STREAM IN THE DESERT

Meditation for Monday of the Second week of Advent, Year C

(Is 35:1-10; Lk 5:17-26)

Expectant and longing humanity is clearly typified and expressed in a sick person who awaits healing. In a way, sickness embodies human suffering. It brings loneliness and fear, and renders one incapable of free movement and actions. Often, a sick person finds himself in the arms of others, like the paralytic, who have to take care of him and help him recover. When this longing for healing looks upon God, it becomes a concrete expression of our great expectation and waiting—our Advent—for divine intervention and salvation. 

For those who wait on the Lord, Isaiah says in the first reading, “They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God…Be strong, fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” The prophet assures that healing shall flow like streams in the desert, soaking those who wait for the Lord with everlasting joy and gladness, “And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” 

In Jesus is the fulfillment of the living waters of healing. The compassion, freedom and generosity with which He attends to the sick flows like streams in the desert. And people ‘flowed’ to Him to be healed. Some men carrying a paralytic, had to go through the roof to lay him down before Jesus. And Jesus recognized this act of faith that passed through barriers. To reach Jesus was the only thing that mattered, for His divine touch was assured. So, the men transferred the ‘problem’ in their hands to Jesus, and they stepped back, relaxed and watched! 

As Jesus took charge, they realized immediately that He was offering more than they envisioned, for He said to the paralytic, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” To the attacking scribes and Pharisees, Jesus also acted as an Advocate, defending the man’s case before the people. Thus, He encouraged the man and his friends to continue to believe and to receive the forgiveness of sins He was offering. Jesus showed that the man’s physical paralysis was not more important than his spiritual paralysis. By forgiveness of his sins, Jesus was laying down His life for that paralytic because that is what it takes to wipe away sins! “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?”

So, our Advent longing for the Lord can be truly represented by the longing of the paralytic and his friends to meet Jesus, our healer and advocate. He said to the man, “I say to you, rise, take up your bed and go home.” And the people glorified God, for like stream in the desert, God’s divine touch uplifted them.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday December 6th, 2021.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

www.soundofsilence.ng

PREPARATION FOR THE LORD

PREPARATION FOR THE LORD

Meditation for Second Sunday of Advent, Year C

(Baruch 5:1-9; Phil 1:4-6.8-11; Lk 3:1-6)

The readings today invite us to prepare for the Lord. PREPARATION is an important step we must take if we are to succeed in every undertaking or situation in life. We prepare for exams, for work, for sports, for marriage, etc. Preparation shows how important something is to us or how committed we are to it. If we fail to prepare, then we have ‘prepared to fail.’ To avoid such failure, the Book of Baruch and the message of John the Baptist call on us to “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked ways shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

 

A valley ‘swallows’ one, and keeps him running round within the enclosure instead of moving forward. Think about that ‘valley of anger’ that swallows up every drop of joy and peace. It could be a valley of laziness that encloses our good intentions to work hard and make progress. Imagine a valley of compulsive expenditure or live of addictions that swallow up our finances and render us financially sterile! Do you identify any kind of ‘valley’ in your life? If we must meet the Lord, and enjoy the favor He brings, these valleys must be filled up. 

A mountain is a huge ‘obstruction’ on our way. When we pile up sins, adding one bad behavior upon another, soon a huge blockage rises in our hearts and we feel cut off from the way to salvation. The voice cries in the wilderness as we prepare for the Lord that every mountain must be levelled. Sometimes we find ourselves on crooked ways, adorning our words and actions with lies and deceit. At times inconsistence and instability become our swing of life! That is why we should be watchful when every little choice before us is attacked by indecision. The way of the Lord is straight! Every crooked way must be straightened if we are to meet Jesus. And the rough edges of our lives must be smooth; those aggressive ends, selfish and stubborn must be smoothen with a touch of love and kindness. 

Therefore, Saint Paul urges, “That your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” On his part, Baruch says, “Put on the robe of righteousness from God.” This is how we arm ourselves to fill up every valley that prevents us from seeing the salvation and glory of God, level every mountain that block our way to reaching God’s blessings and answers to our prayers, straighten crooked ways that divert our lives from the right path, and smoothen the rough edges that render us inefficient. Then our hearts shall be ready, and our song shall ever be, “Come Lord Jesus, do not delay.” Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday December 5th, 2021.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

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PLENTIFUL HARVEST

 Meditation for Saturday of the First Week of Advent

(Is 30: 19-21, 23-26; Mt 9:35-10:1, 5-8)

In our advent meditation today, we are caught up in the beauty and strength of Jesus’ compassion for helpless humanity. As the crowds gathered “Like sheep without a shepherd”, Jesus indicated that there is much work to be done. His compassionate work of healing and redeeming humanity needs to be extended. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send our laborers into his harvest.” The laborers are to continue the compassionate work of Jesus, which Isaiah prophesied, “He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you.”

 

“And He called to Himself His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity.” The authority was given to them freely to carry on Jesus’ compassionate work of healing and redeeming wounded humanity. It was not meant for their own selfish gains. The laborers of the Kingdom act on behalf of Jesus; they carry on with ‘delegated’ authority, thereby representing Jesus before the people. This is how they bring Jesus’ compassion to the people. Such laborers are good shepherds who gather the people for Christ.

 

The harvest is plentiful; there is a lot of work to be done! We need more laborers filled with the authority of Jesus, and touching lives with His compassion, and gathering people for the Kingdom of Heaven. Wounded humanity is waiting and yearning for the healing and liberation of the children of God (Rm 8:19-23). But God has also answered our prayer by bring closer to us the Kingdom of God we are praying through the laborers He called. “And preach as you go, saying, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without pay, give without pay.” Therefore, Heaven is waiting to receive plentiful harvest, for salvation is nearer now (Rm 13:11). Amen

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Saturday December 4^th, 2021.

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“DO YOU BELIEVE THAT I AM ABLE TO DO THIS?”

 Meditation for Friday of the First Week of Advent

(Is 29:17-24; Mt 9:27-31)

In the Gospel of today Jesus asked the two blind men a direct and touchy question: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” This question was directed not to two causal blind beggars by the roadside, but two blind men that made stringent efforts to get to him for healing. They followed Him along the way, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” Even when Jesus entered the house, the men still made there way to get to Him. If they did not believe, why would they go through such stress to get to Jesus?

 

Another meditative question is: why did Jesus suspend His response to them but delayed and “dragged” them along? Their desire to be healed, if it were coming from Faith, must include the freedom of Jesus to answer them at His own pace and according to His will! Though they were crying aloud, their faith silently followed Jesus and ‘dragged’ the men along, despite the inconveniences. Having arrived at the feet of Jesus, their faith had been purified of selfishness such that even their desire to be healed was recognized as freely in the arms of Jesus. In other words, imagine the faith of a blind who believes that Jesus has the power to heal him though he still remains blind before him! He continues to believe even when that healing is delayed or denied…

 

Thus, when Jesus asked the above question, the men quickly answered, “Yes, Lord.” Then Jesus touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be done for you.” What a divine touch on those who had touched Jesus in faith! A lively faith, fused with divine favor that becomes answered prayer to those who posses it. As we approach Jesus with a renewed faith this Advent, may we feel His healing touch on us. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Friday December 3rd, 2021.

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THE ROCK OF SALVATION

Meditation for Thursday of the First Week of Advent

(Is 26: 1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27)

Advent celebrates the past, present and future of our faith in Jesus Christ. We recall Israel’s expectation at the coming of the promised Messiah. He is with us now even as we pray for and await His divine touch of grace at every moment of our lives. And we look forward to His second coming, for the fullness of salvation. The influx of time through future, present and past leaves a ‘residue’ of actions that constitute ‘history’ or human behavior. For the dynamics of time to leave behind a predictable action implies that there is a CONSTANT that flows through and withstands the constant movement of time. The same applies to our faith! In the one season of Advent, we celebrate with a singular acclamation the past, present and future of our faith in Jesus Christ. There is a ‘constant’ that makes this possible.

The prophet Isaiah announced, “We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks.” Within the secure gates of this strong city, the righteous that enter in are kept in perfect peace. We know that peace is not easy to come by, and much more difficult to sustain. The prophet made us understand that the Lord is that strong wall of salvation that keeps His people in perfect peace. “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” 

Yes, it is obvious that there cannot be peace without STABILITY, durability or constancy. A faith that looks forward to its unfolding future but still stands secure in its present reality, while remaining true to its past must be standing on a solid rock that gives it such stability and constancy. In fulfillment to Isaiah’s prophecy, Jesus says in the gospel of today, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the wind blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”

So, let the word of God be the rock on which we stand, and from which our every word and actions receive support. From this ‘rock’, our future is secure, our present is sustained and our past does not draw us backwards. And the word of God is given us as a solid rock of salvation in the Sacraments. From here flows the spiritual nourishment that gives our lives stability, durability and constancy, which the peace that endures, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Thursday December 2nd, 2021.

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THE FAVOURABLE ADVENT RESPONSE

Meditation for Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

(Rm 10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22)

Today we celebrate St Andrew the Apostle, brother of St Peter. He was going through the normal daily struggle for survival until Jesus stepped in. Since then, fishery is still not one of the top most courses of study in our institutions, and fishing is still a simple man’s occupation! But Jesus’ call of the fishermen of Galilee has made fishing a symbol of the gathering of the people of God through the Gospel.

 

“As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.” There is dynamics in this encounter that is very relevant for our Advent Season. As Jesus came down to the sea side, He anticipated a favorable response from Andrew and his companions. This ‘coming down’ to meet the ones He has chosen is in line with His Christmas decent at Bethlehem, and His coming again at the end of time. Jesus’ ‘Advent’, His longing and waiting for a favorable response from those He comes to and communes with, gives rise to our own Advent! Andrew answered because Jesus called; he followed because Jesus came down to him and showed the way.

 

In this Advent, we long for Him who longs for us; His presence now deepens our yearning for His coming again in glory! Andrew and his companions were able to abandon their nets because Jesus abandoned His high level to be with them. The mystery of Christ’s Advent inspires us, and adorns this solemn season with glory and power. In our meditation, we look up to Jesus; He inspires our hope, and leads us along the way to become fishers of men. Our celebration today testifies that Jesus awaits our favorable response. Amen.

 

St Andrew the Apostle, pray for us.

 

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Tuesday November 30^th, 2021.

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“COME, LET US WALK IN THE LIGHT OF THE LORD”

 

“COME, LET US WALK IN THE LIGHT OF THE LORD”

Meditation for Monday of the First Week of Advent

(Is 2:1-5; Mt 8:5-11)

In this Season we celebrate our waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the SOUND OF SILENCE, this holy ‘waiting’ shall be the lens through which we reflect on the readings. In ‘waiting’ for a good to happen, we, at the same time and by that singular act, become conscious of the absence of that good, and the consequences thereof! So, as the Centurion desired healing for his servant from Jesus, he was equally burdened by the consequences of that sickness. As he came forward to Jesus to beg Him to heal the servant, His hope in the healing power of Jesus included his desire to get off the burden of the sickness.

 

What if he came to Jesus only because he wanted to be freed of the burden of the sickness? His waiting and longing for Jesus would not be an ‘Advent.’ But the Centurion acted differently! When Jesus agreed to come and heal the servant, the man humbly replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” By this act of humility and expression of faith, the Centurion demonstrated he was mostly attracted by the PERSON of Jesus, His holiness and power. This attraction and humble surrender to the person of Jesus ranked higher for him than the self-compelling push to be freed from the burden of the sickness. Thus, the yearning of this man for the Mighty Jesus to come down to his lowly state and heal his servant is an ‘Advent’, for he ‘waited’ on the Lord Jesus in His power and righteousness.

 

The Centurion ‘waited’ on the Lord; he received Jesus in his heart, and not just to ‘received’ Him in his problems. This is because he saw his life through the holiness and power of Jesus. Thus, in his ‘Advent’, the Lord visited him and answered his prayers. “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” Though we may have many personal problems pushing us to long for solutions, let us allow the power and righteousness of Jesus to attract us to His person. He will surely answer us as He did to the Centurion, “I will come and heal him.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Monday November 29^th, 2021.

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THE VICTORY OF ADVENT

 

THE VICTORY OF ADVENT

Meditation for First Sunday of Advent, Year C

(Jer 33:14-16; 1 Thes 3:12-4:2; Lk 21:25-28, 34-36)

Today we begin a new liturgical with the season of Advent. This season prepares us for Christmas. As such it is the season we “celebrate” our longing and waiting for the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. Within the Mass readings of this season, we shall recall the hope of ancient Israel as they waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise of the Messiah through the prophets. Then, we shall trace events leading to the birth of Jesus, and the manifestation of the glories of Jesus as He lived among His people. Further, Jesus continues to talk again His coming again. He who is to come is present, that those who experienced His presence will continue to long for Him in fullness!

 

The solemn season of Advent keeps us focused on Jesus, and gives us a new insight into the present tribulations and challenges we face each day as a pilgrim people waiting to meet their Savior. Think about this: from the midst of the injustice, unrighteousness, and insecurity at that time, the prophet Jeremiah announced that God was coming to fulfill His promise, and cause a righteous Branch to spring forth for Israel; “And He shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell securely.” And Jesus talked about His second coming as germinating from the midst of great tribulations and distress that would affect the sun, moon, stars and the whole earth! Such untold fear and perplexity would give way to the coming of the Son of man in a cloud with power and great glory.

 

Thus, our redemption sprouts out like a germinating seed from the ground of tribulations, fear and distress. These perplexed situations in themselves aim to burry us underground and keep our hearts away from Jesus the source of life. Tribulations of life have weighed many people down and rendered them hopeless. This has brought all forms of self-destruction to those who have lost faith. But this season Advent reawakens our hope and celebrates our longing for the sprouting out of redemption. Advent assures us that tribulations will not have the final word; Jesus is the beginning and the end! With our eyes of faith gazed on Jesus, who shall come in glory and power, the present tribulations become necessary stepping stones to reaching our destination in Christ Jesus.

 

‘Advent’ becomes our attitude as we commune with Christ today, and long for the fullness of Redemption. Hence, every tribulation we face today deepens our ‘Advent’ as we yearn more eagerly for the destruction of evil and germination of salvation in Christ Jesus. Therefore, Advent calls for prayer and life of holiness. “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all men.” This is how we are established in holiness before God till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday November 28^th, 2021.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

www.soundofsilence.ng

 

IN HOPE WE WERE SAVED

Meditation for Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Rm 8:18-25; Lk 13:18-21)

Why is it that things do not always go the way we want? Even as children of God, and despite our detailed plans and visions, we often encounter obstacles along the way of life. And these restrictions come to us as suffering! In itself, suffering speaks the language of hopelessness, which is where its pain bites the more. We want to be healthy, but sickness comes as obstacle; we want to live, but death restricts our life, etc. And these restrictions are there in every aspect of our lives. St Paul answers this troubling question by welcoming suffering into creations itself. Since suffering has entered creation through the fall of man, God, the author of life, did not remove the suffering, but changed its hopelessness with hope.

God placed a greater glory at the end of suffering! “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” The obstacles and restrictions in life are no more ends in themselves, but the processes of revealing the glory of God and the manifestation of the victorious children of God. In other words, those obstacles turn our minds to God and increase our hunger for His glory. “For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage of decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.”

God does not allow human will to prevail; if we always get what we want then we do not need His grace to live. And man will be worshiping himself and his achievements. St explains that the whole creation is groaning in labor pains, and even the children of God groan inwardly as they await the redemption. This is the will of God since He used these inward groanings to retain us to Himself, and to reveal His greater glory, such that we always look forward in hope for His grace and redemption. “For in this hope we were saved.” This living hope becomes the energy with which we confront the obstacles and restrictions of each day. This hope is sown like a little mustard seed, which grows to yield the Kingdom of God; “And birds of their made their nests in its branches.”

St Evaristus, pray for us.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Tuesday October 26th 2021.
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www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

DIVINE ‘DEBTORS’

Meditation for Monday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

(Rm 8:12-17; Lk 13:10-17)

“Brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live.” St Paul makes this beautiful distinction between living in the flesh and living in the Spirit. He sees the difference between them as that between life and death. To be led by the flesh means to have the desires and satisfaction of the flesh and the self as the pre-dominant principle of influence and choice. Here, self-preservation is idolized. Such excessive quest for self-satisfaction and self-preservation strips one of spiritual favor, and leads to slavery and death-end.

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” This is when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to the truth that is Jesus Christ; we surrender ourselves and desires, and let the Spirit have the final say. He becomes our principle of choice and action. What is the benefit then? St Paul says all who are led by the Spirit receive freedom from fear, and are given the status of ‘children’ to call God, “Abba! Father!” “It is the Spirit Himself bearing witness with our Spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.”

In the Gospel, Jesus fulfilled the purpose of the Sabbath law by healing the woman with infirmity; He brought divine touch to humanity! But the ruler of the synagogue ‘weaponized’ the sabbath observance for his selfish ego, stripping it of divine favor and even the common good of humanity. The synagogue official became an example of one led by the flesh, who is noisy and confrontational, but at the end he was silenced by Jesus, who stood firm in Spirit and in truth. All who are led by the flesh will fade away; it is only what is done in Spirit and truth that endures. So, we remain ‘debtors’ to the Holy Spirit.

Sts Chrispin & Chrispinian, pray for us.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday October 25th 2021.
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www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE GOD OF MISSIONS

Meditation for 30^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Jer 31:7-9; Heb 5:1-6; Mk 10:46-52)

1.0.         THE GOD OF MISSIONS

Happy Mission Sunday! It is a bright day as celebrate our call to share in the mission of Jesus Christ. In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah proclaimed God’s salvation to Israel as He brought them back from exile. The good news of this journey back home is that even who on their own could not make it, were all brought back home and resettled. Among these includes the lame, the blind, the pregnant women, etc. “With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back.” We celebrate the God who goes forth to lead His back home, where there is freedom, peace and progress. Above, He resettles His people, even the helpless, where they can worship Him, “For I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first-born.”

Jesus, the First-Born of God became our high priest, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you…You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” In Jesus, God is on a mission to bring salvation to the world and raise up adopted children for eternal life. So Jesus comes as our High Priest to be our mediator; to bring answers to our prayers, to strengthen us in our weakness, to heal our ignorance and waywardness, and to offer the one sacrifice for our sins.

We see this missionary journey of Jesus fulfilled in His encounter with the blind man called Bartimaeus. He called the man out from the lonely roadside, healed his blindness. Imagine such a turnaround for Bartimaeus; it was for him a new life! With his new sight he could see the beauty around. But with the eyes of his faith, he saw that Jesus was his new place of resettlement. The fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah that He would bring His people home was fulfilled as Jesus becomes that NEW HOME, where believers are resettled and they find freedom, peace, progress and worship God in spirit and truth. In Jesus as the Mediator, we offer the perfect sacrifice that is pleasing to God, and through which we are offered to God.

2.0.         NO ONE TAKES THIS HONOUR UPON HIMSELF

We are called to share in the mission of Jesus Christ. “And one does not take the honour upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was.” Every encounter we have with Jesus carries with it at the same time an invitation to the mission, to witness and bring others to salvation. When Bartimaeus realized the new life that Jesus can give, he could not remove his eyes from Him, and he followed him on the way! He became a missionary. The greatest vision he had was the eyes of his faith that saw Jesus deeper than those who even lead him to meet Him. Our participation in the Mission of Christ is our joyful response to the divine touch we received through the grace of Jesus Christ, our High Priest. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday October 24th 2021.
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www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST JESUS

 Meditation for Saturday the 29^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Rm 8:1-11; Lk 13:1-9)

Since we cannot even win the internal battle by ourselves unless by the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, St Paul declares, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.” The grace of Jesus Christ, flowing from the Cross, assures of victory over evil, sin and death; it is always alive and active. Thus, this grace is our assured victory against the law of sin. God sent His own son in the likeness of sinful man; He condemned sin in His flesh, thereby fulfilling the law, in order that those who live by His grace in the Holy Spirit will, not only fulfil the law, but achieve what the law could not achieve, i.e. justification and eternal  life.

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on things of the Spirit.” St Paul explains that the mind that is set on the flesh is death; such a mind is full of fear, hostility, lawlessness, etc. “And those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” But those who soar on the wings of grace in the Holy Spirit are alive and at peace with themselves, with others, and with God! “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree to show how God has manured us with the rich grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. And made this grace available and accessible through the sacraments. We constantly need to repent and walk deeper in His grace, bearing fruits of righteousness for eternal life.

St John of Capistrano, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Saturday October 23rd, 2021.
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www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE INTERNAL BATTLE

 Meditation for Friday the 29^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Rm 7:18-25; Lk 12:54-59)

The human will is powerful and visionary. But it is a mystery how it can become powerless in the face of temptation. We always will and desire what we perceive to be good. To do good, and persevere to do good, takes more than mere desire or human will, for the best of our resolutions may be absent on the day of action! However, unless we will and desire it, we cannot persevere in good deed. The question St Paul raises today is: how come we will and desire what we know to be good, but end up acting directly the opposite, thus contradicting ourselves and betraying our will. This is like a self-inflicted injury, but it happens; we regret and feel bad, still we repeat the same thing. “I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.”

St Paul argues that the reason we act contrary to our will is because sin has found a voice within us; it has mingled with us, lying hidden within, but ready to prop up its head and demand expression at the moment of action. So, sin and evil, with their voice of temptation, constitute their own law but lay it closely hidden to the human conscience. “For I delight in the law of God, in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin which dwells in my members.”

How can a man with such constant internal war rely on his good deeds for justification? It is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that grants him victory in the face of alluring evil, since his good will stands helpless at the moment of action. But the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is active, and when mingled with the human will, brings about our will and desire to reality. This is how the battle is won!

St John Paul II, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Friday October 22nd, 2021.

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THE FIRE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Meditation for Thursday the 29^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Rm 6:19-23; Lk 12:49-53)

Some people might mistakenly think that if justification is by faith alone, then we have no responsibility thereof, or that we can live recklessly and still lay claim to righteousness since it is by faith. May be that is why some modern-day Christians care less about holiness and righteousness but they often worship God only for their personal benefits, while demanding God to prove Himself to them through miracles. But St Paul quickly warns that those who are justified by faith do not yield any part of their bodies or their lives to sin. The righteousness of faith sets us free, while sin tries to enslave us. The righteousness of faith brings sanctification, so it cannot dwell with sin and iniquity. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Jesus declares: “I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled!” Living out the righteousness of Jesus in faith shines out as light that opposes the darkness of this world; the freedom enjoyed by those living under grace evokes jealousy from those under the yoke of sin. As the experiences vary so will people begin to oppose each other. Each person within him, from his household and society will experience a constraint. But at the end, the love of God will triumph. No transformation can come without friction or opposition. Jesus has cast fire than cannot be quenched! His love and righteousness illumine, and at the same time, burns away sin and iniquity. That is why we must not allow sin to reign in our hearts and bodies; “So now yield your members to righteousness for sanctification.”

St Hilarion the Great, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Thursday October 21st, 2021.
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www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

YOU ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW BUT UNDER GRACE

Meditation for Wednesday the 29^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Rm 6:12-18; Lk 12:39-48)

Since sin and death came into the world through Adam, while the free gift of grace came in through Jesus Christ, that means faith in Jesus Christ is our only hope in face of temptation and sin. Through the righteousness of Jesus, we shall receive acquittal from our sins. That means we must yield only to faith in Jesus, and not submit any part of our bodies to sin. “But yield yourselves to God as men who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments of righteousness.” St Paul warns against habitual sin; such should not happen to someone who is under grace! “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”

The free gift of grace calls for higher responsibility; the treasure entrusted to our care the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We must be awake and watchful by being in a state of grace. The demand to live up to this responsibility flows the abundance of grace that is given to us. We only need to be obedient and cooperate with the grace God has poured into our hearts.

St Paul of the Cross, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday October 20^th, 2021.
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THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF FAITH

Meditation for Saturday the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

(Rm 4:13, 16-18; Lk 12:8-12)

We are justified by faith! St Paul draws further example from Abraham. This time he proves his point with God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants. The promise that they should inherit the world did not come through the law but through “The righteousness of faith.” “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants; not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham.” In this way, Abraham became the father of many nations, either Jews or Gentiles, who came to believe. He continued to believe in God and trust that He would fulfil His promise, even when it seemed there was no hope. “In hope he believed against hope...”

The righteousness of faith is a light to the world. Whoever allows this light to shine before men will be acknowledged before the angels in heaven. This is the testimony we bear to the world that glories in self-righteousness. The test of faith comes often because the world opposes the righteousness of faith in Christ Jesus through the working of the Holy Spirit. “For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” So, we are justified by faith; not by our efforts for that would be self-righteousness. The Holy Spirit is the advocate; He leads us forward and bestows graciousness to our efforts to the glory of God.  Amen.

St Gérard Majella, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Saturday October 16^th, 2021.

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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ABRAHAM

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ABRAHAM

Meditation for Friday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

(Rm 4:1-8; Lk 12:1-7)

St Paul takes his discussion on justification by faith further by citing the example of Abraham. “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” If he was justified by his good deeds, he would have something to boast about. And justification would be his due right since he worked for it. But by his faith Abraham trusted God, and his faith was reckoned as righteousness. Because he believed in His heart, and trusted in God by his actions, his faith became the REASON for his actions, and his actions became an expression of his faith. This kind of faith brings to us unmerited blessings; Abraham’s blessings.

Faith without the underlying trust in God is hypocrisy. By trust we incline towards God in our actions. Jesus warns, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” The hypocrite has faith in God, but his actions do not express it. Jesus says nothing is hidden from God; “Nothing covered up that will not be revealed.” He who justifies us will reveal even the secret thoughts and whisper.

That is why, as God’s faithful children, we should not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do, or fear losing Good name before people like the hypocrites. “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!” So, let our faith be true and strong like that of our father Abraham, for God cares for His children, and He will justify us at the end. “Why, even the hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Amen.

St Teresa of Avila, pray for us. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Friday October 15^th, 2021.

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Justification by Faith

Meditation for Thursday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

(Rm 3:21-30; Lk 11:47-54)

Today we journey with St Paul as he teaches about justification. He says that the law and the prophets bear witness to God’s righteousness. It was taught that one was made righteous or justified by keeping the law. The Jews broke the law, while the Gentiles worshipped many gods. “There is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That means justification comes as a free gift of grace, through redemption in Jesus Christ. There is no room for boasting, judging or condemning others, for no one can claim to be righteous my his efforts.

Since God has pleased to reveal his righteousness through Jesus Christ crucified, we can come under the shadow of Jesus’ righteousness by having faith in Him. This faith is made available to both Jews and Gentiles. And since Jesus is the fulfilment of the law and the prophets, faith in Him includes holding fast the law as practical and determinate steps to walking with Jesus, in whom is our justification. Now, God justifies he who has faith in Jesus Christ because the life of Jesus becomes the new rule of life, and even the guide to interpret the law and the prophets. Since Christ died for us while we were sinners, the grace of his justification is given outside of the law. “Since God is one; and He will justify the circumcised on the ground of their faith and the uncircumcised through their faith.”

The hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees makes them share in the guilt of their fathers who killed the prophets. For that was the principle that led to such persecutions. They claimed faith in God but rejected the messengers of God who condemned their evil ways. “So you are witnesses and and consent to the deeds of your fathers; for they killed the., and you built their tombs.” Therefore, faith in Jesus Christ that does not reflect in one’s life or good works becomes another form of crucifixion; such faith is empty and cannot bring justification.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Thursday October 14^th, 2021.

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FAITH IN THE GOSPEL

 FAITH IN THE GOSPEL

Meditation for Tuesday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time

(Rm 1:16-25; Lk 11:37-41)

NATURE SPEAKS OF GOD

Today, St Paul begins to introduce faith in the gospel. From all the attacks and criticisms he experienced, St Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” In the gospel lies the righteousness of God, which is revealed through faith. So, those who live by faith in the gospel live under the righteousness of God. And this becomes their justification.

St Paul talks about those who try to suppress the truth of God in order to cover their wicked ways; those who deny the truth of the gospel. It is wickedness to deny the truth of God because, “Ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature, namely, His eternal  power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made.” There is no excuse of denying God; those who entertain such unbelief simply refuse to honor Him as God. But turning the

mind away from God makes one to makes one to be consumed by his futile thoughts, “And their senseless minds were darkened.” Such a mind darkened by selfishness becomes wicked! In their foolishness, the claim to wise, and denying God their ‘obedience of faith’, the exchanged the glory of the immortal God for objects and useless pleasures. “Therefore, God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie.”

Through faith in the gospel, our hearts are purified, and we are saved from futility. The power of God, which is revealed through the gospel enlightens our minds that we might act wisely and live righteously. So, by meditating on the gospel, we absorb the truth of Jesus Christ and abide in Him. Then, even our external actions shall manifest the glory of God.

St Wilfrid of York, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Tuesday October 12^th, 2021.
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www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH

 Meditation for Monday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Rm 1:1-7; Lk 11:29-32)

From now till first week of November, our meditations from weekday Mass readings shall base on St Paul’s letter to the Romans. Many scholars agree that St Paul sent this letter from Corinth between 57-58 AD. It was not St Paul that founded the Church in Rome. He sent this letter ahead of his planed visit to Rome as a way of introducing himself and his teachings. This was necessary because many Jewish Christians had grudges against him, and a good number of them were already settled in Rome. Also, St Paul’s teachings were subject of controversy as some people set out to oppose his teachings and give him a bad name. in this letter, St Paul tied to achieve some religious unity between the gentiles and the Jewish believers. However, before St Paul could achieve his planned visit, he was arrested in Jerusalem and was brought to Rome in chains around 60-61 AD.

St Paul began the letter by introducing himself, “Paul a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God which He promised beforehand through His prophets…” And he introduced Jesus according to His Jewish background as son of David, and Jesus is son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection from the dead. Knowing Jesus Christ as God and Man calls for ‘obedience of faith’ in Him from all nations, Jews and Gentiles alike. “To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Instead of rendering Jesus their ‘obedience of faith’, the crowds asked for signs to satisfy their curiosity. They believed more in the signs to their own advantage than in Jesus who manifested Himself before them. Jesus responded to them, “But no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” The message of Jesus and His wisdom far surpassed that of Jonah and queen of the South. Jesus is the Son of God who came to dwell among us as Son of David. His presence among us announces that the Kingdom of God is near. Like the people of Nineveh, we are expected to accept Him, repent of our sins and follow Him wholeheartedly by offering to Him our ‘obedience of faith.’ It is in response to this obedience of faith in the person of Jesus, who is God and man, that St Paul received his apostleship to all nations. And such a direct focus on His person, without the distraction of looking for signs, will unlock for us wisdom and power to conquer this day. Amen.

St John XXIII, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday October 11^th, 2021.
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www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE DAY OF THE LORD

 Meditation for Friday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2; Lk 11:15-26)

The Hebrew name Joel (Yo’el) means YAWEH IS GOD. The prophet Joel saw through the evil that threatened his people at that time, the coming of the Lord. Like most end-time messages, the day of the Lord will come as darkness and unbearable to those who already live in the dark. “For the day of the Lord is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.” His message was hope in the midst of the great evil they were experiencing at that time, since the Lord would come to restore His people. The image of Joel is that of a prophet with a trumpet in his hand to warn the people and prepare them for the coming of the Lord. They were to prepare by repenting of their evil ways in sackcloth and lamentation so that day of the Lord would not become darkness and gloom for them.

Evil will fade away with evil doers! Darkness may put up resistance but it must disappear when the light shines. As Jesus cast out a demon, some people tried to destroy his reputation by accusing Him of casting demons with demons! He proved them wrong and said, “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” So, in Jesus we look forward to the fulfilment of the day of the Lord. Those who do not accept Him, who do not follow Him as the way or who malign Him and His teachings, will experience the kind of gloom prophet Joel talked about. Jesus says, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.”

Through acts of penance and contrition, let our hearts be swept clean of every evil and darkness. Then, we must take positive steps to follow Jesus, and let our hearts be filled with the Holy Spirit. Thus, the day of the Lord becomes for us the day of blessing and joy, as we look forward to His final coming. Amen.

St Sergius, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Friday October 8^th, 2021.
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www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

A FATHERLY HEART

 

Meditation for Wednesday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time

(Jonah 3:1-10; Lk 10:38-42)

Surprisingly, Jonah was angry that God withdrew his punishment for Nineveh. He wanted those people to die for their sins. The desire of the righteous should be the conversion of sinners, but never to entertain a secret joy at the downfall of anyone. And the measure of our holiness is not by contrasting it with the sinfulness of others.

Though Jonah knew God to be gracious and merciful, he secretly wished that God would not forgive the people of Nineveh. He had to learn another lesson that, not only is God omnipresent, he is equally rich in mercy to all who call Him. God caused the tree that was giving Jonah shed to wither such that the sun scotched him. Again, Jonah was very angry. But the Lord said to him, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in the night, and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, the great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who do not know their right from their left, and also much cattle?”

So, the Lord considered Nineveh as the work of His hands, His ignorant children. He inclined a fatherly heart towards them, even to His wayward children. This fatherly disposition of God towards us is an effective starting point of prayer and petition. In contrition we realize we are mere ignorant children of our heavenly Father, and we look up to Him in prayer that His fatherly heart may favor us. That is why in teaching His disciples to pray Jesus taught them to pray thus: “Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive every one who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation.” Amen.

St Bruno, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Wednesday October 6^th, 2021.
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www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

TRUE REPENTANCE

Meditation for Tuesday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Jonah 3:1-10; Lk 10:38-42)

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time.” Jonah received his vocation anew. He had gone through the waters of the deep, washed off of his ignorance, and stubbornness of heart. “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” He still had to freely choose to go on the mission, but this time, with a will that is totally surrendered to God. As he moved, he realized that the grace of God moved ahead of him, for he had moved only a day’s journey and the whole city repented.

God used Jonah’s ordeal to facilitate the message; he became a SIGN for the people of Nineveh, which made it easier for them to accept his message: “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” By their sack cloths and ashes, the people of Nineveh look up for the mercy of God: “Who knows, God may yet repent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we perish not?” They realized at that moment the useless ways of life they had adopted. And by looking up to God, they realized what really mattered.  As Jonah got a second chance to fulfill his ministry, God accepted the repentance of the people and spared their lives. The mercy of God won the day.  

True repentance and spiritual growth always have these two sides: denouncing our sins, and looking up to the love and mercy of God. So, we express contrition for our sins, and through penance, step forward in the new path of love and mercy of God through prayer and acts of charity. “The love of God is the tree, mercy is the fruit”, says Sr Faustina Kowalska in her divine mercy apparitions. This love of God draws us forward to continue looking up to God and avoid falling into sin. It keeps us wrapped at the feet of Jesus, fulfilled and satisfied. Jesus becomes the ultimate sign that leads us to contrition and to remain united with God. Therefore, Jesus called out to Martha, “You are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”

St Maria Faustina Kowalska, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Tuesday October 5^th, 2021.
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www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com
 

The Presence of God

Meditation for Monday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time

(Jonah 1:1-17; 2:1, 10; Lk 10:25-37)

The prophet Jonah was unique character. It seems he thought that the presence of God was only among the Jews. Hence, “Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” Imagine that moment, when a man of faith tried to hide from God, and he entered the ship of unbelievers, taking solace therein! Seeing Jonah, the man with the word of God, sleeping away in the inner part of the ship, comes alive today when the baptized Christian, the man who made vows and commitment to the Lord, excuses himself and justifies his self-indulgent life-style, which renders him unfaithful and unfruitful in his vocation. He joins the ship of unbelievers in an earthly pursuit, abandoning his divine vocation to spread the Kingdom of God. Think about how Christians and church leaders of today are sailing away in their little ships to Tarshish, embarking on their own self-preservation journeys instead of facing the truth of faith and announcing the Good news of the Kingdom of God.

But there was mighty turbulence at sea, so that the ship was threatened to break up! Jonah learnt through had way that God is everywhere. Like the prodigal son, he came to his sense, and confronted himself with the truth. His honesty was narrow way to follow for it landed him in the belly of the fish. “Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish.” Oh! Not only is God present in Israel, He hears prayers from the most uncomfortable situations of life, even in the belly of a fish down the sea. The man who was hiding and resting away, suddenly opened his mouth to pray when he supposed to be fighting for his life. Imagine how the prayer of Jonah transformed the belly of the fish into the ‘house of God’, for if God can hear, then God is present therein. This is what prayer does to our every situation.

Our life of prayer opens us to God’s presence at all times. And prayer comes alive in our love for God and neighbor. The example of the good Samaritan shows us the practical way: As we pray to God, we live so as to become to others an answered prayer for them. This is how we live in the presence of God and bring others to witness to it too. Charity does the miracle; love conquers at the end. The fish that swallowed Jonah became his transporter to Nineveh; The Jew that was beaten on his way to Jericho got a reliable neighbor in the good Samaritan. God wins! 

St Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Monday October 4^th, 2021.
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www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

UNMEASURED GRACES

Meditation for Saturday of the 25^th Week in Ordinary Time

The prophet Zacharia gave his message after the Babylonian exile during the rebuilding of the temple. This new temple would stand for the new blessings to come. His prophetic visions encouraged the Jews to gather around the temple. In our opening reading today, Zacharia saw a vision of a man going forward to measure Jerusalem, but another Angel said to the young man, “Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of men and cattle in it.” The Lord declared that He would encircle Jerusalem like a wall of fire and fill her with glory. “Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion; for behold, I come and I will dwell in the midst of you, says the Lord.” Then, many nations will gather up to be God’s peoples, and the Lord shall dwell in the midst of them.

This ‘Jerusalem’ that is filled by the glory of God and to which all nations gather to, can it be measured? To measure means to determine its limits and extent of its outreach. But the ‘vastness’ of God cannot be measured, and so also is the ‘City’ walled by God and filled with His glory. This is how we are built up in Christ Jesus through His Cross and Resurrection with unmeasured graces and blessings. Such ‘vastness of the glory of God’ in Christ Jesus is not ‘simplistic’, easy or by mere wish.

So, when people began to acclaim the greatness everything Jesus did, He said to them, “For the Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men.” From this opposing effort to ‘limit’ His power and kill Him that the unmeasured graces of the resurrection rise. Let us continue to gather up to Jesus, for in Him is the fullness of divinity, and we shall enjoy boundless glory and unmeasured favours. Amen.

St Ceolfrid, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Saturday September 25^th, 2021.
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www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com