is that of omission, which is the sin of neglecting his neighbour Lazarus when he was obviously in the position to help and provide for him through the excess material goods and providence that God has blessed him with. He neglected the commandments of God who has called us to love our neighbours and help the needy. Thus, he has to face the consequences of his sin of neglecting his neighbour who was in need of his help.

Hence, in our first reading (Jer 17:5-10), prophet Jeremiah spoke of the curse that will be against those who followed the path of disobedience against God and his commandments, those who trust in themselves and in worldly matters more than they trusted in God. While those who trust in God will have the assurance of God’s providence and blessings as they enjoy his promise of eternal life and everlasting glory just like Lazarus.

Dear friends, the example of the parable of the rich man and poor Lazarus, calls our attention to the fact that we are going to be judged not based on what God has blessed us with but, what we have done with what God has given us. So it is important to remind ourselves in this season of Lent, that we must also not be ignorant of the poor Lazaruses around us. Those who are less fortunate than we are, should not be neglected, especially those who work for us, our house helps, our poor security personnels, our poor neighbours, and those we encounter everyday in need of our help. 

Remember, no one is too poor that he has nothing to give, even the poor Lazarus offered his sores to dogs who came to lick it. And no one is so rich that he needs nothing, but, the sin of the rich man was the sin of omission, this should not be our lot as we ask God for grace not to neglect the poor Lazarus around us. 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, you are the source of all that we have. As we listen to your words today, grant us we pray, the grace to be conscious of the poor around us and ensure we help them in their struggles. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you God’s favour and blessings.

The Homily of Wednesday in Second Week of Lent Year B, 3rd March, 2021

 The Homily of Wednesday in Second Week of Lent Year B, 3rd March, 2021

Readings: Jer. 18:18-20 , Ps.30, Matt. 20:17-28

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

TRUE GREATNESS IS NOT FOUND IN ACQUIRING POWER, BUT IN SINCERE SERVICE TO OTHERS

One of the ugly attitude of most of our leaders today is the love of power, people are ready to do anything just to grab power. People kill, kidnap, blackmail and condemn others because of their ambition to hold power and sustain it. This ugly attitude of mankind is well displayed in the readings of today. In the Gospel passage, this ugly attitude was displayed when the mother of the sons of Zebedee came with her sons to make a request from Jesus that he should promise that her two sons may sit one at his right hand and the other at his left in his kingdom. 

This unfortunate request was made while Jesus was telling his disciples about his passion and death. But instead of reflecting on the seriousness of the words of Jesus, they were busy quarrelling over who grabs power as most people do today. For  when the other ten heard about the request made by the mother of the sons of Zebedee, they were indignant with the two brothers. perhaps because they had misinterpreted Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom and presumed that it would be a kingdom in which they would have honour and prestige like most people think today. 

But Jesus called them and said, ‘You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many'. 

Dear friends, true greatness is found in sincere service to others and not in over ambition for power or plotting against others as we have in our first reading, where we see people plotting the downfall of a virtuous man. They intend to deal cruelly with him because he has commented on their evil ways of life. They intend to test him and see if he will break under pressure and become like them. This ugly attitude is what we often experienced in our families, societies and in our country today. Where people do all kinds of evil in order to grab power and sustain it. 

I don’t know what your experience have been? I don’t know which of the characters in our readings can best describe our attitude towards power. Are we like the mother of the sons of Zebedee? Is our attitude like that of the ten disciples. Is our attitude like that of the pagan rulers who lord it over others. Is our attitude like that of those potting the down fall of the prophet of God? Or that of prophet Jeremiah. 

Which ever category we fall in, today we are called to be humble like Jesus who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Therefore, as leaders, we should see ourselves as servants and not seek after status beyond our reach or plot the down fall of others. Remember, ambition can be a good thing but only if it is kept in check and if pursued for the right reason, that is, to serve others. 

 LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we are often consumed by excess love for power, which we have often misused and abused.  As we listen to your teaching today, may we learn to use the power and authority entrusted to us in humble service for the common good of all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed day.

The Homily of Tuesday in Second Week of Lent Year B, 2nd March, 2021

 The Homily of Tuesday in Second Week of Lent Year B, 2nd March, 2021

Readings: Is. 1:10.16-20, Ps.49, Matt. 23:1-12

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

THE WORLD IS IN NEED OF GOOD LEADERS AND NOT HYPOCRITES

Leadership is one of the characteristics of the human person, it is that which makes us unique from every other creatures. It is a gift from God by which we serve him and our neighbour responsibly. But this gift often has been abused and misused by people who were entrusted with the responsibility of leading others, just like the Scribes and the Pharisees in the Gospel passage today, who had the responsibility to lead people to the Kingdom of heaven, but with their ugly ways of life,  they neither enter nor allow those who want to enter to go in.

Hence, Jesus told his disciples that since the scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. They must therefore do what they tell them and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move any. Everything they do is done to attract attention. 

Here, Jesus made it clear that we should listen to what the authorities are saying to us. However, we should not be such people who do not put into practice what we teach. So, as Christians we need to start practicing what we preach, we need to do more of witnessing then preaching. It is not enough to recall principles, state intentions, point to blatant injustice and utter prophetic denunciation; these kind of words lack the real meaning of our faith unless they are accompanied by effective action manifested in our way of life. 

Thus, Jesus called the Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites, blind guide because, they misused the gift of leadership entrusted to them. So, today we are called not to be like them, rather, we should be humble, committed and responsible with whatever we are entrusted with. Jesus made us to know that the greatest among us must be the servant of all. Because anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted. 

Hence, prophet Isaiah tells us in our first reading to hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of world; listen to the command of our God, you people of corruption. ‘Wash, make yourselves clean. Take your wrong-doing out of God’s sight. Cease to do evil. Learn to do good, search for justice, help the oppressed, be just to the orphan, plead for the widow.

Dear friends, the world is full of leaders with Pharisaic spirit of greed, selfishness, pride and corruption. Today, we need leaders who will be truly servants of the people at all levels of leadership beginning from the self to the family, to societies and other level we may find ourselves. But what does it take to be a good leader? Jesus says is humility that comes from a humble heart that wishes to serve and not to be served. A heart that understands that leadership is sacrificial. Can I be such a leader in my family, society and country? 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, humanity are suffering because of corrupt, greed and selfish leaders who occupied virtually every important position of leadership. As we embrace your words today, may we become good leaders in our families, societies and the world at large. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.  Do have a fruitful day.

The Homily of Monday in Second Week of Lent Year B, 1st March, 2021

 The Homily of Monday in Second Week of Lent Year B, 1st March, 2021

Readings:  Dan. 9:4b-10, Ps.79, Luke 6:36-38

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

A CALL TO BE COMPASSIONATE

The word compassionate is an adjective that expresses an attribute of the noun “compassion” which has to do with having a deep awareness and sympathy for another's suffering. It is the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it. 

Hence Jesus in our Gospel reading today, calls his disciples to be compassionate as our heavenly Father is compassionate. He told them not to judge, so that they will not be judged. He said to them do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned. In the light of been compassionate, Jesus encouraged his disciples to be generous to people by giving, and they will receive gifts in return, a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into their lap; because the amount they measure out is the amount they will be given back.

 

Here, Jesus emphasis that our generosity should come from a heart that is truly compassionate, a heart that understands the sufferings of others and wishes to do something about it, knowing that truly there is a reward for every single act of generosity and compassion shown to others. Thus, prophet Daniel in our first reading reminded us that mercy and pardon belong to our God, because we have betrayed him, and have not listened to his voice nor followed the laws he has given us through his servants the prophets. So is time to come back to him as he calls us to be compassionate.

Dear friends, today we are called to be compassionate and generous just like our heavenly Father who is great and loving, showing compassion and kindness to those who love and keep His commandments. We are also called not to judge, because, often that which we judge in others, we ourselves are doing worst.  Hence, Jesus is challenging us today to think differently about how we live our lives. 

He is calling us to look into our inner being, our interior life, that part of us that we hide from one another, in order to purify it in humility. And by so doing we can be pure and free to help others in the struggles with their weakness. Therefore, it’s time to look into ourselves and take away our prideful ways of life, so as to humbly accommodate the weakness and faults of others especially in our families, societies and the world at large, knowing that no one is perfect without the other.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we embrace the call to be compassionate and generous, may your blessings come down upon us in a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over so that we can share with those in need of our help. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. It’s another new month, may the favour of the Lord remain always with us. Happy New Month.