ACTS OF PENANCE

Meditation for Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

(Jonah 3:1-10; Lk 11:29-32)

In silence and recollection, we are expected to put on a humble and contrite heart this Lenten season. This is an expression of conversion of heart. Leaving behind the old ways and putting on the new life in Christ does not come easy. Fasting and other acts of penance are ways we express our regret for the old ways, and, at the same time, show our commitment to love God in the new life. The conversion story of the people of Nineveh gives us a practical example to follow.

At the preaching of Jonah, the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth and ashes. By fasting they disciplined their bodily desires for pleasure and entertainment. And by putting on sackcloth and ashes they striped themselves of vainglory and pride. In the action of their king, we see the importance of stripping oneself of the quest for power and self-glory. So, this Lent, while we discipline our bodies through fasting and abstinence, we must not forget those disciplines that can tame our ego-centric life.

 

If the people of Nineveh could be inspired by Jonah to repent and humbled themselves before the Lord, how much more should we abandon our old ways and take up acts of penance as we gaze upon the cross of Jesus this Lenten season. Sometimes it seems our hearts are so hardened that we remain unmoved at the name Jesus. He says, “The men of Nineveh will arise at the judgement with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.” Think about how Jonah inspired such great conversion though he was a reluctant prophet, but Jesus offered His life for us. Jonah did not even finish the journey, out of three days walk, he went on one day, yet the whole people repented, but Jesus completed His three days journey into the grave, and He journeys with us till eternity! With such great love and commitment Jesus has shown for our salvation, we should humble ourselves before Him with our Lenten observances, and repent of our sins. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Wednesday March 1^st, 2023

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

EMPTY PHRASES IN PRAYER

Meditation for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

(Is 55:10-11; Mt 6:7-15)

This Lenten season, we are expected to be more prayerful. Jesus intervenes to teach us how to pray so that God will hear our prayers. He warns against the wrong approach to prayer: “In praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” God Himself does not speak empty phrases; how can man then offer to Him empty phrases?

 

The prophet Isaiah announces that as the rain and snow water the earth, giving seed to the Sower and bread to the eater, so shall the word of God go forth; it shall not return empty, but it shall accomplish that which it was intended, and prosper in the thing for which it was sent. Think about how the word of God is active and alive (Heb 4:12), bearing fruit in the heart of the believer and inspiring him to pray. We see how the word of God is our anchor in prayer as Jesus leads the way and teaches how to pray. Thus, in his prayer, the man of faith returns to God the fruit of what he had received, i.e., glory and adoration.

 

Prayer becomes empty when it has no roots in the word of God.

Prayer becomes empty when it is not backed up by faith.

Prayer becomes empty when we wish to INFORM God about our needs.

Prayer becomes empty when we turn it into argument to CONVINCE God to answer us.

These and many more are summed up into EMPTY PHRASES, for they go to God without returning back to Him glory and adoration. So, in the prayer Jesus taught us, we adore and glorify God, saying, “Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed by thy name…” As the word of God has live in itself and does not return to God empty, so does the prayers we offer to God does not return to us empty, but they bring back to us divine intervention and answers to our needs. May God continue to hear our prayers this Lent. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday February 28^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

The Glory of Almsgiving

Meditation for Monday of the First Week of Lent

(Lev 19:1-2, 11-18; Mt 25:31-46)

As we continue our Lenten journey this week, the readings of today underline the importance of charity, especially at this season. In the first reading, Moses rolled out to the people several laws regarding how they were to relate and treat each other. “You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another…You shall not oppress your neighbor or rub him.” Life is so dynamic, and so are the points of human interaction. While the laws guide us on the right way to treat our neighbor, they cannot make such relationship perfect.

 

So, Jesus steps in to show us the perfect way, which is charity. Yes, charity covers all we are mandated to avoid against our neighbor, at the same time, it satisfies all we are expected to do for our neighbor. Jesus said on the last day, the Son of man will come in His glory, and all the angels with Him, and, sitting on His glorious throne, He will judge all peoples according to the acts of charity they performed to their neighbor. “Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food…” On the other hand, those who failed to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, etc, will be cast into the eternal fire.

 

Meditate on the glory of charity as the King comes in His glory and sits on His glorious throne to separate the righteous from the unrighteous, i.e. He separates the charitable from the uncharitable. Thus, charity sets us apart! It is a distinguishing virtue. And it communicates the glory of Jesus. Whenever we practice almsgiving, especially at this season of Lent, we shall experience a taste of glory. And this serene joyful touch of glory is proof that a particular act of charity is true and divinely inspired. Therefore, every act of almsgiving becomes a step forward into divine glory. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday February 27^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE RESPONSE TO TEMPTATIONS

Meditation for the First Sunday of Lent
(Gen 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Rm 5:12-19; Mt 4:1-11)

On this first Sunday of Lent, let us meditate on Jesus’ responses his temptation in the wilderness. Every temptation comes as an ‘appeal’ to our free will and it awaits our response. If we succumb to the appeal of the temptation, then we sin and wound our relationship with God. Though we know the right choice, often times our wills are not strong enough to withstand the alluring force of temptation. So, we connect ourselves through meditation to Jesus’ response to the devil, that we may draw strength from Him to overcome every temptation.

In response to the first temptation, Jesus said to the devil, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” The word of God is the anchor that can sustain in time of temptation. In the first reading, Adam and Eve lived by God’s word and avoided eating the forbidden fruit until the serpent deceived them. They pulled off from the authority of God’s word and relied on their selfish desires. In the second reading, St Paul explains that, just as one Adam’s sin let to condemnation for all men, “So one man’s act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men.” That means the life of the word of God comes to us as we participate in the righteousness of Jesus, in whom is the fullness of life. Therefore, as we live out the righteousness of Jesus, we shall conquer every temptation.

 

To the second temptation, Jesus responded, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” Sometimes in the face of temptation, we can be so casual, trying to take advantage of God’s mercy. At times too, we are taken over by pride and become presumptuous. At this point we exaggerate our capacity to overcome the temptation, and we begin to lay claim to God’s protection. However, man cannot condition God to come to his aid. Adam and Eve knew the forbidden fruit would bring death, yet they decided to take the risk. They got carried away by the empty promises projected by the serpent. You cannot throw yourself down from the pinnacle of the temple, and presuming that God will send His angels to protect you. So, in the face of temptation, we must not project our ego, instead, we respond with humility like Jesus, who through His obedience brought righteousness and justification to many.

 

Thirdly, Jesus quickly replied, “Begone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.’” The promptness of the response says it all: the child of God should react swiftly against any temptation that threaten his faith and worship of God. Think about how Eve allowed the serpent to question her loyalty to God! We must realize that there are some issues about our faith in God that are not open to questioning and debate. Our response to such temptations must be, ‘Begone, Satan.’ This swift response must be applied against any temptation that tries to hinder us from participating in the righteousness of Jesus, for it is by Jesus’ obedience and act of righteousness that set us free from the bondage of sin and death. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday February 26^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

FRIENDS OF THE TAX COLLECTOR

Meditation for Saturday after Ash Wednesday

(Is 58:9-14; Lk 5:27-32)

Let us meditate on the conversion of Levi, the tax collector, and the warm hospitality he offered to Jesus in house. Our Lenten observances are targeted at conversion of heart. The prompt and immediate response of Levi to Jesus’ invitation, “Follow me”, is inspiring. This tax collector was so overwhelmed with the new life he found in Jesus that he organized a feast in his house the Master. “And there was a large company of tax collectors and others sitting at table with them.” This attracted the attention of the Pharisees and scribes, who murmured against Jesus, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

Now, pause and think a bit deeply how Levi, who had given up his corrupt ways, still had his former colleagues as friends. Though he had given his life to Christ, the other tax collectors were still familiarizing with him. This association can be of great challenge to his resolve to follow Jesus. It will either strengthen his resolve or weaken it. For Levi to maintain the new life he found in Jesus, he must constantly renew that prompt and immediate response to Jesus. Thus, saying YES to Jesus must be constantly renewed, especially when we find ourselves surrounded by the alluring presence of the old ways.

Therefore, ‘the friends of the tax collector’ will always remind him to renew his resolve to follow Jesus. Often times we repent of our sins, but the occasions of sin still abound. We regret our old ways, but they are still before us as available options. The friends of the repentant tax collector are still dining with him. There is no need to throwing blame or murmuring like the Pharisees. The prophet Isaiah says, “And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your desire with good things, and make your bones strong.” He does not call us once and abandon us; His voice continues to re-echo in the silence of our hearts, “Follow me.” He continues to call us, even in the midst of situations that threaten our resolve to follow Him. As we continue to answer, the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah, “I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Saturday February 25^th, 2023.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE SILENT LOUD CRY

Meditation for Friday after Ash Wednesday
(Is 58:1-9; Mt 9:14-15)

In our meditation today, we see a beautiful link between fasting, almsgiving and prayer as given in the first reading. The prophet Isaiah describes fasting as a way to make our voices heard on high. It becomes a ‘silent loud cry’ offered up to God through self-denial. Thus, fasting is invocative. It is expected that God will quickly respond to such a humbled contrite heart. The prophet laments that there are actions that act as soundproof against the ‘loud cry’ of fasting. Such actions that can work against our fasting include seeking pleasure, injustice, quarrelling.

 

According to prophet Isaiah, fasting becomes empty if it does not incline us to righteousness. The Lord says, “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” This shows that the authenticity of our fasting lies in its capacity to incline us to be prompt to charity.

 

Once our fasting has disposed us to charity, the prophet says, “Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” Now, the ‘silent loud cry’ has become prayer answered; “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, Here I am.” That is why fasting enlightens our hearts and brightens our countenance. It is only the hypocrites who look pale and draw pity by their fasting.

 

In this Lenten season, we see how fasting, almsgiving and prayer are connected. The internal strength generated through fasting inclines us to charity, which attracts answers to our prayers. In our fasting this season, we offer to God the ‘silent loud cry’ of our urgent need for divine intervention in our lives and society. And as we practice almsgiving, our cry is heard; God wipes away our tears. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Friday February 24, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE CROSS AND THE COMMANDMENTS

Meditation for Thursday after Ash Wednesday
(Deut 30:15-20; Lk 9:22-25)

Self-preservation is the greatest instinct in man. Every other choice we make is presumed to respect our innate desire for survival. In the first reading, Moses said to the people, “See, I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil.” He urged them to obey God’s commandments as the way to choose life and multiply. To disobey the commandments will lead to evil and death. Thus, the two options of life and death have practically one singular response: the commandments. It is either we are obeying the commandments or disobeying the commandments. Thus, by that act with which we keep the commandments, we choose life and avoid death. And by that act with which we disobey the commandments, we choose death and lose life.

 

In gospel, Jesus still talked about the two options of life and death, but He presented the cross the solution. As Moses prescribed obedience to the commandments as the way to have life and multiply, Jesus offered us the cross as the source of life. He said, “If a man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.” The choice for the cross becomes our choice for Jesus, in whom we are saved.

 

The hidden instinct for self-preservation in man has been called out of its selfish domain, purified through the commandments and satisfied in Christ Jesus. The life promised through the commandments is now flowing like a fountain in Jesus Christ. On the cross, He opened this wellspring of life for us, which is the end-purpose of the law. So, as we identify and carry our cross daily, we conquer evil, and fullness of life in Jesus Christ. That is why as we deny ourselves this Lenten season, our will is strengthened to take up our cross. Through our Lenten observances, our instinct for self-preservation now translates into love for the cross of Jesus. By following Jesus so intimately, we satisfy the law, and have abundance of life. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Thursday February 23, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE TIMING OF THE SEASON OF LENT

Meditation for Ash Wednesday, 2023
(Joel 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18)

The season of lent often comes as a package that is never anticipated but, all the same, it is warmly received. Unlike Advent and Christmas seasons, we usually do not look forward to lent. However, the silence and solemnity that becloud the season envelops our hearts, and we step into it with great determination. Thus, we do not go to meet Lent, rather, Lent comes to meet us! It is a unique and outstanding liturgical season in the Church, endowed with a highly formative spirituality that is hinged on the call for prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

The timing of the season of lent is timely! It is described as a ‘veritable time’, a ‘time of favor.’ The message and observances that are clustered in lent are not exclusive to the season. This is where some non-Catholics mistakenly think that Catholics observe fasting only during lent. At lent, we practice the observances, not just as individuals, but as the Body of Christ, the Church. Here, obedience goes ahead of our sacrifices. At this time, the Church leads, we learn and follow at the same time. Just as time is a continuum, and the liturgical seasons are not exclusive to each other, so also the observances of the 40 days of lent energize us onwards. The season of lent is ever timely for it comes to renew our commitment to the core values of our Christian life by redirecting our gaze to the cross of Christ.  

 

“But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast” (Mt 9:15). Think about such emptiness when Jesus, the Bridegroom, is not present. Sometimes our choices and actions make our hearts, homes, church and society unconducive for Jesus to settle in. Our fasting, prayer and almsgiving become practical expressions of our inner yearning for salvation in Christ Jesus. Meditate on how much Jesus wants to be part of our lives, families, and communities. Thus, it is timely that we should set aside this time of lent to deny ourselves of empty desires, repent of our waywardness, and align our heart desires with Jesus’ thirst for us from the cross. The eternal desire of Jesus for our salvation makes every Lenten season timely.

 

Oh! What a beautiful time lent is? It is a time of fasting and abstinence that satisfies the heart. Lent is colored with silence and solemnity, yet it drums joy and peace to the heart. As we kick off this season with ashes on our foreheads, the 40 days appear to be stretched forward, but at Easter, we appreciate every bit of the journey. Think about the beauty of a penitent Church, wrapped in contrition, and kneeling with Mary at the foot of the cross. There is no better time to make amends than now. “Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos,

Wednesday February 22, 2023

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE WAY OF HOLINESS AND PERFECTION

 Meditation for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Lev 19:1-2, 17-18; 1 Cor 3:16-23; Mt 5:38-48)

The Lord said to the congregation of the sons of Israel, “You shall be holy; for I the Lord your God am holy.” The readings of today echo the call to holiness, at a time like this, when sin has eaten deep into every fabric of our society. The voice of Jesus resounds anew, “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” The call to holiness and perfection may not be popular among believers today, but the freshness and strength of the message cannot be denied.

 

The call to holiness and perfection takes Christian morality to a realm that can only be sustained by faith in Jesus Christ. As we embark on this journey to holiness, we begin to realize our mandate as ‘Image of God’ and live out the grace we have as those redeemed by Jesus Christ. Since God has shared life with us in Christ Jesus, and bestowed upon us the riches of his glory, the way to holiness and perfection is now accessible and available. In the Old Testament, holiness was measured by keeping the commandments. But in the New Testament, holiness is measured by following Jesus and living out His righteousness.

 

Often times, we tend to shy away when we hear Jesus say, “If any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also…” It appears humanly impossible to do so. But God had already prepared us in Christ Jesus to follow Him on that path. In the second reading, St. Paul asks, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? Our steps to holiness and perfection must begin with this conscious realization that the Holy Spirit has made His home in our hearts, and we recognize Him as the hidden wisdom that directs our thoughts and actions. That means we are expected to give out a spiritual response, even to what is done to us physically.

 

As temples of God, acting from the hidden wisdom of the Holy Spirit, the responses we give will shock the world, “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.” The spiritual response we give becomes for us an expression of the life of Christ. For we live no longer for ourselves, but for Him who died and rose from the death (2 Cor 5:15). The cross of Christ is the ultimate temple of God, where the perfect sacrifice was offered. Hence, we bear this identity of Jesus, and carry around in our bodies the temple of the cross so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our bodies (2 Cor 4:10).

 

Meditate on how the Holy Spirit overshadows the heart that welcomes Him, leaving no room for violence, revenge, and enmity. He leads us on the pathway of peace, love and reconciliation. This is how we can ‘turn the other cheek’, ‘go two miles with the oppressor’, ‘love and pray for our enemies.’ This is not to demonstrate our resilient capability. But it is the spiritual response we give, “So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” This is how we manifest the life of Christ, and walk on pathway of holiness and perfection. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday February 19^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE TOWER TO THE HEAVENS

 Meditation for Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
(Gen 11:1-9; Mk 8:34-9:1)

It is commonly said that language carries the thought system of a people. The common language of the people on earth means they were able to communicate freely with one another. This unity of thought and language would have been a veritable force to ‘conquer the earth, to be fruitful and multiply’ as God directed. Instead, they said to themselves, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves…” Was this part of God’s mandate to man? With one language, the people of earth at that time formed uniformity among themselves, and pride ruled their hearts. In uniformity, their lives were ruled by a unilateral idea as they placed one brick upon another, positioning themselves in competition with no other than God Himself.

If they continued channeling their energies, ideas and resources in this unilateral tower of pride, how can man conquer the earth, increase and multiply over the earth? Obviously, God knew that it is by variety in unity that man can be creative, inventive, develop and conquer the earth. Thus, God created variety out the language of the people. “So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city.”

 

Imagine how the tower of Babel stood tall as the tower of pride, for through it man by himself tried to erect himself up to the heavens. However, it is God alone who can make such a connection possible. This is what Jesus came to do for us. And He lifted up the cross as the true tower that we can climb on to get to the heavens. The cross gathers us in humility, and unites us in our diversity. The language of the cross is understood by believers in every corner of the earth. Hence, Jesus said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

 

With the ‘tower of the cross’, we shall never be misguided; our time, energy and resources shall be properly applied so as to fulfill God’s injunctions. If we do not speak the language of the cross, we will be pursuing vainglory. Then, uniformity will replace true unity that respects individual differences, and man will be heading to self-destruction. Jesus asked, “For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? Jesus the mediator, is the perfect link between heaven and earth. And He has invited us to Himself through the cross. “In hoc signo vinces” (In this sign thou shalt conquer). Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Friday February 17^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE COVENANT BOW

 Meditation for Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
(Gen 9:1-13; Mk 8:27-33)

“God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” The Lord put every creature on his care, and commanded that man should take care of his brother. “Of every man’s brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for God made man in His own image.” Then He said to Noah, “Be fruitful and multiply, bring forth abundantly on the earth and multiply it.” The Lord established a covenant with Noah and his descendants, sayings, “That never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” The Lord set a bow in the cloud as a sign of the covenant between God and the earth.

Let us meditate on the new relationship God established with Noah and his descendants. Now Noah became the father of the new generation of man, washed clean through the waters. God renewed in him the command He gave the first man after creation. In the Covenant with Noah, God would sustain the new generation of man thus formed. In other words, the survival of Noah’s generation and their escape from destruction would hinge on the covenant, never on the strength of their personal righteousness. That means the new generation of man, washed clean of evil and corruption, are to be identified as people of the covenant.

 

As we pause in silence, and gaze on the beauty of God’s covenant with Noah, we see Jesus, in whom is the perfect covenant for the new generation of man, washed clean through the waters of regeneration. The cross of Jesus, lifted up, becomes the perfect ‘bow in the sky’ that guarantees our survival and escape from destruction. Above all, in Him the perfect new generation of man is born. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). And the newness is gives is ever new.

 

In the gospel, the identity of Jesus was revealed as Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” Immediately Jesus began to introduce them to His cross, saying, “The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected...” We see at once how the cross is part of identity of the Christ. Just as the bow in the sky was important for the covenant that defined the new generation of man through Noah, so also the Cross is the banner that defines the new life we have in Christ Jesus. What was prefigured through Noah, has been perfected in Jesus Christ, in whom God and man is reconciled, and through whom man is given dominion over the earth, and care for his brothers and sisters. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul, Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Thursday February 16^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

LONGING FOR THE NEW LIFE

Meditation for Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

(Gen 8:6-13,20-22; Mk 8:22-26)

Let us meditate on Noah’s anticipation to see the end of the flood. Though he was safe inside the Ark, he was still eager to step out once the flood ended. He sent forth birds to confirm if the water had dried up four times. Obviously, his heart went with the birds each time he sent them out. His anticipation to see the end of the flood was not an expression of doubt in God’s promise to save him from the waters. It was a yearning to step into the new life, washed clean through the waters. In this way, the Ark became a sort of ‘enclosure of hope’, which conveyed him safely to the new life, washed clean of evil and wickedness. Then, Noah offered burnt offerings in thanksgiving. God accepted his offering and promised never to destroy the earth again.

 

The anticipation of Noah and his eager longing is the kind of hope we have in Christ Jesus for the new life He offers.  “But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay” (Rm 8:20-21). Think about the blind man of Bethsaida, how Jesus led him from the ‘flood of blindness’ and landed him safely in the ‘dry land of clear sight.’ His age-long desire to see received ‘the assurance of hope’ in the divine touch of Jesus. The divine presence of Jesus in our lives, in our every situation, gives us that assurance of hope that purifies our anticipations, removes doubt, and strengthens them as unshakable eagerness to step into the new life of grace in Christ Jesus.

 

Think about the joy of the man that received his sight. His joy rises gracefully like the burnt offering of Noah. This joy is already captured in our Eucharistic celebration. Therefore, though we are still longing and anticipating through our prayers, the Eucharist gives us the opportunity to participate in the joy of the new life of grace in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Wednesday February 15^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

SAVED AND PRESERVED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS

Meditation for Tuesday of the Six Week in Ordinary Time
(Gen 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; Mk 8:14-21)

“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Evil and wickedness are contagious. What started like a simple miscalculation from Adam and Eve became widespread. There was a need to renew the face of the earth, and restore righteousness. “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” It is interesting that evil could not completely wipe out goodness despite its aggressive spread. There is always that one drop of truth that exposes numerous lies.

 

While God was considering destroying the earth, which was engulfed by evil, He found in Noah a reliable link to save the earth, and preserved righteousness. After Noah built the ark, the Lord said to him, “Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate…” This was to ensure that those saved and preserved from the flood would be productive, bringing forth a sanctified generation in righteousness. They were paired, for they were on a mission of posterity in righteousness. Thus, the cancerous spread of evil would be counteracted by the new generation of humanity, regenerated through the Ark, who would reproduce and spread forth the seeds of righteousness.

 

The package of salvation has no selfish label! The grace of salvation given to us summons us to be responsible for promoting the righteousness entrusted to us. In our meditation, we see through Noah’s Ark, the fullness of salvation we have in Christ Jesus, His riches in glory (Eph 3:16), and the apostolic grace given to us to bring about the obedience of faith (Rm 1:5). In the gospel of today, we see Jesus in the boat with His disciples. He is the most reliable and ‘perfect link’ that saves.

 

In Him we are reborn through the new waters of baptism. In Jesus, the spread of evil has hit a stumbling block. He is that one ‘perfect link’ from which righteousness springs up anew and spreads forth. In Jesus, God’s anger over the wickedness of man has been appeased. Hence, He warns us, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” Yes! In Jesus, we are saved and preserved in righteousness. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday February 14^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

Greed and Jealousy

Meditation for Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
(Gen 4:1-15,25; Mk8:11-13)

Let us meditate on the story of Cain and Abel. Greed and jealousy are like Siamese twins; you cannot have one without the other. Cain was a farmer, while Abel was a shepherd. Abel was generous to the Lord, and offered “The firstlings of his flock and their fat portions.” On the other hand, Cain kept for himself the best of his produce. His greed caught up with him when he realized that the Lord found favor with Abel’s generosity, ‘but for Cain and his offering, He had no regard.’ “So, Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.” His greed has matured into jealousy!  His jealousy over Abel razed like unquenchable fire.

 

Greed germinates from the hidden desire to have the better things of life over and above others. It is such a disposition that perceives possession as competition, and it is always striving to be ahead. The greed of Cain became obvious as he locked up his heart in the best of his farm produce, while his younger brother, Abel, offered up his heart to God through the generous offering of the best of his flock. As greed cannot be satisfied, it excuses itself and expresses its frustration in jealousy. Greed and jealousy are self-contradictory. Cain was angry at his brother for being favored. But it was not Abel that denied him favor. His own greedy choice was his undoing. Jealousy is always bloodthirsty and vengeful against the innocent.

 

“And when they were in the field, Cain rose against his brother Abel, and killed him.” This is always the case when we listen to an angry voice of jealousy against those who possess the good things we aspire to. Unfortunately, the effort to pull them down, to kill their vision or success brings more destruction to the jealous man. As Jesus entered the boat and quietly left the Pharisees behind, so does grace and favor evaporate from hearts soaked in greed and jealousy. Unlike the Pharisees, who came to argue with Jesus, we listen to Him and welcome Him in our hearts. The joyful presence of the Lord sets us free from the bondage of greed and jealousy. With Jesus we learn detachment and generosity, which helps us to appreciate the little gifts of life. Then, our prayers and offerings will be pleasing to the Lord like the sacrifice of Abel. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday, February 13^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

FULFILLMENT OF THE COMMANDMENTS

 Meditation for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Sirach 15:15-20; 1 Cor 2:6-10; Mt 5:17-37)

The readings of today underline the fact that the commandments of the Lord are guiding principles that save us from evil and lead to the good. By the very act with which we obey the commandments, we avoid evil and attain the good. That means at the cross road of life, where we are required to choose either good or evil, the commandments guide our will to act according to the will of God. However, in the presence of the two paths of life there is human free will, which is given the responsibility to choose either good or evil. The freedom to choose makes us culpable and responsible for our actions.

 

The prescriptions of the law strengthen our free will to act according to God’s plan for us. The first reading says, “Before a man are life and death, good and evil, and whichever he chooses will be given to him.” Ordinarily, one would expect that fear of death will make man choose life. However, the wisdom of Sirach maintains that it is the knowledge of the great wisdom of God, His mighty power, and His overshadowing presence that ought to incline our free will to obey the Lord’s commandments. “The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, and He knows every deed of man.”

 

If keeping the commandments is a way we acknowledge God’s wisdom and power, and align our free will to His holy Will, it implies that the commandments put us in a relationship with God. Thus, we express this relationship by obeying the commandments. In this way, the hidden wisdom of God comes alive in us, and His plans and purposes begin to unfold through our actions. This great wisdom of God remains hidden from those who do not keep the commandments. The second reading says, “None of the rulers of this age understood this; if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Thus, in Jesus is revealed the perfect fulfilment of God’s will, and the manifestation of His divine glory.

 

Let us meditate on how the cross of Jesus has become our true guide when we come to the cross road of life. Jesus explains in the gospel that He came to fulfill the law. He speaks ‘from Himself’ as the true authority that directs our free will to the perfect fulfilment of the commandments. Jesus leads us to have a righteousness that exceeds wordily standards, and which can lead us to enter the kingdom of heaven. In Jesus, the commandments of the Lord go beyond the ‘rule of life’ to ‘the way to eternal life.’ This new horizon of the law or new standard of living becomes our way of living out the righteousness of Jesus in our daily choices and actions. This new standard ensures that every iota of the law is accomplished.

 

To accomplish the ultimate purpose of the law is eternal life. That means the hope that inspires us to embrace the commandments is greater than the precepts. “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” For the human free will to respond to this hope that is beyond human comprehension, we look up to Jesus, in whose righteousness we share. And by living out His righteousness, we fulfill every iota of the law. This can be efficient and effective if with our free will we begin to make friends with Jesus. If we freely align our free will with Jesus in faith, it becomes easy for us to walk freely in the pathway of life and goodness. As we live out the righteousness of Jesus, the blessings of the kingdom of heaven shall be the footprints we leave behind, and eternal life shall be our destination. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday 12^th February, 2023

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

SALT AND LIGHT

Meditation for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
(Is 58:7-10; 1 Cor 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16)

Salt and light are related to the senses of taste and sight. Salt is used in preservation and to make food tasty. Salt is probably the cheapest ingredient in meals, yet it is indispensable. It brings out the taste in the other food ingredients. The good taste it generates gives joy and fills us with appreciation. In the Bible, salt was added to the grain offering (Lev 2:13). It was mixed with the incense offered at the tent of meeting (Ex 30:34). Salt was used in ratifying covenant (Num 18:19). It was used to purify and sanctify. Elisha used salt to sanctify impure water and make it wholesome (2 Kg 2:19-22). Jesus said, “For everyone will be salted with fire” (Mk 9:49).

 

Light dispels darkness and gives vision to our sight. With light, we see the beauty around and appreciate them. Then, we can move freely and live fully. Light was the first thing God created. He said, “Let there be light” (Gen 1:3). The Israelites were led out of Egypt by the pilar of fire (Ex 13:21-22). Light is a sign of deliverance. God Himself is Light (1 Jn 1:5), and He is the source of light (Ps 36:9). Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world, anyone who follows me will not be walking in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12). To follow the life of Jesus, therefore, is to move from darkness to light (Eph 5:8-9; 1 Pet 2:9).

 

Salt and light have their inalienable qualities within them. Their qualities are not defined by anything external. In other words, by their very existence they give taste and vision. In addition, they are readily available and easily accessible to all. Think about the contradiction that arises when salt loses its taste and light is covered with a bushel. Imagine such confusion when in the presence of salt there is no taste, and in the presence of light there is no illumination! This kind of situation will bring shame and disgrace.

 

Jesus said to His disciples, “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.” The followers of Jesus are to have within them such quality that brings the kind of effectiveness that salt and light offers. The first reading describes this inner taste and vision as charity. The second reading describes it as having the life of Christ within; to be filled with the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. It is by instilling charity and love of God in the world that we become salt and light to the earth. Whatever restricts our charity is like the bushel that tries to block the illumination of the light. In the same way, whatever distracts us from the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit tries to render our salt tasteless.

 

Salt and light best describe the kind of impact we are to bring in the world. These qualities are inherent to us as children of God. They manifest the inner life we share in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday 5^th February, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com