VESSEL OF DIVINE VISITATION

Meditation for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Zeph 3:14-18; Lk 1:39-56)

Today we celebrate the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth. Coincidentally, this feast marks the end of our May devotion to Mary. Among many other biblical encounters, why did the Church craft out this particular event and turned it into a celebration?

 

The visitation of Mary to the house of Zachariah is a landmark encounter in the history of human salvation. It was not a coincidence, but part of God’s plan, and an important event that shines out the hidden mystery of Christ. After the Angel Gabriel explained to Mary how the Incarnation would come about through the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, he gave a practical example to show that with God all things are possible. The Angel said, “Your cousin Elizabeth also, in her old age, has conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month” (Lk 1:36). Mary gave her fiat, saying, “You see before you the Lord’s servant, let it happen to me as you have said.” As the Angel left, Mary set out quickly to visit Elizabeth.

 

This visitation became a landmark demonstration of God’s power to make the incarnation possible, the God who does what human mind cannot comprehend. In the visitation to Elizabeth, we see Mary’s fiat in action; an immediate and quick response to God, with whom all things are possible. And this response of faith demonstrates her humility. God’s mighty power shines out on His faithful and lowly servants.

 

Mary stepped into Zachariah’s house full of grace, overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, and as mother of Jesus. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the child leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” We see how Mary became a VESSEL through whom the blessings God bestowed on her reached Elizabeth and the baby in her womb. This visitation became a special moment of encounter in which Elizabeth became the first to recognize Mary as the mother of God. And John the Baptist had a divine touch in the womb his mother.

 

The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth was a unique and special event that is worthy of celebration. We cannot forget nor allow such a great mystery of salvation to pass us by. It highlights the first response of humanity to the mystery of the Incarnation. We see here how God, who came to dwell among us, dissolves the graces of our salvation even through those who believe in the fulfilment of God’s promises.

 

Therefore, Mary steps in as Spiritual Vessel, Vessel of honor, singular vessel of devotion and vessel of joy! The echo of her Magnificat continues to resound in our hearts, and adorn our celebration today. Her visitation becomes an acclamation that God can do all things. He can exalt the lowly, fill the hungry with good things and show mercy to all generations forever. In our celebration, we recognize the special favor God has bestowed on Mary, and honor her. She said, “Henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” In this feast, we express our desire for divine visitation in our lives, families, nation, and the world at large. Therefore, let us continue to invoke Mary’s Perpetual Help, for she is that special Vessel through which we can have divine visitation. Amen.  

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Tuesday May 31^st, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

www.soundofsilence.ng

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Heaven is the Goal

 Heaven is the Goal
Meditation for the Seventh Sunday of Easter
(Acts 7:55-60; Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20; Jn 17:20-26)

Do people still have their two eyes closed in prayer, in contemplation of divine mysteries and the glory of God? Modern man has eaten the fruit of knowledge, the only issue is that we know less about the mysteries of God. Many people that flood church programs have their one closed in prayer, and the other eye opened to see miracles or quick solutions for their problems. When this miracle is not forthcoming, despair sets in, and some people may abandon their faith or become aloof to spiritual matters. When religion is reduced to only solving human problems, it becomes a problem unto itself. In other words, if heaven is not the goal of worship, even prayer will appear to be part of our problem too.

 

The first reading of today says, “Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Think about a committed religious man like Stephen, over whom heaven opened to directly at his most difficult moment, yet, his enemies cut short his life! It seems his prayers did not attend to his immediate human needs at that time. At least, that is how it appears if we look at his practice of faith from the point of view of problem-solving. But Stephen himself understood that heaven is the goal! This he demonstrated by commending his soul to Jesus, and asking for forgiveness for his persecutors.

 

With his eyes gazed into heaven, and by seeing Jesus, Stephen took the particular posture that ought to characterize Christian worship and exercise of faith. The eyes that are opened to heaven should be closed to earthly life! Then the heavenly light gives vision and life to man here below. That is why the vision of John in the second reading saw Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, the Bright morning star. In his hands is the solution and answer to our prayers here below, for He says, “Let him who is thirsty come, let him who desires take the water of life without price.” Heaven remains the ultimate answer to our every prayer; heaven is the goal!

 

Therefore, in His farewell message, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and prayed for His disciples and for all the faithful who would believe through their preaching.  He said, “That they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Jesus prayed that the unity of the Trinity be lived out in the unity of believers. And believers can only replicate this divine unity by lifting up the eyes of their faith to heaven. With such uplifted heart and mind into the divine glory, believers can worship God for His own sake, and view their earthly affairs with the vision of heaven. In this way, they can have a COMMON VISION despite their differences and variety of activities.

 

Thus, if heaven is the goal of our worship and action, it gives all believers a common vision of life, which gives birth to unity among believers. But there is so much disunity among Christian families and church communities today. This is a sign that we have other hidden visions of life apart from those inspired by heaven. It shows that not all who claim to believe have their eyes gazed to heaven as their goal. Still, the desire of Jesus for all believers is for them to be with Him in Heaven, to behold His glory. Let us meditate on this awesome desire of Jesus for us, and mingle it with our human desires! Then, His love and unity will shine out in us, in our families and society. Jesus says, “O righteous Father…that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday May 29^th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

www.soundofsilence.ng

 

Ascension Ground

 

THE ASCENSION GROUND

 THE ASCENSION GROUND

Meditation for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year C

(Acts 1:1-11; Heb 9:24-28, 10:19-23; Lk 24:46-53)

Within forty days after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, ate and drank with them, and familiarized with them. He strengthened their faith in the resurrection, prepared them for the mission ahead, and taught them to await the coming of the Holy Spirit. His final apparition ends with the irreversible entry of His humanity into divine glory in the presence of His disciples. The disciples gazed in wonder as their Master ascended above. They were given the opportunity to witness this glorious moment so that they would believe and bear witness.

 

In our meditation, we raise up the eyes of our faith in union with the apostles to where our Master is seated in glory. Today, we stand with the apostles on the Ascension ground, with our hearts and minds gazing into the clouds of glory. As He goes, we remember His words to Nicodemus, “No one has gone up to Heaven except the one who came down from Heaven, the Son of man” (Jn 3:13). So, His Ascension explains His origin. His lifting up on the cross is now completed by his lifting up into Heaven. The bodily ascension of Jesus gives humanity a ‘space’ in God; Christ goes ahead to prepared a room for us in His Father’s house (Jn 14:2).

 

From the Ascension ground, we gaze with the apostles into the highest heavens, as Jesus, who offered Himself to the Father for us, is now dwelling in perfect glory with the Father. As the second reading says, the sanctuary where our prayer is answered, has become the dwelling place of the High Priest, through whom our prayer is offered. Therefore, Jesus’ bodily Ascension has become our assurance in sharing in the one eternal sacrifice in the Eucharist. Thus, our gaze in faith from the ascension ground is given life in our eucharistic gaze at the elevation of the bread and wine.

 

Though He ascended, Jesus did not separate from His disciples. His ascension becomes His elevation; He is still present among His believers through the Holy Spirit, who animates the believers in the words of Jesus. So, our gaze of faith in the celebration of the Ascension becomes our living experience, since our thoughts are inspired by the Holy Spirit, and our actions are powered by the words of Jesus. In this way, our daily lives silently await the fulfillment of the message of the angel to the apostles on the Ascension ground, saying, “This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.”

 

It is as if every day we are standing on the Ascension ground as our words and actions reflect the divine presence of Jesus, and at the same time, they are filled with hope in His second coming. As the apostles were filled with joy at the good news of the Ascension, so do our worship and adoration spark up our hearts with joy, consuming all our fears and worries, and energizing us to go forward and bear witness. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Thursday May 26^th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.

Discerning Spirit

 

FOUNDATION OF LIFE

                                                             FOUNDATION OF LIFE

Meditation for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C

(Acts 16:11-15; Rev 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn 14:23-19)

What is the foundation of your life? What is the principle from which you draw inspiration to act? We all have a certain backup plan, which silently gives us certain moral, mental or emotional courage to push forward. Ordinarily, it is expected that one’s faith should be his source of inspiration and the foundation of his existence. Often times, wrong approaches to faith and inordinate human desires tend to land us on false foundations of life. Moments of tribulation expose the hidden foundations of our life, and test their durability and authenticity. People of this generation seem to be in a hurry to achieve success and greatness, such that they do not create time to build capacity and enduring foundation for their lives and wellbeing. Jesus said that a foundation not laid on the rock collapses (Lk 6:47-49).

 

As part of His farewell message, Jesus prepares a solid foundation for His disciples. In today’s gospel reading, He anchored their hearts and minds on love, the Holy Spirit and peace. He says, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” That means, Jesus is always present to those who love Him. And those who make this love the foundation of their lives will always stand secure in Christ. To make the love of Jesus the foundation of our lives is to put His words to action. We see this love in action in the first reading, as the apostles removed unnecessary burdens from the Gentile believers, and allowed them to maintain their unique identity.

 

Another foundation Jesus laid for us is the gift of the Holy Spirit. He said, “But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” The departure of Jesus would not create a vacuum because of the coming of the Holy Spirit. He will become the living memory of believers, prompting and inspiring them to live out the words of Jesus. This inseparable bond between the Church and the Holy Spirit is a principle of life for every believer. Addressing the Gentiles about the issue of circumcision, the apostles said, “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.”

Thirdly, He gave them the gift of peace, saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” The life and ministry of believers must be rooted in the peace of Christ. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7). In the first reading, we see how the apostles quickly resolved the misunderstanding about circumcision, and restored peace. This action is a clear indication that Jesus laid for them a solid foundation of peace. A religion with a violent foundation will always promote violence! The peace of Christ is rooted in the heart, and it germinates with the life of believers.

Jesus says, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” The body of Christ, the foundation of our lives is laid on a solid rock. Meditate on the city of God, the new Jerusalem described in the vision of John in the second reading. This heavenly city is filled with the glory of God, radiant like rare jewel and clear as crystal. It is well protected with a high wall, with twelve gates and twelve angels. “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” The Lord Himself was the temple of that city, and the glory of God was the only light that brightened the place. This vision of the new Jerusalem captures the life of a believer, who laid the foundation of his life in Christ Jesus, and walks in the Holy Spirit. He will have no cause of shame, and he will overcome every fear. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Sunday May 22, 2022.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

Streams of Love

"PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU"

"PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU"

Meditation for Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

(Acts 14:19-28; Jn 14:27-31)

‘World peace’ is still an idea that is far from reality. While we face many conflicts and terror, beginning from the family to the larger society, the human heart yearns for peace! Sometimes violence erupts in the name of peace making! Without peace, man cannot live out his full potentials, and human dignity can easily be trampled upon. Despite the increasing noise of violence, the silent voice of peace continues to survive. Peace has a hidden strength and weight that disgraces the empty uproar of conflict.

 

Now, think about the experience of St Paul in today’s Mass reading. The Jews stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But he survived. The next day he continued his mission in another city, accompanied by Barnabas. His experience became a message of encouragement, for he said to the people, “Through many tribulations, we must enter the Kingdom of God.”

 

It is obvious that St Paul found peace despite the violence that was projected at him. Maybe we need to review our idea of peace from this example. And listening to Jesus in the gospel of today, we get a new and deeper understanding of peace. He said to his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” We see now that peace is a divine gift, which are asked to be open to, and receive freely. So, a world that shuts God out of its affairs cannot know peace! A heart that is not attuned to God cannot be open to peace.

 

The peace that Jesus gives is different from the worldly understanding of peace. The peace the world gives is that of ‘convinence.’ Sometimes, here peace is reduced to mere tolerance and absence of conflict. The world applauds itself of having achieved peace where peoples’ lives are not in touch with one another, and individuality reigns. At the end, survival of the fittest becomes the order of the day, and the temporary peace vanishes. But the peace that Jesus gives is different.

 

Jesus offers us a peace that goes to the human heart, and conquers hatred and division. A peace that is received as a gift, uplifts the hearts and reaches out to the neighbor. Thus, the peace of Christ is the fruit of love and justice. Such a peace does not hide from my neighbor, but it overcomes the barriers of division. This peace that is stronger that human hatred can only come from our union with God.

 

The silent voice of peace pierces through with great might, yet it conquers hatred, division and violence with calmness gentility. Therefore, peace is a major part of our prayer this day, since we look up to Jesus to bestow it upon us as individuals, in our families, our country, and in the world at large. And peace is still our answered prayer today, for Jesus Christ has already given it us, though we are yet to receive its fullness. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwac Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday May 17th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

DO NOT JUDGE OTHERS

 Meditation for Wednesday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Rm 2:1-11; Lk 11:42-46)

It is often the case that those who readily judge and condemn others are more like to do the same things they condemn. St Paul picks a case against those who judge others, emphasizing that the judgement of God will come upon those who do such things. According to him, we should not take God for granted by presuming upon the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience for ourselves while at the same time condemning others. Whoever does this is storing up wrath of God upon himself. Since God is kind and patient, we have no excuse to judge others, “For in passing judgment upon him you condemn yourself.” On the other hand, those who show patience in good works shall receive glory, honor, peace and eternal life, “The Jew first and also the Greek.”

Focusing on the failings of others is a lot of distractions and unnecessary burden. It makes one a hypocrite. That is why Jesus condemned the Pharisees who focus on external religious shows but neglect justice and love. “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and salutations in the market places.” The Pharisees and the Jews who received this good news of God’s salvation first ought to lead by example, and also to those who have received this message of grace; they are expected to manifest the kindness and patience of God to others. That is why we must not allow external practices distract us from the person of Jesus Christ, whom we are called to imitate and follow. Once we divert from the right spiritual road to take, we shall be wallowing the wrong path of impatience, judging others and over conscious of what others are saying about us.

St Edward, pray for us. Amen.

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

 

Love one another

Love one another

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

               LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Meditation for Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C

(Acts 14:21-27; Rev 21:1-5; Jn 13:31-33, 34-35)

Is it realistic to love everyone? We know that no one can be loved in return by everybody, including those that you showed love and care. Naturally, love diminishes when planted in the dry soil of hate and unappreciation. Human love is selective. But it can cross borders and reach even unfriendly grounds only by divine help. Without this help from above, human love will definitely shrink to selfishness and self-destruction. That is why it is necessary for human love to be open to divine intervention.

Meditating on the readings of today, we see that the divine intervention that uplifts human love comes as an injunction: “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” So, the love of God comes, not nullify human love, but to draw it out of itself to a greater outreach, to reach everyone. The love of God as a commandment becomes the guide and motivation of human love; it is the ‘reason’ and energy that powers the love of believers. To love even as Jesus loved means He had laid down the example to follow, and the principle of love.

 

Jesus’ love for us defined His words and actions, and ministry on earth. Love conquers the self; it overwhelms and consumes the lover. It becomes part of the person, an inseparable identity. Hence, Jesus said to the disciples, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Since love becomes the ‘life’ of the lover, whenever love is reciprocated, a bond is formed. Thus, the divine love that goes ahead of the lover establishes this bond between the believer and God.

 

“The love of God urges us on” (2Cor 5:14). Therefore, the Christian, who goes forth to love his neighbor and to love everyone, comes as one who is already in love (with Jesus), and not as one who comes to discover love in his neighbor! He goes forth as one already trained and empowered by the love of Jesus. This is how believers can love one another and at all times. And this is how they bear witness that they belong to Jesus, for the effects of their love and lives will always be greater than what human love can offer.

 

This bond with Jesus that encounters one another in love is exemplified in the life of Paul and Barnabas, as given in the first reading. These two disciples travelled through many cities and villages, especially in Gentile territories, establishing new churches, and strengthening believers, despite many tribulations and persecutions. Their love for the gospel conquered every obstacle on their way, as the Gentiles appreciated the love shown them.

 

This love that is anchored on the love of Jesus brings newness! Unredeemed human love, with its high boundaries, shortsightedness, and reclining to selfishness, easily gets bored, dissatisfying and warn out. The second reading makes us understand that the newness that the commandment of love brings is a foretaste of the new heaven and earth, and the new Jerusalem. It comes forth like a bride adorned for her husband. To love as Jesus loves mingles men with God; it creates room for the love of God and the kingdom of God to dwell among us. The vision of John becomes a living experience of those who obey Jesus’ commandment of love: their tears will be wiped away, they will overcome mourning and pain, and death will not be their end. The love of God will move them forward so that they will not dwell in the past, and all things shall be new for them.

 

This newness of life that love for one another in Jesus Christ brings is a foretaste of heavenly glory on earth. It is our sharing in the glory of Jesus, in whom the Father is gloried. The world is full of hatred and division; worldly love is myopic, selective and selfish. Jesus has planted His love among us that with Him we can conquer the world, and love everyone and love to eternity. Amen.  

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday May 15th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blgospot.com

DISCERNING VOCATION

 DISCERNING VOCATION

Meditation for Monday of the 4^th Week of Easter

(Acts 11: 1-18; Jn 10:1-10)

Discerning God’s call and discovering one’s vocation in life is not usually easy and straight forward. Being close to God or living a righteous life does not automatically imply one can be flawless in interpreting God’s call. If it is so for the righteous, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? (Cf. 1 Pet 4:18). Some people have taken up ministries, marriages, etc, only to discover along the way that they did not interpret the ‘signals’ properly. This issue is far from being solved since there is no one perfect method to unlock all vocations. Nevertheless, though each call has its unique identity and approach, considering the person and the circumstances involved, the readings of today lay down some principles that can guide one to discern God’s call properly.

 

The first reading tells us how God called Peter to minister to the Gentiles and dine with them. While at Joppa, he saw a vision where a voice asked him to eat animals, reptiles, etc that Jews ordinarily would not eat. Peter tried to resist but the voice said to him, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” Coincidentally, three men appeared at that very moment from Caesarea. This was a PHYSICAL manifestation that God was calling Peter to preach to the Gentiles in that town. Deep within him, he perceived at once that the spirit was URGING him to follow those men.

 

Having a dream or vision is strictly a private experience; it is not enough for one to conclude and act on the message therein as God’s will. Apart from the physical manifestation and the strong urge, Peter had another signal: Cornelius’ vision was in line with that of Peter. This helped the apostle to discern in favor of the vision since the experience is now more than a private issue. He discovered that God was calling him out of his myopic understanding of salvation. God’s call always takes us out of ourselves; it is never selfish. Having discerned in favor of God’s will, Peter began to preach to the Gentiles. However, he continued to discern even in process of his ministry.

 

Peter saw the hand of God at work as he carried out his vocation. He said, “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning.” This was the final signal that convinced him that he was on the right path. Peter described his work as cooperating with God, and allowing God’s grace to flow through him. So, in discerning our vocation, we think in favor of God’s will, His glory and Kingdom. And the will of God comes alive in Jesus Christ.

 

Therefore, our vocation becomes our way of following Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Jesus said, “I am the door of the sheep…if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture…I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” The choices we make to fulfil our destiny in life should be weighed through the righteousness of Christ, and be carried out in favor of His glory. Then, we shall find fulfillment and be fed in greener pastures. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Monday May 9th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

“My Sheep hear my Voice”

 “My Sheep hear my Voice”

Meditation for Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C

(Acts 13:14, 43-52; Rev 7:9, 14-17; Jn 10:27-30)

Today, we celebrate the mystery of Christ as the Good Shepherd. The first reading exemplifies how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, silently leads His flock through the ministry of the Church. Paul and Barnabas met strict persecution in Antioch among the Jews, who became jealous of the Gentiles that gathered to hear the good news. But the two would not give up the mission Christ had called them to; no opposition would discourage them. As Jesus said in the Gospel of today, “My Sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Paul and Barnabas held firm to the word of God, and to the mission that was entrusted to them. Paul described this mandate as to bring the good news to the Gentiles, and to bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth. By being obedient to the word of God, and following Jesus as their Good Shepherd through their commitment to the gospel, the opposition against Paul and Barnabas even helped them to achieve their mission since they travelled down to Iconium, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

 

The revelation of John in the second reading gives us the vision of the great multitude who listened and followed Jesus as their Good Shepherd. This vision indicates the direction to which the Good Shepherd is leading us to. Thus, to follow Him requires that we align our steps towards that heavenly destination. The great multitude is described as coming from every nation, language and people. They all gathered before the throne and the Lamb, who is their only focus. United under the Lamb, they all wore white robes and held palm branches. Their radiant beauty speaks of their victory over tribulations; “They have washed their robes white in the blood of the Lamb.”

 

Unlike Paul and Barnabas, who suffered persecution, those who have reached the heavenly destination around the throne shall bear no more suffering and pain. At this time, the fullness of the Lamb as the Good Shepherd shall be revealed upon them. “He will guide them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

 

That is why it is important for us today to listen to His voice. He promised to lead us on the pathway of life, and to fullness of life. Jesus indicated that the sheep might face threat to life; an attempt to snatch them away and be destroyed. However, those who listen to His voice, and follow Him cannot be misled; they are secure in the Father’s hand. Therefore, through the words of Jesus, the strong arm of God leads us forward over and above every difficulty and life challenges.

 

Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice.” Like Paul and Barnabas, and the Saints in Heaven, we contemplate the face of Jesus through the Gospel. In this way, our minds are fed with His word, and our will is strengthened to follow where He leads. This is how we persevere in our vocation and in good works despite opposition and tribulations along the way. This, too, is how we reach our eternal destination. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday May 8th, 2022.

Good Shepherd Sunday

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"Come and have Breakfast"

 “Come and have Breakfast”

Meditation for Third Sunday of Easter

(Acts 5:27-32, 40-41; Rev 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19)

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the call of Peter and his companions came after a miraculous catch of fish. They abandoned everything and followed (Lk 5:1-11). All was going well until Judas betrayed Jesus and Peter denied Him three times. The death of Jesus brought so much uncertainties that even after His resurrection, the apostles did not know how to carry on with the works of their master. Though Jesus appeared to them a few times as proof that He is alive and present in their midst, they lacked the courage and direction needed for the mission. This situation would last till Pentecost. Before then, Peter and his friends must have been bored, and they tried going back to their old trade of fishing.

 

In the gospel of today, Peter and six other apostles went to the sea of Tiberias for fishing, but they caught nothing all night long. This was a similar experience at the call of Peter earlier. It appears they tried to abandon their call to be ‘fishers of men’ and returned to the old life they left behind to follow Jesus. But it was a wasted effort. Abandoning one’s vocation even at the moment of crisis is usually a fruitless venture. Imagine their frustration and weakness after such wasted effort. Then Jesus came to their rescue!

 

His presence had an overpowering influence on them; they could not describe it in words nor differentiate exactly the man standing at the beach. But with their childlike heart, they responded to him. Then, Jesus said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They obeyed and caught a great quantity of fish. Their attention was drawn up to Him. They recognized Him, and went up to Him. This was like the second call of Peter and His companions, a re-directing of their hearts back to their vocation. Jesus made a charcoal fire and asked them to bring some of the fish. He said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” He fed them to overcome their weariness and prepare them for the journey ahead.

 

At the end of the breakfast, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” As Peter answered ‘Yes’, He said to Him, “Feed my lambs.” Thus, the mission belongs to Christ. Peter’s love for the mission is his love for Jesus. That means he would carry out his mission in the Church as a response to his love for Jesus and in obedience to Him. That is why, in the first reading, Peter answered the high priest, “We must obey God rather than men.” And this is the principle that moves us forward in our different vocations. The human influences that do not surrender to the love of Jesus will always try to stop us, and demand our obedience. The survival of the gospel and any Christian vocation must pass through this battle.

 

Those who persevere in God’s call in Christ Jesus through the gospel shall be counted among the great multitude in the second reading. For all eternity they proclaim the glory of Jesus saying, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!” As we gather at the invitation and command of Jesus, who said to the apostles, ‘come and have breakfast’, we offer up our love, weariness, fears, confusion, backwardness, etc. We renew our love and commitment to our vocation. And in thanksgiving for the nourishment we have received, we echo the angelic voices in adoration and worship. Our lives sing to the glory of Jesus. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday May 1^st, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blgospot.com