Meeting Jesus at the Gate

Reflection for 24^th Week in Ordinary Time Year I

(1Tim 3:1-13; Lk 7:11-17)

St Paul instructs the young man Timothy about the moral standard of those to occupy the offices of Bishop and Deaconate. These are not common Church posts, and must not be occupied by new converts or people with questionable character. They must be people of discipline and high moral standard. In other words, such religious leaders must be marked with the sign of the cross. Only those who carry their Cross with Jesus can lead others on the path of the cross to meet Jesus.

In the Gospel Jesus makes his way into the City of Nain with his disciples and a great crowd. “As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crown from the city was with her.” The woman lost hope; she was an epitome hopeless. Sometimes we too find ourselves in certain situations where we lose hope. Maybe someone hurt you to the extent you just cannot let go, and there is no hope of being friends again. It may be a collapse of one’s finances, and there is no hope of achieving your dream. There are those experience moral relapse or addiction, and they do not envision healing, etc.

In any case, there are usually great crowd of mourners who ‘celebrate’ our hopeless, trying to give us courage to stay put and accept the hopeless situation. Thus the crowd accompanied the woman out of the city. Then they met Jesus at the gate! Without invitation, He was moved to compassion. He saw the hopelessness of the woman, who was so devastated that she could not even ask for help! This usually the case when one feels all hope is lost. Jesus stopped the procession and said, “Young man, I say to you arise.” The boy was restored to life immediately...Encountering Jesus at the gate changed the whole situation.

Hope is restored, but only when we meet Jesus. He has opened for us a permanent gate where surely we will meet Him. That gate is the Cross! There His compassion awaits us. The Cross is the gate where we enter and hope is restored, no matter the situation. That is the only place where hope of life is restored in death. Therefore, the Bishops, priests, deacons, etc who lead us in the procession of faith to encounter Jesus at the gate must be men of the Cross.

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Tuesday September 17th, 2019.

Pray for Leaders

Reflection for Monday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year I
(1Tim 2:1-8; Lk 7:1-10)
We continue the reflection from last week on Paul's letter to Timothy. Today he talks about the importance of making intercession for leaders. Paul seems to be very much aware that leaders can disorient people's lives. So he insists we pray for all men in positions of authority “That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way.” Such prayer is good and finds acceptance before God, “Who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” Paul asks all to pray in every place, “lifting holy hands without anger or quarrelling.”

Then Luke’s version of the story of Centurion shows a leader who intercedes for his subject. On the other hand, the elders of the Jews intercede for him before Jesus saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he built us our synagogue.” There is exchange of prayers and goodwill where there is love and humility. And Jesus moved to answer the Centurion...

Before He could get the house, this Roman Official sent a message to him saying, “Lord do not trouble yourself,  for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof...But say the word, and let my servant be healed.” Jesus marvelled at such depth of faith expressed by the foreigner. His faith went beyond the miraculous power of Jesus, which was what He needed at that time. He believed in the Person of Jesus, and quickly surrendered his desire to have his servant healed by that act of faith. “For I am a man set under authority...and I say to one, ‘Go,' and he goes; another, ‘come,’ and he comes.” By this expression, the Centurion submitted his desire to have his servant healed to the authority of Jesus. He believed in the person, who holds the command to heal. Thus he equally became a leader of Jesus, for Jesus commended his faith. “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

This is the kind of faith with which we offer intercession for our leaders that may not lead us away from God. Jesus is the one mediator between God and men. Let leaders and their subjects focus on him, relying on His command that we might be healed and live in peace.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu,  C.Ss.R
Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday September 16th, 2019.
Memorial of Ss Cornelius & Cyprian.

THE CHOICE TO GO BACK HOME

Reflection for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

(Ex 32:7-11, 13-14; 1 Tim 12-17; Lk 15:1-32)
The ugliness sin and the beauty of God's forgiveness are revealed in the readings of today. The first reading tells us how Moses pleaded for the Israelites before God and saved their lives. St Paul described the unmerited grace given him. He explains that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. In the Gospel Jesus tells three stories to show that God wants the conversion of the sinner and awaits it. The parable of the Prodigal son exposes the role of the individual, God’s mercy and those who feel they are righteous.

The Choice in Selfishness
Selfishness is the fertile ground in which sin grows. “Everyone is put to the test being attracted and seduced by the person's own wrong desire. Then the desire conceives and gives birth to sin, and when sin reaches full growth, it gives birth to death” (James 1:14-15). The choices we make can either bring us closer or away from the domain of grace, the presence of God. Thus, the young man chose to leave his father's house with his own share of property. This choice was a rebellion against everything his Father stands for, and so is every act of sin—rebellion!

Surprisingly and regrettably, he discovered that he could not manage himself. So “he squandered his property in lose living.” We always need Our Father to direct our lives. Now the boy sought for fake fathers to cater for him by going to the fields to feed swine. That is how we run around sometimes looking for satisfaction in emptiness after falling short of grace. His situation got worse. This is equally what happens to those refuse to go to confession because they felt they would fall again.

The Choice in Grace
“But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger!”’ Self-examination is key to conversion. It gives room for grace to inspire and impale us to repent. The grace of his father's generosity is active in pulling him back. Relying on this extravagant mercy, he made the radical choice, “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you...”’ The journey back home is made on the two steps of one's personal choice and the other step of grace.

The Unmerited Grace
“But while he was yet at a distance, his Father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” Oh what a compassionate Father! He awaited the boy's return; He knew his prodigal son would return, having tasted his generosity, which does not exist anywhere else. The father offered his compassion and forgiveness freely and unconditionally—unmerited Grace! The boy's dignity and sonship was restored. And they began to celebrate. There is joy in coming back home.

The Celebration
The elder son, who had been faithful to his Father would not take this. He thought that the Father's generosity to the Prodigal son took away the answers to his prayers. This is where one is prayerful  and faithful but the answers he wished for are in the hands of the ungodly! He might begin to feel disillusioned. “But he was angry and refused to go in.” Now he sentenced his brother. Sometimes people who are faithful secretly harbour jealousy and easily pass judgement. This happens when one so much get used to enjoying God's presence that he forgot it’s the work of grace, not by his power.

Still the Father came out and entreated him, and revealed to him a secret he did not know. “Son you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” Imagine that, he was working hard and set his heart on mere fatted calf as reward. But the generous man revealed that he himself is the reward. Nothing SATISFIES than being with Our Father. Whatever gives pleasure to the Father will eventual increase the joy of the faithful. Being with Him is enough celebrations. Therefore,  “It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he a was lost, and is found.”

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu,  C.Ss.R
Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Tedi-Muwo,  Lagos.
Sunday September 15th, 2019.

The Exaltation of the Cross

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (In 3:14). Yes, God used the bronze serpent to save the Israelites, but only those who believed and gaze upon it. Through Moses, God demonstrated what He was going to accomplish in Christ Jesus. So today we exalt the Cross of Jesus.

“They shall look upon Him whom they pierced” (Zech 12:10). The wood of the Cross towering above all, on which is fastened Jesus, the Lamb of sacrifice, draws our attention to itself. In silence we wrap ourselves gently with Mary and John at the foot of the Cross. The Cross humbles us. There we surrender ourselves with all its strength and weakness, beauty and glamour, troubles of life and temptations, sickness and health, even life and death! All these dissolve into the one gaze of faith at Jesus hanging above.

“Ours were the suffering He bore” (Is 53:4). The Cross is for us. The pain and anguish of Jesus is unimaginable. He suffered every aspect of life open to suffering, physically, psychologically, emotionally, etc. But He accepted the suffering for our sake. We are the real owners of the pain and anguish. Hanging between heaven and earth,  Jesus freely but painfully offered up Himself to the Father in exchange. Since He was bearing within Him that which belongs to us, i.e. suffering and death, our hearts are drawn to Him; our lives are mingled with His.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His Only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). Love is sacrificed; Love has conquered! God looks upon Jesus hanging above, and forgives us, and transforms our suffering into a means of blessing. The acceptance of Jesus' offering of our suffering becomes our merit. Thus we exalt the Cross that has made us. It towers above us as the banner of blessing; the fountain of grace and strength.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Saturday September 14th, 2019.
Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.

Leading the Blind

Reflection for Friday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Year I
(1 Tim 1:1-2,12-14; Lk 6:39-42)
Today we begin a journey into St Paul’s letter to Timothy. Paul began by introducing himself, indicating the backup authority that inspired the letter. “...By command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timothy, my true child in the faith.” Paul recognises that he is a child grace by acknowledging his unworthiness for the Mission of Christ. “The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” Now Paul had set the background on which he would be instructing the young man, Timothy. The letter is full of admonitions and directives, which, according to Paul, flow from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

To lead people in the path of truth and righteousness is by the grace of God. Sin blindfolds us from seeing the glory of God. Those who are in a hurry to lead or make corrections are often blind guards! This is because they usually impose their humanity the path of leadership. So Jesus asked, “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” Our human sentiments are marred by sin. We are in constant need of purification. 

True leadership,  like St Paul, begins by examining ourselves and acknowledging our unworthiness. Then we allow Jesus to lead us in the path of holiness and mission. This grace working in us brings direction to others, to the glory of God. Therefore,  it takes great humility to lead others in the path of salvation. “A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher.” We need to see with the eyes of Christ, that the log blocking our vision might be removed. Then we can see our way, and lead others to safety in Christ Jesus. In you is the source of life, in your light O Lord we see light (Ps 36:9).

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo,  Lagos.
Friday September 13th, 2019
Memorial of St John Chrystostom.

The Garments of Salvation

Reflection for Thursday of the 23^rd Week in Ordinary Time Year I

(Col 3:12-17; Lk 6:27-38)

The dressing we put on says something about our hidden personality. Also, the colour combinations we exhibit often reflect something of our state of mind. Now, St Paul proposes a dress code for us today as we continue to reflect on the letter to the Colossians. This clothing will reflect our hidden life in Christ Jesus:  “Put on, as God’s chosen ones holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience...forgiving each other.” These virtues are to be worn as clothes in our hearts. There is still a ticker cloth to put on above these ones: “And over all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Love is the outer coat that protects the other virtues. Together they keep the soul secure for salvation. But the enemy targets to strip us of this most important outer coat of love so that it will be easy for us to lose the other virtues. Without these clothes of love and righteousness, our hearts will be exposed to the cold wind of hate and sin. Nevertheless, the word of Christ is the belt that fastens these clothes to prevent them from ever falling off. “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”  

Hence St Paul advises that Jesus must be the reason for our every action. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” In this way our garments of righteousness will be secure, and we will be protected from our salvation enemies. Thus, our words and actions cannot be controlled from outside by others.

That is why Jesus declares, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” For whoever is in Christ Jesus, their love cannot be diminished by the hate of others. And there is no space for hate or revenge in his heart since the love of Christ urges him on (cf. 2Cor 5:14). Our good will and charity must be available to all since our garments of righteousness are secure. “And your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

Fr Jude C. Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Thursday September 12, 2019.

THE OBJECT OF CONTEMPLATION

Reflection for Wednesday of the 23^rd Week in Ordinary Time I

(Col 3:1-11; Lk 6:20-26)

“Set your minds on thing that are above, not on things that are on earth.” The human mind is naturally reflective, with an object in view. What makes the difference is the specific object of contemplation. On the other hand, whatever appears to be beautiful, true or beneficial presents itself as an object of reflection to the human mind. If not directed, the wandering mind can easily rest on its immediate perceived beauty, truth, etc. And our words and action will automatically flow from where the mind takes recourse.

As we journey through St Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he advices us strongly on where to set our minds. “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” If the mind is set on Christ Jesus as its object of contemplation, then the individual cannot live sinful life. If our minds are in Christ Jesus as its object of Beauty and Truth, then our lives will be hidden with Christ in God.

However, the human mind is often burdened with thoughts as it reflects to find solution to life challenges. These difficulties, such as poverty, hunger, pain, rejection, hatred, etc can drag the mind down to earth as it worries to escape them. But Jesus steps in as our ultimate guide and presents the Beatitudes. Here He announces the blessedness that counteracts and supersedes our particular misfortune in life. “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God...”

As we listen to the words of the beatitudes, our minds are directed to that blessedness which cannot be reduced by any earthly event, no matter how unfortunate they might be. And as our minds are set on this cloud of glory, and the strength to conquer poverty, hunger, mourning, persecution, etc floods our souls. The result of this is that our lives will begin to produce the blessings that have become the objects of our contemplation: satisfaction, joy and laughter, etc.

Fr Jude Nwachukwu,C.Ss.R
Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday September 11th 2019.

THE HILLS OF PRAYER

Reflection for Tuesday of 23^rd Week in Ordinary Time Year I

(Col 2:6-15; Lk 6:12-19)

         

Now, we are getting deeper into Paul’s letter to the Colossians. The reflections are getting more interesting but climbing the heights of thought. In today’s reading St Paul warns that we should not fall prey to anything that is not according to Christ. “For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness of life in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority.” In Christ Jesus, we are like in the apex of the mountain of life. While we are alive, we die to sin in Him; when we die, we live with Him.

The Gospel narrates how Jesus climbed the hills to pray. He spent all night in prayer. Up on the hill of prayer is the will of God imbibed; there wisdom and vision are acquired. And after that, he came down to the low ground to attend to the people.

However, in-between the hill of prayer and the low ground of action is decision-making! This is where one begins to adjust his ideology of life, and plan of action, to align with the wisdom from the hills. Here Jesus chose His twelve apostles. It was a great choice that shaped our salvation. We should not take it for granted that simply because we spent all night in prayer our actions will automatically reflect the will of God. Choice is free! We must consciously choose rightly. The formation received from the height of prayer supplies the courage and promptness to choose thus.

“And He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people...And all the crowd sought to touch Him for power came forth from Him and healed them all.” Then, Jesus became for the people the Height of Blessedness; for the fullness of divinity dwells in Him. We ascend to Jesus as up the hills of prayer to receive vision for the mission, and courage to choose the will of God.

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Tuesday September 10^th, 2019.

The Joy of the Cross

Reflection for Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Year I
(Col 1:24-2:3; Lk 6:6-11)

A sadist is one who takes pleasure in the pains of others. By nature we all have this inclination to be sadists if not the grace of God. That is why often times we rejoice, not exactly in what they possess, but that others do not have the same thing as we do. The ironic joy of the Cross is a mystery that saves us from being sadists and transforms us to joy-givers.

St Pauls talks about his joy in suffering for the sake of the people of Colossia. This is not to exalt suffering for its sake, but taking up pain so that others might be free. The joy of suffering that others might not suffer earns one a place in the cross of Christ. “I carry in my body the scars of Christ” (Gal 6:17). In this way, the believer becomes a means through which the grace of Christ Cross is extended to all. “And in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His Body, that is, the Church.” It is in joyful view of the healing that bearing such suffering would bring that encourages one to endure the pain. But the greatest joyful hope that urges us on is the eternal life we have in Christ Jesus.

The Cross often meets opposition because there selfishness is conquered. The Pharisees and Scribes lurked by the corner like a hungry lion going after its prey! They watched Jesus closely to see if He would relieve the sick man of his pain on the Sabbath. They were indifferent to the suffering of the man. But Jesus took pity upon him. The man was healed, but the Scribes and Pharisees were filled with anger.

Genuine love for God and neighbour makes the difference. Love endures all things, even to the point of the Cross; love seeks the good of the other. The rejection of the Cross creates space for the dark cloud of embitterness to envelop the soul, where one becomes numb to suffering of others. Now we can escape being sadists! Bearing cross for the good others gives joy beyond measure. St Paul confirms it.

 
Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church,
Abule Oshun, Lagos.
Monday September 9th, 2019.
Memorial of St Peter Claver.

Discernment for Discipleship

Reflection for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
(Wisdom 9:13-18; Philemon 9-10,12-17; Lk 14:25-33)
1.Discernment
“Who can discern what the Lord wants?” The first reading exposes the limitations in human reasoning. The proper use of our imaginative power or intentionality  is the true test of human intelligence. Still the most intelligent minds struggle to discern and grasp natural things. “We can hardly guess at what is on earth.” Why is it so? The Book of Wisdom says it is because “the perishable body weighs down the soul, and this earthly tent burdens the thoughtful mind.” Thus if the desires of the body overshadows the individual,  he cannot make proper and lasting discernment. A wise counsel must discern the will God. Such is given by the Spirit from on High. This is how we learn God's will, and make the right choices on earth.

2.0.  Paul vs Philemon
Philemon, a devout Christian, had a servant, Onesimus who squandered his master's property. In order to punish him and recover his wealth, this young man was imprisoned.  This is a typical example of human calculation, which tends to project itself for our well-being but is often short-sighted.

While in prison, Onesimus met St Paul, who loved him and converted him to Christ Jesus. Paul secured the young man's release and sent him back to Philemon. He urges this man to receive this servant back, “no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother...so if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.” According to the wisdom of Paul, Philemon should strip himself of the status of “master” and assume that of a “brother” over Onesimus. This is an uncommon wisdom.

3.0. The Wisdom of the Cross
It takes great discernment to unravel the wisdom that leads to discipleship. Jesus is the Incarnate Wisdom. To follow Jesus as His disciple is to unlock such wisdom that cannot fail in every situation. The standard of discernment for discipleship is the Cross of Jesus Christ. “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

At the moment of silent meditation on the cost of discipleship, one sees through the Cross of Jesus what it would take thereof. The feedback of such discernment would be: “Whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Then we begin to take the proper steps accordingly to answer the call to follow Jesus. If not, we would be like the man that left behind an uncompleted building,  or the King that was defeated at war for his lack of foresight.

It is as if we climb the wood of the Cross to peep into the future...From that Height we see the will of God for us and abundant harvest for our labours. The projection of human mind from below cannot perceive the eternal horizon the wisdom of the Cross opens up for us. In silence we nail our daily choices to the Cross, and empty them of all selfishness.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday September 8th, 2019.

The Pre-eminent

Friday of 22nd week in Ordinary Time Year I
(Col 1:15-20; Lk 5:33-39)
Today, Paul's letter to the Colossians introduces Jesus to us in an excellent way. This poetic rendition of Jesus is full of meaning and ever alive. It draws one to deep meditation.

“Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation...” St Paul explains that Jesus is pre-eminent over everything created, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities. Thus, “in Him all things hold together”, such that whatever does not find reference in Jesus is like a branch that is cut off. In Jesus the fullness of God dwells in our midst, and through His Cross we are reconciled to God.

It is only by revelation that one can grasp the mystery of Jesus as God among us. Faith is the key! Little wonder the Pharisees complained that Jesus' disciples were not seen fasting. He answered them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the Bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the Bridegroom is taken away from them,  and they will fast in those days.” In order words, Jesus is the reason we fast; we fast to be with Jesus. He is the pre-eminent; the answer to our prayers. This understanding is new and foreign to the Pharisees. 

“And no one puts new wine in old wineskins; if he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.” A new order has dawned. Jesus Christ is the new way. He has been introduced to us perfectly as God in our midst, such that He is above all and leads all to God. “Make your own the mind of Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5). The new wine of love and grace that Christ pours into our hearts as the pre-eminent and first born of all creation cannot be contained in the old wineskin of the Pharisees, which places external legal observances above all others.

Thus we gather around the Eucharistic table, where Jesus is above all, the priest and victim, to offer ourselves and to receive Jesus as the answer to our prayers. In Him all things hold together.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy,
Trade Fair Complex,  Lagos.
Friday September 6th, 2019.

The Inheritance in Light

Thursday of 22nd week in Ordinary Time Year I
(Col 1:9-14; Lk 5:1-11)
St Paul was full of joy for the Colossians for their love, and he prayed that God sustain them in spiritual wisdom and understanding. He glorified God, “who has  qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” God delivered us from wasteful life—the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

In the Gospel, Peter and his companions had a wasteful night as they toiled through the sea but caught no fish. After using his boat to teach in the morning Jesus said to him, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” They did this and caught great shoal. This was an awesome experience for them. Jesus filled their emptiness; He transformed their labours to fruitfulness. But it was just a sign. There was still a greater inheritance He would invite them to share...

Peter got the sign. In a swift of reflection on the sudden catch, he got the message hidden in the sign. He fell at the feet of Jesus saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” It takes a humble and reflective person to allow his encounter with Jesus Christ to reveal and heal his hidden self. Now Peter offered himself not just his boat to Jesus. So from transforming his labours, Jesus would transfer him from the dominion of darkness to the Kingdom of Light through the forgiveness of his sins.

Finally, Jesus qualified them to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” Jesus became their ultimate inheritance! They laboured all night trying to catch fish, but the giver of fish offered Himself freely for them. Therefore, “They left everything and followed Him.”

Thus we need to grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that we can recognise the signs each day and locate ourselves in Jesus, to bear fruit in every good work. Then Jesus will qualify us, and transfer us to inherit His Kingdom of Light as we follow Him wholeheartedly.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy,
Trade Fair Complex,  Lagos.
Thursday September 5th, 2019.

Alone with Jesus

Wednesday of 22nd week in Ordinary Time Year A
(Col 1:1-8; Lk 4:38-44)

Today we begin a journey into St Paul's letter to the Colossians. Our reflection each day will try to link the message in this letter with the Gospel of the day.

“...We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love which you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven”(Col 1:4-5). The faith exhibited by the Colossians moved Paul and Timothy to give gratitude to God. Faith gives us unique identity.

In Gospel, Jesus moved from the public arena to the private home of Simon's mother-in-law who was sick. After healing her, people brought more sick people and He cured them. We can imagine the magnitude of the demands made on Jesus.

“And when it was day He departed and went to a lonely place” (Lk 4:42). We see here that solitude is a need not a leisure. So we step in with Jesus to the lonely place to regain focus and renew our inner strength. And whenever we locate that place of solitude within our heart, we perceive Jesus. He has gone ahead of us to the lonely place. Where is this place of solitude?

Any quiet place is preferable. This quickness the recollection and encounter. However, the lonely place, which enriches the soul is the place where we meet Jesus! Thus our Catholic faith becomes a kind of place where we have a deep personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Thus, faith makes us “a people set apart” (Cf. 1Pet 2:9). The place of faith—the heart—becomes the place of solitude. Therefore,  no matter how noisy the environment might be or how busy we are, if we recollect into faith, we can be alone with Jesus.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy,
Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
Wednesday September 4th, 2019. 

No Surprise

Tuesday of the 22nd week in Ordinary Time Year I
(1Th 5:1-6, 9-11; Lk 4:31-37)
St Paul continues the encouraging message he gave yesterday about rapture.  Today he goes on to say that no one knows that particular day, the day of the Lord's second coming. It will come suddenly when people least expected it. However, children of light, those who have embraced Christ Jesus will not be taken by surprise. Hence, St Paul enjoins us to stay awake and not to remain in darkness so that the day of the Lord will not pass us by or take us by surprise.  I believe I shall see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living!

In the Gospel today, while Jesus was rejected in His home town of Nazareth, the people of Capernaum welcomed Him in their midst. They were astonished at his teaching and authority. Jesus rebuked the spirit of darkness and set the possessed free for salvation!

This is what the people of Nazareth missed when they dejected Jesus. “But to those who did accept Him, He gave power to become children of God” (Jn 1:12). If we welcome Jesus in the city of our hearts, His light will so much illumine our inner being that hardly will any event of life take us by surprise. The Event of Christ Jesus—the manifestation of His power deep within our hearts—is strong enough to perceive and withstand any occurrences, no matter how sudden they may seem to be.

Compare the noisy frustration of the people of Nazareth to the silent joy and wonder of the people Capernaum! Depression, stress out, etc often germinate from unmet expectations and unforeseen circumstances, with low inner strength to carry on. This brings darkness to our lives. No more! For God has destined us to obtained salvation through Jesus Christ. He comes in to dispel every darkness.
Therefore, let us welcome Jesus now in our heart. He is here.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy,
Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
Tuesday September 3rd, 2019.
Memorial of St. Gregory the Great.

Silent Encounter

Reflection for Monday of the 22nd week in Ordinary Time Year I
(1Th 4:13—18; Lk 4:16—30)
St Paul welcomes us this day with comforting words about our final encounter with Jesus Christ. “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep”(1 Thes 4:14). Thus Jesus is that Centre of contact between the living and the dead. So at the rapture, the living and the dead shall be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord.

It becomes necessary, therefore, that our faith-journey, which looks towards the rapture, must allow Jesus to occupy a central stage. We cannot relegate Christ Jesus to any particular corner of our lives. With Jesus at the centre, sickness and health, poverty and richness, single or married, life and death, now have a common reference! Opposing questions of life have one answer in Christ Jesus.

Jesus steps into his home town of Nazareth. After reading from the scroll of the Prophet Isaiah about preaching the Good news to the poor, and setting captives free, “And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him” (Lk 4:20). Silence reigned! It was such a powerful moment of pause that arrested the attention of all in the synagogue. It was like the moment of rapture that St Paul described above, in which all would be caught up with Christ Jesus in the air. Their silent gaze upon Jesus exposed their yearning to have the good news to the poor fulfilled. But the silence of Jesus held the suspense!

The quiet expectations of the congregation had its satisfaction right before them, but they did not know. Had they known, there would not be need for Him to speak at all. So Jesus broke the silence... “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Surprisingly, they rejected Him saying, “Is this not Joseph's Son?”

Clearly they did not understand His silence, that was why they could not accept His words! The silence of Jesus summons us to deep personal encounter, in which Jesus becomes the centre of our being, and His words will take root in our hearts. It is as if rapture is already taking place in the depths of our hearts as we constantly struggle to sustain a silent gaze upon Him at the centre of our hearts.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy,
Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
Monday September 2, 2019.

HUMILITY IS GRACIOUS

 Reflection for the 22^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

“My Son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” This is how the book of Sirach introduced the first reading of today. The readings for this Sunday exalt humility. It is the most excellent virtue. It makes us loved my men, and favoured by God. Humility is the ladder with which we climb to greatness: “The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself” (Sirach 3:18). The mysteries of God are revealed to the humble (Lk 10:21).

In the Gospel Jesus observed how those invited were placing themselves at positions of honour. He told them a parable to show that whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. It is a natural instinct for man to seek his own glory, or at least to impose it on others. It gives a momentary euphoria of victory over a competitive society. That is equally why we tend to associate with people who give us this sense of achievement.

The sound of Silence reveals that pride is noisy—it does not produce authentic sound. It feeds on external show, and its weak integrity is sustained on the shoulders of others. So the proud man rushes to the high table to be seen, and gets angry if not recognized. He thirsts for acclamation. If he calls for a party, he invites only those who would boost his ego. But soon the noise dies down...

Silence dawns, and takes the proud man unawares! Like in the parable of Jesus, suddenly the proud man is asked to give up his seat for the humble man who was seated at lower end. Blessed are the gentle; they shall inherit the earth (Mt 5:4). Imagine the shame and disgrace of the man as he moves from the place of honour to the lower seat, while the humble man is graciously exalted. He pulled down the proud from their seats and raised up the lowly (Lk 1:52).

So we come to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant. In Him we are all raised up to the status of “First Born” of the City of the living God. We have all been bestowed honour in Christ Jesus, who humbled Himself for our sake. “Humility towards one another must be the garment you all wear constantly, because God opposes proud but accords his favour to the humble” (1Pet 5:5).  Humility is as strong as silence! It has its roots in Christ Jesus. Humility is the step we must take in order to climb the heights we aspire.

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church,

Abule-Oshun, Lagos.

September 1^st, 2019.