THE TRIAL

Meditation for Passion Sunday, Year B

The Pharisees and the Elders made several efforts to arrest Jesus. His ministry was punctuated by these ‘attacks’ to bring him down. Most times, the fear of the crowd who rallied around Him scared them away. The more He escaped, the more the opted their game. Towards His passion they became more direct, having convinced the people that Jesus was blaspheming by calling Himself the Son of God, the Messiah (Jn 10:33-36). The more Jesus explained through His teaching that the Scriptures witness to Him as the Son of God, the more they found Him ‘guilty’. The more He performed miracles to show that He and the Father are one, the more their fury boiled because more people were beginning to believe Him! The Chief priests and the Elders had already condemned Jesus but looking for whatever pretence they could to justify their plot against Him (Mk 14:1). Finally, their opportunity came when Jesus was arrested at the garden of Gethsemane.

“They led Jesus to the High Priest; and all the Chief priests assembled, with the elders and the teachers of the law” (Mk 14:53). What kind of trial did they organize for Jesus since they had already made up their minds? They started digging out for evidence to support the accusations, even those that came up to speak defeated themselves by conflicting witnesses (Mt 14:55-59). What next since all the evidences could not convict Him? They High Priest and the Elders were at the verge of self-defeat and shame! Then the High Priest stood up in the midst of the crowd and questioned Jesus. First, he asked Jesus to comment the allegations brought against Him. But those allegations conflicted themselves and failed! So Jesus was silent. Secondly, he asked Him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus answered, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Most Powerful, and coming with the clouds of Heaven around Him. The High Priest pretended to be shocked at the answer, tore his garments to stir up the people against Him. And it worked. They began to spit on Jesus and beat Him (Mk 14:60-65).

The High Priest and the Elders were put to trial by their own jealousy and hatred; their gang up against Jesus exposed their wicked hearts. When they taught they had gotten what they wanted, they realized immediately that they had no power to sentence Jesus to death, only the civil authorities could do so. Therefore, they took Jesus to Pilate. But Pilate was a Roman Governor, who cared less about issues of Jewish religion. He was only interested in collecting taxes and maintaining order. The issues tabled by these religious leaders had no legal relevance, not to talk of death sentence! In his mind, Pilate had already set Jesus free but was looking for whatever pretence he could use to allow Jesus to go.

The real trial was now between Pilate and the Sanhedrin, each struggling to outwit the other and have the upper hand! Pilate was shocked to discover that Jesus was not interested in the ‘freedom’ he was offering, neither was He interested in the ‘condemnation’ the Sanhedrin was pushing for. Pilate found himself losing the battle, his authority had no relevance to Jesus, and the crowds and Sanhedrin were rejecting his power too. Pilate made a last minute attempt to win the favour of the crowd, since it was obvious that Jesus would not answer him, and the High Priests and Elders had made up their mind. He offered to sentence Barabbas, the man who had hurt the people, and set Jesus, the King of the Jews, free. Seeing that Pilate wanted to outsmart them by having the crowd to his side, the Chief priests blackmailed him and stirred up a riot. Now, Pilate’s position as governor was on trial, while the pride of the High Priest and the Elders were on trial! The crowds always follow what appealed to them as the ‘popular demand’ for the moment.  But Jesus remained silent and calm; He was making a free offering of Himself to the Father (cf. Mk 15:1-20).

In life we go through this kind of trial. We may be drawn to follow the path of Pilate, conscious of our ego, power and influence, thinking we have power to give freedom to others. We may be on the path of the jealous Sanhedrin, being selfish, lustful, competitive, greedy and unsatisfied. At times we want to cheer the crowd with no responsible conscience, and no personal commitment. Oh, how easy it is to hide under the ‘crowd’ to commit evil without being personally accountable for it. However, we still have Jesus standing quietly, innocent and free, knocking at the doors of our hearts, inviting us to His wounded side, where we freely offer ourselves to the Father through Him, with Him and in Him, forever and ever! Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday March 28^th, 2021.
Palm Sunday
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

ST JOSEPH, MOST OBEDIENT & PILLAR OF FAMILIES

ST JOSEPH, MOST OBEDIENT & PILLAR OF FAMILIES
 Retreat talk to Satellite Denary CMO
(Mt 1:16-25, 2:13-23; Lk 1:26-27, 2:1-7, 21-28, 41-52)

1.0.         OBEDIENCE OF ST JOSEPH

St Joseph was an excellently obedient servant of God. His form of obedience is not just in mere observance of the law; he shares in Mary’s form of obedience of to God. St Joseph is an epitome of obedience because he gave way for the will of God in his life, i.e. he did all he could never to obstruct the will of God. While Mary totally surrendered herself the will of God, Joseph totally gave way for what God had pre-destined to happen. Joseph appeared like resolute man, who knew what he wanted; a determinate man, who was strong enough to execute his plans and bring about his desired result! He was a man of action, who spoke by his works. Yet, he was a man of God, who would never resolve what would displease God, and was ready to execute what God commanded. Thus, his virtue of obedience lies in his faith and relationship with God.

St Joseph was a faithful son of King David’s lineage. He seemed to have embodied the hope of an eternal dynasty from the house of David; he was duly recognized as ‘of the house of David.’ He was a worthy son, a man that was down to earth with his family heritage, and was found worthy to stand in the name of his ancestor, David! Where David was recognized as a man after God’s heart, his lineage son, Joseph grew to become ‘father’, a man who dwells with God! So Joseph was faithful to the great virtues that characterize the hope of an eternal dynasty in the house of David. He was a chaste man, just, hardworking carpenter, quiet man, respects women, fears God, sensitive and attentive.

St Joseph was obedient even to civil authorities. He obeyed the directive of Emperor Augustus Caesar to go to his native town of Bethlehem for census. Despite the inconveniences of making the long journey since Mary was due for delivery, Joseph obeyed the civil directive. It appears he travelled at the very dateline because of his low financial status and the inconveniences of travelling with a pregnant woman. That was why he could not get accommodation in the inn. He was also obedient to the religious laws of the time. This is obvious as he went with Mary to dedicate the Child according to the temple rules. And every year, he would lead Mary and Jesus for an annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

St Joseph’s act of obedience shines out the most in his encounter with the angel, through a dream. He obeyed the message of the angel to take Mary home as his wife. He obeyed when the angel told him to name the child, Jesus. He obeyed when told in a dream to escape with the child to Egypt, even without any definite time-frame to return. He obeyed when asked to return. These were no easy moments for him, but he obeyed. Surprisingly, he even obeyed promptly and completely! Such level of humble and unreserved response can only come from a man who lives under God’s commandments.

2.0.  ST JOSEPH, PILLAR OF FAMILIES

Pope Leo XIII declared St Joseph the patron and protector of the universal Church, the earthly family of God, in his encyclical, “Quamquam Pluries” on August 15^th, 1889. God found him worthy to preside over the household that the Saviour would come from. St Joseph became an essential link through which the hope of Israel in general, especially the hope of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and the hope of an everlasting dynasty in the name of David, would be find their fulfilment. Thus, he became the PILLAR by which the hope of Israel towers to its fulfilment in Christ Jesus. In turn, St Joseph stood firm like the PILLAR by which the Holy Family is rooted in socio-cultural and religious life of Israel. In other words, he gave the divine Son his cultural identity and upbringing; he gave him a ‘take off point’ to begin His ministry. Jesus would be called, ‘The Son of Joseph’ (Mk 6:3). And ‘Son of David’ (Mt 15:22, 21:9; 2Tim 2:8) became a messianic title for Jesus. “How can the Scribes maintain that the Christ is the son of David?” (Mk 12:35).

According to Pope Leo XIII in ‘Quamquam Pluries’ No. 3, “Hence it came about that the Word of God was humbly subject to Joseph, that He obeyed him, and that He rendered to him all those offices that children are bound to render to their parents. From this two-fold dignity flowed the obligation which nature lays upon the head of families, so that Joseph became the guardian, the administrator, and the legal defender of the divine house whose chief he was. And during the whole course of his life he fulfilled those charges and those duties. He set himself to protect with a mighty love and a daily solicitude his spouse and the Divine Infant; regularly by his work he earned what was necessary for the one and the other for nourishment and clothing; he guarded from death the Child threatened by a monarch's jealousy, and found for Him a refuge; in the miseries of the journey and in the bitternesses of exile he was ever the companion, the assistance, and the upholder of the Virgin and of Jesus. Now the divine house which Joseph ruled with the authority of a father, contained within its limits the scarce-born Church. From the same fact that the most holy Virgin is the mother of Jesus Christ is she the mother of all Christians whom she bore on Mount Calvary amid the supreme throes of the Redemption; Jesus Christ is, in a manner, the first-born of Christians, who by the adoption and Redemption are his brothers. And for such reasons the Blessed Patriarch looks upon the multitude of Christians who make up the Church as confided specially to his trust - this limitless family spread over the earth, over which, because he is the spouse of Mary and the Father of Jesus Christ he holds, as it were, a paternal authority. It is, then, natural and worthy that as the Blessed Joseph ministered to all the needs of the family at Nazareth and girt it about with his protection, he should now cover with the cloak of his heavenly patronage and defend the Church of Jesus Christ.”

As the pillar, St Joseph was not an absentee father. He was readily available, both in the difficult times and joyous times. His fatherhood was concretely expressed in his having made his life a service to the mystery of Incarnation and to the redemptive work connected with it. His devotion to his family is a model for fathers today, who are easily tempted towards allowing disordered attachments to pleasure distort and hinder their dedication to their family. St Joseph was a reliable and trustworthy guardian of the holy Family. According to St Francis de Sales, St Joseph was the custodian of the hearts of Jesus and Mary, the grace of love that he received from the Holy Spirit makes him a participant of all the goods Mary possessed, and which made them grow marvellously to perfection.

The Church continues to recommend St Joseph as patron of fathers. Family life today appears to be threatened. We have more things to tear us apart than to unite us; there are several forces battling against unity in the home.  Many fathers are gradually losing their capacity to make binding commitments. We see from St Joseph how a person’s virtuous and spiritual life translates into a pillar that supports others. Joseph is like a mustard seed sown that grows into a big shrub (Mk 4:30-32). Let us embrace St Joseph today; seeking his intercession and learning from his example. Our families shall stand secure on Jesus Christ, who is the Cornerstone from which we rise as supporting pillars of God’s household. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
St Ann Catholic Church,
PPL, Okokomaiko, Lagos.
CMO DENARY LENTEN RETREAT
March 27^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

VINDICATION FROM TERROR

Meditation for Friday of the 5^th Week of Lent

(Jer 20:10-13; Jn 10:31-42)

The tension is rising! The hour of Jesus is closer at hand, and the gang up against Him is thickening. The prophet Jeremiah captures the mood of the moment in the first reading. “I hear many whispering. Terror is on every side! ‘Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’ say all my familiar friends, watching for my fall.” Jeremiah’s ordeal was fulfilled in Jesus, who faced such fierce opposition from the Jews. The prophet entrusted the situation to God, who vindicated him and his accusers ended up in dishonour.

While some believed Jesus, the anger of those who opposed Him superseded.  It is difficult for one to reject Jesus and still remain neutral about Him; they all end up persecuting Him. So those who would not accept Jesus as the Son of God took up stones to throw at Him. Jesus began to explain to them how the Scriptures and His works bore witness that He is the Messiah, the Son of God. He told them that if the works are not of the Father, then they should not believe him. But if they recognize the works as coming from God, even though they do not believe in Him, “Believe the works that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” By performing works that only God can do, like raising Lazarus from death, is a self-evident proof that Jesus is divine.

After all the explanations, the Jews tried again to arrest Him, but He escaped from their hands.  After this, many people believed in Him. His adversaries were covered with shame, but they continued to re-strategize on how to arrest Him. So when we are surrounded by enemies, bound tight by tension, fear, temptation and sin, let us quickly surrender to Jesus. He is our Vindicator! We do this by focusing our God-given responsibilities of the day, and living out the will of God for us in every situation. This was how Jesus conquered His adversaries by focusing on the works of the Father. In His name we too shall be vindicated. Amen.

 
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Friday March 26^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

HOPE IN THE ANNUNCIATION

Meditation for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Today we recall the annunciation of the Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We celebrate with great solemnity that moment in human history when the Divine Son of God took flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We rejoice and are glad, for the almighty has done great things for us!

The Annunciation of the Lord was faintly heard even at the dawn of creation when God announced the coming of a new order through the woman, which would crush Satan. “I shall put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; it will bruise your head and you will strike its heel” (Gen 3:15).  The development of the Annunciation of the Lord followed henceforth throughout the history of Israel. In God’s covenant with Noah, the universal Covenant was pre-figured. When He announced His covenant with Abraham and his descendants, hope the Annunciation of the Lord was sown in the patriarchal lineage. Moses was a prominent figure whose life, and the role he played, left more to be desired for the coming generations. He became a pointer to the Holy One who mediates for His people before the Father. He was the leader, in whom was hoped for the Messiah who would lead the people to freedom in the eternal promised land. Moses, the law-giver, longed for the perfect covenant that would not be broken. “If you really believed Moses, you would believe me too, since it was about me that he was writing” (Jn 5:46).

In David, the Annunciation of the Lord began to grow as a royal dynasty that would last forever. Yes, we longed to see the everlasting sovereign dynasty for all peoples. In the prophets and the priesthood, the Annunciation of the Lord was awaited in their call for justice and righteousness; the Holy One to come, the vindicator and the Lord the righteous judge was longed for, and the great Sign of salvation was expected.  Isaiah told Ahaz, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God...Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Is 7:10-14). Hope in the Annunciation of the Lord came very close in Zechariah, Elizabeth and John the Baptist!

However, in the Blessed Virgin Mary the Annunciation of the Lord was no more a hope suspended in the unknown future; the Annunciation of the Lord became a reality! How glorious is Gabriel the harbinger of good news; how beautiful is Mary the receiver of good news. The moment she offered her great YES to the will of God, the Annunciation of the Lord breaks in from an unknown future into the reality of humanity. No more shall humanity hope in vain; no more shall we go without hope! (cf. Rm 5:5). How happy is the Blessed Virgin Mary who was given the most exalted honour of receiving God in such an extraordinary way. Let us echo her ‘yes’ to the will of God in our lives that the grace of the Annunciation, which Mary has in full, shall be poured into our hearts. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
March 25^th, 2021.
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE AUDACITY OF FAITH

Meditation for Wednesday of the 5^th Week of Lent

(Dan 3:14-20, 24-25, 28; Jn 8:31-42)

Today we meditate on the beautiful and powerful story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These faithful men resisted the persuasion of King Nebuchadnezzar to worship the golden image he set up. We see in the developing story our battle with temptation and sin.

Nebuchadnezzar was full of himself; his pride was all over him. “But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning furnace; and who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?” In his voice, we hear the AUDACITY of evil; the pomposity with which temptation floods our hearts and minds. The voice of sin is always self-confident; giving assurance without hope! Refer back to the audacity with which the serpent addressed Eve (Gen 3:1-5). “Sin speaks to the sinner in the depths of his heart...” (Ps 36:1).  Imagine the roaring voice of the King as he tried to convince the three young men. Compare it with the relentless attraction with which temptation pulls us to sin! This roaring voice gives the impression that resisting its suggestion would lead one to unnecessary pain and agony. It takes one with a burning fiery faith like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to resist the self-imposing influence and empty promises.

The audacity of faith is tested as it stands firm against the pomposity of evil. Such a faith hopes completely in God, surrendering itself fully to the will of God. “If it be so, our God, whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O King. But if not, be it known to you, O King that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.” The King was angry and threw the men into the furnace. Sin and temptation always try to prove a point as you resist them, which is part of the trick to convince you, even at the last minute, to give in. The fury of evil always attempts to take away the freedom and life of the children of God.

But faith in God wins! The silent power of faith silences the roaring voice of evil. At that moment, sin and temptation vanish like smoke. The faithful are saved; the evildoers testify. Hence, Jesus declared, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Jesus’ word anchors us on His person that we might follow Him in faith. Therefore, our Christian faith becomes the way we surrender totally to Jesus, in whom we fulfil the will of God. In this way, we do not surrender to the audacity of an alluring evil and we fear no threat of any burning furnace. Jesus said, “Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not continue in the house forever; the son continues forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday March 24^th, 2021.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

 

THE PATTERN OF THE NEW COVENANT

The Pattern of the New Covenant

 Meditation for the 5^th Sunday of Lent, Year B

(Jer 31:31-34; Heb 5:7-9; Jn 12:20-33)

“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with house of Israel and the house of Judah...” The people of Israel transgressed against the commandments and broke their covenant with God. The prophet Jeremiah announced a new covenant, which shall be unique and different. It shall be a covenant written on their hearts, not on the tablet of stones. That means the covenant shall be part of their lives, and it shall become the principle of their existence. And knowledge of God will be part of their existence, for each shall know God from within him. It is only a fool that says in his heart that there is no God (Ps 14:1). Thus, the hand of God shall be evident in their lives. Therefore, their sins shall be forgiven. “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sins no more.”

If sin that caused the breakdown of the earlier covenant can be wiped out in the new covenant, it means that the SUSTENANCE of the new covenant is not on the individual sinner. We hear from the second reading that Christ is the source and sustenance of the new covenant. In His body in the flesh, Jesus offered up supplications with tears to God for us. Though He was Son, He learnt obedience through His suffering and death. God raised Him,  and made Him perfect and the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Thus, Jesus becomes our entry into the New covenant in Himself.

 In the Gospel some Greeks came to look for Jesus. These were among the Gentiles, who were accounted sinners and unbelievers. For these people to desire the Messiah implies that the universal salvation of Jesus is already at work. Hearing their coming to look for Him, Jesus said, "The HOUR has come for the Son of man to be glorified." The great hour for the new and eternal covenant is the hour of the Cross! This too is the hour the sinner dies to sin that he might live with Christ. "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." This is the PATTERN with which Jesus saved us on the Cross. 

Thus, the pattern in which we are saved is now prescribed to us as the way of life! This is so beautiful. Hence, the covenant ìs mingled with our lives; we must always die to ourselves so that the grace of the resurrection will come alive in us. This too is the pattern with which we follow Jesus; our pattern of worshipping and serving God with our lives. If we die with Him, we too shall be glorified in Him. Therefore, we must resist the temptation to be self-absorbed, living for ourselves and trying to save our lives! We must begin to surrender ourselves by allowing Jesus to draw us to Himself. 

"When I am lifted up, I shall draw all men to myself." We see how we are pulled to Christ, the source and sustenance of the new covenant, my living out the pattern of the Cross. In this way, the prophecy of Jeremiah is fulfilled that the new covenant shall be written in our hearts. By dying with Jesus like a grain of wheat, we rise with the blessings of the Father to build up families, relationships, businesses, education, moral life, prayerful life, etc. And our sins our washed away, through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church 

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday March 21st, 2021.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE GANG UP

Meditation for Saturday of the 4^th Week of Lent

(Jer 11:18-20; Jn 7:40-53)

Prophet Jeremiah felt the pinch of the gang up against him, “But I was like a lamb led to the slaughter.” In his helplessness in the face of sin and evil, the prophet cried out to God for justice and vengeance. “But, O lord of hosts, who judge righteously, who test the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause.”

In the Gospel of today, we hear different voices, arguing and planning against Jesus.  Some identified Him as THE PROPHET, while others acknowledged Him as THE CHRIST. While the division was raging on, the officers were on standby to arrest Him. But they too were confused and could not lay hands on Him. The Pharisees, who planned all the tricks, waited patiently for the officers to deliver Jesus to them, but they came back empty handed. The officers answered them, “No man ever spoke like this man!” The Pharisees were angry and confused. Their evil thoughts blocked their sense of justice. However, one of them tried to defend Jesus and correct them. They angrily shut him down saying, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee.”

All these arguments, confusion and anger were simply because they did not want to accept Jesus, and accept Him wholeheartedly. While Jesus was at peace within Him, those who opposed Him were restless. Their fierce anger and evil plans left no mercy for Him; He is the true lamb that was led to the slaughter. This is what sin does. It disrupts our inner peace, inclining us to discomfort and dissatisfaction. But it is paid for by the BLOOD JESUS, which also cries to God for our vengeance. Already we feel the pinch of the gang up against our life of holiness by numerous temptations lurking in our hearts. 

This Lenten season, let us entrust ourselves to Jesus, washed in His Blood our hearts shall know peace. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Saturday March 20^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

ST JOSEPH: THE SILENT ACHIEVER

 ST JOSEPH: The Silent Achiever

Meditation for the Solemnity of St Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

 Can you recall any word St Joseph directly uttered in the four Gospels?

Our meditation from THE SOUND OF SILENCE gazes at St Joseph from one of his unique qualities: silence! All that we know about this humble man were reported speech. One can argue that the Evangelists wrote in retrospect. But the events surrounding him were so direct, important and conspicuous that such silence reflects something of his character. While Mary is properly portrayed as a recollected and quiet woman, ‘silence’ is the disposition of Joseph and the ‘language’ he spoke!

“...Eleazar fathered Matthan, Matthan fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary of her was born Jesus who is called Christ” (Mt 1:16). Without saying anything about himself, Joseph was introduced as a member of the house of David. His name speaks to us eloquently about the patriarchal hope and blessings from Abraham down to David and to Joseph himself. That means he embodies the hope of the Patriarchs, especially the long-awaited fulfilment of the establishment of an everlasting dynasty for David (2 Sam 7:4-16). In Joseph, this hope stepped into its actuality; the great promise reached its fulfilment! Still, Joseph did not utter a word.

St Joseph was such a quiet man that when he had issues with Mary’s pregnancy he carried the burden in his mind, thinking out the best way to save Mary from embarrassment. Yes, he spoke in silence even in his dream, for he did not say anything to the angel. But he got up and acted accordingly (Mt 1:18-25). While his silence reigned, his actions spoke for him. It is through these silent actions that we hear clearly about the personality of Joseph and the grace that followed him. Recall the events surrounding the birth of Jesus... Think about his silent but quick response to the instruction of the angel to take the child and his mother to Egypt! Look at the beautiful scene of the presentation of the Child Jesus in the temple as Joseph led Mary and the Baby into the temple. Imagine Joseph’s fatherly role and presence as they looked for the Child and found him after three days in the temple.  His silence did not diminish his presence nor under rate his role.

Joseph was popularly known for the work of his hands: “This is the Carpenter’s Son” (Mt 13:55). Unfortunately, his humble status was part of the reason the stubborn-hearted rejected Jesus. He stood as a solid pillar of the Holy Family, providing socio-cultural foundation and relevance to Jesus and Mary. “But when Joseph learnt that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as ruler of Judea he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the region of Galilee. There he settled in the town called Nazareth. In this way the words spoken through the prophets were to be fulfilled: He will be called a Nazarene” (Mt 2:22-23). The powerful fatherly role of Joseph followed Jesus silently throughout His journey for our salvation. “Pilate wrote out a notice and had it fixed to the cross; it ran: ‘Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews’” (Jn 19:19).

We thank God for the gift of St Joseph; his life and example shine on like a pillar of light to lead us aright. By his silence, he allowed the will of God to prevail in his life. And within silence St Joseph discerned properly and acted promptly. In silence he spoke, and his ‘voice’ continues to sound! Since we have such example, why do we so easily brag about our achievements? Why do we easily feel uncomfortable in silence? Why must our worship of God be noisy and rowdy? Why do we easily want to impose ourselves on others? Why are families easily given in to misunderstanding? Let the silence of St Joseph speak to us, energizing us from within, so that our hopes and aspirations can step forward to their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Friday March 19^th, 2021.
Solemnity of St Joseph
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE GREAT INTERCESSOR

Meditation for Thursday of 4^th Week of Lent
(Ex 32:7-14; Jn 5:31-47)

While Moses was up on the mountain, the people of Israel down below lost patience, and lost faith in God and His servant Moses. They made for themselves a molten calf, and worshipped it and sacrificed to it. The Lord in His fierce anger wanted to destroy them and set up a new nation through Moses. All He needed was for Moses to leave His presence, for the sight of Moses as the representative of the people was evoking His mercy! This faithful and holy servant of God began pleading on behalf of his stiff-necked people. “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought for out of the land of Egypt with great power and with mighty hand...Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, your servants, to whom you did swear by your own self...And all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’” Moses’ plea was heard, and the Lord spared the people of Israel.

Meditate on the beautiful role of Moses, and the burden of the righteous to save the ungodly! While the unfaithful people were down below satisfying their feelings and living according to their own standards, the faithful and righteous one has to stand up for them, denying himself and pleading for them to their utmost ignorance of what was being done to save them! Because the sinner is not aware of the saving work that spares his life, he may not acknowledge and appreciate it. Once one begins to realize this saving work caused by his sin and for his salvation, true repentance begins to germinate. That is why Jesus explained to the Jews that they did not know the role of John the Baptist so that they may gain knowledge and be saved. “He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.” But a brighter light than John; a greater intercessor is here!

“But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John for the works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me.” The Father has borne witness to Jesus through the very works He performed—works that only the Father can do. So the testimony of Jesus is greater than that of Moses and John the Baptist. Like the Jews, those who reject Jesus and refuse to repent are those who do not abide in the word of God, who have no love of God in them, and those who do not seek the glory of God but who seek human glory. Jesus said to the people, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

Let us at this Lenten season acknowledge and appreciate Jesus for pleading for us in the highest heavens. We continue to relate and absorb the testimony of Jesus through the Sacraments and the Scriptures. In this way, our lives too shall testify to Jesus, that His blood pleads insistently for us, and we have been saved, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Thursday March 18^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE HEALING WATERS

Meditation for Tuesday of the 4^th Week of Lent

(Ezk 47:1-9, 12; Jn 5:1-16)

Prophet Ezekiel narrates his vision of the water issuing from the temple. “And the water was flowing down from below the right side of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar towards east.” The water rose to a deep river, impossible to be crossed over. This river flows down into the Arabah, and when it enters any stagnant waters of the sea, the water will become fresh. Wherever the river goes every living creature, which swims will live, and there will be many fish. On the banks of this river, all kinds of trees will grow, and their leaves will not wither for they will be fresh every season since the water from the sanctuary flows down to them. “Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”

The pool of Bethzatha in Jerusalem resembles the river in the vision of Ezekiel. It was said to have healing powers, and may sick people gathered around it. A man was there for thirty-eight years but could not get chance to throw himself inside the pool when it is stirred. Jesus said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” For the man the answer was so obvious. And he poured out his frustration at Jesus, detailing all his efforts and commitment to receive healing but was not able to make it. I guess he probably hoped that He might help throw him inside the pool, for that was what he said he needed. But he got more than he bargained for...

Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.” And he was healed instantly! Imagine how Jesus did for the man what Ezekiel saw in the vision of the water flowing from the sanctuary, and what the man hoped from the pool of Bethzatha! Think about the fountain of life that flowed from Jesus and healed the man; He is the living water (Jn 4:13-14). The vision of Ezekiel is here fulfilled. If we are watered by the fountain of grace flowing from Jesus Christ, we shall have fullness of life, in season and out of season—in sickness and health, in poverty and richness, single or married, in life or death—and we shall always be fruitful.

The good news is that Jesus comes down to meet us with us, loaded with these blessings and asking, “Do you want to be healed?” Let us in meditation and prayer shift our attention to Him, and empty our aspirations with sentiments of affective love and devotion, powered by faith and trust that the divine wellspring is flowing down to us, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Tuesday March 16^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE PROPHETIC MOMENT

Meditation for Monday of the 4^th Week of Lent

(Is 65:17-21; Jn 4:43-54)

 “Thus says the Lord: Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.” The prophet announces a FUTURE, which shall be completely new and unlike the former days. Here, there shall be eternal gladness and rejoicing; God shall take pleasure in the new Jerusalem and her people. At that time, there shall be no weeping or the cry of distress, no premature death. “They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.” How do we journey into this era of bliss?

The Gospel narrates how Jesus was warmly welcomed by the Galileans after seeing the great works He performed. Going down to Capernaum, an official whose son was ill approached and begged Him to come down and heal the boy, who was at the point of death. The official was in distress, and anxiously imploring Jesus to act quickly before his son dies...The mood here was tensed! It was the exact opposite of what Isaiah prophesied. Jesus said to the man, “unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” He was referring to a faith that goes beyond one’s benefits through miracles or answered prayers. In other words, there is need for faith to arrest the situation at hand, and to unlock the future bliss the prophet announced.

Jesus said to the official, “Go; your son will live.” While the man wanted Jesus to come down to his house, he accepted the new twist, and believe in the words that Jesus spoke, went his way...Trusting someone’s words means TRUSTING IN the person. His steps home were the practical ‘steps’ he took to express his trust in Jesus Christ. And it worked for him. While still on the way, he got the good news that his son has been restored. The premature death was cancelled, tears were wiped off and distress resolved. Rejoicing and gladness resounded in the household...It was like the prophetic moment of Isaiah. The official’s faith was strengthened; “And he believed, and his entire household.”

No more shall he look for signs before believing! In Jesus is the fulfilment of the prophetic moment that assures eternal gladness and rejoicing. And faith in Jesus assures us now of this future bliss; a faith that trusts in the person of Jesus walks with the assurance that tears shall be wiped away, sickness shall be healed, fruitfulness shall increase, distress shall be overcome, death shall be overcome, and rejoicing and gladness shall ever be on our lips! This is the faith that unlocks for us now the grace of the prophetic moment in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday March 15^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

LIFTED UP

Meditation for 4^th Sunday of Lent, Year B

(2 Chron 36:14-16, 19-23; Eph 2:4-10; Jn 3:14-21)

The first reading narrates the fall of Israel. They were exceedingly unfaithful, and polluted the holy temple in Jerusalem. But God still loved them, and in His compassion, sent them several prophets to warn them and bring them to conversion. “But they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising His words...till there was no remedy.” The Chaldeans invaded Israel, burnt down the temple and took the survivors to exile in Babylon until the establishment of the Kingdom of Persia. This is the kind of destruction sin brings to our lives!

In the first year of Cyrus King of Persia, the Lord stirred him up to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. He issued a proclamation to this effect throughout his kingdom. “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem...” God demonstrated His universal authority as He used the pagan King to rebuild the temple. The commitment and faithfulness of Cyrus, the gentile King, became a testimony and challenge to the chosen people of Israel, whose unfaithfulness caused the destruction of the temple.

Later, the Jews, still out of their stubbornness of heart, handed Jesus over to the pagan Romans to be lifted up on the Cross. It was as if Jesus was ‘exiled’ from His people up to the Cross of Calvary...Sin, not only tries to destroy us, but it attempts to ‘remove’ God from our midst, or to disconnect us from God. However, Jesus said, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.” Faith in Jesus becomes our ‘escape’ from the bite of sin; our remedy and restoration. Jesus rebuilds what was destroyed by the ‘exile of sin’ through His death and resurrection. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

As God prompted the pagan King to rebuild the temple, more so does He prompt us to rebuild our lives through faith in Jesus Christ. “For God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” Believing in Jesus means ‘gazing upon Him’, allowing Him to prompt our words and actions, avoiding sin and living a righteous life. Those who harden their hearts in evil like the Israel of old, hide their actions from Jesus Christ by denying or withdrawing faith in Him, since Christ the Light will expose their evil deeds.

By our sins we ought to be ‘exiled’ from the Kingdom of God and from the life of grace. But God who is rich in mercy, out of the great love He has for us, restored us to the richness of His grace in Christ Jesus. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God.” So we are equipped and prepared to good works; no more shall sin and its influence rule our lives. We are lifted up above the attraction of sin as we gaze in faith to Jesus, who was lifted on the Cross.  Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday March 14^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

 

A HUMBLE CONTRITION

Meditation for Saturday of the 3^rd Week of Lent
(Hos 6:1-6; Lk 18:9-14)

Prophet Hosea continues his call for repentance. This time he attaches a message of hope for healing and restoration, which only the Lord will give. He highlights God’s mercy in the face of their wounds and wretchedness. “After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live before Him.” The Lord is faithful, He will not disappoint. Hosea urged the people to press on to know the Lord, and stop being unfaithful in their love for God. “Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away.” God does not want such unstable commitment. He urged them to return to the Lord, and produce fruits of righteousness. “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God, rather than burnt offerings.”

To make such a faithful and fruitful return to the Lord, one must examine his practical life, and weigh it against the holiness of God. Then, he will realize how unworthy he is before God, and surrender himself to His mercy, which does not disappoint! From the depths of our wretchedness, we call on God to revive us and raise us on the THIRD DAY...

Then, how can the Pharisee go to the temple and be comparing his ‘righteousness’ with that of the tax collector? In his heart, pride has made him a small god to become a qualifier of righteousness. This pharisaic attitude flows in us whenever we nurture certain hidden joy when we realize that our situation is not as bad as someone else’s or that we have certain moral values, which others cannot sustain! We need to hear the words of Hosea and repent. We should stop looking inwards to weigh our own deeds, with ourselves as standards. This can make one to excuse himself from aiming at God’s holiness and adding more effort to improve in virtue and righteousness...This is a common problem we face today when preachers turn the Gospel message into a motivational speech.

Like the tax collector, God’s holiness exposes us and upbraids us; our hearts are broken at how unfaithful we are despite God’s steadfast love and mercy. We continue to repent, and lend ourselves to His healing mercy, saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” Surely, on the third day, with the grace of the Resurrection, He will forgive us and raise us. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Saturday March 13^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE FRAGRANCE OF HIS LOVE

Meditation for Friday of the 3rd Week of Lent

(Hos 14:1-9; Mk 12:28-34)

We hear a special call for repentance, a total turnaround from evil ways to submission to the Lord God. The prophet Hosea announces, “Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.” To achieve this, the people must first take away all evil ways. Secondly, they must accept and practice what is good. Thirdly, “We will render the fruit of our lips”, which is authentic worship.  No more shall they trust in human powers i.e hoping that a strong nation like Assyria would rescue them. Worse still, Israel would not worship idols anymore. A mark of this turnaround is their show of mercy; “In you the orphan finds mercy.”

Hosea announced that if they make this turnaround, the Lord promised to heal their faithlessness; “I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. I will be as dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily, shall strike root as the poplar...” And the beauty of Israel shall blossom like the olive, with spread out fragrance and he shall flourish like a garden beneath my shadow. The Lord takes care of Israel, why then do they go after idols? The Lord God is like an evergreen cypress, from which comes fruit. “For the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.”

Imagine the great delight and providence the Lord offers to those who turnaround and walk under His shadow! Think about the pull or the great force that can make a man to totally change his ways... Only the Love of God, the fragrance of His love, can perform such wonder! And one who has successfully made this turnaround loves God with all his heart, all his soul, all his mind and all his strength. But it is not possible for anyone to claim to have loved God completely in heart, mind, soul, and body. So, we must continue to strive to make this TURNAROUND, which is now to love God without turning back!

As we continue to turnaround and render to God the love of our life, our lives shall be rooted secure like the poplar, we shall drink from the delight of His love, which is tastier than wine; the fragrance of His love shall flood our heart and soul, and we shall dwell beneath the shadow of His love. That means, our lives will speak of His love; our actions will testify of His love to our neighbour. “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”

Therefore, since we are in motion, making a constant turnaround to perfect our love in the God, whose love draws us to Himself, our words and actions must draw our neighbour to God and not to ourselves. Yes, since love of God is the first commandment, love of neighbour must point the neighbour to God. This how we too spread the fragrance of His love. Our acts of charity this Lent should help people turnaround to love God. At the end Jesus says, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."

 May your love be upon us Oh Lord; as we place all our hope in you. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Friday March 12, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

STANDING FOR THE KINGDOM

Meditation for Thursday of the 3^rd Week of Lent

(Jer 7:23-28; Lk 11:14-23)

The prophet Jeremiah complained against the hardness of heart of the people of Israel, who refused to obey their God. Despite numerous efforts to convince them, they would not obey. “This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips.”

 Even as Jesus was casting out demons, some of them refused to believe and called Him Beelzebul, the prince of demons. While others, to test Him, asked Him to perform more miracles! Think about how people behave when they do not acknowledge what they know to be self-evident truth! Often times, they put up a false defence to justify their self-pity, then, they try to cause distraction. But Jesus did not fall to their self-delusion and tricks. He showed how their stubbornness and doubt is self-contradictory. “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid to waste, and house falls upon house. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?”

As the people of Jeremiah’s time continued their stubbornness unto exile, those who refuse to accept Jesus but stand in opposition to Him, shall miss the Kingdom of God. “If it is by the Finger of God that I cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” We cannot be indifferent; it is either we are for Christ or against Him. If we stand for Jesus, He will melt our hearts with His love, and make us obey the word of God. Then, the Kingdom of God shall grow within us, and we shall bear its fruits. Amen.

 

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

 

THE DILIGENT MEMORY FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Meditation for Wednesday of the 3^rd Week in Lent

(Deut 4:1, 5-9; Mt 5:17-19)

“You see, anyone who keeps the whole of the law but trips up on a single point, is still guilty of breaking it all” (James 2:10). This is because the commandments issue from the same God, and are meant to achieve the same result. One might be tempted to be faithful in some of the commandments, while neglecting one or two others. Moses urged the people to give heed to the statues and ordinances of the law. He mentioned some of the immediate benefits of keeping the commandments: they will gain wisdom and understanding to the amazement of other nations. People would definitely testify to their greatness, the closeness and manifestation of God in their midst. However, he warned them to keep their hearts diligently, so that they would not lose MEMORY of the mighty works of God, which they ought to teach their children.

If they forget the divine touch in their lives, through a memory that is corroded with evil desires, they will not be inspired to keep the commandments. The greatest manifestation of God, the most intimate Divine touch in man, is given through Jesus Christ. He is the Living Memory, the Image of the Unseen God. Thus, we must keep our minds diligent not to lose the MEMORY OF CHRIST; His words and actions must always be alive in our hearts and minds. This becomes a source of inspiration and strength that leads forward to fulfil what the law aims at. Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them.”

In Jesus alone can we, with a single shot of grace, fulfil all the commandments! We might not remember all the statutes and ordinances of the law, but if we act in the name of Jesus and for His glory, we shall fulfil the law. And Jesus declares that every iota of the law must be accomplished. Now that we have been saved through Jesus, the greatness that the law gives is not just for human acclamation, “But he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Therefore, let us cling to Christ Jesus, and keep alive in the silence of our hearts the living memory of His words and actions. This is an important Lenten disposition that yields fruits of righteousness. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday March 10^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE HEART OF FORGIVENESS

Meditation for Tuesday of the 3^rd Week of Lent

(Dan 3:25, 34-43; Mt 18:21-35)

Forgiveness is one thing we readily expect to receive from God and man, but it is often difficult to give it to others. The prayer of Azariah in the first reading gives an idea the condition of a heart that is in need of forgiveness. He prayed to God not to break His covenant with Israel. He acknowledged their iniquities, saying this has reduced them even in number and brought shame to them before other nations. They are now like sheep without a shepherd, and they can no more offer sacrifices to God, which suppose to bring them God’s mercy. Then, Azariah began to implore for mercy: “Yet with a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted, as though it were with burnt offerings of rams and bulls...Such may our sacrifice be in your sight this day, and may we wholly follow you...”

Since their sins brought them to such a state that they could not offer the required rams and bulls for their transgressions, Azariah pledged an offering of their hearts to God. “And now with all our hearts we follow you, we fear you and seek your face.” The person that seeks God’s mercy offers his heart to Him like the sacrifice of rams and bulls. By that act with which we ask for mercy we also pledge to be faithful to God. It will be hypocritical to implore God’s mercy without the resolve to worship and obey His commandments. That is why Jesus condemned the unforgiving servant in the parable of today.

His debt of 10,000 talents brought him low before his master, imploring him, “Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” “And out of pity for him the Lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.” He ought to have offered his heart to his Lord both in pleading for mercy and in appreciation for the forgiveness of his debt. The immediate sign that he offered his heart thus would be to emulate and reflect the kindness he received. By that act with which he was imploring for mercy, he was equally pledging to be more loyal, and committed to pleasing his Lord. How can he then refuse to treat his fellow servant with the same pattern of mercy his Lord showed him? That means his heart was far; he did not learn the lesson, he did not offer his heart to his Lord!

Unforgiveness is a form of hypocrisy! The servant showed that he did not believe in forgiveness. He needed to be treated according to his heart inclination. “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you? Since the Lord God is rich in mercy and forgiveness, let us continue to forgive every hurt from our hearts. Our wine of mercy shall never run dry since His supply of mercy is endless. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Tuesday March 9^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

  

LISTENING TO THE PROPHETIC VOICE

Meditation for Monday of the 3^rd Week of Lent

(2 Kg 5:1-15; Lk 4:24-30)

Why is it that some people are more charitable to outsiders than to members of their household? Some couples complain that their partner perform more acts of charity to others than to them! Often times, people are taken for granted or less appreciated by their intimate family and friends. And it is easier for someone to render his or her goodwill to where he or she feels accepted and appreciated. It takes courage and humility for your intimate ones, who are acquainted with your strength and weaknesses, to accord you full respect and appreciation.

Think about the humility of the great army commander, Naaman, who listened to the advice of a little maidservant and acted accordingly. He had every reason not to follow the directive of the girl, including the high risk of returning to his enemy ground in search for healing. So he sought the backup of his king, who armed him with an authorization letter! Then, Naaman gathered wealth to pay for the healing. But his humility was tested more when Elisha sent his servant to instruct him to bathe seven times at the Jordan! But he felt humiliated and insulted after the great preparations and his high personality. He was expecting the prophet to invoke his God with several rituals. Again, his servant advised him to do the simple thing the prophet instructed.

“So he went and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan...And his flesh was restored...” Naaman confessed, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel.” Faith is simple, but sometimes we want to express it in several symbols, and complicate the act of worship before committing our energy to it. We easily overlook the simple things, but expect God to dwell in the great miraculous signs. How can we hear God if He speaks through familiar voices and events of our life? That is why a prophet is not accepted in his own household and country.

It takes great humility and courage for a man of faith to recognize the prophetic message in the familiar voices he hears every day. In this Lenten season, self-denial humbles us and makes us more attentive to divine whisperings within. In almsgiving we hear the cry of the poor, which speaks of divine consolation to our hearts. In prayer, we speak to God and hear words and feel the touch of His grace. In prayer of meditation, we humble our hearts and incline our hearts to hear what the Lord says, whether from within our hearts, our household, friends and familiar events, or from extraordinary experiences.

 

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

 

THE TEMPLE SACRIFICE

Meditation for 3^rd Sunday of Lent, Year B

(Ex 20:1-17; 1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25)

After leading the Israelites out of the land of slavery, God rolled out the commandments to them. The dictates of those instructions would define God’s relationship with His people; obeying God’s commands would mean the person believed in God, feared Him and hoped in Him. On the other hand, the law was for their own good, to maintain decorum, orderliness and righteousness among them, which was worthy of the children of God. The law was meant to put them aright with God and with one another, which was a step forward towards restoring man to the state of innocence He enjoyed before the fall. However, the law tried to achieve this positive goal by reminding us of the negative step. That is, the law tried to get us to live a holy life by commanding us against the unholy life we must avoid!

We can imagine the complications that this approach brought; the multiplication of laws, the misinterpretations and the mechanical external observances. At the end, it appeared as if the law created ‘awareness’ for sins (Rm 3:20). Still, it was a necessary preparation and beginning to achieve the will of God for us.

Jesus steps in, walks up to the heart of the religious life of Israel as He enters the temple in Jerusalem. The temple was filled with worshippers but preoccupied with every other thing except worshipping God! “In the temple He found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers at their business.” These people came to the temple to offer sacrifices, and were engaged in buying and selling ‘in the name of God’ but their hearts were far from God. The temple lost its decorum and the orderliness that Israel as a people ought to have. What then would become of the people in general? So, Jesus flogged them all out and overturned their tables!

He was consumed with zeal for God’s house.  The Jews questioned Him about His authority to seek to purify their religion. Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” In this He refers His body as the Temple, where the perfect sacrifice would be offered. His Body, the Temple, fully dedicated to God, in which is brought about what the law aimed at but could not achieve i.e. putting man aright with God, and with His fellow men.

Therefore, “We preach Christ crucified” in whom is the power of God and the wisdom of God. In Him is crucified the old ways and our unholy actions so that we look forward into the future of God with a new positive action. In Christ crucified is paid the iniquity of our fathers and our iniquities, not just for the third or fourth generations, but for all generations. The ‘memory of sin’ which the law brings is washed off in the Blood of Jesus. The overly religious people, those distracted from worshipping God in spirit and truth, the ‘religious-business’ people, are looking for miraculous signs. While the secular and social people claim they are better equipped with knowledge like the Greek, Christ faithful have the Cross as the banner over them. In Christ crucified, we are purified as His living temple, put aright with God and man, then we offer Him worthy worship. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday March 7^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

TRIUMPHING LOVE

Meditation for Saturday of the Second Week of Lent
(Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32)

As we come to the end of the second Week of Lent, we exalt God’s mercy and forgiveness. Recalling the great mercy and faithfulness of God inspires us to repentance, especially at this solemn season. “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance?  He does not retain His anger forever because He delights in mercy.”

The great mercy of God is clearly demonstrated in the parable of the prodigal son. It is an ocean of mercy that human reasoning cannot exhaust “How many of father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father...” It is such a mercy that takes away the shame and wretchedness of a prodigal son, restores his dignity and beauty as a son, and satisfies his hunger. A little glimpse of this mercy inspires every sinner to trace his way back to God.

The prodigal son depicts the state of a soul in sin, who has fallen from the state of grace, but ruled by human will and desires. The mercy of God steps forward like the father of the prodigal son, gives him a warm embrace and kiss that boosts his confidence to confess. Even before confessing, the STEPS home already earned him a merciful embrace! Imagine the prodigal son, dirty as he was, in the grips of his father’s arms, who was dressed in royalty! Here, love for his son has triumphed over the wounds of the boy’s selfishness. So, the boy’s hunger is turned into a feasting, his dirt and nakedness covered best robe, ring and shoes; his death was turned to fullness of life!

How great is the mercy of God. “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Ps 145:8-9). If an imperfect and wayward son could be thus love, how much more when the Son is perfect? That is why Jesus, the Son of God, is the ‘fount of love’, the ‘Ocean of Mercy’ through whom God forgives us our sins (Rm 3:24-23). And Jesus established His forgiveness solidly in the Sacrament of Confession. Let us approach Him in this Sacrament to obtain mercy and forgiveness of our sins. We might not be worthy as God’s children, but the love the Father has for His Son will always triumph over our weaknesses and failings. His banner over us is love! (Song 2:4).

 

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

JEALOUSY AND GREED

 

Meditation for Friday of the 2^nd Week of Lent

(Gen 37:3-4, 12-12, 17-28; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46)

Jealousy and greed are twine evils that can reproduce any kind of evil. Anyone that nurtures one or two of these intertwine evils is a living hell, ready to consume anyone that crosses his path. Think about the pathetic story of Joseph and his brothers. What was Joseph’s offence? He came to his brothers in love, after a tedious journey down to Dothan. Jealousy blinded them that they could no more see the brother in him, nor feel the love he showed them. It so much affected them that they lost their self-worth, seeing Jacob’s love for Joseph as a subtraction of favour for them. Drowned in the ocean of jealousy, Joseph’s brothers blamed him for their self-inflicted pain. Still, Joseph continued to love them as his brothers. As he drew near, they even saw less of a human in him, and could no more call him by his name. “Here comes the DREAMER. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits...” It sounded like killing a bad dream! Jealousy is bloodthirsty; it justifies killing, and likens it to the right to freedom. But Reuben came to the rescue. Joseph was sold off to Egypt.

Greed possessed the servants whom the householder handed over his vineyard. They were not satisfied with their own proceeds; they wanted to own it all. Greed is always anticipating pleasure in what belongs another, thereby causing one pain in what belongs to him! After persecuting and killing the servants, they said of the Son, “This is the heir; come let us kill him and have his inheritance.” Their rejection of the son exposed their greed and wickedness, and brought them to ruin.

However, Joseph became a pre-figuration of the Messiah, who was rejected out of jealousy by His people, and was sold out by His very own apostle, and was handed over to Roman foreigners. He was cast out of the Vineyard of Israel, and was crucified. At the end, He brought salvation to all. “The very stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Yes, if Jesus is not the CORNERSTONE of our lives, jealousy and greedy shall spread their branches in our hearts. It is in Jesus that our secret thoughts are exposed and healed! Anything that will make us to sell off the Messiah from our lives, or to push Him out of the centre of our hearts, will definitely lead us to ruin.  Our Lenten observances will help us train our hearts to fight against greed and jealousy, and remain at peace and satisfied in Jesus. Amen.

 

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

THE TREE BY THE WATERSIDE

Meditation for Thursday of the 2^nd Week of Lent
(Jer 17:5-10; Lk 16:19-31)

The prophet Jeremiah announced, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his arm, whose heart turns away from the Lord.” This message refers both to the one who trusts in others as well as the one who trusts in himself, his capabilities, talents, etc. Listen to the imagery the prophet used to describe the man who trusts in man: “He is like a shrub in the desert...He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.

Then Jeremiah talks about the man whose trust is in the Lord. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and it not anxious in the year of drought , for it does not cease to bear fruit.” It is interesting that we do not know where a man puts his trust until adversity comes. Some people have lost faith in God over the same trial that strengthened the faith of others! The heart of man is deceitful, and desperately corrupt. People can pretend to trust in God, but at the slightest twist, their words and actions would not speak of the glory of God.

“I the Lord search the mind and try the heart, to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Often times, it is even the blessings of God, and rich rewards of life that expose the secret trust of a man’s heart. Who would have taught that a rich man, who dressed in purple and fine linen, feasted sumptuously every day, would neglect the poor Lazarus at his gate? In the eyes of men, the rich man could hide his crime, justify himself and be excused. But God found him out at last! His wealth exposed his wickedness, insensitivity to others and lack of trust in God. The rich man’s cries and regrets from hell could not remedy his condition. But Lazarus, who in his poverty trusted in God, was found justified before God. Lazarus was rewarded, not because he was poor, but because he trusted in the Lord, and endured ‘persecution’ from the rich man, who denied him what was destined to him as his neighbour.

Let us remain steadfast and trust in the Lord; God has the final say! We accept the good things of life from His hands; we endure the adversities with hope in God, who is the source of life and is able to save us. Let us trust and obey God’s commandments, we shall bear fruit in season and out of season like the tree by the waterside. Amen.

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