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

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

 

 

Models of the Christian Family

Meditation for Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eph 5:21-33; Lk 13:18-21)

Recently, issues bordering on marriage and human relationships are dominating public discourse. Social media has given ample opportunity for more people to air their opinions, irrespective of their traditional or religious beliefs. Almost on a daily basis, we hear stories about divorce, separation, domestic violence, infidelity, etc. However, most weekends are colored with gorgeous couples matching forward to celebrate and showcase their new marriage. St. Paul’s teaching on marriage remains one of the most formative.

As we said earlier, the Letter to the Ephesians talks about the people of God as the body of Christ, the Church; the people chosen and blessed in Christ, equipped with heavenly graces and called to the apostolic life of the Church in their own unique ways, according to His riches in glory. It is on this backdrop that St. Paul teaches about the Christian family as a model of the union between Christ and His Church, and most importantly, the family as living expression (Sacrament) of the union between Christ and His Church. Thus, the Church grows from the family, the small household of God.

 

St. Paul draws models from the mystical union between Christ, the Head, and His Body, the Church, and applied them to the union between husband and wife. It is from this mystical union that the Christian marriage germinates and is sustained. In other words, the choice to have a Christ-centered marriage becomes an expression of our new life in Christ as members of His body, the Church. That is why St. Paul maintains that Christian marriage must be contracted and sustained by the same virtues that exist between Christ and His Body, the Church. These virtues include sacrificial love, submission, cleansing (forgiveness), holiness, and respect. Think about a home with these virtues! These are the graces Christ constantly infuses in the Church that makes it new every day.

 

As Christ and His Body are one, so are husband and wife. “As the Church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her.” As the two are one body, St. Paul explains that he who loves his wife, loves himself, and she who honors her husband, honors herself. “This is a great mystery, and I mean in reference to Christ and the Church.” This great mystery of marriage can be likened to the mystery of the kingdom of God, which grows like a grain of mustard seed, sown in the garden of the hearts of a young couple, and it grew and became a big family tree of life. This growth is nourished and sustained, step by step, by the merits of the mystical body of Christ, even in the midst of trial and persecution.

 

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday October 24, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

CHILDREN OF LIGHT

 Meditation for Monday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eph 4:32—5:8; Lk 13:10-17)

As we meditate on St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, we come to understand the life we are called to in Christ Jesus as members of His Body, the Church. This new life in Christ sets us apart, gives us unique graces and apostolic responsibilities. In today’s reading, St. Paul explains that this mystical union we share in the Body of Christ requires that we coordinate our lives in line with our new identity in Christ. He says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” One who is a member of the Body of Christ must be guided by love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us in sacrifice. There must not be immorality, impurity, covetousness, filthiness, silly talk, levity, idolatry.  St. Paul explained that those who follow these ways of life cannot inherit the Kingdom of Christ, and “It is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”

The rich graces given to us in Christ enable us to make choices for the Body of Christ; we choose the virtues that are in line with our life of grace, and we choose to avoid the immoral ways that are obstacles to that new life in Christ. Each choice we make should be in response and in gratitude to God, who had earlier chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. If we are aware of the great love that chose us in Christ, which now defines our choices, we will never be confused nor make wrong choices.

 

Meditate on the healing of the woman in the gospel of today. Jesus called out to her saying, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” He chose to heal her even on the Sabbath. The Synagogue official opposed Him, arguing that the healing could have waited for any other day than the Sabbath day. But Jesus responded that the woman had been in need for eighteen years. So, her healing and restoration to the dignity of ‘the daughter of Abraham’ was urgent. And the right time for her healing was that moment the grace of God met her need for healing. Such moment of divine encounter cannot be suspended since it is in God’s hands. That means Jesus could not have chosen to transfer the healing another day since the love and grace of God flowing from Him abound for that woman at that moment.

 

As member of the Body of Christ, this love and grace flowing from Jesus abound for us, and help us to make the right choices. It is from there we choose love and the rich inheritance of His kingdom. About sin and immorality, St. Paul says, “Do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday October 24, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE FOUNDATION OF EFFECTIVE PRAYER

Meditation for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; 2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18; Lk 18:9-14)

Though Jesus asked us to pray without losing heart, He equally wants us to pray with the right disposition for our prayer to be effective. Among other things, the readings of today highlight the fact that prayer and our life journey are connected; our life must reflect our prayer and our prayer must speak for our life-experience. That means our daily activities can influence our disposition to pray, and our moments of prayer should energize us from within to be properly disposed in our daily life. That is why in the parable, Jesus praised the tax collector, who humbled himself and acknowledged his unworthiness before God.

 

Effective prayer is one that finds favor with God. And Jesus tells us through the parable that it is a prayer offered with humility of heart. “Humility is the foundation of prayer” (CCC 2559). To be humble means to be true to ourselves and to God. The Pharisee presented a false judgment of himself before God, while the Tax Collector presented a true judgment of himself before God. As the first reading says, “He whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted, and his prayer will reach to the clouds.” It is only services rendered with humility that are pleasing to God. God favors the humble (James 4:6-10). However, pride and humility are not just what we exhibit in prayer, they are ways of life we adopt. And the way of life we exhibit came from particular choices we made over time. In other words, the will of man, our volitional capacity to choose, can be inclined to pride or humility at every instance.

 

Thus, prayer from a contrite heart energizes one to align his desires and choices to a humble living. According to the first reading, “The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord…” So, the Tax Collector would rise from the temple and go out to change his ways accordingly. Effective prayer brings transformation; the answer to our prayers opens new opportunities and responsibilities. If the grace we receive from our prayers is not reflected in our daily lives, then we are hypocrites like the Pharisee. But once we approach God with the right disposition, which is humility of heart, prayer brings sanctification to our lives and activities. It makes us more responsible and responsive to duty.

 

We see a demonstration of this in the second reading. Here, St. Paul recounted how he fought the good fight and finished the race. At the same time, he humbly acknowledged that God gave him strength that made it possible. We see in St. Paul a man who worked so hard, yet he lived humbly before God in faith, trusting in God’s providence and protection. This is unlike the Pharisee, who trusted in himself and praised himself for his achievements. The prayer of such a proud man cannot bring conversion or transformation, for he is not open to God. Let us reflect if our prayers are clouded with self-importance or they open us in humility to God’s sovereignty. Let us not be afraid of placing the will of God and His glory over ourselves and our needs. St. Paul assures us, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory for ever and ever.” Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday October 23, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

Building up the Body Christ

Meditation for Saturday of the 29^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eph 4:7-16; Lk 13:1-9)

As members of the one body, sharing in the one Spirit in Christ, St. Paul explains that “Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” It is not the will of God that any member of the body of Christ become indifferent or inactive. He demonstrates how these unique graces are so precious, since Jesus Christ won them for us through His ascension on high, after he descended into the lower parts of the earth. These specific graces manifest different apostolic duties in us; “And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers.” These gifts are “For the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.”

 

It is obvious from St. Paul’s message that we must discover our own unique position in the body of Christ, and fulfill those apostolic duties. The grace of God cannot be given in vain (2 Cor 6:1). We are a pilgrim people, growing “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” By putting the grace we have received to use, we draw closer to Christ, and at the same time, we help others to mature in faith and knowledge of Jesus. If we are not growing in Christ, we will be like children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles.

 

Think about how many people today claim to be members of the Church but do not actively get involved in the spiritual life of the Church. Such people cannot help others grow in their relationship with Christ. Worse still, they are easily carried away by waves of strange doctrines. That is why we must adjust our lives to give room for the grace we have received to bear fruit. If we do not contribute to the building of the body of Christ, we shall be cut off from the body of Christ like the fig tree in the parable we read in the gospel of today. Hence, St. Paul urged us to speak the truth in love; this is how we grow up in every way into Christ, in whom all the joints are joined and knit together. When each part is working properly, there is growth, and the body upbuilds itself in love. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwe Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Saturday October 22, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

  

The One Body

Meditation for Friday of the 29^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eph 4:1-6; Lk 12:54-59)

Since God has chosen us in Christ, and destined us to be holy and to possess the riches of His grace in the heavenly places, St. Paul urges us to live in a manner worthy of our vocation. It is our duty to adjust our ways of life to reflect our new identity in Christ Jesus. The virtues St. Paul highlighted that we must manifest as those chosen in Christ include lowliness and meekness, patience, forbearing one another in love, eagerness to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Above all, he emphasized the importance of unity. Looking at the level of disunity among families and in the society, we can understand why St. Paul’s message is important for us today. Unity is the victory over selfishness, which is the foundation of every sin. We do not know where the seed of love is sown until unity germinates; unity and peace are the first fruits we pick up from the tree of love. If we are eager to maintain unity as St. Paul said, then we have strong reason to pursue the other virtues, especially love. However, St. Paul wants us to understand that this unity is part of our mystical experience as those chosen in Christ through baptism. That means our commitment to our calling into the one body of Christ will bring about unity. And unity will in turn bear witness that we have been true to the new life we have in Christ.

 

“For there is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.” When our Christian faith can no longer reflect this mystery of unity among us, then it is a sign that something is not right; it is either we have believed wrongly, or we are not true to our faith. As Jesus said in the gospel, we must interpret the ‘signs of the times.’ Look around, you will see the cloud of disunity gathering everywhere. That means we must be more pro-active in sowing seeds of love and the other virtues that nurture unity. Thanks be to God, we have been chosen and blessed to become one body in Christ, the source of every unity. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Friday October 21, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

PRAYING FROM A BURNING HEART

Meditation for Thursday of the 29^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eph 3:14-21; Lk 12:49-53)

St. Paul prays for the Ephesians. This is an important task of the missionary; to pray for those he ministers to. He began his prayer by humbling himself and extoling God, saying, “I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.” He prayed that God, according to the riches of His glory, may strengthen them from within with might through the Holy Spirit. He prayed that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. Then, St. Paul appealed to God that the Ephesians should be rooted and grounded in love, and be filled deep understanding. He prayed that they may be filled with the love of Christ, which surpasses human knowledge, and that they may be filled with the fullness of God.

 All that St. Paul prayed for the Ephesians were what God already willed for them in Christ. He sought for the glory of God, and the manifestation of the life of God in their lives. Sometimes we engage in rigorous prayers asking for so many things but neglecting the true spiritual wealth God has destined for us. The prayer that captures God’s will like that of St. Paul flows from a heart that is already burning with the love of Jesus. Of this love Jesus said, “I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled!” Fire of the love of Jesus, burning silently in the heart, shines out in our prayers and the intentions we offer, and it is lived out in our acts of charity.

 

At the end, St. Paul concluded his prayers for the believers by returning praise to God, who has the power within Him to do far more than we request in prayer, “To Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Thursday October 20, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

Stewardship of Grace

Meditation for Wednesday of the 29^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eph 3:2-12; Lk 12:39-48)

At this point, St. Paul talks about the mandate he received. He described his mission as “stewardship of God’s grace.” The message he preached was given to him by revelation. It was here he received the knowledge of the mystery of Christ that he preached. And through his preaching of the gospel, the Gentiles and all believers have become fellow heirs, and members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. St. Paul said, “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace which was given me by the working of His power.”

 

He talked about his specific assignment to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God. This is to ensure that through the Church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known. All these are to be realized according to His purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord, “In whom we have boldness and confidence of access through our faith in Him.”

 

Meditate on the beauty and humility with which St. Paul described stewardship entrusted to him. The beauty of his work lies in the fact that it is the work of grace, manifesting the hidden purpose of God for all peoples in Jesus Christ. The glory of Christ shines out through St. Paul’s ministry. The humility in his work is obvious as he sees himself at one body with those he ministered to, and to the other preachers. He did not see the special grace and revelation given him as making him more important than others, rather he says, “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints.” This is the attitude and disposition we need to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to us. A wise and faithful servant will carry out his duties with humility; he should not be power drunk nor get drunk with pleasure. “Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. Truly I tell you, he will set him over all his possessions.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday October 19^th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

SAVED BY GRACE

Meditation for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Eph 2:1-10; Lk 12:13-21)

It is popularly said that if you do not know where you are coming from, you may not know where you are going. We do not undertake the journey of life aimlessly; to know where you are going means you know where you are coming from. St. Paul applied this in our spiritual journey too. He had explained earlier that God chose us in Christ to be holy and spotless, and blessed us with the riches of His grace in the heavenly places. From where did we make this move into the life of Jesus to become the Body of Christ? St. Paul says we were walking on the pathway of death through our trespasses and sins, following the course of this world, and obeying the spirit of disobedience. “Among these we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of body and mind, and so we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” This was where we came from.

 

But God, in His rich mercy, out of the great love He has for us, gave us new life in Christ, and raised us up with Him. Thus, God qualified us in Christ to share the riches in the heavenly places, and preserved for ages to come the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness in Christ Jesus. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast.”

 

Now, we know where we are coming from, and where we are going. God took the initiative to give us a new life in Christ. That means the journey of life that began with death is raised to new life in Christ Jesus; the disgrace that came through disobedience and sin is now turned to holiness and the gracious riches of His glory. “By grace you have been saved.” It is important for us not to forget where we came from, so that we can appreciate the more where God is leading us, where He has destined us in Christ even before we came to believe. That means we should be rich in grace, “rich toward God.” That is why Jesus warned against the distraction of greed and the uncontrollable desire to acquire more. Though human possessions and enjoyment are important, human life has a higher value than these. So, we channel our lives to the journey forward, where God has destined us to be co-heirs with Christ for the heavenly inheritance. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday October 17th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

WINNING THE TWO BATTLES

 Meditation for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Ex 17:8-13; 2 Tim 3:14-4:2; Lk 18:1-8)

Let us meditate on the teachings of Jesus about perseverance in prayer. The fact that Jesus, the master of prayer, is asking us to pray and never lose heart, reminds us of the struggle to abandon prayer. But hearing from Jesus that we should not lose heart is already a victory for us; yes, despite the numerous voices that discourage us, the one voice of Jesus is enough reason to carry on!

 

Every prayerful person will agree that prayer does not come easy. We learn it over the years, and struggle with it the rest of our lives. The battle of prayer is like the battle we read in the first reading between Israel and Amalekites. It was a battle fought with human strength and intelligence, but won with the grace that came through perseverance in prayer. Think about the resilience in battle, which Joshua and his men employed against Amalek and his men at Rephidim…Now, compare it at the same time with the resilience in prayer, which Moses, Aaron and Hur employed on the mountain. If we run away at the heat of the battle, how can the victory be won?

 

Meditate on the mingling of the battle of life and the battle of prayer… He who perseveres and wins the battle of prayer will definitely win the battle of life. This is further exemplified in the parable of the widow who required justice from the unrighteous judge. She was faced with the battle of life, where injustice was being meted out to her by her adversary. In addition, she had to confront another challenge of getting help from a judge who had no compassion and was selfish. But this widow had the gift of perseverance in battle; she would not stop confronting her adversary, and she would not give up asking for help. The unrighteous judge had to answer her so that she would not wear him out by her continual coming. Jesus said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God vindicate His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you; He will vindicate them speedily.”

The energy to hold forth in the battle of prayer comes from faith, which is built on the knowledge of God. This knowledge that strengthens faith is received through the Scriptures. That is why wrong interpretation of the Bible or lack of knowledge of it, and misplaced approach to faith, often hunt our prayer life. When Moses’ hands grew weary in prayer, they put a stone under him, and he sat upon it. That is how the knowledge of the Scriptures supplies the support we need to continue in prayer without losing heart. St. Paul says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

 

If we live by the word of God, our faith will be alive; if our faith is alive, we will persevere in prayer. And if we can conquer every obstacle and distraction and continue in prayer, then we shall win the battle of life. Therefore, to pray without losing heart means to align one’s life to the will of God. That is why meditating on the word of God is such a powerful and effective way to persevere in prayer; it helps us to be aware of God’s presence, mingles divine strength with our human efforts, and the victory is ours. Amen.

 

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday October 16th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

The Rich Inheritance

  Meditation for Saturday of the 28th in Ordinary Time, Year C

(Eph 1:15-23; Lk 12:8-12)

In our meditation today, we see how St. Paul expressed joy and gladness over the faith of the Church in Ephesus. He prayed for them that God may give them the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. He asked God to enlighten their hearts so that they may know the hope to which He called them, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and the immeasurable greatness of His power bestowed on those who believe. This is how we are equipped to live out our Christian identity. These rich spiritual inheritances were accomplished for us through the working of God’s great might in Jesus Christ when He raised Him from the dead, and made Him sit at His right hand in the heavenly places. Thus, the Christian is endowed with such blessing and power that is above every authority and dominion on earth, for God has put all things under Christ, “And has made Him the head over all things for the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

 

As Jesus has dominion over all the earth, so also those who have been chosen and blessed in Him shall manifest His life to the world. And it is by faith that we become part of His body, sharing in His life. The joy of being a Christian majorly comes from my response to what has already been given to me in faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, the life a believer should be a pointer and witness to Jesus, in whom the riches of God’s grace is given. This is the joyful witness we bear even at the moment of suffering or persecution.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Saturday October 15, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

To the praise and glory of Jesus

Meditation for Friday of the 28th in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Eph 1:1-11; Lk 12:1-7)

St. Paul continues to expose the identity of the Christian believer as chosen and destined to share in the life of Christ, according to the purpose of God, who accomplishes all things. He wants us to be aware of who God has made us to be in Christ, so that we can coordinate our lives accordingly. St. Paul explains that we have been destined and appointed to live for the praise and glory of Jesus Christ. Those who have heard the gospel and believed in Jesus were sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit, “Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.”

 

The ‘praise and glory of Christ’ is an intimate part of the life of the Christian; in fact, that is what we live for, it is our identity. In addition, that is the evidence we give to show that we have been chosen from eternity and grafted into the Body of Christ. That is why we must be careful where we attach our hearts, for such can determine the kind of fruits we bear. Hence, Jesus said in the gospel of today, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered that will not be revealed or hidden that will not be known.” There is nothing to fear if we remain firm as God’s chosen people. He has richly blessed us in Christ with heavenly blessings. Jesus said, “Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Friday October 14, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE CHOSEN OF GOD

Meditation for Thursday of the 28th in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Eph 1:1-10; Lk 11:47-54)

From today till the upper week, our meditations shall be guided by St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. This letter is addressed to the people of God, called together as one Body in Christ, which is the Church. It is important for us today to listen to St. Paul’s teachings about the Church as the people of God, especially at this time we have numerous churches, prayer houses, miracle centers, evangelical ministries, and increasing number of non-denominational prayer ministries. The Letter to the Ephesians is a masterpiece of theology and spirituality; it will deepen your knowledge of God, the Church, and inspire you to pray.

 

St. Paul began by introducing himself, then he greeted his audience. Immediately, he started tracing the history of the people of God. With joy, he announced that God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing, and chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. The people blessed and chosen in Christ are thus called to become one Body in Christ, i.e., the people of God. Meditate on this great eternal choice in Christ that made us the Body of Christ; it is a choice that pre-dates our existence since it was made before the foundation of the world. In addition, since God leads the way, my Christian journey is movement of grace.

 

God is the master planner of our lives and journey of faith. “He destined us in love to be His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” Now, we see how we have been grafted into Jesus Christ, and become members of His Body. The love, peace and joy of the Lord must be seen in all who have responded to this plan of God for our salvation. Above all, being part of the Body of Christ brings us redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins according to the riches of His grace. As God’s chosen people, He reveals to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of His will, “According to His purpose which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.”

 

Reflect on the mystery of our Christian life as St. Paul explained. Our life in Christ is not conditioned by problems of life or human desires. God’s graces and blessings await us in Christ; by being part of the Body of Christ, He lavishes us with His graces. Just as in the gospel of today, Jesus condemned the people of this generation, who connect themselves by their actions to those who killed the prophets; the blood of the prophets shed from the foundation of the world shall be required of them. But thanks be to God, who chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we might be holy, and connected to heavenly blessings. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Thursday October 13, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

Fruits of the Gospel

Meditation for Wednesday of the 28th in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Gal 5:18-25; Lk 11:42-46)

Finally, St. Paul talks about the fruits of a life guided by the true gospel. There is free movement of the Holy Spirit in hearts nourished by the word of God. That means those who are connected to Jesus in faith through the gospel, are led by the Holy Spirit. In other words, they live spiritual lives, and manifest the fruits of the Spirit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.” If one is an active Christian and these fruits of the Spirit are not within him, it implies he has either abandoned the true gospel or shifted from it.

On the other hand, those who follow the perverted gospel, who trust in their ability to keep the law, will slide away from the Spirit and end in the works of the flesh. “Now the works of the flesh are plain: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like.” St. Paul warns that those who manifest such behaviors shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

In the same way, Jesus condemned the Pharisees who made show of their practice of religion, and emphasized the external practice of the law, but neglect justice and the love of God, which are the works of the Holy Spirit. It means that if we do not allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify our inner selves, and become the internal energy that prompts our actions, we cannot produce the fruits of the Spirit. To such people who produce fruits of the flesh Jesus says, “Woe to you! For you are like graves which are not seen, and men walk over them without knowing it.”

 

At the end, we thank God for St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians. The lessons he taught are very relevant to us today because there are so many fake preachers who go around spreading adulterated gospel messages. St. Paul had given us ways to escape their trap. The ultimate fruits the gospel bear in us are the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life in God’s kingdom. That is why St. Paul concluded today’s reading by saying, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Wednesday October 12, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

Jesus set us Free

Meditation for Tuesday of the 28th in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Gal 5:1-6; Lk 11:37-41)

Having received his revelation from Jesus Christ, St. Paul begins to round up his arguments in favor of the true gospel by directing the attention of his audience to Jesus Himself. He talks about the action of Jesus in saving us, which He did to set us free. If the will of Christ, and the reason for His passion, is to set us free, then the gospel of Christ will definitely bring us freedom. This freedom comes as a gift, unmerited favor, won for us by Christ Jesus. That is why St. Paul said that it is by faith in Jesus that we are qualified to receive these graces God has destined us from the foundation of the world. In addition, this faith in Christ that unlocks heavenly blessings is open to all. That means all who share this faith are one in Christ. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love.”

 

In the gospel of today, we see how the Pharisee, who believed in the external observance of the law, became judgmental against Jesus and restricted himself. Such legalistic life cannot save the whole man, and make him free. But, an act of charity inspired by faith in Jesus, and performed out of love for Him, purifies the whole person, and set him free from within. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday October 11, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

The Guarantee of Freedom

Meditation for Monday of the 28th in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Gal 4:22-23, 26-27, 31-5:1; Lk 11:29-32)

Our meditations on St Paul’s Letter to the Galatians is sliding towards conclusion. At this point, St Paul begins to make demonstrations and give examples to proof his argument. He talks about the two sons of Abraham, one born of the slave woman, the other born of the free woman. “Now this is an allegory: these women are two covenants.” Those who insist that it is by their observance of the law that they are justified are like the children of Hagar, born as slaves. On the other hand, those who accept the true gospel that they are justified by faith in Jesus Christ are like the children of the free woman. “So, brethren, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

 

What is that knowledge of Christ you have today? Think about your understanding of prayer; are you a miracle seeker, or you see prayer as a way of communicating with God. Sometimes human needs and situations in life lure us to pervert the gospel in us. In the gospel of today, Jesus condemned the miracle seekers, saying, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” As we meditate on the readings, we can ‘perceive’ the countenance of Jesus for those who approached Him with the wrong understanding of His presence among us.

 

True faith in Jesus guarantees us the freedom of the children of God (Rm 8:21). This freedom makes our hearts light, bright and beautiful. Wrapped in this cloud of freedom, we can hear the gentle voice of creativity and vision. Then, we can make choices that are authentic and abiding, because it is only in freedom that the human will operates at full capacity. That is why only the free children of God can give genuine worship, and overcome every obstacle. Guided by faith in Jesus Christ, and powered by grace, the free children of God embrace the good times and bad times of their lives without compunction, restriction, etc, since faith assures us that all things work for good for those who love Him (Rm 8:28). Amen.

 

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday October 10, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com