The Wisdom of Divine Providence

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

In the first reading, St Paul reminds us that the wisdom of this world is folly with God. If we approach God with human way of reasoning without surrendering to His divine wisdom, we will be deceiving ourselves, and make it easy for others to deceive us. One of the easiest ways people are deceived today is in their understanding of prosperity and divine providence. There is this human calculation that most modern ‘church owners’ teach their members, making them believe that prayer is a sort of ‘prosperity bank’, where they can go to cash out wealth and progress. They make it look as if prayer is an investment for earthly wealth and wellbeing.

 

As we meditate on the gospel, we see how divine wisdom is displayed in the abundance of harvest granted to Peter and his companions. And that divine grace that enriched Simon and his companions is very much available for us today. These fishermen worked all night but caught nothing. It was like a wrong investment, a wasted effort! In our society today, someone might say they were bewitched with bad luck. In their disappointment, they started washing their nets to go home. Then, Jesus used one of their boats to preach. Though they did not know Him at that time, Peter and his companions were still kindhearted to allow Jesus use their boat as much as he wanted. That means they did not allow their ‘failed mission’ to define their disposition and behavior towards others.

 

After He finished preaching, Jesus said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” These gracious words are what we hope to receive from Jesus as we step forward into this new month, and as we carry out our daily responsibilities. Peter, who believed in hard work, said to Jesus, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” He went back to the sea and caught a lot of fish. This great harvest is the fruit of divine providence, which many of us are praying for. As we meditate on this event, we come to understand that the great abundance that Jesus bestowed on them was not given arbitrarily, nor was it given contrary to the order of nature. The blessing was bestowed upon their expertise as professional and committed fishermen. Secondly, it was built upon their good moral behavior. Thirdly, it was bestowed upon their faith and obedience to Jesus as the ‘Master.’

 

According to the first reading, “Let no one deceive himself.” If you are praying for a breakthrough in your finances, are you working hard in your enterprise? Do you have integrity and moral uprightness? Do you have genuine faith in Jesus, or, you believe in Jesus for your own interests? Like Peter and his companions, you shall be astonished at the great abundance the Lord has prepared for you. And after receiving these blessings, “They left everything and followed Him.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Thursday September 1^st, 2022.

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The Lonely Place of Solitude

Meditation for Wednesday of the 22^nd Week in Ordinary Time
(1 Cor 3:1-9; Lk 4:38-44)

In our meditation today, we trace Jesus’ missionary journey as He entered Simon’s mother-in-law’s house. He cured her of fever, and attended to the crowd that brought so many sick people to Him. Imagine Jesus attending to people all through the night till early morning. “So, when it was dawn, He departed and went to a lonely place.”

 

Silence speaks! And we can even hear its sound more clearly as Jesus steps up to the place of solitude. The ‘lonely place’ is opposed to the ‘noise’ and stress of daily life. So, it becomes a place of ‘rejuvenation’, where one regains strength and is refreshed. It is a place where one is alone to himself and to his environment. Thus, the lonely place of solitude is not a place of loneliness because the man in such a place is actively engaged by being attentive to himself, his environment and above all, to God. But within the cloud of silence that overshadows the place, the man of solitude surrenders to the divine presence. Being overly aware of and attentive to the divine presence becomes the distinguishing factor that makes the place solitude have such a great impact on the person.

 

Most importantly, for one to step into the place of solitude in imitation of Jesus and out of love for Him, raises the meaning of the ‘lonely place’ from a point of location to a moment of encounter with the divine presence. That means we can enter this moment of solitude being conscious of the divine presence and attentive to it. And such moments of silence can be set aside from our busy schedules, even without changing location!

 

Such moments of silence—the lonely place of solitude—are awesome! One can gradually develop it into a routine, and later form it as a habit. This regular practice will definitely help one to grow spiritually and to conquer vices. But one who desires to enjoy the lonely place of solitude must make sure he is not ruled by the desires of the flesh. St Paul says in the first reading that we should not be immature by living in the flesh, full of jealousy and pride. Instead, we should be matured spiritual men, knowing that it is God who gives growth, and we surrender to Him. And this is easily achieved when we walk in the footsteps of Jesus into the lonely place of divine encounter. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday August 31^st, 2022.

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HUMILITY AND CHARITY

 HUMILITY AND CHARITY

Meditation for the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

(Sirach 3:17-20, 28-29; Heb 12:18-19, 22-24; Lk 14:1, 7-14)

Humility and charity are the two wings on which the authentic Christian life is carried along. Humility fuels charity, for a meek and humble heart will always deny himself and consider the good of others. Charity is often an expression of humility; it is like the flower that beautifully spreads out the inner life, of which humility is at the centre. Humility and charity make us responsible Christians. They create suitable ground on which every other virtue can germinate and grow. As humility and charity make demands on us, so also they bring us every heavenly blessing.

The first reading underlines the preeminence of humility. The author says, "My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved more than a giver of gifts." It brings God's favour; the Lord reveals His mysteries to the humble. That means the knowledge of God that makes faith strong comes to the humble of heart. Humility unlocks blessings and makes one great. And the greater you become, the humbler you should be. The downfall of many people today can be traceable to pride! The first reading explains that where humility is lacking, a plant of wickedness germinates, though it might not be perceived immediately.

In the gospel, Jesus gives practical demonstration of humility and charity. He says when invited to a feast, do not honour yourself by taking the exalted place. Instead, put yourself at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may honour you. Do not exalt yourself to avoid shame and embarrassment. Even when you feel you deserve the honour, do not crown yourself. What is demanded of us is humility, exaltation comes as a free gift. "And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). 

Jesus said to the man who invited Him, "When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid in the resurrection of the just." For one to perform such act of charity without expecting anything in return he must be humble of heart! Whatever is offered in humility and charity has an eternal value. 

Meditate on the great exaltation that humility and charity give to those who practice them! Think about how these virtues help us to overcome the unnecessary drama of life, the numerous challenges we conquer through them. They connect us to the grace of the resurrection and bring answers to our prayers. In humility we contemplate the mysteries of God, and in charity we live out the grace that has nourished us. Thus, the Second reading talks about this great exaltation as coming to "Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven..and to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant. Amen.

THE NARROW DOOR OF DISCIPLINE

Meditation for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Is 66:18-21; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13; Lk 13:22-30)

Freedom without responsibility is destructive; growth and progress without going through a process is deceptive. Still, these are some of our greatest temptations, and a trap for young minds.

 

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah announced that God would gather all the nations and tongues to see His glory. His message was exalting and ceremonial, for he said that all nations will gather as an offering to the Lord, like cereal offering in a clean vessel to the house of the Lord. From the gospel, we understand that those that will be gathered to see the glory of God are the redeemed, they shall come from every corner of the earth. So, the real question is: what must I do to be counted among those that will behold the glory of God? Jesus said, “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” And once this great opportunity is lost, it cannot be reversed.

 

The second reading makes us to understand that the narrow door that leads to the joy of the Kingdom of God is ‘discipline.’ It says, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by Him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” Thus, discipline is an act of love, and a training for success. An easy and undisciplined life ends in pain and agony. “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” That is why the branches of the True Vine are pruned by the Father so that they can bear more fruit (Jn 15:2).

 

Meditate on the narrow door of discipline that puts restrictions to our movements, and does not allow everything to pass through! We easily gather many baggage of emotions, thoughts and behavior. Discipline is the ‘door’ we must fix on our hearts and minds so as not to allow everything to enter in, and to restrict the wanderings of our hearts and minds. This is how we can know true freedom, and achieve sustainable growth in progress in every aspect of our lives.

 

Above all, discipline makes us strong and to persevere in our endeavors, commitment, and our journey towards the Kingdom of God. It brings healing, “So that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” It is by discipline that we can correct our errors and retrace our steps. Yes, when we walk through the narrow door of discipline, we learn to carry our cross, and draw strength and victory from the Cross of Jesus. The door of blessedness will not be shut behind us, rather, the gate of Heaven shall be opened for us; we shall enter in and dine at the table in the Kingdom of God. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi, Lagos.

Sunday August 21^st, 2022.

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THE CONSUMING FIRE OF LOVE

Meditation for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

(Jer 38:4-6, 8-10; Heb 12:1-4; Lk 12:49-53)

Think about the persecutions Jeremiah had to face as he delivered God’s message to the people. He was reminding them the consequences of their evil behaviour, thereby calling to repentance. Words of discipline always sound discouraging and threatening to those who do not want to change their evil ways. The princes conspired against Jeremiah, and convinced the King that the prophet was against them. King Zedekiah handed him over to those evil men, and they cast Jeremiah inside a well.

 

Another man went to the King and condemned the action of the princes. Zedekiah listened to him, and ordered that Jeremiah should be pulled out of the cistern. Think about the extra ordinary courage this Ethiopian servant had that made him to approach the King! There must be an irresistible fire within, urging him to confront the lies of the princes, and daring him to face the consequences of challenging the decision of the king.

 

Such is the fire that Jesus talked about in the gospel, saying, “I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled.” Yes, God is a consuming fire (Heb 12:29). He ignites in us that irresistible urge to break barriers, confront unjust structures and stand for the truth of the gospel. The word of God is like fire (Jer 23:29). This inner energy moves us to resist even our most intimate human attachments like father, mother, brother or sister, whenever they tend to be obstacles to the fulfilment of the will of God.

 

Jesus says, “I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished!” While introducing Jesus, John the Baptism said, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Mt 3:13). As the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles in forms of tongues of fire, they were filled with this irresistible energy that moved them to proclaim the gospel without fear of opposition (Acts 2:1-4). This is the fire Jesus promised to cast upon the earth. It is the perfection of the burning bush Moses encountered, where the fire was blazing but the bush not burnt up (Ex 3:2). This divine fire does not destroy our individuality and freedom, but it energizes us with a love stronger than our earthly attachments.

 

Therefore, the second reading urges us to lay aside every sin and distraction, “Looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross.” From the Cross, Jesus won for us the strength to overcome every hostility. Love for Jesus must overshadow our hearts, for it is from His victory that we can overcome. That means this irresistible fire of the Holy Spirit must first overcome our individual internal self-imposed obstacles and attachments before we can move ahead to confront external oppositions. And this requires a total self-surrender to Jesus in love.

 

And this love is so strong and overpowering that we can face every opposition and resist every attachment that is not in line with the truth of the gospel. Meditate on the joy of the Lord in seeing men and women consumed with the fire of His love. Think about His eagerness to supply and refill that inner strength to resist every hostility beginning with our own human desires. He is already consumed with love for us and for His Father’s house (Jn 2:18). So, we humble ourselves and allow the love of Jesus to urge us on (2 Cor 5:14). Hence, we continue to stand for the truth of the gospel, resisting and overcoming every obstacle. “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday August 14^th, 2022

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TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN

 Meditation for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Wisdom 18:6-9; Heb 11: 1-2, 8-9; Lk 12:32-48)

We all like free gifts, but how much value do people attach to things that did not cost them anything? It is obvious that the value we attach to things is closely related to the extent of the commitment and sacrifice associated with it. What if God’s gracious gifts and salvation do not require any form of commitment from us? They will become of less value to us.

 

God goes ahead of His children in showing commitment and faithfulness. He alone gives us gifts of eternal value, and gifts of the highest value. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom talks about God’s fulfilment of His promise to Israel of old. The deliverance of the righteous and the destruction of their enemies were achieved at the same time. The same act that proved God’s love for them, was the same that put their enemies to shame. In response, the people offered sacrifices, and with one accord agreed to the divine law.

 

Now, God’s one act of deliverance for His people is offered in a perfect way in Christ Jesus. By the one perfect offering of Jesus, the righteous are saved from the grasp of their enemy, Satan, and the Kingdom of God is given to them. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” The response we give is faith in the one who has given us this perfect gift. The second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Such assured hope in Jesus Christ becomes our way of life. By this one expression of faith, we thank God for delivering us from the hands of our enemies, and at the same time, we embrace the great gift of His Kingdom.

 

Such a life that is guided by faith in Jesus will definitely place the Kingdom of God as its highest value. And to demonstrate that God, His righteousness and His Kingdom is highest value, we must detach ourselves from earthly possessions. Thus, Jesus says in the Gospel of today, “Sell your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, and with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Obviously, by the same act with which we discipline ourselves and control our attachment to material things, by the same also do we demonstrate our love and value for the treasures of the Kingdom of God.

 

There must be some physical commitment in the order of our lives of the faith we have in Jesus, and the hope we have in His promises. What we sacrifice to show our love and commitment cannot be equal to the great gifts that await us as Children of the Kingdom (Rm 8:18). Our ultimate and greatest self-sacrifice should be directed to that which is of the highest value. Jesus says, “Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more.” Now we see why God will now allow His children to be taken over by evil, since He has offered Himself in Christ Jesus for our salvation. To those who receive this good news and respond in faith, the second reading says, “Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday August 7^th, 2022.

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