The Lonely Place of Solitude

Meditation for Wednesday of the 22^nd Week in Ordinary Time
(1 Cor 3:1-9; Lk 4:38-44)

In our meditation today, we trace Jesus’ missionary journey as He entered Simon’s mother-in-law’s house. He cured her of fever, and attended to the crowd that brought so many sick people to Him. Imagine Jesus attending to people all through the night till early morning. “So, when it was dawn, He departed and went to a lonely place.”

 

Silence speaks! And we can even hear its sound more clearly as Jesus steps up to the place of solitude. The ‘lonely place’ is opposed to the ‘noise’ and stress of daily life. So, it becomes a place of ‘rejuvenation’, where one regains strength and is refreshed. It is a place where one is alone to himself and to his environment. Thus, the lonely place of solitude is not a place of loneliness because the man in such a place is actively engaged by being attentive to himself, his environment and above all, to God. But within the cloud of silence that overshadows the place, the man of solitude surrenders to the divine presence. Being overly aware of and attentive to the divine presence becomes the distinguishing factor that makes the place solitude have such a great impact on the person.

 

Most importantly, for one to step into the place of solitude in imitation of Jesus and out of love for Him, raises the meaning of the ‘lonely place’ from a point of location to a moment of encounter with the divine presence. That means we can enter this moment of solitude being conscious of the divine presence and attentive to it. And such moments of silence can be set aside from our busy schedules, even without changing location!

 

Such moments of silence—the lonely place of solitude—are awesome! One can gradually develop it into a routine, and later form it as a habit. This regular practice will definitely help one to grow spiritually and to conquer vices. But one who desires to enjoy the lonely place of solitude must make sure he is not ruled by the desires of the flesh. St Paul says in the first reading that we should not be immature by living in the flesh, full of jealousy and pride. Instead, we should be matured spiritual men, knowing that it is God who gives growth, and we surrender to Him. And this is easily achieved when we walk in the footsteps of Jesus into the lonely place of divine encounter. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday August 31^st, 2022.

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HUMILITY AND CHARITY

 HUMILITY AND CHARITY

Meditation for the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

(Sirach 3:17-20, 28-29; Heb 12:18-19, 22-24; Lk 14:1, 7-14)

Humility and charity are the two wings on which the authentic Christian life is carried along. Humility fuels charity, for a meek and humble heart will always deny himself and consider the good of others. Charity is often an expression of humility; it is like the flower that beautifully spreads out the inner life, of which humility is at the centre. Humility and charity make us responsible Christians. They create suitable ground on which every other virtue can germinate and grow. As humility and charity make demands on us, so also they bring us every heavenly blessing.

The first reading underlines the preeminence of humility. The author says, "My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved more than a giver of gifts." It brings God's favour; the Lord reveals His mysteries to the humble. That means the knowledge of God that makes faith strong comes to the humble of heart. Humility unlocks blessings and makes one great. And the greater you become, the humbler you should be. The downfall of many people today can be traceable to pride! The first reading explains that where humility is lacking, a plant of wickedness germinates, though it might not be perceived immediately.

In the gospel, Jesus gives practical demonstration of humility and charity. He says when invited to a feast, do not honour yourself by taking the exalted place. Instead, put yourself at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may honour you. Do not exalt yourself to avoid shame and embarrassment. Even when you feel you deserve the honour, do not crown yourself. What is demanded of us is humility, exaltation comes as a free gift. "And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). 

Jesus said to the man who invited Him, "When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid in the resurrection of the just." For one to perform such act of charity without expecting anything in return he must be humble of heart! Whatever is offered in humility and charity has an eternal value. 

Meditate on the great exaltation that humility and charity give to those who practice them! Think about how these virtues help us to overcome the unnecessary drama of life, the numerous challenges we conquer through them. They connect us to the grace of the resurrection and bring answers to our prayers. In humility we contemplate the mysteries of God, and in charity we live out the grace that has nourished us. Thus, the Second reading talks about this great exaltation as coming to "Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven..and to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant. Amen.

THE NARROW DOOR OF DISCIPLINE

Meditation for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Is 66:18-21; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13; Lk 13:22-30)

Freedom without responsibility is destructive; growth and progress without going through a process is deceptive. Still, these are some of our greatest temptations, and a trap for young minds.

 

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah announced that God would gather all the nations and tongues to see His glory. His message was exalting and ceremonial, for he said that all nations will gather as an offering to the Lord, like cereal offering in a clean vessel to the house of the Lord. From the gospel, we understand that those that will be gathered to see the glory of God are the redeemed, they shall come from every corner of the earth. So, the real question is: what must I do to be counted among those that will behold the glory of God? Jesus said, “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” And once this great opportunity is lost, it cannot be reversed.

 

The second reading makes us to understand that the narrow door that leads to the joy of the Kingdom of God is ‘discipline.’ It says, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by Him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” Thus, discipline is an act of love, and a training for success. An easy and undisciplined life ends in pain and agony. “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” That is why the branches of the True Vine are pruned by the Father so that they can bear more fruit (Jn 15:2).

 

Meditate on the narrow door of discipline that puts restrictions to our movements, and does not allow everything to pass through! We easily gather many baggage of emotions, thoughts and behavior. Discipline is the ‘door’ we must fix on our hearts and minds so as not to allow everything to enter in, and to restrict the wanderings of our hearts and minds. This is how we can know true freedom, and achieve sustainable growth in progress in every aspect of our lives.

 

Above all, discipline makes us strong and to persevere in our endeavors, commitment, and our journey towards the Kingdom of God. It brings healing, “So that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” It is by discipline that we can correct our errors and retrace our steps. Yes, when we walk through the narrow door of discipline, we learn to carry our cross, and draw strength and victory from the Cross of Jesus. The door of blessedness will not be shut behind us, rather, the gate of Heaven shall be opened for us; we shall enter in and dine at the table in the Kingdom of God. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi, Lagos.

Sunday August 21^st, 2022.

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THE CONSUMING FIRE OF LOVE

Meditation for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

(Jer 38:4-6, 8-10; Heb 12:1-4; Lk 12:49-53)

Think about the persecutions Jeremiah had to face as he delivered God’s message to the people. He was reminding them the consequences of their evil behaviour, thereby calling to repentance. Words of discipline always sound discouraging and threatening to those who do not want to change their evil ways. The princes conspired against Jeremiah, and convinced the King that the prophet was against them. King Zedekiah handed him over to those evil men, and they cast Jeremiah inside a well.

 

Another man went to the King and condemned the action of the princes. Zedekiah listened to him, and ordered that Jeremiah should be pulled out of the cistern. Think about the extra ordinary courage this Ethiopian servant had that made him to approach the King! There must be an irresistible fire within, urging him to confront the lies of the princes, and daring him to face the consequences of challenging the decision of the king.

 

Such is the fire that Jesus talked about in the gospel, saying, “I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled.” Yes, God is a consuming fire (Heb 12:29). He ignites in us that irresistible urge to break barriers, confront unjust structures and stand for the truth of the gospel. The word of God is like fire (Jer 23:29). This inner energy moves us to resist even our most intimate human attachments like father, mother, brother or sister, whenever they tend to be obstacles to the fulfilment of the will of God.

 

Jesus says, “I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished!” While introducing Jesus, John the Baptism said, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Mt 3:13). As the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles in forms of tongues of fire, they were filled with this irresistible energy that moved them to proclaim the gospel without fear of opposition (Acts 2:1-4). This is the fire Jesus promised to cast upon the earth. It is the perfection of the burning bush Moses encountered, where the fire was blazing but the bush not burnt up (Ex 3:2). This divine fire does not destroy our individuality and freedom, but it energizes us with a love stronger than our earthly attachments.

 

Therefore, the second reading urges us to lay aside every sin and distraction, “Looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross.” From the Cross, Jesus won for us the strength to overcome every hostility. Love for Jesus must overshadow our hearts, for it is from His victory that we can overcome. That means this irresistible fire of the Holy Spirit must first overcome our individual internal self-imposed obstacles and attachments before we can move ahead to confront external oppositions. And this requires a total self-surrender to Jesus in love.

 

And this love is so strong and overpowering that we can face every opposition and resist every attachment that is not in line with the truth of the gospel. Meditate on the joy of the Lord in seeing men and women consumed with the fire of His love. Think about His eagerness to supply and refill that inner strength to resist every hostility beginning with our own human desires. He is already consumed with love for us and for His Father’s house (Jn 2:18). So, we humble ourselves and allow the love of Jesus to urge us on (2 Cor 5:14). Hence, we continue to stand for the truth of the gospel, resisting and overcoming every obstacle. “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday August 14^th, 2022

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TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN

 Meditation for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Wisdom 18:6-9; Heb 11: 1-2, 8-9; Lk 12:32-48)

We all like free gifts, but how much value do people attach to things that did not cost them anything? It is obvious that the value we attach to things is closely related to the extent of the commitment and sacrifice associated with it. What if God’s gracious gifts and salvation do not require any form of commitment from us? They will become of less value to us.

 

God goes ahead of His children in showing commitment and faithfulness. He alone gives us gifts of eternal value, and gifts of the highest value. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom talks about God’s fulfilment of His promise to Israel of old. The deliverance of the righteous and the destruction of their enemies were achieved at the same time. The same act that proved God’s love for them, was the same that put their enemies to shame. In response, the people offered sacrifices, and with one accord agreed to the divine law.

 

Now, God’s one act of deliverance for His people is offered in a perfect way in Christ Jesus. By the one perfect offering of Jesus, the righteous are saved from the grasp of their enemy, Satan, and the Kingdom of God is given to them. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” The response we give is faith in the one who has given us this perfect gift. The second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Such assured hope in Jesus Christ becomes our way of life. By this one expression of faith, we thank God for delivering us from the hands of our enemies, and at the same time, we embrace the great gift of His Kingdom.

 

Such a life that is guided by faith in Jesus will definitely place the Kingdom of God as its highest value. And to demonstrate that God, His righteousness and His Kingdom is highest value, we must detach ourselves from earthly possessions. Thus, Jesus says in the Gospel of today, “Sell your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, and with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Obviously, by the same act with which we discipline ourselves and control our attachment to material things, by the same also do we demonstrate our love and value for the treasures of the Kingdom of God.

 

There must be some physical commitment in the order of our lives of the faith we have in Jesus, and the hope we have in His promises. What we sacrifice to show our love and commitment cannot be equal to the great gifts that await us as Children of the Kingdom (Rm 8:18). Our ultimate and greatest self-sacrifice should be directed to that which is of the highest value. Jesus says, “Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more.” Now we see why God will now allow His children to be taken over by evil, since He has offered Himself in Christ Jesus for our salvation. To those who receive this good news and respond in faith, the second reading says, “Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday August 7^th, 2022.

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'Christ among us'

‘CHRIST AMONG US’
Meditation for Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Gen 18:1-10; Col 1:24-28; Lk 10:38-42)

Let us meditate on the spirituality of hospitality. Receiving visitors can be fun for some people, while others find it burdensome. Breaking through the routines of the home to accommodate visitors and make them feel comfortable can be exhausting as well as enriching. Hospitality as a virtue is required of every Christian. It has become an important way we relate to God.

 

The first reading talks about Abraham’s hospitality to three strangers. He offered them refreshment and rest. His commitment to the comfort and satisfaction of the visitors was awesome. He hastened his wife Sarah to make the loaves, and charged the servants to prepare a fine and tender calf for the guests. Abraham was not counting the costs, but he was ready to make every necessary sacrifice for their comfort. On leaving, the visitors blessed him with the promise of a son. Abraham’s hospitality became a means through which God blessed him and answered his prayer.

 

The second reading highlights the mystery of God’s permanent presence among us. In Jesus Christ, God has visited his people (Lk 7:16); He has taken His abode among us (Jn 14:23). He comes to us as a guest, and we are expected to open up the doors of our hearts to welcome Him and allow Him to share in our life (Jn 1:11-12). If we cannot make God ‘hospitable’ in the home of our hearts, we may end up not opening the doors of our house to visitors.

 

Since the mystery of Christ among us is made possible through His cross, we too shall make sacrifices like Abraham in order to welcome Him in our midst. Thus, as St Paul says in the Second reading, we constantly carry in our body the imprint of the cross of Christ so as to make up all that has still to be undergone by Christ for the sake of His body, the Church. Inspired by the Cross of Christ, we assume the position of ‘guests’ in order to bring comfort and peace to others, and to give glory to God.

 

This spirituality of hospitality shines out the more as we meditate on the visit of Jesus to the house of Martha and Mary. We see Martha cooking and serving, and getting concerned about the comfort and satisfaction of her guests. But at the feet of Jesus, we see her sister Mary listening to Jesus and absorbing the wisdom from His words. Her contemplative positive immediately reminds us of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s position at the foot of the Cross (Jn 19:25-27).

 

Jesus appreciated Martha’s efforts and sacrifices to make the guests comfortable, but He exalted Mary’s position. “It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.” Mary’s surrender at the feet of Jesus positions Him as the ‘Master of the house’, and makes her a ‘guest’ to food and earthly comfort. By welcoming His words in her heart, Mary had given Jesus the greatest hospitality. And by finding a ‘home’ in her heart, the mystery of ‘Christ among us’ is realized in her. However, the serving and sacrifices of Martha, in a way, aided and gave Mary the space and time that enable her to realize the mystery of ‘Christ among us’ in within her.

 

This is how Martha in her hard work, creativity, sacrifices and services train us in the virtue of hospitality and open up the opportunity to draw closer for a deeper encounter. And Mary’s contemplative position trains us in detachment to earthly comfort, and opens our horizon to see the real value of things. In this way, the sacrifices of Martha draw value and vision from the contemplation of Mary; and the contemplation of Mary bring transformation to our lives through works of Martha. The sisters, Mary and Martha, are the two dispositions we must have in order to live out the mystery of ‘Christ among us’; our Master and our guest. And this is how we live a Christ-centered life, and grow in the spirituality of hospitality. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday July 17^th, 2022.

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THE ONE LOVE

THE ONE LOVE

Meditation for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

(Deut 30:10-14; Col 1:15-20; Lk 10:25-37)

Love is in the heart; the heart is where love resides! The promptings of our heart will always follow the direction of our love. And it is what we love that we allow to influence us. Love is that unique difference that defines and sets Christians apart. Picking interest and acting on something can evoke our love towards it.

 

In the first reading, Moses explains that keeping God’s commandments will turn one’s heart and soul to Him. To turn one’s heart and soul to God is to love Him. And he who loves God will derive joy in obeying His commands and ordinances (1 Jn 5:3; Ps 19:7-8). Moses says, God’s commandments are not far off. They are near and within. “But the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” That means the commandments of the Lord are INCARNATED among us! In other words, the divine law is not foreign to our lives; it is lived out in the one expression of our lives.

 

Since the divine rule is within us and is part of our life, it becomes self-contradictory for one not to live according to the commandments of God. And such disobedience will definitely bring confusion and disorder to the individual and to those affected by his actions. But we see in Jesus one who was like us in all things but sin (Heb 4:15). The Second reading described Him as “The image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” In Jesus, the divine law found its perfect and complete fulfilment (Mt 5:17). That means the human actions of Jesus were at the same time expressions of the divine will. Thus, Jesus is exalted as the One in whom all things hold together, “For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.”

 

Therefore, in Jesus the divine law is now alive among us. Our heart and soul can now be energized by the divine will as we relate with Jesus and commune with Him. That love that unites Jesus and the faithful satisfies all the requirements of the law. In this love, the human heart and soul are lifted up to Jesus, and the divine will find expression in human action. Then, love becomes the law that fulfills all the ordinances of the Lord (Jn 13:34).  That is why the question, ‘how one can inherit eternal life?’ or ‘how one can earn heavenly blessings?’ is answered by love! Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

 

Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to show that ‘my neighbor’ is anyone who is in need of my love and care. The act of compassion and charity is what defines neighbors! As the Samaritan diverted his journey to attend to the injured Jew, bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine, set him on his horse and trekked along to the inn, paid for the cost, and promised not to abandon him, that is the sense of urgency and commitment we should show to one another in their need. Meditating on this parable, we see that the Samaritan treated the injured Jew as if he himself was the one that was wounded!

 

And the love he showed to the man was similar to the love God showed to us in Christ Jesus (1 Pet 3:18). Thus, by showing God’s love to your neighbor, you have loved God by that very act. This one love, by which we love God and our neighbor, satisfies the requirements of the law and the prophets, and qualifies us to inherit eternal life. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday July 10^th, 2022.

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