Saturday, April 22, 2023

THE EUCHARISTIC SPARK

Meditation for the Third Sunday of Easter
(Acts 2:14, 22-33; 1 Pet 1:17-21; Lk 24:13-35)

Let us meditate on one of the most prominent appearances of Jesus after His resurrection. The encounter between Jesus and two of His disciples, who were on their way to Emmaus, says a lot about our Eucharistic celebration. “While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.” What could prevent believers from recognizing their Master? It is lack of faith in the resurrection or sin! The resurrected Jesus is present among believers, but unbelief and sin blur our eyes of faith from recognizing Him. That is why the Mass begins with the act of contrition, when we acknowledge our sins and ask for God’s mercy. As Peter said in the first reading, we have crucified Jesus by our sins, “But God raised Him up.”

 

In the liturgy of the word during the Mass, Jesus speaks to us through the Bible readings, just as He spoke to the disciples along the road. Only Jesus can reveal to us how He is in the Scriptures; “Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” So, we listen to Jesus through the Scriptures, for He alone is the one who can reveal to us the hidden mysteries in the words of the Bible, and draw us to Himself as we listen. This is how both the words read at Mass and the preaching can set our hearts on fire for Jesus.

Then the disciples said to Him, “Stay with us, for it is towards evening and the day is now far spent.” The desire for communion is sparked off by our reception of the word in our hearts. At the sacred table, Jesus gives Himself in an extra ordinary way through the breaking of the Bread, which becomes His new presence. “And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight.” Jesus immediately withdrew the ordinary human form, but the Eucharistic form remains. In Holy Communion, the faithful realize that the Eucharistic spark within, is a deepening of the same fire they felt while listening to the Scriptures. Hence, the disciples said, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?”

 

Just as the two disciples were energized by the assurance of faith, they received through the Eucharistic encounter to leave behind their comfort and go against their fears back to Jerusalem, bearing witness to what they experienced, so also, we rise from the Mass to go home and live out the grace we received. That is why the second reading says that our faith and hope are rooted in God through the confidence we have in Jesus, who ransomed us, not with perishable gold or silver, but with His precious Blood. That is why, like the disciples that were going to Emmaus, we must humbly listen and sanctify our hearts with word of God, so that we can have a deeper encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday April 23, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

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Saturday, April 15, 2023

THE MERCY THAT BREAKS BARRIERS

    Meditation for the Second Sunday of Easter
Divine Mercy Sunday
(Acts 2:42-47; 1 Pet 1:3-9; Jn 20:19-31)

On the Second Sunday of Easter the Church celebrates the unfathomable divine mercy of God, reveled and given to humanity as a unique gift of the Resurrection. This great mercy of God breaks forth through the barriers of human nature and brings to us that divine touch that is beyond human understanding. The first reading narrates how the early Church was fed by the teaching of the apostles, the breaking of bread and the prayers. “And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need.” The divisive walls of human selfishness have been conquered.  Now, charity can spring from ‘nothingness’, and become, above all, a sharing of life (cf. 2 Cor 6:10).

That is why the sharing of the word of God, the Eucharist and prayers energize us from within to take responsibility for the needs of others. These are points of encounter where Jesus is present among us, especially in the Eucharist. As the glorified Jesus shares life with us, so He bestows on us the grace of the resurrection, which moves us forward in the bond of charity with others. The second reading says, “By His great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” Thus, faith in Jesus breaks barriers and guarantees what eyes cannot see, bringing a joy greater than the various trials we suffer. That is why the second reading insists that our faith is more precious than gold.

 

Furthermore, the Eucharist is the highest form of our expression of faith. In the Eucharist we receive all the merits and graces of the resurrection; there Jesus Himself is present in an extra ordinary way, coming to us over and above all human limitations and barriers. It is like Jesus passing through closed doors to be with the disciples. Despite the barriers of fear and uncertainty, He said to them, “Peace be with you.” Just as the resurrected Jesus cannot be stopped by walls and closed doors, the peace and mercy He gives can pierce through fear, tension, misunderstanding, unbelief, etc. Then, He breathed on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Thus, Jesus gave the disciples the mandate and instituted in His Church the Sacrament of His Mercy for sinners. Guided by the Holy Spirit, He sent them on a mission for the forgiveness of sins.

 

Just as the Church is on a mission to bring about the forgiveness of sins, the Divine Mercy goes ahead of us, breaking through human barriers and limitations, bringing us back to communion with God and neighbor. This is the mercy that pierced through the walls of Thomas’ doubt and absence from the gathering of believers, touching him with the eternal marks of divine mercy; the symbols of Jesus’ victory over human selfishness, weakness, sin and death. This evoked a great response of faith from Thomas, “My Lord and my God!” This is the response of one enveloped in the ocean of Divine Mercy. And this has become our Eucharistic response, when we lift up our hearts in faith and love to Jesus, who comes to us in the Sacrament. By our participation in the Breaking of the Bread, we commune with Jesus, who sends us forth to become apostles of His mercy. We must not allow any human barrier to quench the fire of Divine Mercy that Jesus has lit in our hearts through the victory of His resurrection. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday April 16th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

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Saturday, April 1, 2023

DYNAMICS OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE

 DYNAMICS OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE

The role of Knights in protecting the sacredness of family life

Lenten Retreat Talk for the Order of Knights of St Mulumba, Ojo Sub-Council

By

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R


1.0.  Introduction (The emergence of the Knights and its relevance to the issue of marriage in the Church)

2.       2.0. Some trending issues affecting marriage and family life

3.      3.0.  Marriage as a human affair

3.1. The human person and free will

3.2. Emotional and Intellectual maturity

3.3. Blending of Personalities to create complementarity

4.       The Spiritual Dynamics of marriage and family life

4.1.  Marriage as mystery rooted in God’s will

4.2.  Marriage as a Sacrament (means of salvation)

4.3.  Taking pro-active steps to build and protect the family

5.       Conclusion: The exemplary role of Knights in protecting the sacredness of marriage and family life.

  1.0.  INTRODUCTION

“Catholic Knighthood started in the Middle Ages with Catholics forming themselves into small armies to escort Christian Pilgrims to and from the Holy Land.”[1] The Knights then fought against the enemies of Christianity, who attacked the Church physically. Later, the Knights came to be recognized as defenders of the Catholic faithful and of the Catholic faith. “They bound themselves into fraternal organizations with the general objectives of fighting evil and promoting good. In particular, they set themselves the necessary task of uprooting the systematic and structural evil in the society.”[2] That is why the Order engages in different charitable works, and supports the Church at different levels.

As defenders of the faith, it becomes pertinent that the Knights should accompany the faithful in their pilgrimage journey in marriage and family life. The present enemies of the Church are not just outside, but even within. Marriage, which is a core institution in the life of the Church, is under serious attack, more from within than from outside. However, there are several other societal problems that wedge war against family life. How can the Church stand if the family is destroyed? The Knights must draw their sword of prestige and influence—a symbol of bravery and courage—to accompany the Catholic faithful on their pilgrimage to journey to a happy and lasting marriage.

 2.0. SOME TRENDING ISSUES AFFECTING MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE

The news is everywhere; the effects are not far-fetched. Broken homes and broken hearts are all around us. Most of the causes of marital issues are re-occurring. However, each family seems to germinate their own versions of the same re-cycling issues. The issues are so many but we want highlight few of the popular ones to help us in our reflection. They include:

a.      Love: We cannot live without love. But there is growing disbelief in genuine love. How can one who does not believe that true love exists give and receive love? A lot of young people today ‘fall in love’ very early. As such, they readily experience the wounds of love quite early, and severally. Once love is poisoned in the heart, it becomes difficult to nurture it in marriage. Due to high level of selfishness and greed in our society, those who try to show love tend to fear being manipulated or abused in the process. How can one love without being taken advantage of. Sometimes marital love is corrupted by obsession and possessiveness.

b.     Submission: In our society, most men expect submissiveness from women. But women fear being controlled by the men. Is love and submissiveness mutually exclusive? Is it really possible to relegate submissiveness only to the women, and relegate love to the men? It becomes a big issue when one responds to the gift of submissiveness with a sense of control. No one likes to be controlled! Marital union cannot survive without a certain level of submissiveness. With increased knowledge and self-awareness, it is becoming more difficult for this virtue to be practiced.

c.    Intimacy: It should be taken for granted that couples are intimate, and have free access to each other. This bond is often wounded by infidelity and deceit of all kinds. To hold and maintain affection between the man and the woman in marriage takes a lot of commitment and effort. Physical, mental, emotional and financial changes can easily affect one's availability and capacity to give and receive affection, and to keep the intimacy strong.

d.     Communication: Each individual has a certain unique capacity and method of communication. Some are more verbal, while others are inclined to gestures. There are those who easily presume things, while some others are more explicit and direct. If not checkmated, phone and internet can get in the way of direct and inter-personal communication among couples. If there is no free and easy communication among couples, distrust and ‘distraction’ will begin to germinate. Communication is the key!

e.      Finance: Issues of money are rampant in marriage. It touches almost every aspect of marriage, including security, wellbeing, ownership and exercise of authority in the home. Both lack of money and availability of money can bring serious problems in marriage.

f.      Upbringing of Children: Yes, children are usually expected to arrive in marriage. While couples look up with joy to having children, often times they underrate the extent of emotional, intellectual, spiritual, financial and time involvement in looking after children. Sometimes one partner may feel overburdened with one or two aspects of this job. When couples do not resolve their issues, one partner may channel an unhealthy emotional energy to the kids

3.0. MARRIAGE AS HUMAN AFFAIR

3.1. The Human Person and Free Will

Created in the image and likeness of God, the human person is endowed with free will. That means man is specially gifted with the capacity to make choices of his own. The exercise of his free will in making choices becomes an expression of his freedom as a person. Here the human person is free to desire and aspire to things, even to the highest heavens. Once we cannot fully express our free will, we do not feel fully alive as persons with equal rights and dignity. It becomes demeaning to take away one’s freedom of choice. The free will is the take-off ground from which we fly to actions and choices that give us joy and fulfilment. That does not mean that whatever we choose is automatically good. To perform a good action without our free will definitely will not make us happy.

We make choices based on our knowledge of available options. If there are no options to choose from, then there is no choice! Thus, our capacity to choose increases with knowledge of the options before us. That is why the more men and women of our time grow in knowledge and wealth, the more intently they hold to their freedom of choice. We have eaten the fruit of knowledge and our eyes are open! You can imagine the implication of this to marriage and family life. Some people are already feeling in bondage in their own homes. In addition, the human person always attempts to break free whenever he feels that his free will is imprisoned. Even God does not interfere with out free will. Only the individual can freely surrender his free will. This is what happens in the case of religious vows and marriage vows. In this case, we freely choose to condition our free will or to surrender it completely.

3.2. EMOTIONAL AND INTELLECTUAL MATURITY

We grow physically, spiritually, intellectually and emotionally. While physical growth occurs naturally on its own, the others require more effort and commitment. Though physical growth comes with age, spiritual, intellectual and emotional growth do not automatically correspond with age. So, if we do not develop our inner selves while age comes, we might not be matured enough to handle the new responsibilities that age brings, which definitely will make demands on us on our spiritual, emotional and intellectual capability.

 

Emotions are energies within, that is why they can affect and influence another person positively or negatively, depending on the type of emotion released. Psychologists define emotional maturity as “A high and appropriate level of emotional control and expression.”[3] That means emotional immaturity is a tendency to express emotions without restraint or disproportionately to the situation. Thus, self-restraint is the key to emotional maturity. This is where a person with a sound spiritual life easily masters his emotions. An emotionally mature person pays attention to the impact his or her expressions or actions can have on others and he pays attention to their feelings. Signs of emotional immaturity include impulsive behaviour, bullying, demanding attention, narcissism, etc.

Intellectual maturity refers to a person who has a high level of sound judgement, guided by wisdom, which comes from experience and action. Such a person has self-direction, whereby he can set his own goals, focus on work, study and practice to achieve his set objectives.

Marriage requires a certain level of emotional and intellectual maturity. It is men and women who are matured that can use their free will to choose to act responsibly for the good of their partner, and accommodate them. It takes one who is emotionally and intellectually matured to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, take responsibility for his or her actions and to apologize and accept apology when necessary.

3.3. Blending of Personalities to create complementarity

Marriage is between a male and a female. The difference in gender already highlights the certain variation in personality, which is a person’s way of thought, feeling, or behaviour. A person’s personality is his or her way of interpreting reality; a pattern of giving response to issues and his environment. Couples must take note of the difference in personality with their partner and be creative in accepting them as such. For example, is your husband or wife an introvert, extrovert (Melancholic, Sanguine, Choleric, Phlegmatic). Some other variations you should be conscious of include, is he or she the first born, last born, only child, etc. A person’s core values equally help to shape his or her personality, such as religious values, political and cultural values.

Acceptance of each other’s personality in marriage must be such as to create COMPLEMENTARITY. Any attempt to form UNIFORMITY by making your partner behave like you will infringing on their free will, giving room to control or manipulation. Complementarity in marriage creates between a man and a woman an ever-richer union on all levels of the body, the character and the soul, and reveals to the world the new communion of love given by the grace of Christ. By complementing each other, the man and woman bring together the two realities of their lives, producing a whole that is neither is nor can be alone.[4]

Building a lasting union in marriage is a life-project. It involves the whole human person, who matures in self-awareness and awareness of his or partner. However, since it involves the mastering of the self, and the surrendering of the fundamental instinct in the human person, i.e. the free will, a successful marriage will take more than human effort. This is where divine grace comes in for a smooth ride.

4.0.  The Spiritual Dynamics of marriage and family life

4.1. Marriage as mystery rooted in God’s will

God created man and woman in His own image and likeness, and called them to the vocation of marriage that the two should become one flesh (Gen 2:24). It was God who took the initiative, and instituted marriage according to His divine plan for man.[5] In pledging himself to the vow of marriage, man and woman freely choose each other according to the divine will. That means their free choice for each other must give room for God’s will to be fulfilled among them, which is “the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring” (CCC1601).

Since God took the initiative, then man and woman enter marriage as participants, with already laid down rules and format, which includes, “What God has joined together man must not separate” (Mt 19:6). Thus, they surrender their free wills to God through their marital consent, thereby the freely choose to accept whatever God allows to come their way in the course of their marriage. By giving back to God the greatest give He gave them, which their free will, the man and woman love each other according to the laws of marriage, but give their lives to God, who now has become the principle from which their actions flow. So, couples do not OWE each other; that belongs to God! However, they complement each other, through mutual love and submissiveness to each other, each according to his or her ability.

This is how marriage brings freedom, peace and joy. The sense of permanency gives stability to their lives, which is a sure foundation for growth and progress. Marriage brings orderliness to our lives and to society at large. The human person, endowed with free will, can be uncontrollable in his aspirations, even to things that can destroy him. God’s gift of orderliness in marriage is saving grace for humanity, for without it there will be chaos in society (1 Cor 14:40). St Paul explains that the order of the family is centered around Jesus, who is the source and model of the chain of authority. “Wives should be subject to their husbands as to the Lord, since as Chris is head of the Church and saves the whole body, so is a husband the head of his wife; and as the Church is subject to Christ, so should wives be to their husbands, in everything” (Eph 5:22-24).

There is no room here for control and manipulation. The husband is the head as Christ is to the Church. That means the husband’s leadership role is that of a SHEPHERD, who lays down his life for his sheep. As the Church is the body of which Christ is the head, so is the wife to her husband. Thus, the wife respects her husband, and like the Church, bears testimony by the quality of her life to the quality of the shepherding she receives. “Each one of you, must love his wife and he loves himself; and let every wife respect her husband” (Eph 5:33). All this is done to please the Lord, in whom the mystery of marriage is rooted.

4.2. Marriage as a Sacrament (means of salvation)

The salvation we have in Christ was prepared by God through a nuptial covenant with His people Israel, which was fulfilled in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Through Him we are bound in an everlasting covenantal union with God, in which we are reborn as God’s children. This new order of grace in Christ prepares us for “the wedding feast of the Lamb” (CCC. 1612). If the model of marriage was used to save us, then marriage has some ingredients of salvation. May be that can explain why the first miracle of Jesus and self-manifestation was done during a wedding feast in Cana in Galilee (Jn 2:1-11).

To live out the marital union becomes the way couples follow Jesus more intimately, for it requires constantly the renouncing of oneself, and taking up one’s crosses. Thus, the grace of Christian marriage is a fruit of Christ’s cross, the source of all Christian life and merits (CCC 1615). Christian marriage is an efficacious sign, i.e. the sacrament of the covenant of Christ and the Church. It communicates grace, and sanctifies the couples (CCC 1617). In other words, marriage is away God answers our prayers.

4.3. Taking pro-active steps to build and protect the family

Most marital issues that hurt families are avoidable. It is better to take preventive measures than to massage the problems when they arise. Such pro-active steps that build and protect the home must help couples grow in interpersonal communication, mutual trust and deeper understanding. These steps must help each partner find fulfilment in the free offer of his or her consent. Each family is unique; the man and woman must discover and apply those physical, mental and spiritual activities that engage them together and involving their personal commitments. These activities must well structure such that each partner is well accommodated. Such pro-active steps include prayer and meditation, physical exercise, meals and recreation, time for dialogue and meeting, etc. Marital conflicts are bound to come. But there must be certain ‘family habits’ around which they are nullified. When negative energies arise, they tend to rise so quickly if there are no positive activities that engage the couples, and through which the negative energies are channeled away. Above all, the husband and wife must understand and accommodate each other’s sexual behavior, and maintain a healthy sexual life.

5.0.            Conclusion: The exemplary role of Knights in protecting the sacredness of marriage

In this reflection, we have tried to expose some dynamics of marriage and family life to create awareness on some aspects one can work on to build a happy home. Marriage itself is a mystery so we cannot exhaust all that can be said about it. However, the few insights raised here should awaken more thoughts and help the Knights to see the depth of the work that needs to be done. In this age of advanced knowledge and easy access of information, men and women have stronger free will or they have become more self-absorbing such that it will extra efforts to keep them in lasting union. This is where the Knights, as defenders of the faith, must rise up with their exemplary lives, and defend the institution of marriage in silence with their model families.

When the opportunity comes, members of the Order should participate in marriage classes in their parishes to educate the younger ones. They should take as an added vacation to help resolve marriage conflicts among their neighbor, friends and family. I warmly encourage you all to make yourselves available to sponsor young couples, and journey with them. This is a gracious evangelism and social work, which is in accordance with the honorary role of the Knights as those who defend and accompany the faithful on their pilgrimage. You do not have to wait until you have solved all your marital problems before you contribute to protecting the sacredness of marriage. Jesus is the wounded healer, and He gives us the grace that through our sufferings we too can bring healing to others.

These are difficult times; the echoes of domestic violence and divorce are everywhere. Fear, distrust, suspicion and tension have become regular visitors to our homes. Even children brought up by their parents seem to easily abandon their home upbringing and pick up trending behaviors. The Church is on pilgrimage to sustain the sacredness of marriage. But the journey is tough, for the enemies of marriage are all over the place. We are not discouraged, for God is with us. And one of the ways He comes o our aid by giving us this Sacred Order of the Knights of St Mulumba. Go, therefore, into the society and among the faithful, to promote healthy marriages and family life.

May Almighty God bless + you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos

Saturday April 1st, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

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Wednesday, March 29, 2023

ETERNAL COVENANT IN CHRIST

Meditation for Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
(Gen 17:3-9; Jn 8:51-59)
God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to make him the father of a multitude of nations. That means Abraham would have a fatherhood beyond what flesh and blood can offer. It is almost like declaring an eternal fatherhood in his name. God promised to make him ‘exceedingly fruitful.’ Then, God promised a new covenant with Abraham and his descendants, “Throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you.” Abraham believed in God and longed for the fulfilment of His promises.

In Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s covenant with Abraham. Jesus is the one who gathers all nations under one fatherhood, and He unites the heavenly and earthly realms (Cf. Gal 3:28; Phil 3:20). In Jesus is the everlasting covenant, which qualifies us to call God, Abba, Father! (Rm 8:15). Hence, Jesus declares, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if any one keeps my word, he will not see death.” Yes, to abide in an eternal covenant in Christ Jesus is to live eternally.  This is the reality Abraham longed for. “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw and was glad.” Thus, Jesus explains that He is the destination of Abraham’s longing. That means Abraham’s pilgrimage ends in Jesus Christ.

 

The Jews got the message clearly: that he who fills and eternal promise must be eternal himself! Since they refuse to believe, they began to accuse of blasphemy, and picked up stones to throw at Him… However, for us who believe, we share in the joy of Abraham that all our longings have their destination in Christ Jesus. As children of the eternal and universal fatherhood under Christ, the grace we have as God’s children traverses the limitations imposed by flesh and blood.

 

Fr Jude Chiwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Thursday March 30th, 2023

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

29th Lenten Meditation 

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FREEDOM OF FAITH

Meditation for Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
(Dan 3:14-20, 24-25, 28; Jn 8:31-42)
King Nebuchadnezzar was angry. His anger was so fierce that he had to take the most drastic measure to punish Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego for refusing to worship the golden image. Notice that the King wanted these young men to worship the god he made by himself. Think about what it means to worship a god that is under the authority of man, ‘the work of human hands’ (cf. Is 2:8; Ps 115:4). From the depth of his pride, the King ordered that the fire should be made seven times hotter, and that the three young men should be thrown into it.

The man of faith, who abandons himself to the will of God and hopes in Him in all situations of his life, will always have to step on the fierce fire lit by self-worship, pride and arrogance of those who have no such divine encounter, and from those who do not accept the audacity of faith in the face of life challenges. The fire was still burning, and fiercely so, when King Nebuchadnezzar saw the men he bound and threw into the fire walking freely. He was astonished, and rose in a haste; looking closely he saw a fourth person keeping them company in the midst of the blazing fire. He realized that God had sent His angel to save the three young men. God’s saving power is stronger and fiercer than the blazing fire of hatred, pride, jealousy, sickness, poverty. That is why He did not first quench the fire before liberating the young men, for the freedom of the Children of God in Christ Jesus is far above the shackles that try to hold them down and the earthly fires that try to melt them away.

 

Hence, Jesus says in the gospel of today, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” So, in Jesus we have true and lasting freedom; a freedom that goes beyond boarders and touches those in prison, the broken hearted, the sick and abandoned. The freedom we have in Jesus sinks deep down into the soul and melts away the fire of every sin and hatred. “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” What is required of us is to have strong faith and trust in God like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Wednesday March 29th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

28th Lenten Meditation

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Monday, March 27, 2023

THE GAZE OF FAITH

Meditation for Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
(Num 21:4-9; Jn 8:21-30)

Let us meditate on the mystery of the bronze serpent, which Moses lifted up in the desert. The efficacy of that great sign, through which God saved those who were bitten by the snake, is located in the mystery of Jesus Christ, who said, “When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am He.” When the Israelites sinned and were dying from snake bite, they repented, confessed and pleaded for mercy. Could God not have forgiven them without the bronze serpent? The erection of the bronze serpent as a symbolic remedy was the fruit of God’s mercy upon them. The gesture of looking up to the bronze serpent was a response of faith, and a sign of personal commitment and responsibility.

The lifting up of the bronze serpent and the subsequent gazing up to it is fulfilled in Jesus, who was lifted up on the Cross, and we gaze upon Him with the eyes of faith. This is how the healing remedy from the Cross is poured into the hearts of believers and we are renewed and restored from the bite of sin. This active faith is not WISHFUL THINKING, no! It demands personal responsibility and commitment. Sometimes people of this generation want a faith that avoids the ‘inconvenience’ of gazing upon the Cross. We tend to desire a healing remedy that does not require personal commitment and responsibility. Our fasting, prayer and almsgiving at this season of Lent are ways we raise up our eyes of faith up Jesus crucified, just as the Israelites looked up to the bronze serpent and they were saved.

 

How can we be indifferent, close our eyes, turn of our minds, and be dying in self-pity from the snake bites of sin, sickness, economic hardships, insecurity, immorality, bad governance, etc, while the eternal remedy is lifted up before us? Hence, Jesus warns, “I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am He.” Think about the great personal commitment and responsibility Catholics exhibit when they step forward to receive the eternal remedies of the Cross through the Sacraments of the Church. When we kneel at Confession and join the solemn procession to Holy Communion, our eyes of faith are raised up to Jesus, who was lifted up on Cross, and fountain of mercy flows freely into our hearts, neutralizing the venom of sin and human weakness. Then, we are cleansed and renewed in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday March 28th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

27th Lenten Meditation

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NOVENA MEDITATIONS FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD

 CONFRATERNITY OF OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP

NOVENA MEDITATIONS FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD

(Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38)

March 25th, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENT

 

DAY 1: THE SOLEMN CELEBRATION OF THE ANNUNCIATION

 

DAY 2: GABRIEL, THE BEARER OF GOODNEWS

 

DAY 3: MARY, OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNCIATION

 

DAY 4: MARY, THE ATTENTIVE MOTHER

 

DAY 5: MARY’S FIAT

 

DAY 6: ANNUNCIATIONO OF HOPE: With God nothing is impossible

 

DAY 7: ANNUNCIATION OF JOY: The Virgin will bear a Son

 

DAY 8: THE TESTIMONY OF THE ANNUNCIATION

 

DAY 9: THE MANIFESTATION OF THE TRINITY IN THE ANNUNCIATION

 

  

DAY 1: THE SOLEMN CELEBRATION OF THE ANNUNCIATION

The solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord celebrates that moment in our salvation history when Angel Gabriel announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she would conceive and give birth Jesus, the Messiah. In this celebration, we recall that solemn moment which marked the beginning of the fulfilment of the promise God made to man since after the fall (Gen 3:15). A promise of salvation, which gathered momentum through the prophets (Is 7:10-14). The angel came to Mary, saluted her, saying, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!”

 

In the history of the Church, there was a debate that arouse around the 5th Century over the unity of the divine and human natures of Jesus Christ, i.e. the hypostatic union. The debate began with Archbishop of Constantinople, Nestorius, who denied that in the divine and the human are perfectly united in the one person of Christ. Therefore, Nestorius claimed that Mary gave birth to only the humanity of Christ, so she should be called “Christ-bearer” and not the “Mother of God.” St Cyril, the Archbishop of Alexandra, argued that the divine and the human natures of Jesus were united in one hypostatic union. The Church condemned the heresy of Nestorius in 431 AD during the Council of Ephesus. It was upheld that divinity and humanity of are perfectly united and, therefore, Mary is properly called the “Theotokos” (Mother of God). After overcoming this controversy and establishing the dogma of Mary Mother of God, the celebration of the Annunciation of instituted.

 

The Church celebrates this awesome moment of the annunciation with great solemnity, thereby highlighting it as an important landmark of salvation. It was initially called ‘The Annunciation of Mary.’ But later liturgical reviews changed the title to ‘The Annunciation of the Lord’, following its connection with Jesus. The date of the Annunciation was set on March 25, making it 9 Months before Christmas. Thus, the Church celebrates the Incarnation of the Lord on this day.  

 

In the solemnity of the Annunciation, Church also honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, who offered her Fiat to God, and freely surrounded herself to the will of God. We celebrate and exalt Mary’s humility, obedience, and docility to the will of God. We admire her sweetness and sanctify, her availability and generosity to God. At the Annunciation, Angel Gabriel was satisfied at Mary’s readiness and desire for God’s will to be done. Mary’s response has become a model for the Church’s response to Jesus. The solemn celebration of the Annunciation should rekindle our faith in Jesus, who was Incarnate in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And the joy of this celebration echoes the joy we share with Mary in surrendering ourselves totally to the will of God. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

DAY 2: GABRIEL, THE BEARER OF GOODNEWS

The name Gabriel in Hebrew is translated as “God is my strength,” “God is my strong man” or “hero of God.” This angel is popularly known for delivering good news. He appeared to Daniel to explain his visions (Dan 8:15-16; 9:21). He delivered the good news to Zachariah about the birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1:19). Most importantly, Gabriel announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she would conceive and give birth to the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Lk 1:26-38). He is known as the bearer of good news, the Angel of the Annunciation. Some traditions call him “Mary’s Angel.” In the Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Angel Gabriel is seen on the top right-hand corner holding a veil, the cross and four nails, and appears to be descending towards Mary, whose head is slightly tilted towards the angel.

 

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Is 52:7). Think about such a beautiful and gracious moment, when Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, loaded with the good news of salvation. Unlike Daniel and Zachariah, the Angel was more interactive with Mary; He was patient enough to answer her question and give her the reassurance she needed.

 

Let us meditate and honor the Angel Gabriel, the Angel of the Annunciation, as he stood before Mary as a true messenger of God. Her position before Mary leads us forward in faith to humble ourselves before her as the Mother of God. With Gabriel we recognize the singular privilege God bestowed on this His lowly Handmaid. As fellow messengers of God in our capacity, and as devotees to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, we learn from Gabriel to interact with Mary as our Mother, and honor her as the Mother of God. In this way, Mary will win for us the grace to be effective messengers of God, bearing  that the Almighty has done great things for us. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

DAY 3: MARY, OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNCIATION

The Annunciation of the Lord was a landmark event that gave the Blessed Virgin Mary a unique and unparallel identity. Mary of Nazareth was young virgin who kept herself for the Lord, hoping and believing that God would send the Messiah to deliver His people. The Sacred Tradition of the Church holds that she was the daughter of Joachim and Ann. Mary was conceived without original sin; in keeping herself spotless, she embodied the entire of hope of Israel for God’s deliverance. In the young virgin of Nazareth, we see the perfect expression of the remnant of Israel, who were preserved and never corrupted by the exile.  That is why she is called “The Daughter of Zion” (Zech 9:9). In her the hope of the prophets for the Virgin birth of the Immanuel was fulfilled (Is 7:14).

 

In the mystery of the Annunciation, Mary’s faith bore its fruit, her hope was fulfilled, and she actualized perfectly who God had prepared her to be, even since after the fall of man (Gen 3:15). When the sound of Gabriel’s heavenly voice rang in her ears, “She was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.” Here we see how her humility shined out, for, though she was a devout lady, she never considered herself worthy of such venerable greeting and honor. The humble shall be exalted. The highest honour bestowed on Mary in the Annunciation reveals the depth of her humility. Mary is our Lady of the Annunciation, for all her life was destined and prepared for this very moment, yet, God would not act without her free consent.

 

In the Annunciation, the many virtues of Mary shine out; we see her attentiveness, prayerfull recollection, humility, joy, submission to will of God, purity, faith, hope, charity, detachment, and above all, her universal motherhood. Mary praised God saying, “All generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things for me, holy is His name” (Lk 1:48-49). This prophetic message comes true as all generations comes to know her and appreciate what the almighty has done through her. In addition, we learn from her who gave her free consent to the will of God at the Annunciation. In this way, Mary teaches us, as her devoted children, how to surrender our ego, attachments, ideologies, authorities, situations in life, etc, to the will of God, which often unfolds in ways we do no envisage.

 

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Lady of the Annunciation, help us to surrender to God’s will, and bring Christ to world around us. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

DAY 4: MARY, THE ATTENTIVE MOTHER

The Icon our Mother of Perpetual Help depicts Mary in a contemplative mood. In the Icon, Mary's left ear is attentively open. The Icon speaks of Mary as the Attentive Mother. Mary listened attentively to the message of the Angel during the Annunciation, that was why she asked for more clarifications. Her attentiveness was part of her many virtues, for she had formed herself as one who was ready to obey. This virtue requires that one does not ‘lock up’ the heart, but ready and willing to understand and respond accordingly.

 

Think about how readily people these days have low capacity for attentiveness! There is a growing trend of insensitivity in our society. More often than not, we see couples who are not attentive to the needs of their partner, but are locked up in their ego and sentiments. To be attentive to God is to obey His commandments and to do His will. To be attentive to others is basically to show compassion and care. It is difficult to be attentive without love. So, to the extent that we withdraw love from each other, to that extent are we not going to be attentive to them. Anger and hatred deafen our ears against those around us, but love opens our ears to hear God and our neighbor. So, in Mary’s attentiveness to God, we see the depth of her love.

 

As we meditate on the mystery of the Annunciation, we see how Angel Gabriel’s journey to Nazareth was a huge success because Mary was docile and attentive. It was such disposition that was needed for the will of God to reign over hers, and for the power of God to overshadow her and consume her weakness. In this lowly state, Mary was raised up and given ‘the highest honor of our race.’ The quality of her attentiveness can be seen in her swift response to the needs of Elizabeth. Did the Angel tell Mary to visit Elizabeth, and with such hurry? Now, we can understand more deeply Mary’s virtue of attentiveness. Yes, the example of Mary has shown that attentiveness to God will definitely translate into attentiveness to our neighbor. So, Mary’s response to Elizabeth is a manifestation of her wholehearted response to God. Therefore, let us learn from the Blessed Virgin and be attentive to God, as the Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help depicts. Then, we shall be attentive to our neighbor, and respond to them with love and compassion. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com


DAY 5: MARY’S FIAT

After listening to all the message and explanations Angel Gabriel gave to her, Mary gave her fiat, saying, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” With these words Mary gave her free consent; she surrendered her precious free will to the will of the Almighty. Just before Mary offered her fiat, heaven was ready and waiting; Gabriel was explaining and anticipating, and humanity, burdened by the weight of sin, was longing for deliverance. The old history had exhausted its chronology, and the new history was anticipating the fiat of Mary. Immediately, she offered her fiat, the Angel’s job was done, and he left immediately; nothing more could be said or added!

 

Let us meditate on how Mary’s fiat stands in contrast to the disobedience of Adam and Eve. By disobeying God’s instruction that they should not eat the forbidden fruits, Adam and Eve pulled their free will away from God, and channeled it to themselves in selfishness. This was how they brought sin and its consequences upon humanity (cf. Rm 5:12-19). Then, God laid out the historic plan of salvation in Jesus Christ, to unturn the evil that creeped in through human disobedience. The Annunciation of the Lord was the landmark event that inaugurated the beginning of the realization of God’s plan for the salvation of the world. As Mary said YES to the message of the Incarnation, God found in her the obedience in humanity that would bring grace and righteousness for the salvation of man.

 

Think about how great and powerful was Mary’s humble act of total surrender to God. With such freedom and efficiency, she surrendered her ideas and visions, her plans for life and marriage, and even faith and hope in God. Thus, she offered back to God all that God had made her to be, and all that she hoped to be! This is what every prompting of the Holy Spirit demands of us. It is this kind of surrender to God that is the most appropriate response to most unforeseen circumstances that come our way. All that Mary offered through her fiat increased and multiplied; nothing given to God diminishes. Hence, Jesus said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies it yields a rich harvest” (Jn 12:24). Let us learn from Mary to our own fiat to God, then the Almighty will do great things for us. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

DAY 6: ANNUNCIATION OF HOPE: With God nothing is impossible

On this sixth day of our Novena in honor of the Annunciation of the Lord, let us meditate on the hope that this celebrate brings. Of course, the Annunciation is itself the fulfilment of the hope of salvation for it was at that moment that Mary conceived our divine Lord. Nevertheless, since the hope of believers does not diminish, this celebration gives us reassurance that our hope shall not be in vain. When Mary asked the Angel, “How will this be, since I do not know man?”, we see through her the yearnings of all of us, who are seeking answers and assurances to the questions life has posed upon them. Sometimes we find ourselves burdened with the question of whether our prayers are answered, if a particular sin we committed can be forgiven, or if we can endure certain discomforts. The Lowly Handmaid weighed the great message Angel Gabriel announced to her against her humble state and wondered how this could be possible!

 

After explaining to Mary that she will conceive by the power of God, and showing her the example of Elizabeth, the Angel to said to her, “For with God nothing is impossible.” This statement answered all Mary’s doubts and cancelled all her fears. At the same time, it purified her free will and strengthened it for her fiat. By anchoring her hopes on the fact that with God nothing is impossible, Mary understood without knowing perfectly what God wanted of her. So, she questioned no more, and gave her ascent.

 

We are living in a country where corruption and injustice spread their wings and give us no hope of better future. There is so much frustration and depression, even among the younger people. Divorce and separation are gradually becoming the trademark of marriage these days. It is easy these days to give up faith, abandon prayer or jump from prayer house to the other. Most of these are signs that we are perceiving impossibility in the situations we find ourselves. As we draw closer to the Solemnity of the Annunciation, let us pause and reflect on the power words the Angel said to Mary, “For with God nothing is impossible.” Let us connect with Mary to these words, and view our problems and situations through it.

 

Yes, with God we shall come out of every dark situation and see the light. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13). Nothing is too hard for God (Jer 32:17). There is no plan of God for you that can be thwarted (cf. Job 42:2). If the God of impossibilities is on your side, nothing shall come against you (cf. Rm 8:31). May the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for us, reassure us that with God nothing is impossible. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

DAY 7: ANNUNCIATION OF JOY: The Virgin will bear a Son

The birth of a child is always a joyful news. As king Ahaz was troubled with fear about the enemies that surrounded him, the Lord sent prophet Isaiah to announce to him the good news that God was coming to deliver him. The prophet gave the king a sign that God would come to save him and the people, saying, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Is 7:14). During the Annunciation, the Angel Gabriel said to Mary, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High.”

 

Mary knew that this was a great joyful news, but she was not carried away with excitement at hearing it. Instead, she remained calm and recollected, knowing that true joy comes through a due process. There is not shortcut to joy, it must come through the right order and by our personal commitment. So, she asked, “How will this be, since I do not know man?” Apart from the joy that she would be mother of the Messiah, Mary’s heart lit with joy as she realized that had taken notice of her lowly state and favored her. With the Angel’s explanation, Mary realized that what God was asking of her was not just for personal gain, but the salvation of the world. It must have been of a great joy to her to have the opportunity to contribute to the fulfilment of God’s promise to His people.

 

There are so many socio-political problems that readily dry our joy away. Sin and selfishness have deepened the wound of sadness in many people. How can the children of Mary, the joyful mother, be covered with bitterness and anger? Joy will slip off our hands if we do not get to it through the due process of sacrifice and personal commitment. Mary was a woman who lived for God and for others. That was why she rejoiced greatly on hearing that her cousin Elizabeth had conceived in her old age. Her capacity for joy was so great because her heart was open to God and to her neighbor. Many people today are inclined to sadness because their hearts are basically inclined to their personal gains and comfort.  

 

Yes, the Annunciation was a great moment of joy, even as the liturgy relives the encounter. What great outpouring of joy it was when the Holy Spirit came upon Mary! What a peaceful and joyful experience it was when the power of the Most High overshadowed her. And the Incarnation of the divine Son made Mary to burst forth with joy as she sang the Magnificat, saying, “My soul glorifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Lk 1:46-47). May Our Mother of Perpetual Help intercede for us that we may have such great capacity for joy, so as to contain divine joy and spark up joy in hearts that come in contact with us today. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

DAY 8: THE TESTIMONY OF THE ANNUNCIATION

After explaining to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she would conceive by the power God, the Angel Gabriel gave a testimony of what God can do, saying, “And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.” Yes, that God made it possible for the barren woman to conceive testifies that God can do all things. This testimony was meant to help Mary place her trust in the power of God for the message of the Annunciation to come true, not in her ability to conceive, since she had no husband.

 

Thus, Elizabeth’s story became the testimony of the Annunciation to encourage Mary. Without realizing it, while going through her pregnancy in her old age, Elizabeth did not know that her story had become an encouragement for a greater story. However inspiring Elizabeth’s conception might be, it was not meant for Mary to replicate her story or to put her trust in her. It was to evoke her quick and immediate response to God, who can do all things. Actually, such a heavenly message, complete in itself since God Himself was therein, needed no external testimony. Jesus said, “Even if I testify about Myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going” (Jn 8:14). However, since God respects our free will, He had to ‘dialogue’ with Mary and convince her to freely accept the divine Incarnation. This is where the story of Elizabeth became an important part of the message of the Annunciation.

 

Think about the mood of the Blessed Virgin Mary on hearing that Elizabeth, who had given up hope of childbearing, was in her sixth month. “The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Ps 118:23). Her heart lighted up; no doubt or life situation could stop her free consent. Then, the echo of her fiat filtered throughout the room, “…let it be to me according to your word.” If Elizabeth’s story could inspire such response, how much more should Mary inspire us. She testifies that the Almighty can do great things for us; His love extends from age to age, He pulls down the proud and arrogant of heart but exalts the lowly. In our hunger, Mary testifies that God feeds the starving poor. In our doubt and fears, she assures us that God is faithful to His promises, even has He did to Abraham and his descendants forever. As we invoke Mary’s maternal help, we took shall testify, such that the testimony of our lives shall inspire a greater story in lives of others. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

DAY 9: THE MANIFESTATION OF THE TRINITY IN THE ANNUNCIATION

Thank you all for following our meditations in honour of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. This solemnity marks the moment of the Incarnation of the Lord, whose birth will be celebrated nine months to come. The nine topics we chose do not exhaust all that could be said about this great mystery, but they are meant to lift up our minds heart to appreciate, honor and connect to the specific graces of the Annunciation. On this last day of our Novena, let us meditate, with as much attention as we can, on the mystery of the Trinity as revealed in the Annunciation.

 

In response to Mary’s question, “How will this be, since I do not know man?” The Angel Gabriel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” This is one of the clearest revelation of the Trinity in the Scriptures. Here, we see an identification of each of the Person of the Trinity, but united in a single action. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is identified from the overshadowing power of the Most High, and both are identified from the Son of God. However, the Holy Spirit, the Father and the Son are not separated from each other, for they are revealed in the one act of the Annunciation, and they are participate in the singular act of the Incarnation.

 

The power of the Most High took over Mary as His Daughter, the Holy Spirit dwelt within her as His Spouse, and the Son of God took flesh in her as His Mother! Oh! How blessed is the Virgin Mary who was so highly honored. Now we understand why the Angel greeted her specially, saying, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” We remember prophetic words of Elizabeth to Mary, “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Lk 1:42). Thus, the Church calls her ‘Mother of God’, ‘Queen of Angels’, ‘Queen of all Believers’, ‘Mother of divine Grace’, ‘Matter Ecclesia’, ‘Mother of Perpetual Help’, etc.

 

In the Annunciation, we see how the One God, in His Trinity of Persons, speaks with one voice, executes one action, and reveals Himself in one instant. Since we are created in God’s image and likeness, He blesses with the gift of unity of mind, heart and the senses, so that we can live in peace and be united with one another. Mary becomes our model, indicating who we can become if we allow the power of the Almighty Father to take control of our lives, open up our hearts to be sanctified and prompted by the Holy Spirit, and we bear fruits of the righteousness of Jesus (cf. Phil 1:11). Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

 

                                                                        

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