Teach us how to pray

Meditation for Monday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(Jonah 4:1-11; Lk 11:1-4)

One of the disciples said to Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” In response, Jesus said to them, “Father, hallowed be thy name, Thy Kingdom come. Give us this day our daily bread; forgive us our sins…” At this time, we need to ask Jesus anew to teach us to pray. As we meditate on Jesus’ teaching on prayer, we see how He described prayer as a relationship, where we communicate with God as our Father. So, prayer positions us as CHIDLREN OF GOD, and opens us to His divine providence. That means His rulership, sovereignty and righteousness becomes our desire as we say, ‘Your kingdom come.’

Prayer is more about God and His kingdom of righteousness than about our needs. But our needs are part of prayer as we say, “Give us each day our daily bread.” While our needs extend all the days of our life, in prayer we ask only for ‘this day,’ which enables us to look up to God in hope for the days to come as His children. Having asked for ‘daily bread’, then we request for spiritual healing and sustenance as we say, “Forgive us our sins…and lead us not into temptation.” Prayer becomes a lived experience as we share the bread we ask for with the hungry, and forgive those who sinned against us as we ask God for forgiveness.

 

Meditate on how prayer is a wholesome communication that transcends words; it extols God and elevates us above our needs. From the words of Jesus, it is obvious that prayer is a lifestyle, which brings keeps us in touch with both God and our neighbor. The interaction between God and Jonah gives us an example of a man who prays to God, but does not want to assimilate the communication he has with God, and position himself as a child of God. That is why it is not for us to use prayer to ‘impose’ our ideas as Jonah tried. But God, the merciful Father, taught him a lesson that transformed him. So, we join our voices with the disciple to say to Jesus, “Teach us to pray.” Yes, one of the qualities of prayer is that we cannot stop learning about it; and we learn by praying. And every answered prayer is a new lesson in prayer.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.

Wednesday October 11, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

JONAH’S PRAYER FROM THE BELLY OF THE FISH

 Meditation for Monday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(Jonah 1:1-17; 2:1, 10; Lk 10:25-37)

Think about how Jonah, a prophet of God, ever thought he could run from the presence of God. It is interesting and surprising that a messenger of God like him, still needed to be taught that God is everywhere. Jonah was overwhelmed emotionally at the thought of doing good to their enemies by bringing the good news of repentance to them. This is usually the case when the man of faith has to confront overwhelming life challenges, such as sickness, poverty, death, etc. But the journey ‘away from God’ does not reduce the difficulties, rather they multiply. Jonah learnt through the hard way that God is not just everywhere, but He is equally present in the darkest moment of his life, for God heard him when he prayed from the belly of the fish!

Jonah learnt, and found God anew where He least expected it. In human terms, we can liken Jonah’s experience to that of the man beaten by robbers, who found a neighbor where he least expected it, i.e., in the hands of the good Samaritan, who was a foreigner. His own priest, and his brother, a Levite, saw him helpless but passed by on the other side. But the good Samaritan attended to him, paid for his treatment, deposited two denarii for his onward treatment, and promised to come back, passing through that way again to make up for anything that might be lacking for his wholesome recovery. So, the good Samaritan would not stop loving until the wounded man is perfectly restored!

 

Yes, Jonah’s experience has made us realize that God is ever-present, even in the confusion and darkness of our lives. And his three days journey beneath the belly of the fish reminds us of Jesus’ resurrection after three days in the grave. Jesus is ‘God among us’, who brings to us that divine love that heals, pays our debt of sin, leaves behind the deposits of the means of saving grace in the sacraments, and He promised to come back for our eternal perfection. How can we run from His presence? (Cf. Ps 139:7-12). No matter how overwhelmed life challenges may be at the moment, or we might feel beaten and wounded by temptation and troubles of life, let us call on Jesus, just as Jonah did from the belly of the fish, He is ever-present, and His love is endless. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.

Monday October 9, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

The Stone Rejected by the Builders

Meditation for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
(Is 5:1-7; Phil 4:6-9; Mt 21: 33-43)

At the end of the parable of the tenants in the vineyard, Jesus said, “The very stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” The message is simple: a building that is not resting on the cornerstone collapses! It is expected that a builder ought to place his ‘construction’ on the cornerstone. Why did the builders neglect the cornerstone? It is common that the human person does not easily do the right things he knows that are good for him; we are easily distracted and do not often channel our love and appreciation in the right direction.

In the first reading, we hear the story about another vineyard, which was well planted, nurtured and well protected. After all this, instead of producing sweet wine, it yielded wild grapes. The owner was disappointed, and decided to lay it to waste. At the end of the story the prophet said, “For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting; and He looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, a cry!” Thus, the Israelites abandoned the righteousness of God, which was their cornerstone, and they fell into the hands of their enemies.

 

In the gospel, the parable talks about the vineyard, and the tenants to whom it was leased out to. Those tenants cornered all the produce and planned to take over the vineyard from the owner. In their wickedness and greed, they kill the servants of the householder. Finally, killed his son also, hoping that the inheritance would be theirs. But they did not know that the son was the cornerstone, for he was the reason the householder leased out the vineyard to them, and tolerated their excesses. At this point, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus likened this vineyard to the Kingdom of God, which was first entrusted to the Jews, but it is now entrusted to believers all over the world. Just as the householder would hand over the vineyard to new tenants that will produce its fruit, so will God transfer the kingdom and its righteousness to those ready to bear the fruits of it.

 

The second reading urges us not to be anxious about anything so as to avoid building our lives on the wrong foundation, and facing ruin like the tenants. This is how greedy and evil thought germinates. But we should offer everything to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Chrit Jesus.” Jesus is the Cornerstone. As St Paul said in the second reading, let us fix our minds on the righteousness of Jesus so that we can desire whatever is honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, and worthy of praise. Yes, Jesus is in our midst as the true Vine, and we have been grafted into Him as His branches (Jn 15:5). We must avoid anything that distracts us from Jesus so that we can bear fruit to the glory of God. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.

Sunday October 8, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

“Peace be to this House”

Meditation for Thursday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
(Neh 8:1-4, 5-6, 7-12; Lk 10:1-12)

To be aware that any endeavor we engage in may not succeed as we wanted, is one of the greatest armors against failure. Sometimes we over exaggerate success in life, business, friendship, marriage, academics, etc, to exclude every possibility of error or failure. The energy to overcome failure will succeed when we are aware that failure is possible! These thoughts came to me as I was meditating on the gospel of today, where Jesus sent out His disciples on a mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God. It was as if the mission was designed to fail, for He sent them out with the awareness that they may not succeed.

 

Think about the possible obstacles Jesus presented to them as they departed for the mission. How can a lamb be successful in the midst of a wolf, which is out to hunt down the lamb? Still, He denied them financial security so that they cannot ‘buy’ their way out! While the disciples come in peace, Jesus made them to be aware that there may not be a ‘son of peace’ to receive them. So, their good offer might be rejected. As He was sending them out to towns and villages, Jesus reminded them that some towns might not even open their gates to welcome them. It is obvious that Jesus made rejection, vulnerability and insecurity part of the mission, which means their occurrence can no more be counted as failure, instead, they have become part of the success of the mission!

 

Meditate on your own mission, and see how, in the name of Jesus, what ought to be counted as failure, can become part of your success story! The mission of the disciples succeeded, and it is still succeeding, even as the dangers are increasing. Thus, in the first reading, Ezra the priest asked the people to wipe their tears, saying, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Yes, the success of the mission is not dependent on the wolves or hostile towns, but on the fact that, “The kingdom of God has come near you”, and on the fact that the peace and joy of God’s kingdom is available, and can be accessed even through the disciples. Therefore, the proclamation, PEACE BE TO THIS HOUSE, is itself a success even when there is no ‘son of peace’ to receive it.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.

Thursday October 4, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

Meditation for Wednesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
(Neh 2:1-8; Lk 9:57-62)

Let us meditate on the mystery of divine vocation as given in the gospel of today. As Jesus and His disciples were going along the road, they encountered three different people who showed interest in being a disciple of Jesus. The first person presented himself to serve as a disciple. His words were so convincing as he said, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Surprisingly, Jesus turned down the offered. His response to the man shows he could read the man’s mind and saw his attachment to comfort and pleasure. Jesus said to the man, “Foxes have holes, and birds of air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.” The clamor of the crowd around Jesus and His disciples would soon evaporate, and the cheering and excitement would give way to silence and loneliness. Divine vocation is basically a call to be ‘alone with God.” That is why no one takes this honor upon himself.

 

Jesus invited the second person, saying, “Follow me.” This man seemed to be gifted with high sense of duty, which would have been very profitable for the spreading of the gospel, for the said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” The man did not understand that the call to follow Jesus is the one and only responsibility that encompasses every other duty. Thus, our sense of duty must be directed to Jesus, then expressed in our other daily engagements. That is why Jesus replied, saying, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.”

 

The third person seemed to have an attachment to his family and friends. He had made this earth ‘a home’, so, it became difficult for him to open up promptly to a new relationship that would take him away from ‘home.’ This man seemed to be a passionate person, which would have been a good quality to help him bond with Jesus as a disciple and contribute to the building up of the family of God. But he could not release his hands from the grip he had on his human bonds, so he said to Jesus, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” He did not understand that God’s call demands immediate and complete response. Suspension of our response is at the same time a rejection of the call. Therefore, Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

 

Since it is God who initiates the call to serve Him at any level, the dignity of any vocation lies in God. That means our response to the call must respect that dignity. Hence, we cannot put hands on the plough of the kingdom of God but have our eyes fixed on the kingdom of earth.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.

Wednesday October 3, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE

 Meditation for Tuesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

(Zech 8:20-23; Lk 9:51-56)

Aggression and violence are common ways people exert force and exercise their authority. When these are applied, the common response is usually resistance and revenge, which in turn multiplies the aggression and violence and leads to more chaos and destruction. But Jesus teaches us, and demonstrates with His life, that humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness are the right ways to exercise authority and power. However, in the midst of rising tensions, the human person tends to put aside the ‘ways of the Lord’ and quickly resorts to his natural inclination to violence and aggression. At the end, man finds himself empty and powerless unless he follows the true way that Jesus taught us.

In the gospel of today, when the Samaritans prevented Jesus from passing through their village because he was heading to Jerusalem, the two brothers, James and John, said to Jesus, “Lord, do you want us to bid fire come down from heaven and consume them?” Jesus rebuked them. He turned and followed another way. If God gives us such power to call down fire from heaven, it is to defeat evil, and not to destroy our fellow human being or those that oppose us. Even if we do not have such great power, the little power we have in finance, knowledge, health, strength, etc, are readily applied to hold down the weak and ignorant, fight those who oppose us, and to establish our ego and self-importance. Like the two apostles, revenge is easily on our lips and at the tip of our fingers!

 
Jesus rebuked the use of violence and aggression, and He followed the alternative root. And this is the route we are expected to follow. It is in this alternative route of peace that our power and authority shine out. This is because it gently and silently neutralizes every aggression and violence, and renders those who project them powerless. Think about the distraction, waste of time and energy it would have been for Jesus had it been He stopped to take revenge on the Samaritans! The alternative route of peace helps us to be focused on our journey, and it ensures that we get to our destination. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.

Tuesday October 3, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

“CONSIDER HOW YOU HAVE FARED”

Meditation for Thursday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
(Haggai 1:1-8; Lk 9:7-9)

“Haggai” is a beautiful Hebrew name meaning, “Festive.” Haggai’s prophecy came at the end of the Babylonian exile, during the rebuilding of the temple as ordered by Cyrus, king of Persia. He was among the twelve minor prophets, who delivered messages to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, who supervised the reconstruction of the temple. The Israelites encountered a lot of opposition and challenges in the rebuilding (Cf Ezra 4:1-5), which made them discouraged and they stopped the work. Then, the prophet Haggai stepped in to encourage the people to resume the work.

 

Haggai asked, “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Consider how you have fared. You have sown much, and harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill…” The prophet urged them to go back to work on the temple that the Lord God may be pleased with them and blessed them and grant them satisfaction.

 

Pause and meditate on what it means for a Christian of today to live comfortably in his or her ‘paneled house’ and neglect the ‘Temple of God.’ Such can be compared to the situation of Herod the tetrarch, who broke God’s law, beheaded John the Baptist from the comfort of his palace, to protect his pride, and satisfy his wife and daughter. At the end, he lived in perplexity, uncertainty and sadness. Hearing the name of Jesus became a ‘riot’ in the heart of Herod! In the words of prophet Haggai, consider how Herod fared! But if we build up the temple of God by living spiritual lives, and aligning our bodies to the divine law, then, the Lord God will be pleased with us, the Holy Spirit will make His home in us, and the sweet name of Jesus will uplift our hearts. Think about the freedom of heart and the power we shall possess, and the Lord will bless us and satisfy us. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.

Thursday September 28, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

The Enduring Light of Truth

Meditation for Monday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ezra 1:1-6; Lk 8:16-18)

Welcome to the Book of Ezra. The name ‘Ezra’ is derived from the Hebrew word, “Azaryahu”, which means ‘God helps.’ Ezra was a priest and scribe during the return from Babylonian exile, while Zerubbabel led the people in the rebuilding of the temple. This was done with the support of the Persian King Darius. The Book of Ezra is divided into ten chapters, and gives an account of events spanning about 25 years, beginning with the edict of Cyrus in 538 B.C. to the dedication of the temple in 515 B.C. As a priest and scribe, Ezra helped the people in their spiritual and religious reforms by educating them on the laws of Moses, encouraged them to follow God’s commandments and to abandon the foreign lifestyles. 

In the passage we read today, the Lord inspired Cyrus, king of Persia, to make a proclamation urging the people to make contributions for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. He encouraged anyone who is willing to go down to Jerusalem and participate in the reconstruction. It is a marvel that a pagan king, who was once against Jerusalem, would suddenly support its rebuilding. God’s purpose can be achieved in any means possible, even that which was targeted to pull obstruct the will of God can turn out to promote it. The divine illumination cannot be covered!

 

The plan of God shines like light that cannot be hidden. The darkness of the world, the lies and deceit that roars around will be silenced when the light of truth appears. Jesus says in the gospel, “For nothing is hidden that shall not be made manifest, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light.” Thus, we must ensure we are on the side of truth, and allow the light of truth to shine out through us. If we allow unrighteousness to cover the lamp of divine truth God has lit in us, He can still use any means possible to reveal His light and dispel the darkness, just has He use Cyrus to rebuild the Temple.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.

Monday September 25, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

               

“DO YOU BEGRUDGE MY GENEROSITY?”

Meditation for Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
(Is 55:6-9; Phil 1:20-24,27; Mt 20:1-16)

The first reading opens with a striking advice: “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his ways.” In our meditation today, we see how God’s mercy and generosity are the only opportunities we have to encounter the Lord. That is why the prophet Isaiah says, “Let him return to the Lord, that He may have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” So, the mercy of God sustains the righteous man, and gives room for the unrighteous man to seek the Lord and to find Him.

 

The parable of the hired laborers for the vineyard demonstrates the depth of God’s generosity in showing mercy. The story shows how God, the Householder, takes the initiative to give us the opportunity to participate and contribute to His Kingdom. What would have happened to those talented and willing laborers if the Master did not find them out? It would be like laborers who came out to put their skills to use and earn a living, but they stayed idle all by themselves and went back without making any impact and gained nothing in the end! Think about what would have happened to their hunger for life and wellbeing. But the Lord has visited His people; His mercy has given us opportunity, even at the ‘eleventh hour’, to contribute and participate in the heavenly rewards.

 

The prophecy of Isiah is here fulfilled, for God can now be found since we are at the hour of His mercy. Though the ways of God are far removed from the ways of man, just as the heavens are higher than the earth, His love and mercy have bridged the gap, and justified us to receive His generosity. We do not ‘begrudge his generosity’ as the first laborers did when they complained about being paid the same amount as those who came at the eleventh hour. Instead, we rely on His generosity, and abide by it as a rule, and follow it as an example. This is how we become laborers of His Kingdom, using our gifts and talents to contribute to the Kingdom of God, and earn a living by participating in the heavenly riches and at the end, eternal life.

 

As we meditate on the parable, we marvel at such generosity that is beyond human comprehension. Those redeemed by the Master’s love and generosity ought to live in thanksgiving to Him. This is the new life we have in Christ Jesus. That is why St Paul says in the second reading, “Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” We begrudge His generosity by not looking up to His example and following unrighteous ways.  On the other hand, we acknowledge Jesus’ saving generosity by ensuring that our manner of life is worthy of the gospel. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday September 24, 2023

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com 

“DO NOT WEEP”

 “DO NOT WEEP”
Meditation for Tuesday of the 24^th Week in Ordinary Time
(1 Tim 3:1-13; Lk 7:11-17)

On entering the city of Nain, Jesus and His companions met a crowd of mourners moving off the city to bury a young man, the only son of a widow. Being a widow, the woman was in a painful hopeless situation. All the mourners around her could not wipe away her tears. Obviously, she had no reason to live, for that which she lived for had been taken away from her. “And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “DO NOT WEEP.”

The consoling words of Jesus flowed from the depths of His heart, the compassionate heart of Jesus that bleeds at the pain and agony which sin had brought upon humanity. When Jesus said to her, ‘do not weep’, it was as if He was telling her to allow Him weep on her behalf, for that was what He did on the Cross. Thus, the compassion of Jesus is a participation of His life in the situation of the believer. He does not comfort us from a safe disinterested distance; He is GOD WITH US, who dwells among us and shares life with us. As we meditate on the encounter of Jesus and the widow of Nain, we come to understand deeper what He meant when He said, “Blessed are those who mourn; they shall be comforted” (Mt 5:5).

 

Then, Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” The dead man got up and began to speak. Their mourning turned to joy and jubilation. They began to testify, saying, “God has visited his people!” That is why we shall bring all our tears to Jesus, the Comforter, that He may say to us this day, “Do not weep.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday September 19, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

THE FERTILE SOIL OF FAITH

Meditation for Monday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(1 Tim 2:1-8; Lk 7:1-10)

Humility is a natural quality that can be nurtured both by believers and unbelievers. However, faith in Jesus Christ supplies the extraordinary grace that can efficiently sustain and deepen humility in the believer. In today’s Mass reading, we meditate on the role humility plays in strengthening the faith of the believer.

Though faith is a supernatural gift, it grows freely and develops faster when planted in the soil of humility. Thus, humility is the humid soil in which faith grows stronger and yields a rich harvest. Think about the words of St Paul in the first reading: “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarrelling.” Such freedom of expression and gestures towards God can only come from a humble heart, who is not weighed down by pride and arrogance. Humility empties the heart for divine grace to refill. The man of faith, who prays constantly with such freedom, must be humble at heart.

 

In the gospel, Jesus praised the faith of the Centurion. This Roman army commander sent Jewish elders to implore Jesus to come and heal his servant who was at the point of death. The Jewish elders talked about the man’s kindness to them. As Jesus was getting closer to the house, this Centurion sent message to Him, saying, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore, I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.” Think about the humility of this Gentile; while the Jewish elders found him worthy, the man did not acclaim himself worthy. Also, it is great humility for such a highly placed man to take the pains to care for his servant. Here was a man with natural human heart, who did not see his position as an elevation above others. He did not use his Roman power to oppress the Jews. In addition, this Centurion believed in Jesus and in His power to heal.

 

Jesus praised the faith of this army commander, saying, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” While humility is the fertile soil from which genuine faith germinates, faith in Jesus nourishes humility and gives it an eternal value. We may not often have the strong faith we desire. Even the little faith we have can easily be choked by doubt and trials of life. But we can always nurture humility! Then, the mustard seed of faith within will continue to grow and flourish to the glory of God. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday September 18, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

UN-NUMBERED FORGIVENESS

 Meditation for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
(Sirach 27:30-28:7; Rm 14:7-9; Mt 18:21-35)

In our meditation today we reflect on the root and consequences of forgiveness. The readings testify that forgiveness is a divine mandate, which will affect our relationship with God. To understand and embrace the divine root of forgiveness is an important step in forgiving others. Forgiveness is one of the most challenging spiritual exercises. The human person will always want to base forgiveness within himself or around his hurt and feelings. This is one of the reasons it is difficult to forgive, and the reason Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

 

Sooner or later, the human person realizes that his good will and capacity to forgive are not sustainable enough without divine grace. Then, anger, bitterness, grudge, enmity will begin to manifest. The first reading says, “Anger and wrath, these are abominations, and the sinful man will possess them.” These negative energies can make one seek vengeance on his neighbor. But he that takes vengeance will suffer vengeance from the Lord. In other words, forgiveness is a sign indicating the kind of relationship we have with God. That is why the unforgiving servant in the gospel parable was sent to the jailers till he should pay all his debt because that was how he treated his fellow servant. And the first reading asked, “Does a man harbor anger against another, and yet seek for healing from the Lord? Does he have no mercy toward a man like himself, and yet pray for his own sins”

 

Hence, in answering Peter’s question Jesus made us to understand that forgiveness is not centered on the human person, nor does it flow from the hurt one received. Forgiveness is not numbered; it is an example we learn from God, and a gift we receive from Him. As we meditate on the parable of the unforgiving servant, it becomes obvious that those who are indebted to us by their misdeeds or offences remind us that we are all debtors before God, who blesses us with unmerited forgiveness. That means to forgive others is to share with them in joyful celebration and gratitude the mercy of God; it becomes an acknowledgment and witnessing to the divine love that wipes away our debts.

 

In the words of the second reading, to forgive others becomes our concrete demonstration that we do not live for ourselves, and none of us dies to himself. We belong to Jesus, we live and die for Jesus, and not to anyone or to any hurt others must have cause us. That is why forgiveness cannot be numbered nor based on trespasses. But forgiveness is a demonstration of how much we have allowed Jesus to be Lord over us, and thus, count every other thing as loss. In this way, forgiveness becomes our constant witnessing, and great proclamation of God’s mercy and compassion. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday September 17^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

MARY AROSE AND WENT IN HASTE (LK 1:39)

1.0.            Introduction

Mary arose and went in haste to visit Elizabeth after the angel Gabriel’s annunciation of the Lord to her. The angel had told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was with child in her old age, she who was called barren. This was to prove to Mary that with God all things are possible. Then, Mary surrendered to the will of God, saying, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it to me according to your word.” Immediately the angel left, Mary arose and went in haste to visit Elizabeth.

2.0.        Mary Full of Grace

The angelic salutation, ‘Hail, Mary, full of grace’, was more than just a greeting. It captures the whole personality and life of Mary. Chosen from the foundation of the world, she was prepared from the first moment of her existence for the singular purpose of being the Mother of God. Being pure and Immaculate, Mary was full of grace. There was not obstruction or hindrance of communication between Mary and God. As a woman of grace, she could perceive and respond promptly to the will of God. Such unhindered response to the divine will is equally possible because she surrendered totally to the will of God. That means her actions can cooperate with the will of God in a smooth haste.

3.0.        Mary arose and went in haste

So, ‘Mary arose and went in haste.’ This ‘speed’ is not uniquely restricted to her visit to Elizabeth, but describes her overall disposition in doing the will of God; she responds promptly to God. She does not delay in accepting what God wants, and she speedily throws herself into doing that which brings God’s glory. That means God can fulfill His plans through Mary since she makes herself available to God. Thus, the graces of salvation can ‘speedily’ reach us through Mary, for she is always in a haste to fulfill God’s will. We see this in the wedding ceremony at Cana in Galilee, where Mary speedily brought the divine intervention that removed shame from the couple (Jn 2:1-11). That is why devotion Mary helps us to be draw closer to Jesus. With her maternal help, we can get rid of all obstacles that impede our free and quick response to divine grace.

4.0.        Youths go in Haste

Youths are often in haste, especially at this generation. Our adaptation to smart technology seems to have inclined us to expect everything about us to happen in haste. It is as if our blood is boiling as our necks are stretched out for what is coming next! So, we easily forget the past, get bored at the present, but warmed up for the unforeseen future. We are in a hurry; no dull moment! We hardly settle for the present activity before we start hearing the entertaining drums of the next activity. That is why the next level of our lives is often more promising and we are in a hurry to get there. Think about the haste with which youths enter relationships. Worse still is the haste to get rich. Have you noticed that it is becoming difficult for people to pay attention and listen for a few minutes? Our minds are wandering too fast.

The kind of haste we apply these days can bring problems. “Where knowledge is wanting, zeal is not good; whoever goes too quickly stumbles” (Provb 19:2). Haste can lead to poverty (Provb 21:5). To avoid these problems, we learn from Mary, who arose and went in haste to visit Elizabeth. Mary’s example shows that we must be rightly motivated, prompted by grace, and we are out to do God’s will. That means our lives must rooted in God as the solid foundation from which we move. If we do not have the right base, which faith supplies, we can easily hasten trouble and destruction.

Therefore, we do not necessary expect that the youths of these days should be dull or slow, but they should learn from Mary to first remove those obstacles that hinger free communication with God. If we cannot respond promptly to divine grace and in doing the will of God, we can easily be hurried away the pursuit of pleasure and material things.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

CYON Youth Week, 2023

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday September 11^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE WATCHMAN OF FORGIVENESS

Meditation for the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
(Ezek 33:7-9; Rm 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20)

Forgiveness and reconciliation are twine topics that cannot be exhausted. Though they are necessary for our co-existence with one another, they ultimately have eternal value. No matter how much we think we know, or how much we have made up our minds, forgiveness and reconciliation will always be demanded of us at one point or another.

In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel was sent to bring reconciliation between God and the wicked man. God is ready to forgive and reconcile with anyone who turns from his sins. Thus, the prophet Ezekiel was sent as ‘a watchman for the house of Israel’, to warn both the good man and the wicked man about the consequences of sin, which is death. The role of a ‘watchman’ for our brothers and sisters is the disposition we need in order to accompany them to reconcile with God and with one another. The ‘watchman’ is saddled with this responsibility, if he fails, he will bear the consequences of the death of the sinner. But if the ‘watchman’ delivers his message and the wicked refused to repent, then the wicked man will die of his iniquity, but the ‘watchman’ will be saved.

 

In the second reading, we come to understand that the ‘watchful eye’ we must have over one another is LOVE! St Paul says, “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law.” Love becomes that divine mandate with which we can bring about forgiveness and reconciliation. Thus, the ‘watchman’ stands on the ‘tower of divine love’ to look out for others, announcing to them divine reconciliation. He is accountable to the divine love, which motivates him to reach out and reconcile with anyone who must have offended him. ‘To gain your brother back’ can only bring joy to one who already values communion with his brother. The man who goes through the painful process of seeking reconciliation with his brother is a true ‘watchman’ for his brother. If he neglects this responsibility, he will be asked to account for the loss of his brother. But if after all the efforts, the angry one refuses to listen, he shall be treated as tax collector.

 

The journey of forgiveness and reconciliation can only be possible if we walk in the footsteps of Calvery. Love from the Cross of Jesus supplies the strength that can carry us along this process. The Cross is the true tower of love from which the ‘watchman’ stands to bring forgiveness and reconciliation. For on the Cross, the good man died so that the wicked man, who ought to die, may live! So, Jesus is the perfect ‘Watchman’, who reconciles us with God by His cross (Eph 2:16). Having reconciled us with God, Jesus has entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation as His watchmen (2 Cor 5:18). That means our approach for forgiveness and reconciliation should not begin or be based on our personal hurt or shame. This will make it more difficult to forgive. But when there is need for forgiveness, we must remember that we have the responsibility as ‘watchmen of forgiveness’, to reconcile the brother with God, and welcome him back to the communion of believers. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwe Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and paul

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday September 10, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

FROM FISHERMAN TO FISHER OF MEN

 Meditation for Thursday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
(Col 1:9-14; Lk 5:1-11)

The gospel of today narrates how St Peter was converted from an ordinary fisherman to a fisher of men for the kingdom of God. Peter and his companions had an unsuccessful day at the lake of Gennesaret. While washing their nets to close for the day, Jesus stepped into Peter’s boat and use it to preach to the people. Despite having had a frustrated day, Peter’s kindness to Jesus at this point was quite remarkable. At the end of His preaching, Jesus made a more difficult demand from Peter by telling him to go back to the lake to catch fish! Peter’s discomfort at this request was obvious as he replied, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” This response echoes Mary’s words to angel Gabriel, “Let it to me as you have said it” (Lk 1:38).

“When they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish.” Seeing the great catch of fish, Peter’s eyes were opened. His understanding of Jesus moved from ‘Master’ to ‘Lord.’ His vision of himself changed as he humbled himself and realized that he was a sinner. And he came to see the business of fishing that meant a lot to him as not the ultimate priority of his life. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” At the end, they left both the fish and the boat and followed Him.

 

As human beings, if we can nurture and promote kindness, and as believers, be obedient and submissive to Jesus, then we shall experience constant inner transformation. Yes, our eyes will be opened too, and we shall see the goodness of the Lord, and have the right understanding of ourselves, and the right attitude to things around us. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, which transformed Peter from fisherman to fisher of men, is available for us to give us newness of life. According to the first reading, this is how we are strengthened for all endurance and patience with joy, qualifying us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. “God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Thursday September 7, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

   

Commitment

Meditation for Wednesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
(Col 1:1-8; Lk 4:38-44)

Our meditation today followed Jesus along the way as carried out His mission. From the synagogue in Capernaum, He entered Simon’s house, where He healed Simon’s mother-in-law. After that He attended to numerous sick people they brought to Him, stretching out His hands on each of them as He laid hands on them. He faced some oppositions with those that were possessed, but He rebuked the demons and cast them out. At nightfall, Jesus went to a lonely place by Himself. Everywhere seemed calm for a while; at least He would rest and refresh, and enjoy the silent communion with the Father in prayer. But not for long… “The people sought Him and came to Him.” They wanted Him to continue attending to them, but Jesus said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.” From there He went to the synagogue of Judea.

Meditate on Jesus’ commitment to His mission. Despite the varieties of involvement and movement, His commitment was consistent. He moved from one city to another, from a public place to a private house down to a lonely place. At a point He was attending to the crowd, at another point, He was attending to an individual or group of individuals. While He was well received and sought for, He also faced opposition and was rejected. Yes, He committed time to attend to the needs of others, He also had time for Himself, to enjoy silence and to pray.

 

Think about the routines of our lives, the responsibilities of each day. Most times we are committed to one aspect of our life and neglect the others. This can be seen when one is committed to work or business but neglects family life. How difficult it is these days to balance our busy schedules with our prayer life. For us to be committed to achieving our purposes requires a balanced life. Like Jesus, our lives shall revolve around varieties of activities and movements. For us to be committed and still maintain balance in life, we must receive these varieties of activities and movements as part of God’s plan for us, and we must never be too busy not to listen to God in silence and prayer.  

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Wednesday September 6^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

“Be Silent”

Meditation for Tuesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

(1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11; Lk 4:31-37)

“Be silent, and come out him!” This was the command Jesus gave to the demon in the synagogue at Capernaum. This unclean spirit was shouting through the man in a loud voice, saying, “Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you, the Holy One of God.” This shouting came when Jesus was passing important message of salvation to the people, and as they began to acknowledge the authority of His message. The demonic noise tried to interrupt the sweet flowing message of life, and Jesus’ connection with the people.

People of weak faith are easily swayed by what they hear. The devil knows this. Deceit comes readily in lofty and compelling words. Noise and the destruction of silence creates emptiness, such that one finds no root within. Another trick of the devil is to turn the gospel into an argument. The demon was ready to counter Jesus to prove his point, and he was trying to drag Jesus to debate his position with him.

 

The voice of Jesus was clear and direct: “Be silent…!” This should be our affirmative response to noisy voice of temptation, and to that distractive voice that discourages us from spiritual exercises and good words. “Be silent” is the command we must give to that deceptive voice within that tries to disconnect us from the love of Jesus. Satan is always talking; either whispering or shouting. Silence disarms evil and neutralizes its power of influence.

 

After Jesus cast out the demon, the people were amazed, and report of Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday September 5^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com