“My Sheep hear my Voice”

 “My Sheep hear my Voice”

Meditation for Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C

(Acts 13:14, 43-52; Rev 7:9, 14-17; Jn 10:27-30)

Today, we celebrate the mystery of Christ as the Good Shepherd. The first reading exemplifies how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, silently leads His flock through the ministry of the Church. Paul and Barnabas met strict persecution in Antioch among the Jews, who became jealous of the Gentiles that gathered to hear the good news. But the two would not give up the mission Christ had called them to; no opposition would discourage them. As Jesus said in the Gospel of today, “My Sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Paul and Barnabas held firm to the word of God, and to the mission that was entrusted to them. Paul described this mandate as to bring the good news to the Gentiles, and to bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth. By being obedient to the word of God, and following Jesus as their Good Shepherd through their commitment to the gospel, the opposition against Paul and Barnabas even helped them to achieve their mission since they travelled down to Iconium, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

 

The revelation of John in the second reading gives us the vision of the great multitude who listened and followed Jesus as their Good Shepherd. This vision indicates the direction to which the Good Shepherd is leading us to. Thus, to follow Him requires that we align our steps towards that heavenly destination. The great multitude is described as coming from every nation, language and people. They all gathered before the throne and the Lamb, who is their only focus. United under the Lamb, they all wore white robes and held palm branches. Their radiant beauty speaks of their victory over tribulations; “They have washed their robes white in the blood of the Lamb.”

 

Unlike Paul and Barnabas, who suffered persecution, those who have reached the heavenly destination around the throne shall bear no more suffering and pain. At this time, the fullness of the Lamb as the Good Shepherd shall be revealed upon them. “He will guide them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

 

That is why it is important for us today to listen to His voice. He promised to lead us on the pathway of life, and to fullness of life. Jesus indicated that the sheep might face threat to life; an attempt to snatch them away and be destroyed. However, those who listen to His voice, and follow Him cannot be misled; they are secure in the Father’s hand. Therefore, through the words of Jesus, the strong arm of God leads us forward over and above every difficulty and life challenges.

 

Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice.” Like Paul and Barnabas, and the Saints in Heaven, we contemplate the face of Jesus through the Gospel. In this way, our minds are fed with His word, and our will is strengthened to follow where He leads. This is how we persevere in our vocation and in good works despite opposition and tribulations along the way. This, too, is how we reach our eternal destination. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday May 8th, 2022.

Good Shepherd Sunday

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"Come and have Breakfast"

 “Come and have Breakfast”

Meditation for Third Sunday of Easter

(Acts 5:27-32, 40-41; Rev 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19)

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the call of Peter and his companions came after a miraculous catch of fish. They abandoned everything and followed (Lk 5:1-11). All was going well until Judas betrayed Jesus and Peter denied Him three times. The death of Jesus brought so much uncertainties that even after His resurrection, the apostles did not know how to carry on with the works of their master. Though Jesus appeared to them a few times as proof that He is alive and present in their midst, they lacked the courage and direction needed for the mission. This situation would last till Pentecost. Before then, Peter and his friends must have been bored, and they tried going back to their old trade of fishing.

 

In the gospel of today, Peter and six other apostles went to the sea of Tiberias for fishing, but they caught nothing all night long. This was a similar experience at the call of Peter earlier. It appears they tried to abandon their call to be ‘fishers of men’ and returned to the old life they left behind to follow Jesus. But it was a wasted effort. Abandoning one’s vocation even at the moment of crisis is usually a fruitless venture. Imagine their frustration and weakness after such wasted effort. Then Jesus came to their rescue!

 

His presence had an overpowering influence on them; they could not describe it in words nor differentiate exactly the man standing at the beach. But with their childlike heart, they responded to him. Then, Jesus said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They obeyed and caught a great quantity of fish. Their attention was drawn up to Him. They recognized Him, and went up to Him. This was like the second call of Peter and His companions, a re-directing of their hearts back to their vocation. Jesus made a charcoal fire and asked them to bring some of the fish. He said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” He fed them to overcome their weariness and prepare them for the journey ahead.

 

At the end of the breakfast, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” As Peter answered ‘Yes’, He said to Him, “Feed my lambs.” Thus, the mission belongs to Christ. Peter’s love for the mission is his love for Jesus. That means he would carry out his mission in the Church as a response to his love for Jesus and in obedience to Him. That is why, in the first reading, Peter answered the high priest, “We must obey God rather than men.” And this is the principle that moves us forward in our different vocations. The human influences that do not surrender to the love of Jesus will always try to stop us, and demand our obedience. The survival of the gospel and any Christian vocation must pass through this battle.

 

Those who persevere in God’s call in Christ Jesus through the gospel shall be counted among the great multitude in the second reading. For all eternity they proclaim the glory of Jesus saying, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!” As we gather at the invitation and command of Jesus, who said to the apostles, ‘come and have breakfast’, we offer up our love, weariness, fears, confusion, backwardness, etc. We renew our love and commitment to our vocation. And in thanksgiving for the nourishment we have received, we echo the angelic voices in adoration and worship. Our lives sing to the glory of Jesus. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday May 1^st, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blgospot.com

 

The 'Escape Route'

 The ‘Escape Route’

Meditation for Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter

(Acts 5:17-26; Jn 3:16-21)

The new life of the resurrection is bound to face opposition; ‘to be born anew’ will have to battle with the old life. The first reading tells us how the party of the Sadducees, that is, those who do not believe in the resurrection, led the opposition against the apostles. They were locked up in prison. But the word of God cannot be imprisoned; the power of the resurrection breaks through every barrier, and dispels every darkness. The open hearts of the apostles to the resurrection were stronger than the iron bars of the prison. The angel of the Lord led them out of the prison and sent them to the temple to preach.

In the face of the opposition, the apostles realized convincingly that they were not alone! The resurrected Jesus was deeply involved in their affairs just as they were committed to the preaching of the gospel. So, they went about their activities with inner joy and peace despite the persecution.

Faith in the resurrection of Jesus assures us of this victory over every opposition and persecution. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” God did not send His son to condemn the world. Thus, the Angel did not come to destroy the Sadducees nor pull down the prison. Unjust human structures may still be there; the opposition and persecution against believers may not go away. Even the believer himself might struggle with doubt and tend to surrender to present day Sadducees.

However, faith in Jesus is the ‘escape route.’ Our commitment to the gospel, and to the new life of the resurrection make us available to be rescued by divine grace, and to pass through any ‘prison bar’ that tries to hinder us. We are not alone; the presence of the resurrected Jesus abides with us. Whoever believes in Him cannot be locked in the dark, but shines out as light. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.” Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday April 27^th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

"You must be born anew"

 “You must be Born anew”

Meditation for Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

(Acts 4:32-37; Jn 3:7-15)

What is the implication of the Resurrection for those who believe? This is demonstrated in the life of the early Church as given in the first reading of today, and the discussion of Jesus and Nicodemus. In the resurrection, human life is glorified and endowed with divine qualities. The resurrected Jesus passed through closed doors as divine, and ate food as human. A new experience of life dawned at Easter. And those who believed in the Resurrection of Jesus are expected to live out this new life.

 

The first reading tells us how the early believers were united in one heart and soul, and owned everything in common. With this, they conquered poverty and hunger. Interestingly, not everyone brought in something, but they owned and shared all they had equally. Think about the depth of human selfishness, greed and envy! These natural forces hold us bound like the tombstone that covers the grave. But faith in the resurrection was able to transplant the believers into a principle of life that was uncommon, uneconomical, and unimaginable to the human mind. Still, it solved the age-long problem that the greatest economies of the world have not been able to solve, that is, poverty and hunger. So, we must consider the principle of life of the resurrection as we plan to build up wealth and status. This principle is that whatever I own must not be mine alone to consume, but it is equally ‘owned’ by others!

 

This kind of mindset is like going against the current, for the human mind is selfish by default. Hence, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “You must be born anew.” This means to be born of the Holy Spirit. It is allowing ourselves to be drawn up to Jesus in faith. It is like ascending to heaven while still on earth! To be ‘born anew’ can be described as allowing our faith and hope in Jesus to become our REASON for living, and to express this life with love and charity. Baptism guarantees us access to this new life in Christ Jesus.

 

This new life in the resurrection derives its ultimate joy and relevance in Christ alone. “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil 3:8). This is the new reasoning of Easter people; a new way of life that brings unity, and conquers poverty and hunger. Amen.

 

Fr Jude C. Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday April 26, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE MANDATE FOR FORGIVENESS

 The Mandate for Forgiveness

Meditation for Second Sunday of Easter

(Feast of Divine Mercy)

(Acts 5:12-16; Rev 1:9-11, 12-13, 17-19; Jn 20:19-31)

On this second Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates the mercy of God. In our meditation, we gaze upon the disciples as they gathered behind closed doors. A thick wall of fear held them enclosed in the room, and a cloud of uncertainty and confusion hovered over them. It appears they found a place of refuge for themselves, a comfort measure against the malice and hatred of the Jews. At this point, fear exalted the enemies of Jesus, while His friends were silenced and enclosed behind bolted doors.

 

While under the grip of fear, the disciples did not set their will, mind and heart on the terror of the malice of the Jews and the elders, but on the events surrounding Jesus. The contemplation of their hearts was on their Master, and about the news of His resurrection, its meaning and implication for them. “For where your heart is, there will your heart be also” (Mt 6:21).

 

Suddenly, Jesus appeared in their midst! His presence stripped the enclosing walls and doors of their relevance, and fear lost its grip. The disciples were drawn to silence and wonder. Their hovering minds and confusion of heart now had a focal point. The thick cloud of confusion melted away as they gazed upon Jesus, in whom is the answer to all their questionings and doubts. His presence spoke in silence what His voice was about to declare: “Peace be with you.”

 

Peace is the most important ingredient man needs for a wholesome and fulfilled life. ‘Peace’ is not a just a product of human efforts and deliberations. It is, majorly, a gift of resurrection.

 

Then Jesus gave them the mandate to go and preach the good news. He breathed on them, and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Meditate on this mandate to forgive sins and see its immediate and living link with the Eucharistic mandate, “Do this in memory of me.” The forgiveness poured out in the Eucharist is now instituted and given its own mandate! Hence, the Sacrament of Reconciliation has a special connection with the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

 

Mercy as a sacrament becomes a necessary means of salvation, and an object of faith. Thus, in the creed we the Church professes, “I believe in the forgiveness of sins.” And the preaching of the gospel includes an invitation to participate in God’s forgiveness and the Eucharistic nourishment.

 

So, the ocean of Divine Mercy gushed forth from the pierced side of Jesus as water and blood flowed down. As Jesus appeared to the disciples behind closed doors, so does the mercy of God pierce through the walls of sin and hate to set us free for God and for our neighbor. We see this in the example of Peter when he denied Jesus, but the merciful gaze of Jesus broke through the walls of his fear and ego. The parable of the prodigal son demonstrates it too. It is still this mercy that passed through the walls of Thomas’ doubts and brought him to faith and homage.

 

This mercy that Jesus instituted as a Sacrament was later revealed to Sr Faustina on Feb 22 1931 as a devotion. And John Paul II on May 5^th, 2000 declared the second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday in accordance with the request of our Lord through Sr Faustina. Divine Mercy as a devotion draws us to contemplation, envelops our hearts, mind and will. It becomes an exercise of faith in which we re-echo the homage of St Thomas, “My Lord and my God!” The Lord wants the ocean of His mercy, the unfathomable divine mercy, to envelop the whole world and gush forth for us. As mercy is the greatest attribute of God, so it has become our identity and should manifest in every aspect of our lives. We who have been found out by God’s mercy, saved by His mercy, set free and nourished by His mercy, will go forth to show mercy and preach the gospel of God’s mercy. Amem.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday April 24^th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

“THAT THE SECRET THOUGHTS OF MANY MAY BE LAID BARE”

 “THAT THE SECRET THOUGHTS OF MANY MAY BE LAID BARE”

Meditation for Passion Sunday, YEAR C

(Lk 19:28-40; Lk 22:14-23:56)

Today’s liturgical celebration ushers in the holy Week. Our celebration begins with the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. We gather outside the church with palms, and from there make a solemn procession into the Church, while chanting ‘Hosanna’, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” Jesus was welcomed into the great city of Jerusalem with so much acclamation and joy. He marched with dignity and royalty, and the people welcomed Him as a King. What a beautiful way to step into the great hour of His suffering and death for our salvation.

 

But the praises roused up jealousy and anger from the Pharisees, who told Him to rebuke his disciples. Jesus answered them, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Nothing can stop the praises and glory due to God. If man refuses to worship God, other creatures will manifest His glory!

 

As our celebration traces the Passion of Christ, we meditate on how the secrete thoughts of those around Him were silently revealed. At the presentation of Jesus in the temple, Simeon said to Mary, “Look, he is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is opposed—and a sword will pierce your soul too—so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare” (Lk 2:34-35). At this hour, the greed of Judas and his fake love for Jesus, which he nurtured for him for years, is now exposed and it worked against him. Peter appeared like a resolute apostle, who would stand with Jesus at all times. But at this hour, his weakness in prayer was revealed as he slept off at the mount of Olives. Above all, Peter’s lack of courage at the moment of trial, and his denial of Jesus at the slightest inconvenience and for comfort was laid bare. Peter was healed of these because he REMEMBERED the words of Jesus and turned his heart back to his Master, and wept bitterly in repentance (Lk 22:61-62).

 

The hour of Jesus laid bare for all to see the secret thoughts of the Pharisees and the elders. The bitter heart and jealousy they nurtured for years could no longer be hidden. The calmness and silence of Jesus exposed their restless hearts as ran around looking for false accusations. Their hypocrisy was self-evident. The Pharisees relied on the strength of the soldiers to catch Jesus and crucify Him. But when the heavily armed army approached Jesus, their weakness was clear for all to see! How can you carry arms to arrest a man who has no arms, and whose offense was what he said and the miracles he performed on the Sabbath? (LK 22:52-53).

 

Pilate and Herod were great leaders, respected and feared. But the trial of Jesus exposed them and rendered them powerless! In making fun of Jesus, Herod exposed his foolishness, and is always portrayed as a clown. Pilate was tormented by his own trial of Jesus, and he ‘washed off’ his power; he surrendered to the voice of the crowd even against his conscience, set the guilty man free, and gave away the innocent Jesus to be crucified!

 

The hour of Jesus, the hour of the cross, always lay bare the secret thoughts and hidden behaviours of our lives. It is also the moment of healing and testimony, for as Jesus died, the Centurion praised God and said, “Truly, this was an upright man” (Lk 23:47). The same praise that the Pharisees tried to suppress at His great entry into Jerusalem is now echoed at His death. No one can stop the praise of God. Let us connect our hearts to the Cross of Christ that our secret thoughts may be laid bare and be healed. Then, our lives will testify and proclaim the glory of God, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday April 10^th, 2022.

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THE HEALING WATER FROM THE SANTUARY

 THE HEALING WATER FROM THE SANTUARY
Meditation for Tuesday of the 4^th Week of Lent
(Ezk 47:1-9, 12; Jn 5:1-16)

Prophet Ezekiel narrates his vision of the water issuing from the temple. “And the water was flowing down from below the right side of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar towards east.” The water rose to a deep river, impossible to cross over. This river flows down into the Arabah, and when it enters any stagnant waters of the sea, the water will become fresh. Wherever the river goes every living creature which swims will live, and there will be many fish. On the banks of this river, all kinds of trees will grow, and their leaves will not wither for they will be fresh every season since the water from the sanctuary flows down to them. “Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”

The pool of Bethzatha in Jerusalem resembles the river in the vision of Ezekiel. It was said to have healing powers, and many sick people gathered around it. A man was there for thirty-eight years but could not get chance to throw himself inside the pool when it is stirred. Jesus said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” For the man the answer was so obvious. And he poured out his frustration at Jesus, detailing all his efforts and commitment to receive healing but was not able to make it. I guess he probably hoped that Jesus might help throw him inside the pool, for that was what he said he needed. But he got more than he bargained for...

Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.” And he was healed instantly! Meditate on how Jesus did for the man what Ezekiel saw in the vision of the water flowing from the sanctuary, and what the man hoped for in the past 38 years! Think about the fountain of life that flowed from Jesus and healed the man; He is the living water (Jn 4:13-14). From His pierced side on the Cross flows that healing fountain that refreshes all touched by it. That is why this Lenten season, we position ourselves beside this living pool as we fast, pray and perform almsgiving.

The vision of Ezekiel is here fulfilled. We are watered by the fountain of grace flowing from Jesus Christ; Blood and Water flowing from His side, and gushing forth to us from God’s sanctuary through the Eucharist. So we shall have fullness of life, in season and out of season—in sickness and health, in poverty and richness, single or married, in life or death—and we shall always be fruitful. Amen

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday March 29th, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com