THE CHALICE OF SUFFERING

Meditation for Wednesday of the 2^nd Week of Lent
(Jer 18:18-20; Mt 20:17-28)

Is it possible to live a good life without persecution or obstacles? The pursuit of holiness is often punctuated with many trials; it is a road less travelled. These trials can be internal or external. The first reading flashes us with the persecutions and cries of prophet Jeremiah. He was surrounded by enemies, who tried their best to bring him down. “Come, let us plot against Jeremiah...Come, let us strike him with the tongue, and let us not heed any of his words.” The prophet seemed helpless in face of these trials. He complained to God, “Give heed to me, O Lord, and listen to my plea. Is evil a recompense for good? Yet they dug a pit for my life.”

The cries of Jeremiah echo the agony of all who are suffering because of their righteous lives. In Jesus, God gave His ultimate response to the persecution of the just, which is the Cross. “The Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death...and He will be raised on the third day.” Jesus goes ahead of us with the burden of persecution up to the Cross to overcome it. But the mother of the Sons of Zebedee wanted her children to occupy a privileged position in the kingdom without a ‘privileged cross.’ She did not know what she was asking. We must work out our salvation in fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). “We must endure many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). That was why Jesus asked her, “Are you able to drink the chalice that I am to drink?”

However, the glory of the Cross—the victory over persecution—is far more than the persecution. That is, the eternal life Jesus won for us is richer and deeper than the death that threatens us! “What is sown is perishable; but what is raised is imperishable” (1 Cor 15:42). So, drinking the chalice of suffering does not qualify one for a privileged reward in Heaven, “But it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” While we battle with persecutions to live a holy life, the victory given in the Resurrection of Jesus comes as a free gift. That is why we must be humble, even in trials and in freedom; in leadership or followership. “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday March 3^rd, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

 

THE SEAT OF MOSES

Meditation for Tuesday of the 2^nd Week of Lent
(Is 1:10, 16-20; Mt 23:1-12)

Today’s Lenten meditation refers to religious leaders and the principle of leadership in general. The prophet Isaiah admonished Jewish leaders, whom he referred to as ‘rulers of Sodom’, and the people as ‘people of Gomorrah.’ He asked them to listen to the teaching of God and cease to do evil. “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” After instructing them on the right approach to religion, the prophet offered them God’s solemn invitation to forgiveness of their sins. “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword.”

In the Gospel, Jesus was no less lenient on the Scribes and Pharisees, who occupy the seat of Moses. “So practice and observe what they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.” The preacher ought to practice what he teaches; this is the only way he can be compassionate to the people. He is called to bear the burdens with the people, not living off their limit! It is vainglory for him to seek honour, and it is ironical and sign of failure to demand honour, since he already occupies the position of honour. He must be a humble servant in his position of honour. “I became all things to all men that I may by all means save some of them” (1 Cor 9:22).

However, the preacher does not own the message; the message and the rules of worship belong to God. That is why Jesus asked the people to obey the Pharisees but never to emulate their lifestyle. Those who worship God must worship in spirit and truth (Jn 4:23), discerning what belongs to God and removing their heart and mind from the human agency. We see then, that a hypocritical religious leader is a burden unto the people, for he makes it more difficult for them to connect to God. His false life is a serious distraction that must be avoided. Humility is the key, both the preacher and the followers; it is the principle that guides us, and helps us to discern properly. “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Tuesday March 2^nd, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

TRUE CONTRITION

Meditation for Monday of the 2^nd Week of Lent
(Dan 9:4-10; Lk 6:36-38)

We begin this second week of Lent with prayer of contrition from Prophet Daniel. From their misery, he realized they had wandered from God, “We have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and ordinances.” An honest contrition of heart shows sorrow for sin, and at the same time acknowledges God’s holiness and mercy. “To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us confusion of face...” The sorrow for sin is in itself a humble appeal to God’s mercy and forgiveness.

In fact, it is the love and mercy of God that prompts us to contrition. God is infinitely merciful; He does not reject a humbled contrite heart. As we go to Him to obtain mercy, we ought to always be merciful to others. Jesus said, “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful...” We are not in a position to judge others over their sins, and hold them to ransom without forgiveness. It will be sheer hypocrisy and mockery if we do not show mercy and forgiveness to those around us but we always run to God to obtain mercy.

Therefore, the sorrow for our sins is truly alive to the extent we show mercy to others. “For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” That is why this season of Lent, as we practice more acts of mercy and forgiveness, God hears our plea and lifts us up from our misery.  Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday March 1^st, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

CAUGHT UP IN HIS GLORY

Meditation for 2^nd Sunday of Lent, Year B

(Gen 22:1-2, 9, 10-13, 15-18)

In our meditation this Sunday, we hear about the beautiful and touching story of how Abraham tried to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. We know it was a tough test for him but we are amazed at the courage and efficiency with which he carried out the instruction, as if it was part of his daily routine! Isaac was his most value treasure; the most important thing he gained in this life, and is leaving behind for posterity. Isaac was Abraham’s answered prayer; the most important thing he ever asked of God, which almost appeared like the reason he was worshipping God. But on mount Moriah, Abraham surprised us, and stripped himself of every human attachment, desire or pleasure. At that moment he raised the knife over his son, Abraham had ‘slaughtered’ whatever is not of God in his life, no matter how good they might be!

The deeper meaning of Abraham’s sacrifice appears in Christ Jesus as we scroll down to the second reading.  Abraham’s sacrifice became a pre-figuration of God the Father who actually sacrificed His only begotten Son for us. So, Jesus SATISFIES the twofold position of Isaac the son and the ‘replacement’ lamb that was sacrificed.  If God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us, will He not give us all things through Him? Thus, our sentence is paid for; our shame is removed. What is ours now is life—fullness of life in Christ and the crown of His glory. Now that we have been saved by the Lamb, who will condemn us? What is it that can take our hearts away and disqualify us from sharing in His glory?

A foretaste of His glory draws us on! The transfiguration at Mount Tabor was a great force that kept the apostles committed to the mission of Christ. Imagine the glorious moment when they saw the glistering white garments, the appearance of Elijah and Moses, the overshadowing cloud and  heard the voice that pierced the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” They were so consumed by this brief experience that nothing else mattered to them; they stripped themselves of any earthly attachment at they were caught up in the encounter. It was deep contemplative moment in which the soul is lost in its creator. This is the strength and divine encouragement we have today to ‘slaughter’ whatever that is not of God in us, even more than Abraham.

Therefore, this Lenten season, we draw closer to the Cross of Christ, crucifying every desire and attachment to Him, no matter how important they might be to us. A foretaste of the glory of the Risen Christ awaits us on the mount of His word and Sacraments. Our participation in these mysteries must consume our hearts, such that we remain caught up in these mysteries. This is how we begin to find MEANING, RELEVANCE and SATISFACTION in the mysteries of Christ Jesus. Then, we can say, “It is no longer I who live, but is Christ who lives in me. This live I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave His life for me” (Gal 2:20). Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saint Stephen Catholic Church,
Agboju, Lagos.
Sunday February 28^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

THE LOVE THAT CONQUERS HATRED

 Meditation for Saturday of the First Week of Lent

(Deut 26:16-19; Mt 5:43-48)

Moses instructed the people to carefully observe the whole commandments and ordinances of the Lord. “You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul.” Think about what it means to keep the commandments in one’s heart and soul! That means one’s life cannot be separated from the commandments, despite the external conditions. In turn the Lord declares that those who take His commandments to heart shall be His own possession, He will set them high above all nations, in praise and in fame and in honour, “And that you shall be a people holy to the Lord your God, as He has spoken.”

Such a person, whose heart and soul are inclined to God’s Commandment, must reflect the true image of God. “Thus, we shall become the perfect Man, upon reaching maturity, and sharing the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13). In Jesus, humanity has been fully owned and possessed by God; the Heart of Jesus never deviated from the will of God. As Jesus is the perfect image of the unseen God (Col 1:15), He gives us the grace to become children of God (Jn 1:12).

Therefore, Jesus tells us in the Gospel of today that the ‘resemblance’ of God we must bear as His Children is love; love that is patterned after God’s love for us, not the love that is conditioned by other people. “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good...” God did not adopt us as His sons and daughters in Christ Jesus (Eph 1:5) that we might settle for less or be minimal in righteousness! He has equipped us for every good action (2 Tim 3:17; Heb 13:21), even to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. Our heart and soul are fully absorbed in Him as we contemplate the mystery of Jesus Christ. So, any enemy below cannot pull us down from this mountain of grace. We possess the love that conquers hatred; we offer the charity that goes beyond boarders! Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Saturday February 27^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE CHOICE FOR LIFE

Meditation for Friday of the First Week of Lent
(Ezekiel 18:21-28; Mt 5:20-26)

The Lenten journey is a favourable opportunity for us to repent. The Lenten observances energize us to move away from sin and remain in righteousness. Prophet Ezekiel reminds us today about the consequences of sin, which is death. But he announces the good news of a gracious opportunity by which the death sentence is cancelled for those who repent of their sins. God created man to live; “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?” But if a righteous man abandons his good ways and embraces evil, he shall die. Thus, we are responsible for our choices for the ‘present’ and ‘future’ of our lives.

Human life is not static; it is dynamic, evolving and in ‘motion’. We can either move forward into the ‘future of God’ through righteous living, or we move backwards to nothingness through sin. The direction we take at this crossroad of life depends on the kind of ‘energy’ we allowed to accumulate in our hearts and minds. Think about things that influence your daily choices! What are the values that determine your responses to life situations? There is always a hidden INTENT that motivates our actions...

In urging us to repent and choose life, we are being asked to purge our hearts of sinful intents, and energize it with sentiments of righteousness. Hence, Jesus told His disciples that the righteousness that leads to eternal life must not be on the surface like that of the scribes and Pharisees. The righteousness that gives eternal life flows from the depths of the hearts. That is why whoever bears anger in his heart shall be liable to judgement, under that law that says, “You shall not kill.” So, the heart must be purged of every unrighteous sentiment. This is mostly important because it is from the heart that our prayers and offerings find favour before God.

God’s plan for us is that we may live, and He has given us every grace in Christ Jesus to conquer death. In Jesus, the righteous Man who ought to live took upon Himself the death of the wicked man, who ought to die! Therefore, the sinful can cross over to righteousness and live; the dead can rise to life! And through the Sacraments of the Church, Jesus gives us effective means of purifying our hearts that our lives may flourish. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Friday February 26^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

UNFAILING PRAYER

Meditation for Thursday of the First Week of Lent

(Esther 14:1, 3-4, 11, 13-14; Mt 7:7-12)

Today’s Lenten meditation looks at how we get answers to our prayers. We are given the example of the prayer of Queen Esther. “Esther the queen, seized with deathly anxiety, fled to the Lord.” Prayer is the way we run to the Lord. She took a humble POSTURE by lying on the ground. She began by PRAISING God, calling Him, “God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you.” Secondly, Queen Esther expressed her humility and nothingness before God: “Help me, who am alone and have no helper but you, for my danger is in my hand...Come to my aid, for I am an orphan.” She expressed her FAITH in God by acknowledging through the testimony of their patriarchs that He answers those who are pleasing to Him. Finally, Esther uttered her INTENTIONS: “Save us from the hand of our enemies; turn our morning into gladness and our affliction into well-being.”

In the Gospel, Jesus said to His disciples, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” This is a great assurance; how attractive it is to pray! Jesus explains why the answer to our prayers is assured: it is because we have a good Father, and we are His children. That means when we come to pray, the ‘energies of our prayer’ must first be directed to our Heavenly Father in His Goodness, while we carry within us the ‘status’ of His children. The glory of the Father, the exaltation of His holy Name, is the most important thing in prayer. We ‘ask’, ‘seek’, and ‘knock’, not necessarily because we are in need, but mostly because we have the God who ‘answers’, ‘reveals’ and ‘opens the door of grace.’

However, our duty is to keep alive the status of CHILDREN OF GOD. This means we love God and live according to His commandments. We cannot come to God in prayer like the unrepentant hypocrites, who came to Jesus seeking for a sign: they found none! God’s faithful children have confidence that their heavenly father must give something good to them when they pray. That is why the already live out their prayer intentions. Therefore, Jesus said, “So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.” Amen.   

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Thursday February 25^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com