THE CHOICE OF FAMILY

 MEDITATION ON THE FEAST OF HOLY FAMILY

What do you think is the most common fear people have today about family life? For the singles, I think it is the issue of ‘choice.’ Choosing the right partner can be as burdensome as it can be exciting. For the married, I think their common fear is how to cope with their choice. The salient tension to marry or to remain married has numerous variables, but they all appear to have something in common with ‘choice.’ Christmas draws our attention to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. This celebration renews our love and commitment to family life.

God offered man the family at the dawn of creation. Man received family life as God’s choice for him. Thus, man’s bond with his creator is echoed in his joyful embrace of his partner. Adam exclaimed, “At last this is the bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh” (Gen 2:23). It was an expression of “Chukwu ma obi m” i.e. ‘God knows my heart.’ Adam’s exclamation as he embraced his wife became a cry of joy and gratitude to God who reaches out to man in his deepest yearnings, loneliness and abandonment, even in the midst of material things. The smoke of their warm embrace rises to God like thanksgiving offering! This family offering of love received God’s approval as He blessed the couple, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it” (Gen 1:28).

“Family” chooses us even before we ever think of making a choice for marriage! Family life is our habitat; it is the basic format of our life. No human relationship or interaction endures unless we take each other as ‘family.’ No nation develops unless the government treats the citizens as ‘family.’ Thus, the gospel was proclaimed by the apostles as a ‘family.’ And any religious organization that does not network as a ‘family’ is not of Christ. Therefore, the choice for family is fundamental and continuous. We must constantly choose the one that has chosen us; and we must continue to choose the ones FROM WHOM we are chosen! Nevertheless, our capacity to make consistent right choices can be lowered by negative experiences and selfish desires. Left to itself, human choice will create inconsistency and dysfunctional family life.

Christmas brings salvation to family life. Once more, God declares His choice and approval of family life by coming among us through the Holy Family. His choice sanctifies every family. In His choice for family, our choices are redeemed and given consistency. Interestingly, Jesus comes into the family as an “Offspring.” In Him every Christian marriage is fruitful. Now the smoke of our family embrace rises with Christ... We choose ‘with’ Christ, and we choose ‘for’ Christ, as we respond to the call for family life.

Think about the struggles and joys of the Holy Family! Imagine Mary’s meditations, and Joseph’s fears and silence. Look at their socio-economic situation, their difficult travels and devotions to God. Still, the beauty of the Holy Family shines out as we behold them complementing each other and approaching the Temple in unity. And Simeon blessed them...(Lk 2:34). As the Baby Jesus united Mary and Joseph, so shall every family remain united if Jesus becomes the centre of their lives. The blessing of God has been poured into every family through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we choose Christ Jesus IN WHOM  we are chosen, then it becomes easy to constantly choose the partner WITH WHOM we are chosen, and the family members FROM WHOM we are chosen to become members of God’s family, worthy of the blessings He bestows on His children, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday December 27^th, 2020.
Feast of Holy Family.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com 

 

THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS

 Meditation on the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ 

We celebrate with utmost joy the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We recall that solemn moment in human history when God took flesh and dwelt among us. This celebration offers us a special opportunity to welcome Him anew with renewed hearts, and deepen our love for Him. The mystery of His birth is hidden and also shines out in the events through which it was communicated.

At that time, Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census. Joseph took Mary and travelled from Nazareth in Galilee to his home town of Bethlehem in Judea. As Mary entered labour, Joseph could not find a room in a place he called his home. Whenever we ‘decorate’ this earthly life as our ‘home’, it becomes difficult to have ‘room’ to welcome Jesus. “He came to His own, yet His own people did not receive Him; but to all who received Him, He empowers to become Children of God, for they believed in His name (Jn 1:11-12). Mary gave birth to Jesus and wrapped Him in swaddling cloth and laid Him in a manger (Lk 2:6-7). The lowly birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords shook heaven and earth as Angels descended. In the midst of the clamour and complexity of our lives, Jesus needs a little ‘manger-space’ to enter. If we understand this, we can begin to wind down the uproar within and remodel our hearts like the simple manger that tenders the Baby Jesus.

It all happened in Bethlehem-Ephrathah, a little hill town in Judah. Jacob blessed his son Judah, saying, “The sceptre shall not be taken from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet...” (Gen 49:8-12). Another name for Bethlehem is “Ephrath” (Gen 35:16-20). “Ephrath” means ‘fruitfulness”. Though the town is the smallest among the clans of Judah, it is called, ‘Bethlehem Ephrata’, which means it is the 'fruitful Bethlehem' (Micah 5:1-2). “The earth has yielded its fruit; for God, our God has blessed us” (Ps 67:6). Bethlehem was the city of David, the little shepherd boy whom God anointed to become the great King (1 Sam 16:1). Joseph the simple carpenter from the lineage of David became the foster Father, through whom Jesus is called The Son of David. We rejoice and meditate on how God puts down the mighty from their thrones, and lifts up the lowly.

The darkness of the night received the Light of the World; the lowliness of the manger haboured the exalted King. The silence of the night echoed the Angelic chorus, and the loneliness of Mary and Joseph was flooded with faithful visitors. He who was rejected at the Inn became the most sought for as shepherds squat around the manger. God is with us! Human history now bears witness to divine presence. Now strength can germinate from weakness; courage stands up from fear. Our silence speaks; and human loneliness and rejection is flooded with divine warmth. The beauty of Christmas sneaks in the silence of our lowly hearts with its bundle of joy that settles therein like the tender Baby Jesus in the manger! The joy of Christmas uplifts us. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace amongst men with whom He is pleased!” (Lk 2:14). Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Friday 25^th December, 2020.
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

AVAILABILITY TO GOD'S CALL

AVAILABILITY TO GOD'S CALL
Reflection for 4^th Sunday of Advent, Year B
(2 Sam 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16; Rm 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38)

We are rounding up Advent season and warming up to usher in Christmas. In the first reading, we see David with his good intention to build a house for God. It sounded so righteous and acceptable even to Nathan the prophet. But God declared that He Himself would build an everlasting dynasty for David. The righteousness of David would now be to accept what God was offering; to dispose himself to the plan of God. Similarly, St Paul says in the Second reading that the Gospel is preached to bring about ‘obedience of faith.’ As the hidden mysteries are revealed to us through the preaching of the Gospel, we are expected to respond to its demands, and allow it to pull us to God’s plan of salvation in Christ Jesus.

The Angel Gabriel’s message to the Blessed Virgin Mary announces the fulfilment of God’s promise to David, while Mary stands as the model of the authentic response expected of us at Christmas. Mary’s goodwill, humility and availability to God’s plan shine out and inspire us. Her prompt and unreserved submission to the will of God cannot be compared. The Angel greeted, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” And she gave her full response, indicating that no grace given to her was left unused. In other words, she cooperated fully to the grace of God in her.

Mary’s answer to the Angel, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word,” has become a sort of format for every authentic response to the Gospel message. The obedience of faith we give to God’s plan of salvation every day silently models after Mary’s response. The best of our good intentions can easily be misguided. That is why our righteousness lies on our availability and cooperation with God’s grace to fulfil His will in our lives. All our goodwill and virtuous acts become means of disposing ourselves to respond without reserve to God’s grace. Therefore, we echo Mary’s response this Advent as Christmas dawns. We incline our hearts to Mary’s Immaculate Heart, that her maternal help will prepare us to welcome Jesus without reservation. Amen.

 Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday December 20^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

  

 

 

REJOICING IN HOPE

 REJOICING IN HOPE

Reflection for the 3^rd Sunday of Advent Year B
(Is 61:1-2, 10-11; 1Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 19-28)

Welcome to the third Week of Advent as we look forward in hope to the joy of Christmas. Today is popularly known as ‘Gaudete’ (Rejoice) Sunday. In the readings, the Prophet Isaiah announces the ‘good tidings’ to come. He looks into the ‘future of the Lord’ and sees liberation, comfort for the broken-hearted, and the Lord’s favour, which shall cover the people with the robe of righteousness and adorn them with beauty as a bride is adorned with jewels. Therefore, the prophet exclaims, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God.”  St Paul in the second reading explains how this joy should be the constant disposition of believers; “Rejoice always.” This joy does not just happen, it is the fruit of our life of prayer, gratitude to God, good and honest living. By avoiding evil, we keep our hearts open for the Holy Spirit of peace to dwell in us. Then our lives will be ready to welcome the Lord Jesus.

The Gospel presents to us the testimony of John the Baptist. John describes himself as “The Voice” that directs people to the Lord. In Isaiah, the prophetic voice announced the good tidings to come, but John the Baptist speaks of the Word of God who is already in our midst. “But among you stands one whom you do not know...” Thus, John’s call for repentance becomes an eye-opener to see the Lord who dwells amongst us, who is already present in every situation of our lives, even in the little things, the crisis we face each day and the success we enjoy!

John the Baptist was a happy man, for his life and words pointed to Jesus who is the Word of God. Yes, John confessed that he was not the Christ, but his message bore testimony to Jesus. If we abide to the message of St Paul in the second reading and ‘make straight the way of the Lord’ in our hearts by constant prayer and righteousness in the Holy Spirit, then our lives and words shall be ‘voices’ confessing Jesus who is already present amongst us. Now, the prophetic expectation of the good tidings to come has become a confession of faith in the Lord in whom we rejoice.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday December 13^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

Meditation on the Solemnity of Christ the Universal King

 Meditation on the Solemnity of Christ the Universal King

(Ezekiel 34:11-17; 1 Cor 15:20-26,28; Mt 25:31-46)

Today we celebrate with great solemnity and exaltation that Jesus Christ is the Universal King. He is King and Lord of Heaven and Earth. He is sovereign over life and death. Here on Earth, He leads with utmost humility as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep. Rising from the dead, He became “The first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Thus, the Kingship of Jesus is an eternal sovereignty.

The Gospel of today gives us idea into the nature of His Kingship and how we ought to respond. On the last day, Jesus would sit on His glorious throne as the Just Judge, separating the righteous from the unrighteous. The criteria for welcoming people into the Heavenly Kingdom depend on the acts of charity they performed on earth. “Come, O blessed of my Father...for I was hungry and you gave me food...” The formula is simple: the glorious King identified those who identified Him in the midst of “the least of these my brethren.” Human weakness and suffering have become a stepping stone to salvation!

The hungry, the thirsty, the naked, etc are all around us. Thus, the glorious King has made it possible for all to have the opportunity to enter into His Kingdom. He identified Himself with the suffering humanity; He suffers with the sick, the hungry, the thirsty, etc. Just as the sheep hears the voice of the shepherd, Christ’s faithful recognize Him in human sufferings. It is from this humble state that His mighty power shines out. His power is made visible in weakness (2 Cor 12:9). If giving Christ food in the hungry can earn one a place in Heaven, how much more the hungry man himself in whom Christ dwells? He becomes a ‘sacramental’ of grace. Hence, human suffering and lowliness have become a kind of 'ruling sceptre' with which Jesus uplifts fallen humanity and shepherds us to eternal life.

Since every authority and power are subject to Jesus, we must learn from Him in our little exercise of authority. Government policies would uplift a nation if they are primarily targeted at the lowly in the populace. Our exercise of authority should strengthen people in their weakness. A good leader recognizes the hunger, thirst, nakedness, imprisonment, etc in his subjects and leads them to satisfaction. Jesus the Universal King, the First Born of all creation, the First Fruit from the dead, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, has given us access to His Kingdom as we attend to the least of our brethren. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday November 22^nd, 2020.
Solemnity of Christ the King.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE WISDOM THAT SAVES

 Reflection for 32^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
(Wis 6:12-16; 1Thes 4:13-18; Mt 25:1-13)

It is embarrassing to see matured and educated people act foolishly. Man is rational being, but at times, the animal side of us gets hold of us. Wisdom is acquired, and must be nurtured for it to last. It is often described as a LIGHT, which is found by those who seek her. It is a gift given to those ready to receive it. While wisdom guides our daily life, it carries us to eternal life. The second reading gives insight into death and afterlife as a way of gaining wisdom of heart. The Gospel narrates the parable of the wise and foolish virgins.

The parable reveals the kind of discretion we need in order to make Heaven. Let us meditate on some of the imageries in the story.

1.    TEN VIRGINS: Virginity is a distinguishing character, which symbolizes purity. Here are those who were found worthy to meet the Lord. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8). They all were given equal opportunity to meet the Bridegroom.

2.     LAMPS & OIL:  Lamps shine light in the dark. Obviously, the journey was in the night. The light from the lamps would come against the darkness of the night. This is how the Children of God live in the dark world and must overcome it. The oil is what keeps the light of the lamp glowing. The light would burn as long as the oil is in it. The ability to use discretion and provide constant oil for the lamp till an undisclosed time separated the wise from the foolish. This oil could be our works of charity, prayers, etc that keep our light shining in the midst of an unrighteous world.

3.     THE BRIDEGROOM: He is the reason for the waiting; He delayed in the eyes of the virgins, but He came at His own right time! He expected the Elects to be ready when He comes and have their lights lit. His ‘delayed time’ was a merciful time for the Virgins to apply wisdom, and get themselves ready for a time they did not know.

It is quite obvious, therefore, that the wise virgins were those who live by faith. In faith, the ‘delayed time’ of the Bridegroom becomes the ‘hour of mercy’ and a gracious time. The wise virgins were already living out their hope of meeting the Bridegroom! They were not waiting in fear and pain, but in confidence and joy. In other words, wisdom appropriates and brings to our daily life the joy and graciousness of meeting the Bridegroom (Titus 2:13). True wisdom is never selfish; wisdom cannot be according to worldly standards (cf. Prov 26:12, 1Cor 3:18).

Bearing in mind death and our meeting with the Lord Jesus can make one wise. Thus, St Paul explains in the second reading how the dead and the living shall meet the Lord. Jesus who died and is alive, becomes the meeting point and passage way from death to life. Therefore, the wise ones, called to meet the Lord, make Jesus the centre of their lives. They plan ahead for the Lord; their store of oil never runs dry as their lamps keep shining even in the darkness of this world. Whoever is ready for the Lord, is ready to face life. He will never be overtaken or taken by surprise. He overcomes all things through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday November 8^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE JOY OF CONTENTMENT

 Reflection for Saturday of the 31^st Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Phil 4: 10-19; Lk 16:9-15)

We thank God for the weeklong journey with St Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Today, St Paul talks about a deep spiritual joy, which is learned over time. It is called CONTENTMENT. “For I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” Contentment as a spiritual joy, is practiced severally before one acquires it as a disposition towards material things. Like St Paul, a contented person maintains a stable disposition of gratitude, both in plenty and in want. This is so because his desires are redeemed and find their solace only in Christ Jesus. Desire for Christ sanctifies our will.

The joy of contentment is seen in the joy of generosity. It is only a contented person that gives out what is his with joy and without any hidden attachment. Since he draws strength from Christ Jesus, the contented man acquires inner stability and joy both in want and in plenty. Charity and submission to the will of God are means of growing in the spiritual joy of contentment. “Not that I seek the gift; but I seek the fruit which increases to your credit.”

Just as the act of charity grows from little things to greater ones, so also is the habit of contentment. Human desire is insatiable. Very often, our loyalty lies where our desires are inclined. Through contentment, we surrender our whole desires to God so that our loyalty remains with Him. “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other...You cannot serve God and money.” To be contented is not to live marginally, but to live fully in the strength of Christ over and above all circumstances. Such a one is unstoppable and lacks nothing, since he is CONTENTED already both in plenty and in want. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Saturday November 7^th, 2020.
www.nwachinw.blogspot.com

 

FRIENDS OF THE CROSS

Reflection for Friday of the 31^st Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Phil 3:17-4:1; Lk 16:1-8)

Often times, people take for granted things they did not work for or suffer for. The value we attach to things seems to be proportional to the commitment or the suffering it costs us. That is why the Cross of Christ is our ultimate source of value since ‘we are crucified with Christ’ and every favour comes to us as the fruit of the Cross! In today’s reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we are warned against THE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. Yes, St Paul raised alarm about certain believers who oppose the Cross. This is how he described them: “Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”

“The road that leads to destruction is wide and spacious, and many take it” (Mt 7:13). The spirituality of the Cross fills us with patience, such that, while we await the glorious revelations of Jesus, we equally learn endurance over the works of our hands. Secondly, it fills us with hope since we have received an assurance ‘that He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will raise up our mortal bodies.’ So our patience and endurance in all things is alive with hope! This cannot be without the Cross of Christ. Thus as lovers of the Cross of Christ, we dedicate and subject everything to Jesus Christ, who in turn has subjected all things to Himself through His Cross and Resurrection. “When I am lifted up, I shall draw all men to myself” (Jn 12:32).

The enemies of the Cross; those who run away from every difficulty, will end up as losers like the dishonest servant in the parable of today. He discovered through his shame that hard work is the key to success! This servant tried to apply wisdom in a dishonest way to win favour for himself. The Cross of Christ is the wisdom with which the Children of God unlock favours and earn eternal life at the end. Think about the difficulties you meet each day, and view them through the Cross of Christ, and begin to accept them as your own participation in the offering of Jesus. Then, your joy and crown will shine out and endure, Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Friday November 6^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

 

SURPASSING JOY AND SELF-WORTH

Reflection for Thursday of the 31^st Week in Ordinary Time, Year A
(Phil 3:3-8; Lk 15:1-10)

There is certain level of self-worth we feel when we make some life achievements, both morally and physically. To the extent that we take pleasure in these ‘breakthroughs’, they can boost our self-confidence. St Paul used himself as an example and recounted the great achievements he had made, and how he would have been recognized as a great observer of the Law. However, on receiving Jesus into his life, Paul wrote, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Now, is the knowledge of Christ Jesus you have today strong enough to hold your self-worth and self-confidence? Think about the things that you take pleasure in, and the things through which you express yourself and find relevance. Is your faith in Christ Jesus among them? In other words, does your relationship with Jesus give you self-confidence and self-relevance? If yes, the joy of such encounter is heavenly!

Think about the heavenly joy over one repentant sinner in the parable of the lost sheep, or the joy of the woman who found her lost coin. Imagine the surpassing joy the Shepherd had over the one lost sheep. What sort of joy the woman had over the one coin she found, such that it appears she spent the other coins to throw a party to celebrate the one she found! This is a sign of the kind of overwhelming joy that Heaven projects towards each of us. Receiving Jesus as St Paul did will become for each of us an encounter with the surpassing value God has placed on each of His Children.

There is joy in knowing Christ Jesus; the surpassing great worth and joy floods our hearts at every knowledge of Christ we gain each day, and it gives us the highest self-esteem and confidence. That is why we must strive each day to deepen our knowledge of Christ Jesus through meditation and study. Then, our joy and self-worth will stand secure, and the loss of anything below cannot knock us off balance, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Thursday November 5^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

TO WORK WITHOUT GRUMBLING

Reflection for Wednesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Phil 2:12-18; Lk 14:25-33)

It is very easy for us to complain and grumble when things do not go the way we want or when we meet difficulties. Our labours, “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation” can go unappreciated and with little rewards. We readily have reasons to grumble and complain. But St Paul draws our attention to a deep spiritual reality, which will pull us away from nagging and frustration.

He says we should do everything at all times in obedience to God, working out our salvation “with fear and trembling” because GOD IS AT WORK IN YOU. Imagine being conscious as you go about your daily routine that God is still working in you? And He will continue to work till you reach perfection, “fully mature with the fullness of Christ Himself” (Eph 4:13). This becomes our motivation in carrying out our duties, even in the midst of a crooked society and dishonest people, is from God. In our work, with all its stress and joys, we silently echo the words of Jesus, “My Father still goes on working and I am at work too.” In other words, what inspires us to work without grumbling or complaining is because GOD is still working in us. This spiritual reality makes us shine as light in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.

In the Gospel of today,  Jesus explains to the crowd following Him that only those who can renounce all that they have can truly be His disciples. A disciple of Jesus must take proper account of what he will leave behind in order to follow Him. Today, we are asked to shift attention to God as He continues to work in us. Here we leave behind the will of others and our own will, which often are not perfect, and we become conscious that we work to please God. Thus, God's good pleasure becomes the pleasure of our work. This is the spiritual joy with which we endure all things and carry out difficult tasks without grumbling or complaining, Through Christ Our Lord,  Amen.

Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R 

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 

Tedi-Muwo,  Lagos. 

Wednesday  November 4th, 2020.

Memorial of St Charles Borromeo

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EXALTATION OF THE HUMBLE

Exaltation of the Humble

Reflection for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Phil 2:5-11; Lk 14:15-24)

Paul's letter to the Philippians shall guide our meditation in this first Week of the month. Today, Paul recounts the humility of Jesus Christ as an example for all to follow. Jesus “emptied” Himself, taking the form of a servant, and became obedient unto death, even death on a Cross. “Therefore, God has highly exalted Him...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 

The Gospel of today narrates the disappointing story of how those invited to the banquet turned down the invitation. They held tight their personal engagements such that they could not surrender in obedience to the invitation of the Master. This behaviour angered the Master, who sent his servants to invite the lowly to the banquet. 

Being able to empty oneself in humility is a sign of self-mastery! When we are so rigid and unbending to the Will of God, it is a sign that we have been “taken over” by certain influences or engagements. But if we follow the example of Jesus as St Paul proposed, then we shall be exalted in Christ Jesus to the glory of God the Father. This is how we grow in inner peace and self-knowledge. Unless we humble ourselves in total surrender to the will of God, we will continue to diminish ourselves in different external entanglements. Let the living example of Jesus Christ be our exaltation today, Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Tuesday November 3rd, 2020.

St Martin De Porres.

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SHARING IN THE GLORY OF THE SAINTS

Solemnity of All Saints

(Rev 7:2-4, 9-14; 1Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12)

1.0. The Vision of the Saints 

Today we celebrate the Saints in Heaven. This celebration fills us with hope that our pilgrimage on earth has a blissful end in God. “In my Father's house there are many rooms” (Jn 14:2). Our eyes are turned heavenwards as we remember our brothers and sisters who already share in eternal life in God's Kingdom. The first reading narrates the vision of the great multitude of the Saints from every part of the world, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with Palm branches in their hands while proclaiming the salvation of God. The Saints are those, “who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” 

The eternal life of the Saints is more than a mere vision; it is God's promise, an expression of His love for us. The immeasurable love of God for us shines out in the reality of the Saints. This is what the second reading explains. So, while in this earthly life, we live with the hope of sharing in the glory of the Saints. This automatically puts us at odds with the world and its standards, which neglects God and His promises. Therefore, the children of God must wrestle through great tribulations in order to be revealed and crowned with the glory of the Saints. 

2.0. “For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven”

The way to sainthood is open to all peoples in every aspects of their lives or the situations they might find themselves. Jesus gives the BEATITUDES as the new way of living that inclines one to Heaven and draws to him heavenly graces. They reveal that God's “blessedness” is readily available and awaits us if we approach life with the right spiritual disposition. The promises of God's Blessedness to our earthly life is a foretaste of the glory of the Saints,  which we shall receive at the end.

The way of life revealed in the Beatitudes is completely in opposition to wordily standards. This leaves us with the freedom to choose how to model our lives. By choosing to live according to the standard revealed in the Beatitudes, we have chosen to share in the glory of the Saints. And its Blessedness will begin to manifest itself in us today. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R 

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 

Tedi-Muwo,  Lagos. 

Sunday November 1st, 2020.

Solemnity of All Saints.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE CORNERSTONE OF THE VINEYARD

Reflection for the 27^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Is 5:1-7; Phil 4:6-9; Mt 21:33-43)

1.0.  THE TWO VINEYARDS

Let us meditate on the two beautiful parables of the vineyards as given in the first reading and the Gospel of today. The prophet Isaiah talks about the vine garden that was planted on a fertile hill, well fertilized, cleared of stones, “and planted with choice vines.” In the Gospel, Jesus says the householder sets a hedge around the vine garden. In both stories, there was a well built wine press and a watchtower in vineyard. There was great expectation that such huge tender care committed to the vines and the garden would yield great results.

In Isaiah’s version of the story, the vines disappointed the owner. “When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? After consuming all his love and care, the vines repaid the householder with soar grapes. As a result, the vineyard lost all the favours it enjoyed, and ended up a waste land. At the end of the story, the prophet said, “For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting.” The wild grapes they produced were bloodshed, unrighteousness and tears.

In the Gospel, the householder leased out the vineyard to tenants. The vine produced its fruits but the greedy and selfish tenants would not let the owner receive what was his due. The tenants embodied the unrighteousness of Judah that Isaiah mentioned. The love, generosity and patience of the householder contrasted the greed and wickedness of the tenants. The man was so generous as to stage his son, but they were equally too selfish and wicked as to kill the son with hope of taking over the vineyard completely. At the end, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their season.” Here, the vineyard was not destroyed, but the unrighteous caretakers.

2.0.  THE CORNERSTONE

At the end of the parable, Jesus said to the Chief priests and elders of the people, “The very stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.” Thus, the religious leaders represent the tenants placed in charge of the vineyard of the Lord. The Messiah whom they tried to usurp his position was actually their last hope of being saved. A miserable end awaits any religious leader who is greedy, selfish and wicked, who scandalizes the people and leads them astray, such that God would not receive the glory due to Him from His vineyard.

The Church is the new vineyard of the Lord. Jesus towers over it from the Cross like the watchtower in the vineyard. The fount of life flows from His pierced side like the wine press. He hedge it all round and fertilized it with His word and Sacraments. The vineyard of Jesus is fruitful, bearing fruits of righteousness and holiness. In a way, each baptized Christian is a tenant to whom this choice vine is entrusted to, and the Master expects to reap his fruit at the appointed time. If we act like the greedy and selfish tenants in the parable, we shall meet a miserable end. That is why St Paul urges us not to be ambitious or anxious about anything, instead we should approach everything with prayer, supplication and thanksgiving to God. Already, we begin to return to God the glory that is His due; giving Him His own share of the fruits of the vine! “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

And if the contemplation of our hearts and minds, and our aspirations are on Christ Jesus as St Paul said, then we will come to realize that Jesus Himself is the fruitful vine and we are His branches through which His fruits come forth (In 15:1-8). He is the Taproot of our lives, the Cornerstone on which we stand secure. So, let the meditations of our hearts be on the righteousness, justice and peace of God. Our minds should be focused on whatever is lovely, excellent and worthy of praise, “And the God of peace will be with you." Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday October 4^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO THE WILL OF GOD

Reflection for 26^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Ezekiel 18:25-28; Phil 2:1-11; Mt 21:28-32)

Personal commitment and responsibility is necessary for us to live a righteous life and earn salvation. It is equally necessary for personal development and progress. If we are committed and consistent in good, we shall achieve greatness, and salvation at the end. But often times we fail, and withdraw our commitment. This happens often in our moral life when we withdraw from righteousness and queue up in immorality. The prophet Ezekiel announces that we shall take responsibility for our actions and face their consequences. Though we easily excuse ourselves and blame others or situations for the negative outcomes of our actions, the message of Ezekiel indicates that God has given us a time frame to retrace our steps. The consequences of sin is death. If a righteous man turns away and commits iniquity, he shall die for it. “Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is lawful and right, he shall save his life.”   

Ezekiel’s message is further explained by the parable of the two sons. The first son refused to obey the father but later changed his mind and did what the father asked of him. The second agreed to go to the vineyard but at the end he did not go. Jesus explained that what matters is doing the will of God. The tax collectors and harlots who repented and believed are making their ways to heaven.  But those who professed righteousness, like the Pharisees, but remained in iniquity shall die. So the believer must wake up to personal responsibility and align himself to the will of God.

This personal effort to responsibility and repentance is made possible by the mercy of God. If God were not merciful, no turnaround is possible! The mercy of God pulls us to repentance. That is why St Paul tells us in the second reading that the right step to personal responsibility for righteousness is to ‘participate’ in the mercy of God by emulating it in our relationship with others. “Do nothing  from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.” We must also give others the opportunity to repent.  Each person must look out for the interest of others. At this point, ‘personal responsibility’ now implies my commitment to the good and salvation of others. That is why on the last day, we shall be judged, not by what we consumed or benefited, but to the extent we were committed to the wellbeing of others in their needs  (Mt 25:35-40).

The prophecy of Ezekiel and the parable of the two sons find their fulfilment in Christ Jesus. In Him the Obedient Son bore in Himself the punishment of the disobedient son. Having humbled Himself and became obedient even unto death on a cross, Jesus became the living link through which the disobedient children can crossover to become obedient children. Thus, God has only one begotten Son, in whom we are ‘co-heirs’ with Him, such that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday September 27^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE TWO SEASONS IN A TIME

 Reflection for Friday of the 25^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-11; Lk 9:18-22)

It is a popular and common saying that ‘there is time for everything.’ Today’s meditation is about ‘Time.’ According to the wise man in the first reading, God beautified the earth with times and seasons come and go, ushering in something new and rendering others old. There are good times and bad times; time to be born and time to die, etc. While we embrace the good times, and look forward to better days, we must not forget that the tough days will soon unfold. This is wisdom and an amour of faith if we constantly remind ourselves of the ‘two times and seasons.’

Many are frustrated and depressed today because they planned their lives only in one season of joy, success, health, etc, without a look out on the other season that is ‘hidden’ in nature. Then, the sudden dawn of the ‘unexpected season’ knocks them off their feet, hope dies and depression sets in. The wise man says God has made everything beautiful in its time. “Also, He has put eternity into man’s mind...” Our aspirations can be high as the heavens, yet we cannot determine what the ticking of time is ushering in.

But God has taken his abode in our time; each moment of time is now sanctified and empowered to unfold salvation. Times and seasons now revolve around Christ Jesus for our salvation. In the Gospel of today, while Peter identified Jesus as “The Christ of God”, Jesus commanded them not to publicize His real identity until the appointed time, which was the time of His Cross and resurrection. Thus, from the Risen Christ, a ‘new time’ is revealed! Now, all times and seasons belong to Him; all our good times flow from Him, and bad times are resolved in Him.

Therefore, in solemn silence we connect our times and seasons to the Hour of Jesus (Jn 12:23). Though the movement of time may usher in good or bad, but our ‘life-time’ with which we live flows from Jesus. Hence, our time of birth and our time of death, our time of sowing and our time of harvesting, etc, are now a single time, i.e. the time of Jesus. Jesus is all in all (Col 3:11), He is Lord of life and death, sickness and health, poverty and sickness. Yes, ‘There is time for everything’ because we put Jesus in everything. Let this be your watch word today. Have a blessed day.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Friday September 25^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

REFUGE FROM VANITY

Reflection for Thursday of the 25^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Ecclesiastes 1:2-11; Lk 9:7-9)

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” There is need to pause and reflect on the value of all we are labouring for on Earth. Life on earth is limited, and so are the works of our hands. The passing of time and the confinement of space reduce the glamour and beautiful things of this world to temporal existence, such that they do not last forever. What we admire so much today becomes old in the near future; what we labour for now is inherited by those who never worked for it. “What does a man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?”

But the soul of man is destined for eternal life; it goes beyond every material thing, no matter how beautiful they appear. That is why only God can satisfy the heart of man. ‘Vanity of vanities’ expresses the agony and uselessness man faces when he becomes simply the ‘man of earth.’ When we pursue things of this earth as the main purpose and destination of our lives, we face the regret of a wasted life. The good things of this life should be approached with moderation, such that they warm our hearts and give them boast to fly to God.

Herod the tetrarch was a good example of the vanities of the pleasures of life. Think about the wealth and power he possessed, and the arrogance he exhibited. Herod was a man of pleasure, who would do anything to get what he wanted. In today’s Gospel, we see him running from himself in fear; the vanity of his action caught up with him. This is the kind of fear and regret we shall face if we allow frivolities and vanities of this life to consume us. Therefore, let our soul take refuge in the Lord as we approach every material desire with moderation and discipline; we shall never labour in vain. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Thursday September 24^th, 2020.
Our Lady of Ransom
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

 

TRUTH OF LIFE

 Reflection for Wednesday of the 25^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13; Lk 9:1-6)

“Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” Truth is not just what we say; it is life we live. We all hate lies and love those that speak the truth. But sometimes, we accommodate false ideologies in our minds or adapt our lives to wrong lifestyles. To what extent can we find truth in within us? Most times, an honest man is one who battles with falsehoods within him, suppresses them, and painfully allows the truth to shine out. That is why a man who denies God is already standing on falsehood. Hence, the wise man reaches out to God for refuge, and calls out to Him in honest prayer, saying, “Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full, and deny you...or lest I be poor, and steal, and profane the name of my God.”

Thus, the wise man indicates that an honest living is to live a life pleasing to God. The will of God becomes the departure point; if the desires of our hearts are not in standing with the will of God for us, it becomes false. Sometimes, we admire the best things of life. But their relevance to our relationship with God is important. That is why, in sending out the disciples on mission, Jesus said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.” The prayer of the wise man is exemplified in the missionary life of the disciples. For them to remain true to the mission and be successful, their source of strength and courage must remain the power and authority of Jesus.

Jesus is the Truth; God is our ultimate treasure. Any desire in us that displaces or overrides our longing for God’s Kingdom and His righteousness will definitely lead us to falsehood. Whatever we are praying for today, shall be ours as we remain focused on the will of God. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday September 23^rd, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

THE UNVEILING OF DIVINE WISDOM

Reflection for 25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A 

 (Is 55:6-9; Phil 1:20-24,27; Mt 20:1-16)

Whenever we compare what we have with that of others, we discover that either we do not have enough or we need more to remain on top. Often times our way of counting progress is when we achieved that which others have or do not have. Human mind and logic is awesome, but its ways of reasoning cannot be compared to divine wisdom. The Lord declares through the Prophet Isaiah, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Therefore, human reasoning becomes sublime when it accommodates divine wisdom through faith. Faith and reason are no more opposing each other but they work together to inspire the believer to action. This is so because the immeasurable wisdom and knowledge of God is revealed to us in Christ Jesus (Rm 11:33).  

Hence, the human person must commit his reasoning to divine wisdom. If not, it will be locked up in self-pity, the agony of its limitedness and diminish itself in competitiveness. That is why Isaiah cries out, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” And the Lord God had taken His abode among us in Christ Jesus; our human mind can reach out to Him. The ways of God that was formally far removed from us can now be followed through Jesus Christ. That is why St Paul, in the second reading, urges us to center our reasoning to ‘honour’ Christ. “Christ is to be honoured in my body, whether by life or death.” St Paul demonstrates how he battles between different life options. Yes, our minds remain restless in its reasoning and struggles for choices in life. We cannot stop the mind from thinking. But our choices and responses to situations must be to the honour of Christ and according to the manner worthy of the Gospel.

And the manner worthy of the Gospel is clearly demonstrated in the parable of the labourers in the vineyard. The householder hired the first set of labourers in early morning and agreed to pay them one denarius a day. From the third hour to the eleventh hour, he saw other idle labourers and sent them to his vineyard but did not agree on any pay. “You go into my vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.” At the close of work, he began payment first from those he hired on charity, and gave them the same amount that was due to the first set of labourers by justice. The first of labourers were not happy because, according to human reasoning, they ought to receive more since they worked all day. Their grumbling was not because the householder treated them unjustly, but because they did not want to ‘share their glory’ with those who did labour with them! They wanted the lowliness of the others to express their exaltation. But they forgot that the householder reduced their task by hiring more hands, such that even the one denarius was more than the task initially agreed and was equally given in charity.

Yes, generosity, mercy and compassion are the Gospel patterns of reasoning we must adopt in order to unlock divine wisdom. Though divine wisdom may appear hidden, distant from human logic and a mystery, charity makes it shine out. The householder answered, “My friend, I am doing you no wrong...take what belongs to you, and go; I choose to give to this last as I give you...Do you begrudge my generosity? So the last will be first, and the first last.” It is by charity that justice reaches those who cannot purchase it. Charity is that platform, which human logic understands and divine wisdom prescribes. Whenever we act in charity, our logical reasoning surrenders to divine wisdom. While our minds are burning with thoughts in the face of diverse life options, let our primary intention be to the honour of Jesus Christ and let our guiding principle be generosity of heart. In this way, Divine Wisdom will locate us, and engage us in its vineyard, such that Divine providence will bless us and we shall labour for eternal life, Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday September 20^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE DANCE OF LOVE

Reflection for Wednesday of the 24^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(1 Cor 12:31-13:13; Lk 7:31-35)

1.0.  The Gift

Long before our present battle with love and relationship, St Paul had given an explanation of love that remains a solution to most of the problems we encounter with love. St Paul’s teaching is based on his understanding that LOVE IS A GIFT. This is the departure point of his teaching. It is not just a gift, love is the highest, the most sublime of all gifts; it is love that renders other gifts meaningful. Think about the love you have today, do you feel it as a gift? True love is given freely and received freely. And where love genuinely exists, other gifts will begin to germinate. Among others, faith (trust) and hope are the most intimate gifts that arise from love. Then, other spiritual gifts will begin to grow. That means love does not leave us stagnant or retard our lives. It roots us firmly in God with the gift of faith, such that we confidently entrust ourselves in the arms of the one we love, and match forward with joy to conquer the future. “Love never ends” It leads us into the future of God, who Himself is Love.

2.0.  Characteristics of Love

Because love can be confused with our momentary sentiments, St Paul lists out the distinguishing characteristics of love. These qualities, at the same time, reveal the opposing negative sentiments that often tend to mingle with love. “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

3.0.  The Dance of Love

The rhythm of love is rolling, let us step forward in line and join the dance of love. The tune of love we hear from St Paul is clear and direct. If we internalize it and dance to this tune, no one can deceive us with fake love. But if we go off-track, we shall be tossed through and fro and be easily heartbroken. Such experience can make one cold and withdrawn like the children in the story Jesus told in the Gospel: “We piped for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.” But the love of God has been poured into our hearts through Jesus Christ (Rm 5:5). If we focus on Him and love Him back, we shall win the battle of love and continue in the dance of love, a dance of joy and victory. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday September 16^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

OUR LADY OF SORROWS

Today we celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary as our Lady of Sorrows. Mary’s sorrows flowed intimately from the life and passion of Jesus Christ. As the Mother, her life was ‘mingled’ with that of her Son, such that she participated in her life, suffering and glory. Her privileged choice as the Mother of Jesus did not save her for the sorrows that came with it. Of course, this qualified her as the Mother of all Believers to be our model and to help us in our every sorrow.

Meditating on her life as Our Lady of Sorrows, imagine the surprise visit of the Angel and the message that shook her so much that Gabriel had to calm her down not to be afraid. Think about the emotional trauma she went through as Joseph contemplated whether to ‘expose’ her or send her packing quietly. The birth time was not easy at all as she battled with labour pains while Joseph looked for any available space in the inn. Think about the moment of the presentation in the Temple as their joy was swallowed up in Simeon’s prophecy. The words of the old man sounded like arrows in the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She indeed was bathed with sorrows as we see her on the painful escape journey to Egypt. But the loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple exposed in a more concrete way the extent of her sorrows for the Child Jesus (Lk 2:34-35; Mt 2:13-14; Lk 2:43-45).

The birth of Jesus was not the end, but just the beginning of Mary’s motherhood. All through Jesus' public ministry She continued to care for Him as she would travel far to look for Him. The passion of Jesus marked the height of Mary’s sorrows. Think about the meeting of Jesus and Mary as He made His way slowly to Calvary. The hitting of the nails during the crucifixion of Jesus sounded like sharp arrows in the Heart of Mary. The taking down of Jesus’ body from the Cross and the burial brought unimaginable sorrows to Mary (Mt 12:47;Lk 23:27; Jn 19: 18, 25-27; Mk 15:43-46).

Our Lady of Sorrows, the Sorrowful Mother—Mater Dolorosa—is no less the joyful Mother. Her sorrows did not silent the echoes of her magnificat. Her soul continued to magnify the Lord even as she matched from one sorrow to another. This is because she embraced her vocation and whatever unfolded from within it as the will of God. ‘Let it be to me as you have said’ is the ultimate disposition that kept her going until she stood at the foot of the Cross of Jesus. Let us learn from Mary, and lean on her as our Model and Mother. With her motherly help, we shall triumph over all our sorrows. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Tuesday September 15^th, 2020.
Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE HINGE OF FORGIVENESS

Reflection for 24^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Sirach 27:30-28:7; Rm 14:7-9; Mt 18:21-35)

1.0.  “Anger and Wrath, these are abominations”

Have you ever regretted being angry? Anger is one emotion we do not like but it comes up once in a while. Its frequency and degree varies from person to person. Also, the things that provoke our anger and the way we express it varies too. The things that rouse our anger reveal a lot about the values we cherish. If those values are selfish and wrong, the anger they evoke will leave behind a lot of negative side effects. Today’s first reading looks at anger as a means of effecting vengeance and unforgiveness.

Sin and selfishness are the soils in which anger germinate from and grow. Then, forgiveness will release us from the grip of anger and wrath. “Forgive your neighbour the wrong he has done and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray.” Sirach presents forgiveness of neighbour as a pre-condition and necessity for receiving God’s mercy, forgiveness, healing, and answered prayers. In other words, ‘anticipation’ of God’s goodness and judgement should inspire one to be true to the commandments, control anger and overlook the weakness of his neighbour. Therefore, it is the man who expects nothing from the Lord that holds anger and wrath, and seeks vengeance.

2.0.  “None of us lives for himself”

While the Book of Sirach draws us forward into the ‘future of God’ to learn how to overcome anger and forgive, St Paul in the Second reading invites us to look inwards and examine our present life. According to him, we should relocate the centre of our lives away from ourselves and others and establish it in the Lord Jesus Christ. “None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord.” It is often when we make ourselves the standard and determinant of ourselves and things around us or when we place certain expectation on others that we easily get hurt and burn with anger and unforgiveness if they fail us.  Thus, What are you living for; what is it you value so much, and what gives your life meaning? Christ Jesus died and rose again that He might be the reason for our existence, the Lord of the living and the dead. So, if ever we want to be angry, it must be to the glory of God.

3.0.  “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you...”

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the story of the unforgiving servant to show that forgiveness has no limit. This servant received abundant mercy from his master but he refused to forgive his fellow servant who pleaded with him. The story gives us the ‘reason’ to forgive continuously and unconditionally. Forgiveness issues from God; God is the source, He is the first to forgive us. ‘Forgiveness’ comes to us as a gift, as an unmerited grace. Thus, we look ‘backwards’ at what the Master had done, we ought to be appreciative of His generosity. Then, we approach our neighbour’s offences with the grateful disposition the Lord gives.  In other words, the forgiveness we render to those who offend us is a concrete expression of the gratitude we owe to God.

But the unforgiving servant disqualified himself of his master’s mercy. Instead of looking back at his master’s love and generosity and drawing inspiration from there, he made himself the standard of judgement, his pride took hold of him and his anger became his inspiration. As his anger raged, vengeance became his only option for justice. He was described as a ‘wicked’ servant because he hid the gratuitous gift of God from his fellow servant. Yes, this is true, anytime we prevent God’s blessings on us from reaching others, we become ‘wicked.’ The master reversed his mercy on him and treated him with the same standard he applied to his fellow servant. At the end Jesus said, “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Where your treasure is there will your heart be; and where your heart is, from there shall you be provoked. If we look back with gratitude at the love and mercy of God upon us, and hinge all our hope for the future, with all its anticipations and aspirations in divine providence, and at present, locate the centre of our being in Christ Jesus, who died for us, then, anger will never be our habit. At least, the anger that is fuelled by unforgiveness and seeks vengeance will have no place in our hearts. Whatever stirs you to anger and wrath indicates a certain disposition of your heart that is not rooted in Christ Jesus. The Ocean of mercy, the unfathomable Divine Mercy is gushing forth to envelop you and the whole world. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos,
Sunday September 13^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com 

THE WATCHMAN OF FORGIVENESS

Reflection for 23^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Ezekiel 33:7-9; Rm 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20)

How often do we take responsibility for the life of others? Many a times, we are concerned for our well-being and the protection of our comfort zones, which may include the few individuals within our circle. The common trend today is to exclude or ‘walk away’ from those who disagree with us or who corrects us. So people these days form ‘uniformity’ and flock around those who will tell them what they want to hear.  Even when we hear admonitions from the word of God, we tend to select what we want to hear and respond to, especially if the message is to our advantage. Still, the messenger must deliver the message God gave him.

This is the instruction the prophet Ezekiel got in the first reading of today. His prophetic mission included delivering God’s message of repentance to the sinner. Yes, the sinner is free to repent or not, but the prophet must take responsibility to ensure that God’s message gets to man. Here, the salvation of the sinner is indirectly hinged on the prophetic mandate. Therefore, if the prophet fails to carry out his duty, God would hold him accountable for the death of the sinner. But if he delivers his message, whether the sinner repents or not, the prophet would have saved his life.

In the Gospel, Jesus stands before us as the fulfilment of the law and the prophets. He has won the forgiveness of our sins so that sinners may be reconciled with God. And he established in His Church the ministry of reconciliation; “God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18). So, we have a new ‘prophetic mandate’ issuing from Jesus as He says, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens, you have gained your brother.” Like Ezekiel the watchman, Jesus placed the care of the soul of our brother in our hands. We must take responsibility by taking every step necessary to be reconciled with him. The new prophetic watchman looks for every possible means to heal wounds and restore unity.

What are the reasons to seek for forgiveness and reconciliation? Jesus answers that it is to gain your brother back. This unity is answered prayer; unity of intention wins us God’s favour. And the Lord dwells among us when we are united. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Grudge, unforgiveness and disunity are serious obstacles to prayer. Everyone wins when we are reconciled to each other. Healing the wounds of disunity is part of the ‘prophetic mandate’ we received at baptism. Thus, if we want to be reconciled with Christ Jesus and be saved, we too must be reconciled with one another.

Therefore, we do not live a self-enclosed life that bears no responsibility for others. Our Christian life overflows in love to care for our neighbour. “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law.” Yes, the command to feed the hungry and clothe the naked includes reaching out the hand of forgiveness to those hungry for reconciliation. You have been positioned as a watchman, hanging with Christ on the Cross of forgiveness. There we crucify our pride, forgiven, nourished and fed by the Body and Blood of Christ, we are strengthened to raise up the fallen. The power of the Cross is manifested in forgiveness. “We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Rm 15:1). May God give us the grace to heal the wounds that divide us. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday September 6^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE NEW WINESKIN

Reflection for Friday of the 22^nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(1 Cor 4:1-5; Lk 5:33-39)

 The human mind is the seat of judgement. While the intellectual mind is actively engaged in judgement of things and human affairs, true wisdom is to know the limit. Often times we overstep our boundaries and become judges of persons. This happens when we decide the fate of others, even before God. While we readily judge others, no one likes to be judged and condemned as such. Hence, St Paul tells the Corinthians that God alone is the ultimate judge. “It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgement before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.”

But in the Gospel of today, the self-righteous Pharisees accused the disciples of Jesus of not fasting along with others. Jesus said to them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” The over-zealous Pharisees crossed their boundary and made themselves the determinant of who was at good standing with God. Indirectly, when we judge people thus, we secretly wish that they should act to please us. That is why it is dangerous for one to think he is better than others. He who thinks he is standing, let him be careful lest he fall (1 Cor 10:12).

Of Course, Jesus reminded the Pharisees that they were ‘old-fashioned.’ God is doing something new; a new cloth, a new wine! Something more beautiful and tastier comes forth from the Children of God when we gather around Jesus. So, whoever makes himself a judge ‘on behalf of the Lord’ and sets to condemn others automatically makes himself ‘old-fashioned.’ “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rm 8:1). So, according to St Paul in the first reading, as ‘servants of Christ’ and ‘stewards of the mysteries of God’ we are required to be trustworthy, bearing in mind that the Lord will hold us accountable.

Imagine the new wine poured into old wineskins, which bursts the skins and pours away. Oh what a waste! This is how we waste away when we over step our boundaries of thought and begin to judge and condemn others. Instead, let us empty ourselves into Jesus, the ‘New Wineskin’ that He may preserve our inner peace and sustain us in ‘freshness of taste’ each day as we remain ‘contained in Him.’ Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Friday September 4^th, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

SURRENDERING TO DIVINE WISDOM

Reflection for Thursday of the 22^nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year A
(1 Cor 3:18-23; Lk 5:1-11)

Sometimes, when people climb some height in academics, they gradually become lukewarm or drop their faith. Of course, St Paul had a hard time arguing with the Greeks, who were known for their intelligence, about faith in the resurrection (Acts 17:16-34). Today there is more of ‘social knowledge’ than deep intellectual knowledge. In other words, we are more exposed to knowledge about the ‘use of things’ than the ‘Being of things.’ But listen to what St Paul says as we continue to journey with him this Week: “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.”

Therefore, those who have human wisdom should not boast about it, for all wisdom belongs to God (Prov 2:6), and all things are under Him. It becomes self deception, as St Paul said, for one to hold his human knowledge as the ultimate and disregard divine wisdom. That is why Christ’s faithful surrender their hearts, knowledge and possession to God through Jesus Christ. Go, sell all you have, come and follow me (Cf. Mt 19:21). Example of this is what Simon Peter did in the Gospel, where he gave up his empty boat for Jesus to use. The fishermen were washing their nets when Jesus requested for the boat. They sacrificed their time and waited for Jesus to round up. At the end, Jesus sent them back to the sea to search for fish. As a professional, with long time knowledge of fishing, Peter answered him, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!” However, he surrendered his human knowledge to that of Jesus and said, “But at your word I will let down the nets.”

The catch was amazing! The empty boats were now at sinking point, full of fish. Peter was astonished. He ran to Jesus and surrendered his heart to him, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Jesus invited him to greater self-offering: “Do not be afraid; henceforth, you will be catching men.” Interestingly, they left everything and followed him.

As we are exposed to knowledge in the social media, academics, etc, we must be ready to surrender to the Divine Wisdom that supersedes. As we offer up the little we have, God draws us to greater heights, which in turns demands greater self-surrender till we achieve perfect union with Him. Peter offered his empty boat, left behind the boat full of fish, offered his heart to Jesus, then he followed him completely with total commitment. Whatever we know or have that cannot be offered to God is an idol. May the Lord Jesus bless our labours today that they may bear fruit, so we may follow Him wholeheartedly. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Thursday September 3^rd, 2020.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com