Saturday, December 24, 2022

GOD AMONG US

Meditation for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
(Christmas 2022)
Every year the Church celebrates with great solemnity and joy the birth of Jesus Christ. The joy of this celebration has been caught up in secular society, such that the spiritual joy of Christmas is practically begging for attention. The Christmas decorations, songs, entertainment and travels most times are so socially engaging but leave little or no room for any spiritual encounter. Yet, amidst the excitement and noise that accompanies the celebration, the real message of Christmas is renewed in the silence of our hearts. That is why, in our meditation, as we listen to the message, we perceive the beauty of this mystery.

The Nativity of Jesus celebrates God’s dwelling among men; “the Word became flesh and dwells among us” (Jn 1:14). This is an important mystery of faith that has become a way of life for believers, since the dynamics displayed in this mystery is our regular expression through faith. In the Baby Jesus, the spirit and flesh have a common abode in a ‘hypostatic union.’ Thus, human weakness has encountered the divine strength of God; nature now mingles with grace. The angel said to Mary, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Lk 1:32). But at Christmas, He was born in the lowly manger (Lk 2:7). Light has come into darkness (Is 9:2).

 

The genealogy of Jesus Christ shows how human history has become the history of ‘God among us.’ This brings sanctification and deeper meaning to human life and relationships. The persons and events surrounding the birth of Jesus testify to the transforming grace that comes when man opens up to God, who dwells among us. St. Joseph, the common carpenter, became the great guardian of the Holy Family. The Virgin Mary, the lowly handmaid, was exalted as the Mother of God. The little town of Bethlehem became a kingly city. Think about the poor shepherds in the open cold night, who heard the angelic song, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to people of good will” (Lk 2:8-14). The message they heard warmed their hearts with joy and courage. See how the simple manger became a beautiful bed for the baby Jesus!

 

It is obvious that whatever the joy of Christmas touches, it transforms. This is the mystery of ‘God among us’, which evokes the spiritual joy that rekindles hope. With great humility and simplicity, the real message of Christmas pierces through the colorful celebrations and touches our hearts in silence. In our meditation, we see this spiritual joy silently radiating on the faces of all who came to pay homage to the Baby Jesus in the manger. This transforming spiritual joy of Christmas assures us that a new life in Christ is possible (Eph 4:24; 2 Cor 5:17). As we welcome Baby Jesus in our celebration this Christmas, we lift up our hearts to live out the mystery of ‘God among us’, so that we can testify to the transforming power of His presence. Amen.

 

Happy Christmas!

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday December 25, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

Saturday, December 17, 2022

THE LORD IS NEAR AND WITHIN

Meditation for the Fourth Sunday in Advent, Year A
(Is 7:10-14; Rm 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24)

Let us meditate on some of the immediate events surrendering the birth of Jesus. This last week of Advent announces the nearness of our salvation in Jesus, and the right disposition we need to welcome Him. In the first reading, we hear the message of Isaiah delivered to king Ahaz. The king had a serious political crisis that threatened the safety of his kingdom. The prophet came to bring God’s consoling message to Ahaz and to encourage him to stand by faith in God. In the process Isaiah delivered the great prophecy about the virgin birth of the Messiah, saying, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

 

Meditate on how Isaiah’s message stood on a temporary human situation and brought in a solution that was far-reaching than the issue at hand. The crisis of Ahaz was addressed with a solution that has an eternal value. The intervention of God in human affairs brings out a dimension that goes beyond human capacity. Thus, in reaching out to God from the depths of his misery, man steps on his problems to open up to divine glory and power.

 

This is clearly demonstrated in the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah as narrated in the gospel. St Joseph was burdened by thoughts about Mary’s pregnancy. Being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, he was considering the safest way to put her away without shame or hurt. “Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit, she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” As Joseph responded to the message, he cooperated in the fulfilment of the prophecy of old and played an important role in human salvation. What began as a normal family crisis ended up as part of the story of God’s dwelling among men.

“Let the Lord enter; He is the king of glory” says the Responsorial Psalm. The Lord is near and within! According to St. Paul in the second reading, Jesus fulfilled the promise of God through the prophets in the holy Scriptures. He was descended from David according to the flesh and designated Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection from the dead. “Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of His name…” By this obedience of faith, as we see in the life of St. Joseph, we unlock the grace to participate in the power and spirit of holiness of Jesus Christ, such that we too are designated as God’s adopted sons and daughters in Christ.

 

This new order of life, rooted in obedience of faith in Jesus, becomes our rule of life. Reflect deeply how such faith-filled life resolves life situations by opening up its limited transitory conditions to eternal glory. So, in the obedience of faith in Jesus, the man of flesh responds to the order of grace; his actions are far-reaching to eternal glory. This is how he steps on the present challenges of life to experience victory, peace and joy. That is why we celebrate Jesus who is with us, and continue to reach out to Him who is coming in glory; the Lord is near and within. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday December 18, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

Saturday, December 10, 2022

GAUDETE IN DOMINO SEMPER

Meditation for the Third Sunday of Advent
(Is 35:1-60,10; James 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11)

Let us meditate on the mystery of Jesus Christ, who is to come, and also who is in our midst. While we look forward and await His coming in glory, we celebrate Him now because we have experienced His saving power. Advent Season prepares us with joy to celebrate His presence among us, which is marked by Christmas. At the same time, it helps us to wait for His final coming with a living faith. This third Sunday of Advent celebrates the consoling joy we have in Jesus even we as await His coming in glory; Gaudete in Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord always).

What does the coming of the Messiah look like? The prophet Isaiah prescribes it like that refreshing moment when water springs up in the desert. He compares it to a situation where a weak and feeble person regains straight and courage. “Be strong, fear not! Behold your God will come and save you.” The prophet says the coming of the Messiah shall bring everlasting joy; “They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

 

John the Baptist captures the Advent mystery we are celebrating today. He was the Voice who announced the coming of the Messiah, and he lived to experience His presence. However, he was already in prison when Jesus was carrying out the messianic work as announced by Isaiah. Still, the humility of Jesus, and the simple ways He was instilling divine action among men, must have left John to have a rethink. So he sent his servants to ask Jesus, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Jesus sent them back, to share with John what they personally experienced of Him; “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk…” They experienced the fulfilment of the prophecy about the coming of the Messiah. Without such personal experience of Jesus, it will be difficult for one’s faith to grow and for him to bear witness.

 

Meditate on the experience of Jesus that is available for us today. Think about the great mystery of Christ Jesus we have that even John the Baptist did not experience. Jesus described him as ‘more than a prophet.’ “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women, there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” John heard about the saving work of Christ through his servants, but we participate in the mystery of His saving passion, and have a foretaste of the heavenly communion. We all have become God’s first-born sons and daughters in Christ (Heb 12:23), and co-heirs with Christ in the riches of grace in glory.

 

Therefore, our waiting for the coming of Jesus in glory is powered, not by prophetic messages, but by our personal encounter with Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit. The witness we bear for Jesus, the life we live that is guided by faith in Him, becomes our great Advent because our manner of life testify that we are waiting in hope for glorious revelation of God’s children (Rm 8:19-25). That is why we must be patient, and firm in faith for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Let us emulate the example of John the Baptist, the prophets and saints, who witnessed to Jesus through their endurance. Then, the ransom of the Lord and everlasting joy shall come upon us. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday December 11, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

Thursday, December 8, 2022

THE MANTLE OF GRACE

    Meditation for the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception
(Gen 3:9-15.20; Eph 1:3-6.11-12; Lk 1:26-38)

Let us meditate and celebrate the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At a time like this, when many people care less about sound doctrine, it is important to reflect on this mystery. When people are overly distracted with selfish pursuit, and adhere to spontaneous doctrines that are not consistent with genuine faith, there will be gradual but consistent decline in faith and true worship. Though the dogma of Immaculate Conception has attracted several debates over the years, Catholics continue to celebrate it annually with deep joy that extols the power and glory of God.

The dogma we celebrate asserts that, “From the first moment of her conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was, by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, savior of Mankind, kept free from all stain of original sin.” This age-long dogma was later defined by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854. He explained that this unique privilege of grace was given to the Blessed Virgin Mary in view of the role she was to play as the mother of Jesus.

 

The first reading narrates God’s reaction to the fall of man. While Adam and Eve were busy enjoying their new found adventure in the forbidden fruit, they did not immediately realize the implications their human actions until God appeared. God’s presence exposed them, and made them realize how deep they erred. The unfortunate presence of sin is thus unmasked, and we see at once how much God hates sin. Then, He set up the plan to save mankind from Satan, the craft master of sin. God said, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Thus, a ‘new breed’ of humanity, a ‘new generation’ of man, who shall be ‘regenerated’ in the Son of the Woman, shall always enjoy this victory over Satan. That means a new way of life that cannot be brought down by sin shall spring forth in the Son of the Woman.

 

Hence, St. Paul announced with apostolic joy that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, and chose us in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world, “That we should be holy and blameless before Him.” It is the will of God that we should be sinless, and be adopted as His sons and daughters in Christ. And He has bestowed on us this grace to conquer sin, so that we can live for the praise of His glory through Jesus Christ.

 

We see then that it was necessary for our salvation that the Mother of Jesus would be conceived without sin. From St. Paul’s message, it is obvious that the Immaculate Conception is in line with the will of God that we should be holy and sinless. Since through the Blessed Virgin Mary, God opened for us the ‘new generation’ of humanity in Jesus Christ, destined to escape the corruption of sin, it was necessary that she would be without sin. The angel Gabriel’s salutation to Mary shows that the grace of salvation had found its home in Mary, “For with God nothing is impossible.” Therefore, in the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate the victory of grace and the saving power of God. The joy of our celebration today is that we are covered under the mantle of grace of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Conception. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Thursday December 8, 2022.

Solemnity of Immaculate Conception

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com  

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

FINDING REST IN WEARINESS

Meditation for Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent
(Is 40:25-31; Mt 11:28-30)

In our meditation today, we feel encouraged and strengthen hearing Jesus say, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Think about the meaning of these words in relation to Advent season. The first reading prepares our minds to understand the words of Jesus. Isaiah announces that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all things. “He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”

 

Thus, Jesus invites us to come to Him with our burdens and find rest. In Him is strength greater than our burden, and rest sweeter than our weariness. In this encounter, our burden becomes His yoke, and His yoke is not too heavy to bear. This implies that the burdens we bear, the challenges of life we face, have now become means of coming to Jesus, the gentle and lowly in Heart. Our Advent step is quickened as we run to welcome Jesus, in whom our strength is renewed, our burden is made possible to bear, and in weariness we find rest.

 

Pause and meditate on how the crown of thorns we wear each day has now taken the form of our Advent wreath! See through the discomforts of each day important steps in your response to the invitation of Jesus: “Come to me…” For the prophet assures us that they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall run not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Amen

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday December 7, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

THE UNCOMMON LOGIC

 Meditation for Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent
(Is 40:1-11; Mt 18:12-14)

Let us meditate on the mystery of the Good Shepherd, who goes out to find the lost sheep. Human beings are naturally adventurous. We easily get bored by routines, and often stretch our necks high in search of something new. The image of a sheep that wandered from the sheepfold captures the wrong steps we fall into while searching for greater value and meaning outside the fold of revealed divine truth. Out of a hundred, when one sheep strays, common logic and laziness will settle for the ninety-nine. In the parable, the shepherd left the ninety-nine on the hills and went in search of the one that was lost. By leaving the greater number behind, he put them at risk, thus, he made a great sacrifice in search of the prodigal sheep.

 

In addition, by staying behind on the hill, in obedience and love, the ninety-nine participated in the sacrifice of their master for the one lost sheep. This is where the prayers and merits of the saints contribute to salvation of sinners. The Shepherd goes ahead in search of the one lost sheep, armed with the obedience and love of the ninety-nine. When the one sheep is found, the joy of the Shepherd is also shared by the ninety-nine. And this is a resounding joy, which is more than the joy he had over the ninety-nine.

Meditate on this great joy of salvation, and see how we who dwell in the desert of sin, look forward through this Advent for our approaching Savior. The mood of this joyful anticipation is what the prophet announced in the first reading of today. “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Yes, comfort is coming; violence will be no more, and iniquity shall be pardoned. Hear the good tidings: “Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and His arm rules for Him; behold, His reward is with Him. Filled with these expectations, the lost sheep will be ready to welcome the Good Shepherd when He comes. Jesus said at the end, “So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Amen.

 

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Tuesday December 6, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

Monday, December 5, 2022

STREAMS IN THE DESERT

 Meditation for Monday of the Second Week of Advent
(Is 35:1-10; Lk 5:17-26)

 In our meditation today, we hear the prophet Isaiah addressing the dry land and the desert. Often the word of God is portrayed as coming like rain drops to overcome the dryness of the desert (Deut 32:2; Is 55:10). Dry land is discomforting, and does not support vegetation. Thirst and hunger are associated with it since there is no water there. In addition, it is not habitable, and as such, there are no roadways there. The dry land is symbolic of a life of sin or a life without divine grace. Such life is usually “dry”, “Empty” and full of discomforting obstacles. But the prophet addresses the word of God to the dry land, and announces the good news.

“The desert shall rejoice and blossom.” The dry land shall be fruitful again; the weak shall be strengthened, the fearful shall be courageous. There shall healing for the infirm, “For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.” And there shall be a highway there, which shall be called the ‘Holy Way’, the unclean shall not pass over it. The beautiful words of Isaiah dispel the dryness of the desert, and the new and enriching look of the wilderness manifest the transforming power of God.

In our meditation, we see how this transforming power of God takes a living presence among us in Christ Jesus. The Gospel says as Jesus was teaching, “The power of the Lord was with Him to heal.” This is the power that can transform dryness to fruitfulness, sin to righteousness, and sickness to health. The friends of the paralyzed man were attracted in faith by the healing power of Jesus. First, Jesus spoke to him saying, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” After the Pharisees complained, He addressed the paralytic saying, “I say to you, rise, take up your bed and go home.”

Just as Isaiah addressed the word of God to dry lands that streams may break forth in them, so did Jesus speak to the paralyzed man and his sickness transformed to health. Pause and meditate on this transforming power of Jesus. See how He makes such opportunities available to us in faith like a highway of holiness in the desert of sin. So, we move forward in faith, and lay before Him our ‘dryness’ that He may speak to them gracious springs life gush forth upon us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Monday December 5, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com


Saturday, December 3, 2022

THE VOICE OF PENITENCE

Meditation for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year A
(Is 11:1-10; Rm 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12)

Our preparation and waiting for the coming of Jesus summon us to personal responsibility. Advent spirituality guides us to model our life after Jesus, so that when He comes, He will find us ready to welcome Him. The prophet Isaiah opens up our minds to understand the identity of the expected Messiah. He began by announcing the humble appearance of the Savior. “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of His roots.” The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon this humble Branch, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.

The prophet explained that the Messiah, who would come like a shoot from the stump of Jesse, shall judge with righteousness and equity, delivering the meek from the wicked. “Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.” He shall bring peace and reconciliation. He shall bring to the earth the knowledge of the Lord, and all nations shall seek him. “And his dwellings shall be glorious.”

 

To wait for the Lord in this Season of Advent implies that we make efforts to adjust our lives to meet the Lord and welcome Him. That means we must begin to adjust our ways of life to align with the person of Jesus as announced by the prophet Isaiah. This is what the second reading and the Gospel emphasized. St. Paul explains that divine instructions, given in former days, like the ones we read from prophet Isaiah, breed steadfastness and encouragement, so that we will not lack hope. As we abide to these words of hope, God will give us the grace to live in harmony with one another, “In accord with Jesus Christ, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The peace and reconciliation that dwells in Christ, is expected to be manifested among those ready to welcome Him. In other words, a sign that we are waiting and ready to welcome the expected Messiah is our readiness to welcome and reconcile with one another.

 

John the Baptist steps in, his voice roars in the desert: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He not only preached with his voice, but he himself became the message. John too arose with great humility; his dressing and food was so lowly! Both his voice and appearance spoke of penitence. Yet, he rose like a shoot from the stump, a lonely voice in the dry land, but the truth and power in his message attracted the people to him. “And they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.” John the Baptist warns of the impending danger if we do not make way for the Lord by repenting of our sins.

 

That is why his baptism of repentance prepared the people for the baptism of the Holy Spirit that was to come in Christ Jesus. The coming of Jesus ushers in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which will animate in those ready to receive Him the righteousness of Jesus as announced by Isaiah. This will bring renewal to the face of the earth, and separate the wheat from the chaff. We can see already the self-inflicted destruction among individuals, families and societies that choose the chaff life, which is not guided by the Holy Spirit and is empty of the righteousness of Jesus. That is why we must listen to the voice from the desert, the voice of penitence, which summons us this Advent to humble ourselves under the Shoot from the stump of Jesse, and put on His righteousness and faithfulness.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church.

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday December 4, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

Saturday, November 19, 2022

“KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”

Meditation for the Solemnity of Christ the King, Year C
(2 Sam 5:1-3; Col 1:12-20; Lk 23:35-43)

Let us meditate on the mystery of Jesus Christ the Universal King. This celebration marks the end of the Liturgical Year. The royal priesthood of Christ is prefigured in the kingship of David as we read in the first reading. The people pledged their loyalty to David at Hebron. He made a covenant with them and they anointed him king over Israel. The anointing of David became a pointer to Jesus, who was anointed with the Holy Spirit (Cf. Lk 4:18; Acts 10:38). Jesus the Messiah, the Anointed One, became the Lord of David, the greatest King of Israel (cf. Mt 22:41-46). So, Jesus is the King of kings, the Lord of lords (cf. Deut 10:17; Ps 136:3; 1 Tim 6:15; Rev 17:14). “And on His robe and on His thigh, He has a name written, ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS’” (Rev 19:16).

 

His rulership and sovereignty are eternal. He says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Mt 28:18). Jesus resisted the temptation to be recognized as king according to human needs (cf. Jn 6:15). He said to Pilate, “Mine is not a kingdom of this world” (Jn 18:36). So, the Kingship of Jesus is unique and different from the rulership of the world; His model of rulership is a challenge to human authorities. The kingship of Jesus was mostly revealed during His passion and Cross, instead of the moments of his manifestation of power and authority during his preaching and performing of miracles.

 

The Gospel of today narrates how the rulers scoffed at Jesus, and the soldiers mocked Him, saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” It is typical of earthly kings and rulers to take care of themselves, ensuring their own security and comfort before taking care of their subjects. But here is Jesus hanging on the Cross, with an inscription over Him, saying, “This is the King of the Jews.” He is the king, whose crown was made of thorns, His thrown was the Cross. His ‘royal garment’ was taken away from Him, and He was stripped of all that he had. Jesus is the king, who was rejected by His kinsmen (Jn 1:11), and betrayed by His followers. He is the King, who lays His life for His followers. While earthly rulers pass judgement and condemnation on their people, Jesus says, “I have come not to judge the world, but to save the world” (Jn 12:47). He desires that we all reign with Him in His Kingdom, for He said to one of the criminals crucified beside him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

 

In our celebration today, we echo the words of St. Paul in the second reading, thanking God for qualifying us to share ‘in the inheritance of the saints in light.’ Through the passion of Jesus, God delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, “In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” The doors of the kingdom of Jesus are open to us all so that we can enter in through the ‘way of the Cross.’ Christ’s faithful are transferred from the kingdom of darkness and earthly kingdom to the Kingdom of Jesus. In this kingdom, Jesus reigns that we might reign with Him. “He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation, for in Him all things were created…” In His kingdom, we are all enrolled as ‘Firstborn sons and citizens of heaven’ (Heb 12:23), we become ‘co-heirs’ with Christ’ (Rm 8:17), which makes us ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood’ (1 Pet 2:9).

 

It becomes obvious that those who wish to reign with Him must hold Him as pre-eminent in everything. That means Jesus must have the greatest influence in their lives. They will not surrender to any other power or authority, whether visible or invisible. In Christ Jesus we live as children of the Kingdom, “For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven.” Thus, Jesus the universal King becomes the center of our lives. All our thoughts, words and actions ought to be inspired by the righteousness of Jesus and for His glory, “Since it is in Him that we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

 

Therefore, we gather before Jesus, as the Israelites gathered before David at Hebron, to acknowledge Him as our King. As Kingdom-children, who are called to reign with Him, our ways of rulership and exercise of authority must be modeled after Jesus. We must put away greed, pride and arrogance that is common among earthly leaders. ‘The way of the Cross’ is the way we reign and exercise authority. This is how we confront and overcome the worldly ways of rulership, and make way for the peace and love of Jesus to reign in our hearts and in our society. Amen.

 


Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday November 20th, 2022.

Solemnity of Christ the King

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

Saturday, November 12, 2022

The End in View

Meditation for the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Malachi 4:1-2; 2Thes 3:7-12; Lk 21:5-19)

Let us meditate on the mystery of the end of all things. In gospel, Jesus responded to those who spoke of the beauty of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings. The beauty we contemplate, and the values we cherish, can determine the direction and movement of our hearts. We always act with a purpose in view. The end to which we strive for, and commit our lives to, can only enrich us with lasting fulfilment if it is greater than our lives. That is why the contemplation of eternity remains the ultimate source of value and fulfilment that can move us forward. Hence, Jesus quickly urged the people not to exhaust their hearts admiring the beauty that will not last: “As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

What do you think will happen if the end we look up to is crowned with death and destruction? It will definitely affect our way of life at the moment. The fact that the end is opened for us to aspire to and contemplate on, implies that our present life must be patterned in that direction. Thus, there is a gradual unfolding of the children of God (Rm 8:19). According to prophet Malachi, at that very moment when the children of God are revealed, the evildoers are brought down. There will always be a struggle to distract the children of God, so that they settle for the contemplation of things that cannot last. In other words, the temptation is to replace eternal beauty with temporary beauty, thereby leading man to that state of life where nothing has value, and to experience that ‘nothingness’ within that leads to chaos.

Therefore, Jesus warns, “Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘That time is at hand!’ Do not go after them.” He made it clear that difficult times are bound to come; wars, political turmoil, natural disasters, hunger, sickness, persecutions, and other terrifying manifestations. All these we must encounter and confront as they come, still, the end is not near. Our journey to the end that God has willed for us is not coerced or conditioned by any external influence. According to St. Paul’s message in the second reading, we move towards the eternal beauty we contemplate by fulfilling our present responsibilities “in quietness”.

A Christian lives in hope of the second coming our Lord Jesus Christ. The mystery of this hope is that it energizes him to make the best of the present moment for his wellbeing and to the glory of God. That is why we must be mindful of the things we treasure in our hearts, and the things that consume the energies of our love. The end is being realized today as we work diligently and humbly for a good life. Therefore, in contemplating eternal beauty through faith and prayer, “The Sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings”, and shine upon you, so that “Not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Sunday November 13th, 2022.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Friday, November 4, 2022

SERVING GOD WITH MY TIME

 SERVING GOD WITH MY TIME

1.0.  INTRODUCTION

God is eternal. But He created the world in time; time began with creation. That means God is the source and end of time. Without God, the counting of time will lead to nothingness, which is what secularism and Satan want to achieve; then death will be the lord of time, the ultimate end of each person’s time. But God sent Jesus to save us from the agony of a wasted struggle with time. “In the fullness of time, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born a subject of the Law, to redeem the subjects of the Law, so that we could receive adoption as sons” (Gal 4:4-5).

‘Time’ became salvific when Jesus redeemed us in time. It was a long-awaited hour of salvation, which became the fullness of time. Abraham longed to see this hour (Jn 8:56). Many prophets and holy men and women look forward to it (Mt 13:17). When the Blessed Virgin Mary tapped into this hour Jesus said to her, “My hour has not come yet” (Jn 2:4). At last, when the time came, Jesus said, “Now the hour has come…” (Jn 12:23). Again, He prayed to the Father saying, “Father, the hour has come: glorify your Son” (Jn 17:1). Our life time is now sanctified and given value in Jesus, who is the Alpha and Omega of our lives (Is 44:6; Rev 1:17). Thus, we live no longer for ourselves but we live for Jesus (2 Cor 5:15). Our life-time should revolve around Him for He is the center of our being as believers. That is how we find value in life.

2.0. SETTING PRIORITIES

The moment of Jesus becomes the highest point in human history, the fullness of time. He is the First Born of all creation (Col 1:15). And He must take the first place in our hearts. It is in Him that all things hold together (Col 1:17). So, we must apportion quality time for Jesus, and from Him our time spreads out to other activities. This is how our activities are sanctified, and we draw value from them.

That means we must set priorities and have scale of preference of which God is at the topmost, and every other activity revolves round Him. For us to serve God with our time, we must not only allot quality time to Him, but we must channel every minute of our day to His glory. From here, we must place proper ordering to all our activities. Our activities do not carry equal rank. Therefore, they must not be lumped together, and executed at random. A true servant of God is well ordered. If we do not set priorities, there is a high tendency that the multitude of activities that are demanding for our attention will present themselves as more important. Definitely, most less important activities steal our attention by presenting themselves as urgent and necessary.

3.0. COMMITMENT

Once we have identified the order of things, we follow it up by channeling our energies accordingly. We should not respond to every activity with the same energy or commitment. To be committed means to dedicate oneself to a cause of action. It implies personal involvement to the cause, which requires repeated actions, constancy or perseverance in carrying out the responsibility. “The phenomenon of commitment is a cornerstone of human social life. Commitments make individuals’ behavior predictable, thereby facilitating the planning and coordination of joint actions involving multiple agents. Moreover, commitments make people willing to rely upon each other, and thereby contribute to sustaining characteristically human social institutions such as jobs, money, government and marriage.[1]

‘Commitment’ presupposes certain opposition in executing the necessary actions for a productive and healthy life. It is this very opposition that commitment neutralizes by consistently applying the required energy towards the task. We are always committed to one thing or the other. The problem arises when we misplace priorities and apply our energy wrongly. To serve God requires commitment at the highest level. Jesus said, “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mk 12:30).

4.0. Serving God with my Time

St. John Chrysostom (4th Century) said, “The time is not yours. At present you are strangers, and sojourners, and foreigners, and aliens; do not seek honors, do not seek glory, do not seek authority, nor revenge; bear all things, and in this way, ‘redeem the time’. Give up many things, anything they may require... only preserve the principal thing, I mean the Faith...” Thus, realizing that time is God’s gift, to serve God with my time begins with allotting specific time for God and engaging in certain spiritual exercises and services in the Church and community, but it goes beyond that too. According to Fulton Sheen (19th-20th centuries), “It is never true to say that we have no time to meditate; the less one thinks of God, the less time there will always be for God. The time we have for anything depends on how much we value it. Thinking determines the uses of time; time does not rule over thinking. The problem of spirituality is never, then, a question of time; it is a problem of thought. For it does not require much time to make us saints; it requires only much love.” St. Catherine of Siena said, “You are rewarded not according to your work or your time but according to the measure of your love.”

 

Now, to serve God with my time implies to infuse the love of Jesus, the sanctifier of time, into my life time and activities. Since all times and seasons belong to Him, every activity I carry out in time must be open to the love of God. All times and seasons belong to Him, and the grace of His salvations is available and awaits us at every moment. We cannot receive this grace in vain, for the word of God said, “At the time of my favor I answered you; on the day of salvation I have helped you; well, now is the real time of favor, now the day of salvation is here” (2 Cor 6:1-2). We cannot withdraw any moment from Him, even when we are pursuing our personal interests. If we relegate our service of God only to a particular time, such attitude will become an obstacle that will gradually grow to make difficult to serve God at all. That is why meditation engages our minds in the service of God at all times, even when we are pursuing other things.

 

However, we must specifically engage in particular services and spiritual exercises as a way of serving God with our time. As members of choir for example, you have to devote a lot of time and energy to practice and sing at Mass. Even outside the official times, you have to rehearse at times, and get involved in other church meetings and programs. What you are doing by this is a concrete demonstration that my whole time belongs to God (Cf. Ps 31:14-15). If you do not fulfil your obligation in the service you have undertaken, you may grow weak in your own contribution to the growth of the Body of Christ. Then, other lower interests will flood in and disarm your commitment to Christ. And there are so many activities demanding our attention and commitment. Devoting time to serve God in this particular ministry is a gesture of gratitude to God for the gift of life and time, and at the same time, an act renewal of our expression of faith that all that we have and are belong to God. This constant expression of our self-offering to God keeps the light of our faith glowing.

 

Above all, to serve God with my time is the work of grace. God inspires us and empowers us from within to serve Him diligently. He gives us the sweet unction that makes us to serve Him effectively, and gives us the inner consoling satisfaction whenever we offer Him our time. It becomes necessary that if we must serve God with our time, we must not put obstacles on the free flow of divine grace within through sin and bad habits such as procrastination, idleness, pride (that makes us overlook little things), addiction (to entertainment, persons, substances, etc). St. Paul says, “So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise, making the best use of your time because the times are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph 5:15-17). In addition, we must nurture the right virtues that will enable us to cooperate with grace that is given to us for effective service with our time. St. Paul advices that we should make the best use of our time by behaving wisely towards others (cf. Col 4:5). Such virtues include, obedience, self-discipline, piety, love, etc. That is why I recommend to you the practice of meditation as an effective way to train yourself to serve God with your time.

 

Meditation engages the mind with the word of God, and inclines it to cooperate the divine grace. Then, the heart is flooded with the love of God. In this way, the person becomes conscious that He is in the presence of God, and this love of God can easily manifest in all his or her activities at all times.

 

Life is God’s first gift to us; time is the most precious gift of life. We only have a limited amount of time. We must be careful how we use time, and try hard to improve on our use of time. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain wisdom of heart” (Ps 90:12). Indeed, it takes a wise person to use his time well and to attract divine favor. The proper use of time to the glory of God becomes an authentic way we witness to the life of grace. If we serve God with our time, we shall inherit eternal life. For now, it is important that we focus on using our time to the glory God since we shall give account of how we used the gift of time at the end of our time on earth. “But as for that day and hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, no one but the Father alone” (Mt 24:36). Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Retreat reflection delivered to:

Bethlehem Choir

Church of Nativity,

Festac Town, Lagos.

Saturday November 5th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

 

 

 

Saturday, October 29, 2022

CLIMBING THE TREE OF HUMILITY

Meditation for the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Wis 11:22—12:2; 2 Thes 1:11—2:2; Lk 19:1-10)

Let us meditate on the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus. The name ‘Zacchaeus’ is a Hebrew name meaning, ‘pure’ or ‘innocent.’ But the man of Jericho named Zacchaeus was far from innocent, for he was an extortioner, who enriched himself as the chief tax collector. Jesus, the real pure and innocent, was passing through Jericho. Zacchaeus, though he was rich, had a longing deeper than what wealth could afford. “And he sought to see Jesus”, the One in whom the meaning of his name is fulfilled; the One whose message offers the satisfaction that gives meaning and value to our lives, the message of eternal life.


Zacchaeus made several efforts to see Jesus. It was as if he wanted to behold the ‘meaning of his name’, the meaning and fulfilment of his life in Jesus. But natural limitations and human obstacles made it difficult for him, because the crowd was too much, and he was small in stature. He had every reason to give up, just as some of us do when we encounter difficulties in our vocations, moral life, and career. Zacchaeus continued to press forward: “So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass that way.” This kind of effort comes from a man who recognized within him a yearning stronger than the obstacles. In addition, for a man of his repute to climb a tree just catch a glimpse of Jesus is a humble gesture. Meditate on how the man’s perseverance and humility took him to that spiritual height where his human capacity could not reach, and above that barrier, which his natural capabilities could not overcome.

 

“And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” Again, meditate on the humility of Jesus, who had to suspend his journey, abandoned the clamour of the multitude, and settled in the house of this one short man! Zacchaeus made effort, but Jesus made it possible. In this encounter, see a display of the divine wisdom expressed in the first reading that God is merciful to all. He can do all things, and He overlooks men’s sins so that they can repent. “Therefore, you correct little by little those who trespass, and remind and warn them of the things wherein they sin, that they may be freed from wickedness and put their trust in you, O Lord.” In the joy of this encounter, Zacchaeus made another effort to be ‘pure and innocent’ like Jesus by offering to give alms to the poor, and to restore in fourfold whatever he extorted from anyone. Jesus fulfilled this effort by granting him the greater offer of salvation, and restored him to the dignity of “a son of Abraham.” Jesus has restored his identity; Zacchaeus is now truly ‘pure’ and ‘innocent.’

 

Yes, “The Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” Awareness of the emptiness within should inspire us to long for deeper satisfaction. An honest search for truth is the right step forward. There are so many limitations and obstacles on our way. Our prayers are often marred by distractions and inconsistency. The little knowledge of God we possess is frequently eroded by secularism. However, we should make some humble efforts and persevere like Zacchaeus. If we climb the ‘sycamore tree of humility’, we will see Jesus! That is why St. Paul explains in the second reading that God will make us worthy of His call, and fulfill every good resolve and work of faith we have begone, “So that the name of Jesus may by glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen.  

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday October 30, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

Thursday, October 27, 2022

THE ARMOUR OF GOD

Meditation for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eph 6:1-9; Lk 13:22-30)
Before rounding up his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul gave some words of encouragement to the people of God saying, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” He reminds us that we are in a serious spiritual warfare, and should be prepared accordingly. “For we are not contending against flesh blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” We cannot contend them with human strength or intelligence. That is why St. Paul insists we must put on the whole armour of God, which is the only way we can resist and conquer. This victorious armor of God consists in the following: 1. The belt of truth 2. The breastplate of righteousness 3. Feet shod of the gospel of peace 4. Shield of faith, which covers you against the darts of the evil one 5. The helmet of salvation 6. The sword of the Holy Spirit, which is the word of God 7. Perseverance in prayer.

 

At a time like this, we have more noisy Christians, who tend to reduce prayer and the Christian life to selfish gains and miracles, many may not be conscious of the real battle. The spiritual war is fault in the hearts of men and women; the real war is to control the mind and erode human conscience. That means the soul of man is the treasure that the enemy is battling for. That is why people like Herod, who threaten and persecute the flesh, instill fear so that people will not apply the spiritual armor necessary to protect the soul. But Jesus courageously replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.”

 

We see in Jesus the courage we need to stand firm with the whole armor of God. We do not fight alone, God defends us; in fact, if we take up the armor of God, we will realize that Jesus had won the battle for us. That is why the people of God, chosen as members of the Body of Christ, the Church, are victorious people. “In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rm 8:37).

 

 Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Thursday October 27, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com