Homily For Wednesday Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 8th February, 2023

Readings: Gen 2:4-9.15-17, Ps.104, Mark 7:14:23

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

WHEN THE INTERIOR LIFE IS DEFILED BY SIN THE HEART BEARS THE UGLY FRUITS OF CORRUPT

 

Listening to our first reading today, we heard how God has entrusted to humanity his wonderful creation with the following instructions: ‘You may eat indeed of all the trees in the garden. Nevertheless of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you are not to eat, for on the day you eat of it you shall most surely die. But we have often failed to keep this instruction out of pride and greediness which have corrupted our hearts and as a result most of our ugly attitudes are the fruit of this corrupt heart and these often separate us from God.

 

Little wonder in our Gospel passage today, Jesus makes it clear that we are not defiled or separated from God, by external things, such as the kinds of food we eat, but by the sins of the heart, evil intentions and sinful actions  which we entertain in our hearts. Telling us that physical activity of the human person does not defile a person because the physical is being controlled by the inner interior being of the person. For when the interior life of a person is corrupted by sin, then the fruit of this corruption is manifested in the physical activity of the person.

 

For just as a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so will a corrupt heart bring forth corrupt fruits, corrupt appetites, passions, covetousness and immoderate desires for more wealth of the nation from which comes wickedness; malice, hatred, and a delight in mischievous actions, deceit; Lasciviousness; that filthiness and foolish talk which darkened the soul.

 

Hence, Jesus teaches us also, that from a corrupt heart comes the desire for fornication and adultery. And all these comes from within our hearts, especially the corrupt nature that brings about the carnal mind, the evil treasure in the heart which defile the human person and render one unfit to communion with God. Because they stain the conscience; and, if not mortified and rooted out, will send us out of our heavenly kingdom.

 

Thus,  the defilement we ought to avoid is not from what entered our mouths as food, but from what comes out of our mouths, which shows the goodness or wickedness deep down in our hearts. For the human heart is the source of every good and evil deeds. Hence, the pollution of the human heart is very dangerous, for in it comes all the powers and faculties of the soul. So there is need for us to know that lustful and sinful thoughts of the heart defiles the human person and makes one abominable in the sight of God.

 

Dear friends, when our interior life is defiled by sins, our hearts bear ugly fruit of corruption. So, we must ensure that our interior life and our hearts are constantly purge of all these corruptions in other to bear good fruits of love, forgiveness, compassion and holiness. For it is only when this occurs that there will be need for a new hearts and right spirit to be formed and created within us for having repented and received the pardoning grace of God. Because nothing will last in the soul more than the regenerating graces of the Holy Spirit which gives sight to the heart darkened by sin in order to effectively lead others to the truth that illuminates their hearts from the darkness of sin and death.

 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, the human hearts have been corrupted and darkened by sins. As we struggle to constantly purge our hearts from sin and corruption, may you create a pure heart within us so that we can bear good fruits of love and holiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen Wishing you a fruitful day.

Homily For Tuesday Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 7th February, 2023

Readings: Gen.1:20-2:4, Ps.8, Mark 7:1-13

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

LET LOVE AND GOODWILL BE THE FOUNDATION FOR MAKING AND IMPLEMENTING OUR LAWS

 

Oftentimes, we find it difficult to separate the commandments of God from human traditions. This no doubt plays out in our making and interpreting of laws and it has great consequences in our relationship with God and our neighbours just as we have it in our Gospel reading today, where we heard how the Pharisees multiplied religious laws and rituals to such an extent that it was impossible to know them all, talk more of observing them. So Jesus accuses them of  neglecting the true commandment of God over their petty regulations.

 

These petty laws and traditions were some highly detailed but unwritten human laws which the Scribes and Pharisees regarded as having the same binding force as the Law of Moses. However, Jesus was not totally against these laws and regulations. What he was against was the legalism by which the mere observance of some external actions were equated with being a devout lover of God. Hence he reminded them of the quotes from the prophet Isaiah saying: “this people honours me only with lip service, while their hearts are far from me. The worship they offer me is worthless; the doctrines they teach are only human regulations.” (Is 29:13).

 

So, he made it clear that the real commandments of God is the unconditional love of God and neighbour which is evident in our first reading where we heard God saying, ‘Let us make man in our own image, in the likeness of ourselves, and let them be masters of the fish of the sea, the birds of heaven, the cattle, all the wild beasts and all the reptiles that crawl upon the earth.’ Thus, God created man in the image of himself with laws and regulations to guide us. But we have neglected these laws in favour of what are purely human traditions.

 

Hence, Jesus goes ahead to illustrates the hypocrisy involved in this ugly attitudes by showing how some supposedly devout people neglected the basic responsibility of respect and care for parents by claiming that they had consecrated all that they owned to God and the temple, while in fact they are keeping it for their own personal use. So for one to declare something to be “Corban,” an offering devoted to God, when his parents are in need, is in direct conflict with the commandment of God that says: honour your father and mother.

 

Dear friends, let love and goodwill be the foundation for making and implementing our laws. For there can be some elements of Pharisee in us and these happen whenever we focus our attention on laws while neglecting the spirit of the law which is the real focus of today’s Gospel. Sometimes we neglect the essential service of God because of some religious regulations. We often judge people based on our human standard. And sometimes we piously go through all kinds of devotional exercises but deep down our hearts is gossip and destructive criticism of others.

Therefore, we are called today not to be like the Pharisees by holding unto unnecessary human traditions, rather, we should focus our attention more on the teaching of Jesus about the love of God and neighour and this should guide our implementation of every other laws and regulations.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, out of pride and greediness, we have often neglected the true meaning of your commandment of love but hold on to unnecessary human traditions which lead us into destructive criticism of others. Help to change this ugly attitudes in order to embrace your teaching on love and humility. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful day.

Homily For Monday Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 6th February, 2023

The Memorial of Saints Paul Miki and Companions

Readings: Gen.1:1-19, Ps.104, Mark 6:53-56

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

EXPERIENCING THE HEALING TOUCH OF JESUS

 

In creation story, we were told that God created everything so good and perfect just as we have it in our first reading today. But out of pride and greediness, humanity have destroyed and keep on destroying the good things that God has entrusted to us. As a result of this humanity are suffering the consequences of our destructive actions which manifest in different from such as: natural disasters,  illnesses, diseases, afflictions, slavery and troubles.

 

But time and time again, God though not pleased with this destructive nature of humanity, has not stopped to restore humanity back to it glorious state. This gracious act of restoration is made more evident in the life and mission of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to redeem us through the path of humility and love.

 

Little wonder in our Gospel passage today, we heard of the great works of Jesus who was then at Galilee, ministering to the people who came to him seeking to be healed from their various illnesses, diseases, afflictions, slavery and troubles. People kept on bringing their sick ones to him and many people who had faith in him were healed by merely touching his cloak. This passage summarizes  what Jesus was doing for the people. It indicates the tremendous desire of the people to be healed and made whole by Jesus. Thus, the presence of Jesus brought Joy and relieve to them.

 

Dear friends, God really cares about us, for no matter the situation we may find ourselves, we must know that the touch of Jesus heals and restores everything. Therefore, we all are called to embrace the loving touch of Jesus and cooperate with him in his work and mission of healing and restoration of humanity, just like Paul Miki and Companions whose memorial we are celebrating today. They are the Holy Martyrs of Nagasaki in Japan.

 

This Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan were crucified on a hill, now known as the Holy Mountain, overlooking Nagasaki. Among them were priests, brothers and laymen, Franciscans, Jesuits and members of the Secular Franciscan Order; there were catechists, doctors, simple artisans and servants, old men and innocent children, all united in a common faith and love for Jesus their good Shepard. They remained faithful to the very end and faced martyrdom with courage and so received from Jesus the Good Shepherd, the crown of true and everlasting glory.

 

Hence, let us discern what we can do in order to contribute in our  little ways, towards ensuring the restoration of humanity and all God’s creation which we are destroying by our lives and actions. let us seek to renew our faith  in God and grow stronger in our love and devotion towards him. The people in our Gospel today rushed towards Jesus with their needs and their hopes because they recognized him. Maybe we need to follow their example by bringing to him those things in us that are still in need of healing and restoration.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we submit our lives into your care, let your healing touch restore us once again.  And through the intercessions of SS.  Paul Miki and Companions, may the victims of human persecutions and slavery experience restoration and the healing touch of Jesus in their lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed week.

Homily For Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, 5th February, 2023

Readings: Is. 58:7-10; Ps. 112; 1Cor.2:1-5; Matt. 5:1-13-16

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

 LET YOUR LIFE BE THAT LIGHT AND SALT NEEDED IN OUR DARK AND TASTELESS SOCIETY TODAY

 

Reflecting on the ugly situation in our families, societies and the world at large, especially in our country today where life has become short, brutal and hopeless, no money in circulation, no fuel,  no light, no food, no water, no good roads, no one thing to be proud of in this country, little wonder we experience so much wickedness and hatred around us and we all seem to be keeping quiet about it. Now we all have to face the realty before us, both small and great, rich and poor, learned and unlearned, young and old, good and bad, holy and sinful. Because,  we have lost our dignity as God’s chosen people who are called to be light and salt to the hearts of humanity who are consumed in darkness of greed,  corruption and sinful things of this passing world.  

Hence, today being the fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A,  our attention is drawn towards the very essence and nature of our lives as Christian and our mission in the world. This is well illustrated with the theme of LIGHT and SALT.

 

For in our Gospel passage today we heard  from Jesus the famous parable of the salt of the earth and the light of the world. When Jesus taught this parable, his audience were composed of Israelites the chosen people of God, who possessed the Word of God and ought to be salt and light in the world but have failed. So, gradually, throughout his teaching, Jesus tried to deepen these idea of salt and light to each one who decided to follow him. He wanted them to understand the grace and purpose of their mission in the world.

 

That is why during our baptism we are given salt as a sign of God’s life in us and are commanded never to lose or forget the life and joy that God has given us to share with others. In a similar way, we are given candle light which we are to kept brightly burning as a flame of faith in our hearts as we journey with others towards our heavenly kingdom.

 

Therefore, every Christian is called by God to influence the world around them positively, just like St. Paul in our second reading, when the said: I came among you in great ‘fear and trembling’ and in my speeches and the sermons that I gave, there were none of the arguments that belong to philosophy; only a demonstration of the power of the Spirit. And I did this so that your faith should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God. So when Jesus used the illustrations of salt and light, he was pointing out what our lives as his disciples should be. And as we know both salt and light have properties which have great effect on things around them.

 

No doubt the scriptures contains different references to salt. Often times it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification. Salt as we know is used to enhance flavor, it preserves, purifies things, salt distinguishes Identity, adds Values to things, it’s inexpensive but valuable, necessary for life, it is a basic identity of believers, it is either we use it or lose its effects. Thus, to be salt means to deliberately seek to influence the people in our lives by showing them the unconditional love of Christ through good deeds.

 

Also, light in the scriptures is a symbol used to mean awareness, knowledge, and understanding. Light clarifies, Illuminates, Inspires, defeats darkness, shines brightly and freely, it guides, stimulates and motivates, provokes action, it irritates those in darkness, confirms truth, purifies and exposes sin. Light makes us warms and assures us of safety and also facilitates progress. Hence, to be light means to be a witness to others concerning the truth of God's Word and love for humanity. 

 

Consequently, Jesus clearly defines the role of Christians in the world as that of salt and light. Salt to preserves the faith and give flavour to human life. Light to illuminates darkness and reflects the glory of God. However, most of us Christians have failed to appropriate these benefits, privileges and responsibilities of being salt and light to humanity. As a result, many people suffer because we have failed to be the light and salt in our dark and tasteless societies and families. For we have continued to embrace the things of this passing world and are spoiled by its destructive ways. We have gotten that we are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men. We have gotten that we are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden.

 

Dear friends, the questions before  us today are: Are we still the light of his world? Are we still the salt of this country? Are we still the light of our societies and offices? Are we still the salt of our families, organizations and institutions we find ourselves? If the answer is yes, how come we have not been able to illuminate our families, our societies and our country that are sinking into deep darkness of sin, corruption and greediness? How come we have failed to give that  taste of love, joy, goodwill,  integrity,  honest, holiness,  compassion to our tasteless and corruption families,  societies and our country Nigeria where life has become short, brutal and hopeless, no money in circulation, no fuel,  no light, no food, no water, no good roads.

 

Why have we failed to be the salt and light of this nation?  Why have chosen to mingle with darkness? Why have we chosen to remain silent and lose the sweet taste of love and goodwill God has given us. Is it the case that Christians are not involved in making policies in our societies and the implementations of those policies? I don’t think so,  for I know we are involved, but we have gotten who we are, so we have been thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men of darkness and lawlessness.

 

So, the core message today is that each and every one of us as disciples and followers of Christ the Lord must be ready to do and be what he has taught and commanded us to be. If we call ourselves Christians and yet we are incapable, unwilling or fail to do or be what we have been called to be, how can we be that salt or light then? Are we not like the hypocrites who believe in one thing and yet act in a different manner? Remember, if we lose the value and taste of who we are, the world will trample upon us because we will be good for nothing.

 

But, how can we then live our lives so that we may truly reflect God’s light  and relevant salt in our dark and tasteless society? It is by doing what we heard in our first reading today taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah ( 58:7-10), where we are told to share our joy, happiness and blessings with others. We have to stand up and speak out in the midst of injustice and corruption. We have to stand and uphold the truth of our faith no matter what. We have to do the best within our capacity by utilizing our gifts and talents, using them to touch others people’s lives through our sincere and genuine show of love, care and concern for one another, so that our light may illuminate the path of others who are still dwelling in the darkness of uncertainty and sin. Therefore, let our presence bring happiness and joy in the life of people around us who are suffering and tasting for love and compassion.

 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as we struggle everyday to truly carryout the mission entrusted to us, give us the grace and courage to dedicate ourselves, our time, our energy and effort to becoming true light and salt in our dark and tasteless families, societies, country and the world at large. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Happy Sunday

Homily For Saturday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 4th February, 2023

Readings: Heb. 13:15-17.20-21, Ps.23, Mark 6:30-34

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

WHY HAVE WE BECOME LIKE SHEEP WITHOUT RESPONSIBLE SHEPHERDS?

 

There is no doubt that humanity are constantly in need of one thing or the other, we are never tired of searching for things that will satisfy our desires for physical and spiritual well being. This is even worst with the ugly situation in our country today were people are lost, confused, sick and completely broke as a result of what we have created out of our selfish desires.

 

Today in our country we are all suffering like sheep without responsible shepherds, no money in circulation,  no fuel,  no light, no food, no good roads, no one thing to be proud of in this country, because we have constantly fail to do the right things or elect people off goodwill to manage  public offices. This can be likened to  the situation and condition of the people in our Gospel passage today of which Jesus and his disciples devoted time trying to address the situation.

 

But as the situation grew worst, Jesus said to his disciples you must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’; for there were so many coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat.  As they went through their boat, the people went after them on foot. So, as Jesus stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them for they are like sheep without a shepherd and he healed their sickness and taught them for a while.

 

Here, Jesus fulfills his role as the expected messiah who is to liberate his people from all kinds of diseases and ugly situations. The teaching and healing touch of Jesus reveals to us that God is faithful to his promises. This healing and wholeness are offered as a sign of the presence of God’s kingdom among his people. For we are told in our first reading that Jesus has become the great Shepherd of the sheep by his blood that sealed an eternal covenant, thereby making us ready to do his will in any kind of good action; by turning us all into whatever is acceptable to himself. How I wish that we all can learn to do the right thing and be responsible with whatever obligation entrusted to us just like Jesus and his disciples.

 

Dear friends, the hopeless and ugly situation in our country today are good indications that we are just floating in this world like sheep without responsible Shepherds. Thus, we need to come to Jesus our true and Good Shepherd. We must make sure that nothing comes between us and the love of Jesus our Lord, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked we should remain focused towards achieving the greater goal through goodwill.

 

For these are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us so much. We must ensure that neither death nor life, no angel, no princes of this world, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord who is our true Shepherd.

 

Therefore, let us come to Jesus our Good Shepherd and embrace his love and compassion. Let us have goodwill for one another. Let us be good leaders in any level we find ourselves.  Let us pray for good leaders especially in these coming elections, by going out to elect good and credible leaders in every sector and offices in our societies, not just president, governors and senators. Let us know those we are entrusting with the responsibility of managing public offices. By so doing, our prayers and desires for good leaders will be granted.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we are lost in this passing world, as we come to you in need of your love and direction both physically and spiritually, guide us once again towards the path of truth, love and fulfilment even in the midst of all the confusion in our country today. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed weekend.

Homily For Friday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 3rd February, 2023

Readings: Heb. 13:1-8, Ps.26, Mark 6:14-29

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

CAN YOU STAND FOR TRUTH AND DEFEND THE INNOCENTS AGAINST PRIDEFUL AUTHORITY?

 

Lucky Dube in one of his album said that he who stands for the truth will always stand alone. This is the case with John the Baptist whose head was the prize for the truth he told Herod and Herodias as we read in the Gospel passage today. This terrible crime, which points at what is done to Jesus in his Passion, demonstrates how good people, especially when they struggle for justice, are condemned to suffer in the hand of greed and powerful people who become very cruel and as a result the innocent suffer.

 

The root of the whole problem is that king Herod made unwise promise out of pride, but finds it difficult to change his mind and admit that he was wrong. He did not plan to execute John that night. He was persuaded by Herodias to do so, because he was a weak man. He is a slave to the opinion of others, he feared the people who revered John; he also fears the reaction of his guests if he should retracts his oath. Thus, the head of the innocent, who was in prison for speaking the truth was sacrificed on the altar of human ego.

 

Dear friends, can you  stand for truth and defend the innocents against prideful authority? How far can we stand for the truth we professed. Or Like Herod, how often do we make unwise promises out of pride? When we make bad decisions, how quick are we able to change our mind, to admit that we are wrong. If today we happen to be one of the Herod’s guests, what would have been our reaction? Will I have protested or stayed silent? So how do we react, when we see others suffering injustice?

 

Perhaps, today we can think of all the victims of truth in our societies, the vulnerable, the innocent in our society and all those who are exploited and used to achieve the ends of others. These ugly events in our society, how are we confronting them? Do we have the courage to speak up or protest, even at the cost of our heads and our lives? Little wonder we were told in our first reading to continue to love each other like brothers, and remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

 

Also, we are told to keep in mind those who are in prison like John the Baptist, as though we were in prison with them; and those who are being badly treated, since we too are in the one body. As regards to the ugly attitudes of Herodias, we are reminded that marriage is to be honoured by all. Therefore, we are  to ensure that marriages are kept undefiled, for fornicators and adulterers will come under God’s judgement. We are called to put greed and pride out of your lives and be content with whatever we have; for God himself has said: I will not fail you or desert you, and so we can say with confidence: With the Lord to help me, I fear nothing: what can man do to me?

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, give us the grace to stand for the truth and help us never to make unwise promises. May you direct our intentions and guide our words so that we may grow in compassion for the innocent victims in our families, societies, country and the world at large, through Christ our Lord. Amen.  God bless you.

Homily For Thursday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 2nd February, 2023 The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. (World Day For Consecrated Life)

Readings: Mal.3:1-4, Ps.24, Heb. 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

CHRIST THE TRUE LIGHT OF THE WORLD IS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE OF OUR HEARTS

Today being forty days after the birth of Jesus at Christmas, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple at Jerusalem. This event servers three purposes; the first is the redemption of the first-born male, which according to the law of Moses, was set apart for God. The second purpose is the purification of Mary which is done after giving birth and the third is the Presentation Jesus into the temple of God which dwells in human hearts.

Here in the Gospel, St Luke explained that Mary and Joseph wished to fulfil all the prescriptions in order to emphasize that Jesus was born into a family of simple people, lowly but of steadfast faith: a family that belonged to the poor of Israel the true People of God. It is important to note that these three purposes that is, the purification of the mother, the redemption of the son and the presentation, aimed at giving account of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple of God which dwells in human hearts. A symbol of the reality that shows the act of offering the Son of the Most High to the Father who sent him.

Hence, this becomes the confirmation of the words of the Prophet Malachi which we heard at the beginning of the first Reading: “Behold”, says the Lord, “I send my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming to purify the sons of Levi. Then the offering will be pleasing to the Lord” (3:1- 4), thereby indicating the role of the child Jesus.

The same child Jesus, who is immediately presented in the Temple, is the same person who, as an adult, would purify the temple of our hearts Jn 2:13-22). Above all, he would make himself the sacrifice and the High Priest of the new Covenant, as we heard in our second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews. A passage which tells us about the new priesthood instituted by Christ the High Priest. For which he will suffer greatly as prophecy by Simeon in our Gospel passage concerning both the Child Jesus and Mary the Mother when he said: “Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against, a sword will pierce through your own soul also that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Thus, this is pointing out the salvation which Jesus will bring to his people, that which he embodies in himself, as he passed through the Cross, the violent death by which he was to vanquish death and transform humanity with the sacrifice of his life through love. Hence, he becomes the true Light of the world of which Simeon and Anna proclaimed as a revelation, that Jesus was to be the High Priest of all, who is to absolve and redeem all mankind from their sins. By so doing becomes the true light that enlightens every man who is born into this world.

Dear friends, today as we encounter Christ the true Light of the world presented in the temple of our hearts, let us of course, allow ourselves to be enlightened and made radiant by this light. Let us share in its splendour, and so be filled with it’s radiant, so that no one remains in the darkness. Let us bring this Light of Christ into our families and our homes, so that through sharing in his light we may be brought out of the darkness that covers our lives as individuals, families, communities, societies, country and the world at large.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we celebrate the presentation of your Son Jesus today, let the light of his presence dispel the darkness in our lives, in our families, societies and so illuminate our paths as we struggle and journey in faith towards achieving our goals and purposes in life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless you.