Discernment for Discipleship

Reflection for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
(Wisdom 9:13-18; Philemon 9-10,12-17; Lk 14:25-33)
1.Discernment
“Who can discern what the Lord wants?” The first reading exposes the limitations in human reasoning. The proper use of our imaginative power or intentionality  is the true test of human intelligence. Still the most intelligent minds struggle to discern and grasp natural things. “We can hardly guess at what is on earth.” Why is it so? The Book of Wisdom says it is because “the perishable body weighs down the soul, and this earthly tent burdens the thoughtful mind.” Thus if the desires of the body overshadows the individual,  he cannot make proper and lasting discernment. A wise counsel must discern the will God. Such is given by the Spirit from on High. This is how we learn God's will, and make the right choices on earth.

2.0.  Paul vs Philemon
Philemon, a devout Christian, had a servant, Onesimus who squandered his master's property. In order to punish him and recover his wealth, this young man was imprisoned.  This is a typical example of human calculation, which tends to project itself for our well-being but is often short-sighted.

While in prison, Onesimus met St Paul, who loved him and converted him to Christ Jesus. Paul secured the young man's release and sent him back to Philemon. He urges this man to receive this servant back, “no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother...so if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.” According to the wisdom of Paul, Philemon should strip himself of the status of “master” and assume that of a “brother” over Onesimus. This is an uncommon wisdom.

3.0. The Wisdom of the Cross
It takes great discernment to unravel the wisdom that leads to discipleship. Jesus is the Incarnate Wisdom. To follow Jesus as His disciple is to unlock such wisdom that cannot fail in every situation. The standard of discernment for discipleship is the Cross of Jesus Christ. “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

At the moment of silent meditation on the cost of discipleship, one sees through the Cross of Jesus what it would take thereof. The feedback of such discernment would be: “Whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Then we begin to take the proper steps accordingly to answer the call to follow Jesus. If not, we would be like the man that left behind an uncompleted building,  or the King that was defeated at war for his lack of foresight.

It is as if we climb the wood of the Cross to peep into the future...From that Height we see the will of God for us and abundant harvest for our labours. The projection of human mind from below cannot perceive the eternal horizon the wisdom of the Cross opens up for us. In silence we nail our daily choices to the Cross, and empty them of all selfishness.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday September 8th, 2019.

The Pre-eminent

Friday of 22nd week in Ordinary Time Year I
(Col 1:15-20; Lk 5:33-39)
Today, Paul's letter to the Colossians introduces Jesus to us in an excellent way. This poetic rendition of Jesus is full of meaning and ever alive. It draws one to deep meditation.

“Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation...” St Paul explains that Jesus is pre-eminent over everything created, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities. Thus, “in Him all things hold together”, such that whatever does not find reference in Jesus is like a branch that is cut off. In Jesus the fullness of God dwells in our midst, and through His Cross we are reconciled to God.

It is only by revelation that one can grasp the mystery of Jesus as God among us. Faith is the key! Little wonder the Pharisees complained that Jesus' disciples were not seen fasting. He answered them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the Bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the Bridegroom is taken away from them,  and they will fast in those days.” In order words, Jesus is the reason we fast; we fast to be with Jesus. He is the pre-eminent; the answer to our prayers. This understanding is new and foreign to the Pharisees. 

“And no one puts new wine in old wineskins; if he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.” A new order has dawned. Jesus Christ is the new way. He has been introduced to us perfectly as God in our midst, such that He is above all and leads all to God. “Make your own the mind of Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5). The new wine of love and grace that Christ pours into our hearts as the pre-eminent and first born of all creation cannot be contained in the old wineskin of the Pharisees, which places external legal observances above all others.

Thus we gather around the Eucharistic table, where Jesus is above all, the priest and victim, to offer ourselves and to receive Jesus as the answer to our prayers. In Him all things hold together.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy,
Trade Fair Complex,  Lagos.
Friday September 6th, 2019.

The Inheritance in Light

Thursday of 22nd week in Ordinary Time Year I
(Col 1:9-14; Lk 5:1-11)
St Paul was full of joy for the Colossians for their love, and he prayed that God sustain them in spiritual wisdom and understanding. He glorified God, “who has  qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” God delivered us from wasteful life—the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

In the Gospel, Peter and his companions had a wasteful night as they toiled through the sea but caught no fish. After using his boat to teach in the morning Jesus said to him, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” They did this and caught great shoal. This was an awesome experience for them. Jesus filled their emptiness; He transformed their labours to fruitfulness. But it was just a sign. There was still a greater inheritance He would invite them to share...

Peter got the sign. In a swift of reflection on the sudden catch, he got the message hidden in the sign. He fell at the feet of Jesus saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” It takes a humble and reflective person to allow his encounter with Jesus Christ to reveal and heal his hidden self. Now Peter offered himself not just his boat to Jesus. So from transforming his labours, Jesus would transfer him from the dominion of darkness to the Kingdom of Light through the forgiveness of his sins.

Finally, Jesus qualified them to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” Jesus became their ultimate inheritance! They laboured all night trying to catch fish, but the giver of fish offered Himself freely for them. Therefore, “They left everything and followed Him.”

Thus we need to grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that we can recognise the signs each day and locate ourselves in Jesus, to bear fruit in every good work. Then Jesus will qualify us, and transfer us to inherit His Kingdom of Light as we follow Him wholeheartedly.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy,
Trade Fair Complex,  Lagos.
Thursday September 5th, 2019.

Alone with Jesus

Wednesday of 22nd week in Ordinary Time Year A
(Col 1:1-8; Lk 4:38-44)

Today we begin a journey into St Paul's letter to the Colossians. Our reflection each day will try to link the message in this letter with the Gospel of the day.

“...We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love which you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven”(Col 1:4-5). The faith exhibited by the Colossians moved Paul and Timothy to give gratitude to God. Faith gives us unique identity.

In Gospel, Jesus moved from the public arena to the private home of Simon's mother-in-law who was sick. After healing her, people brought more sick people and He cured them. We can imagine the magnitude of the demands made on Jesus.

“And when it was day He departed and went to a lonely place” (Lk 4:42). We see here that solitude is a need not a leisure. So we step in with Jesus to the lonely place to regain focus and renew our inner strength. And whenever we locate that place of solitude within our heart, we perceive Jesus. He has gone ahead of us to the lonely place. Where is this place of solitude?

Any quiet place is preferable. This quickness the recollection and encounter. However, the lonely place, which enriches the soul is the place where we meet Jesus! Thus our Catholic faith becomes a kind of place where we have a deep personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Thus, faith makes us “a people set apart” (Cf. 1Pet 2:9). The place of faith—the heart—becomes the place of solitude. Therefore,  no matter how noisy the environment might be or how busy we are, if we recollect into faith, we can be alone with Jesus.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy,
Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
Wednesday September 4th, 2019. 

No Surprise

Tuesday of the 22nd week in Ordinary Time Year I
(1Th 5:1-6, 9-11; Lk 4:31-37)
St Paul continues the encouraging message he gave yesterday about rapture.  Today he goes on to say that no one knows that particular day, the day of the Lord's second coming. It will come suddenly when people least expected it. However, children of light, those who have embraced Christ Jesus will not be taken by surprise. Hence, St Paul enjoins us to stay awake and not to remain in darkness so that the day of the Lord will not pass us by or take us by surprise.  I believe I shall see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living!

In the Gospel today, while Jesus was rejected in His home town of Nazareth, the people of Capernaum welcomed Him in their midst. They were astonished at his teaching and authority. Jesus rebuked the spirit of darkness and set the possessed free for salvation!

This is what the people of Nazareth missed when they dejected Jesus. “But to those who did accept Him, He gave power to become children of God” (Jn 1:12). If we welcome Jesus in the city of our hearts, His light will so much illumine our inner being that hardly will any event of life take us by surprise. The Event of Christ Jesus—the manifestation of His power deep within our hearts—is strong enough to perceive and withstand any occurrences, no matter how sudden they may seem to be.

Compare the noisy frustration of the people of Nazareth to the silent joy and wonder of the people Capernaum! Depression, stress out, etc often germinate from unmet expectations and unforeseen circumstances, with low inner strength to carry on. This brings darkness to our lives. No more! For God has destined us to obtained salvation through Jesus Christ. He comes in to dispel every darkness.
Therefore, let us welcome Jesus now in our heart. He is here.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy,
Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
Tuesday September 3rd, 2019.
Memorial of St. Gregory the Great.

Silent Encounter

Reflection for Monday of the 22nd week in Ordinary Time Year I
(1Th 4:13—18; Lk 4:16—30)
St Paul welcomes us this day with comforting words about our final encounter with Jesus Christ. “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep”(1 Thes 4:14). Thus Jesus is that Centre of contact between the living and the dead. So at the rapture, the living and the dead shall be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord.

It becomes necessary, therefore, that our faith-journey, which looks towards the rapture, must allow Jesus to occupy a central stage. We cannot relegate Christ Jesus to any particular corner of our lives. With Jesus at the centre, sickness and health, poverty and richness, single or married, life and death, now have a common reference! Opposing questions of life have one answer in Christ Jesus.

Jesus steps into his home town of Nazareth. After reading from the scroll of the Prophet Isaiah about preaching the Good news to the poor, and setting captives free, “And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him” (Lk 4:20). Silence reigned! It was such a powerful moment of pause that arrested the attention of all in the synagogue. It was like the moment of rapture that St Paul described above, in which all would be caught up with Christ Jesus in the air. Their silent gaze upon Jesus exposed their yearning to have the good news to the poor fulfilled. But the silence of Jesus held the suspense!

The quiet expectations of the congregation had its satisfaction right before them, but they did not know. Had they known, there would not be need for Him to speak at all. So Jesus broke the silence... “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Surprisingly, they rejected Him saying, “Is this not Joseph's Son?”

Clearly they did not understand His silence, that was why they could not accept His words! The silence of Jesus summons us to deep personal encounter, in which Jesus becomes the centre of our being, and His words will take root in our hearts. It is as if rapture is already taking place in the depths of our hearts as we constantly struggle to sustain a silent gaze upon Him at the centre of our hearts.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy,
Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
Monday September 2, 2019.

HUMILITY IS GRACIOUS

 Reflection for the 22^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

“My Son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” This is how the book of Sirach introduced the first reading of today. The readings for this Sunday exalt humility. It is the most excellent virtue. It makes us loved my men, and favoured by God. Humility is the ladder with which we climb to greatness: “The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself” (Sirach 3:18). The mysteries of God are revealed to the humble (Lk 10:21).

In the Gospel Jesus observed how those invited were placing themselves at positions of honour. He told them a parable to show that whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. It is a natural instinct for man to seek his own glory, or at least to impose it on others. It gives a momentary euphoria of victory over a competitive society. That is equally why we tend to associate with people who give us this sense of achievement.

The sound of Silence reveals that pride is noisy—it does not produce authentic sound. It feeds on external show, and its weak integrity is sustained on the shoulders of others. So the proud man rushes to the high table to be seen, and gets angry if not recognized. He thirsts for acclamation. If he calls for a party, he invites only those who would boost his ego. But soon the noise dies down...

Silence dawns, and takes the proud man unawares! Like in the parable of Jesus, suddenly the proud man is asked to give up his seat for the humble man who was seated at lower end. Blessed are the gentle; they shall inherit the earth (Mt 5:4). Imagine the shame and disgrace of the man as he moves from the place of honour to the lower seat, while the humble man is graciously exalted. He pulled down the proud from their seats and raised up the lowly (Lk 1:52).

So we come to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant. In Him we are all raised up to the status of “First Born” of the City of the living God. We have all been bestowed honour in Christ Jesus, who humbled Himself for our sake. “Humility towards one another must be the garment you all wear constantly, because God opposes proud but accords his favour to the humble” (1Pet 5:5).  Humility is as strong as silence! It has its roots in Christ Jesus. Humility is the step we must take in order to climb the heights we aspire.

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church,

Abule-Oshun, Lagos.

September 1^st, 2019.