THE FREE FLOW OF GRACE

 THE FREE FLOW OF GRACE
Meditation for Tuesday of the 26^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Job 3:1-23; Lk 9:51-56)

Job lost all he had; evil had befallen him. The design of Satan was to get the man of faith to join him and rebel against God. If Job were worshipping God because of the good things of life he enjoyed, taking those things away would make him to withdraw his steadfastness in God. In the face of suffering and pain, man turns to himself, which was the basic trick the serpent used to get Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. When man no longer relies on God but looks up to himself for answers, Satan will begin to proffer quick and easy solutions, without regard to God’s will. Remember the temptations of Jesus, how Satan tempted Him to eat stone as a quick remedy for His hunger. Satan taught it would be easy for Job to reject God, ‘mold his own golden calf’, and offer allegiance to a god that cannot save him!

 

“Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.” This was not the reaction Satan projected. He expected Job to think highly of himself, his ego and status, and denounced God for allowing such injustice on him. But, no! Job taught less of himself, saying, “Why did I not die at birth, come forth from the womb and expire?” When a man humbles himself, especially in the face of suffering, and not project himself as a ‘necessity’, he becomes available for the free flow of grace. This disposition is foreign to proud Satan, he will only remain restless around such a humble man.

 

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose hearts are the roads to Zion” (Ps 84:5). Such are the men who seek the Lord, who seek the face of the God of Jacob (cf. Ps 24:6). Now, reflect on Jesus making His way to Jerusalem, and some Samaritans would not allow Him pass through their village. The disciples James and John burned with anger, and asked Jesus to allow them to send down fire on those Samaritans. But Jesus rebuked them. Think about how hatred and anger block our hearts from the free flow of grace, and make us act like Satan by inflicting pain on others. Jesus went up to Jerusalem, humbled himself on the Cross, took our sufferings and pains upon Himself. From His wounded side the free flow of grace gushes forth upon us. Unlike the Samaritans, we must open our hearts to Him by humbling ourselves like Job in the face of life situations, so that there will be a free movement of His grace in our hearts, to nourish and to heal us; flowing through us to our neighbor. Then, every plan of Satan will come to nothing. To God be the glory! Amen.

 

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Tuesday September 27, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

The Satanic Trap

Meditation for Monday of the 26^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Job 1:6-22; Lk 9:46-50)

This week we shall be reading from the Book of Job. The man Job is popularly known for his suffering. Today’s reading reveals the background of the story behind Job’s suffering. As we meditate on the beginnings of his ordeal, we come understand deeper how Satan operates.

 

When God asked him where he went, Satan answered, “From going back and forth on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” He wanders everywhere, prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Pet 5:8). He is restless, unstable and inconsistent. You cannot fully master his tricks. He tries to lure us to be restless and unstable too. That is why we must be watchful of impulsive behavior or that irresistible pump to act, especially when it involves actions that are inconsistent with our commitments or purposes in life.

 

God praised Job for his uprightness and faithfulness; a man who turns from evil and would not fall for the tricks of Satan. Imagine how hurtful this would be to the proud evil spirit! He felt humiliated, and answered God immediately, saying, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But put forth your and now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” You see how Satan convinced himself that all men are under his control, and that men worship God for their own benefits, and not for God’s own glory. Think about how this satanic understanding of faith for personal gains has eaten deep into our society. It is this false approach to faith that is motivating the current quest for miracles. This kind of practice has made many Christians restless and unhappy.

Then, God said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only upon himself do not put forth your hand.” The devil went forth to strip Job of all his possessions and all the good things of life that made his life worthwhile. Imagine if Job was attached to any of things he owned. It would have been easy for Satan to lure him away from God. But, while Job prospered, he saw all he had a God’s gratuitous gift, unmerited favor. Whatever we are attached to, or whoever we are attached, becomes a weak link for us to be trapped by Satan. On the other hand, if we worship God and follow Him like little children, in humility and total abandonment to His will, there is no evil we cannot overcome. Even if misfortune befall us, God will surely raise us up. That is why at the end of all the attack of Satan, Job worship God and said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Amen.  

 

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Monday September 26, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE VICTORY OF THE SUFFERING SERVANT

Meditation for the 26^th   Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Amos 6:1, 4-7; 1 Tim 6:11-16; Lk 16:19-31)

As I was meditating on the readings, the opening phrase of the gospel caught my attention; “Jesus said to the Pharisees…” This group were known for their love of money and honor (Lk 16:14-15). Jesus continued to correct their wrong idea of wealth as the ultimate sign that one is standing right before God. The message of prophet Amos about those who indulge themselves with pleasure, “And anoint themselves with finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph”, is further elaborated in the gospel. As those blinded by pleasure to the ruin of the house of Israel would go to exile, so did the rich man who neglected Lazarus ended in hades. This parable is relevant to us today as the pursuit of wellbeing in the midst of economic hardship has become our most re-occurring prayer point, and even the reason we pray.

Think about the life of affluence that brought the rich man to hades. He had all he needed and more, and he enjoyed his wealth to the fullest. His problem was not that he had wealth, but how he used it. Also, he went to hades not because he enjoyed himself, but because he neglected the poor man at his gate, and valued his dogs more than Lazarus! There are times we fall into this temptation, placing more value on things than human dignity. Think about the times when we value our personal gains and pleasure over truth, love, peace and unity. In each of these cases, there will always be a ‘poor Lazarus’ at our gate dying of hunger. To such people, Amos says, “They shall now be the first of those to go into exile.”

 

Meditate on the sufferings of Lazarus. Poverty, hunger and wounds became his identity. We see in him the image of the suffering servant, who shares in the sufferings of the Messiah. Lazarus did not go to Heaven because he was poor, but because of the messianic dimension of his suffering. Lazarus at the gate mirrored the life of Jesus, who came to his own and his own people rejected him (Jn 1:11). He became a reflection of Jesus, who had nowhere to lay his head (Mt 8:20), and was hungry and worn out (Mk 11:12; Phil 4:12). Lazarus humbled himself like Jesus, who emptied Himself and took the form of a slave, and without complaint and bitterness, “Desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table.” As Jesus was humbler even below the standard of a slave (Phil 2: 7-8), Lazarus was reduced to a lower value in the eyes of the rich man as the dogs licked his wounds…! In addition, the wounds of Lazarus became a participation in the wounds of Jesus, of whom it was said, “Through His bruises you have been healed” (1 Pet 2:24).

 

Think about the agonizing and shameful death of Jesus on the Cross, and see through it the death of Lazarus in such a pitiable state. Therefore, as Jesus Christ rose from the dead, triumphing over all the sufferings and death, so did Lazarus find victory in the bosom of Abraham. Our journey to eternal life begins now, to the extent that we live out in our mortal bodies the life of Christ. That is why St Paul tells us in the second reading to, “Aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” We do not need anyone to come back from the grave to tell us to, “Fight the good fight of faith”, and to be committed to our baptismal promises. The Cross of Christ is the ladder with which we climb to victory and to eternal life. The rich man, in his enjoyment and attitude to Lazarus, rejected the ‘way of the Cross’, which is the only way we truly enjoy life, and live to the fullness of life. Amen.

 

 

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday September 27, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

“THE ACCEPTABLE TIME”

Meditation for Friday of the 25^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eccl 3:1-11; Lk 9:18-22)

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” Let us meditate on these words so that we can have the right disposition towards our daily responsibilities and faith journey. The two-way dynamics of time given in the first reading is a deep reminder that we should not be consumed by any one side of the coin of time; we should not dwell on any side in isolation of the other. For example, if we are sweating at the time of planting, we should at the same time remember the joy of the time of harvesting. That means if we accept the time of birth, we should be ready to accept the time of death.

Think about how wise and strong we will be if we approach life with this consciousness of the two-way dynamics of time. Time is constantly unfolding. On whatever side of the coin we are now, a new dawn is unfolding. This awareness will make us battle-ready; hardly will we be thrown off balance when the odds are against us, for there is time for everything. It will help us to apply discipline and moderation in life. Thus, this wisdom is indeed the right disposition we need to live a happy life, for it humbles us, giving us stability and constancy even in the face of the changing times.

 

Meditate on such sweet and beautiful stability and constancy that is not ‘owned’ by one season or the other; it keeps us firm in good times and in bad, in silence and in speech, in abundance and in lack, in time of health and in time of sickness, etc. It means we live, no longer for anything happening under the earth, for such a life will flourish at one season and dry off at another season. However, as Christians, “Whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's” (Rm 14:8).

 

In the gospel, Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do the people say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” Jesus instructed them that He would go through the time of suffering, the time of rejection, the time of death, and rise on the third day. Therefore, Jesus is for us the Lord of all times, the Alpha and the Omega (Rev 22:13). “Besides, you know the time has come…” (Rm 13:11-14). All times and seasons are now God’s time (Kairos), since Jesus Christ has won for us eternal salvation in time. That means all times and seasons are nothing but opportunities for us to be saved. So, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2). Amen.

 

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muow, Lagos.

Friday September 23, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

FROM VANITY TO GRACE

Meditation for Thursday of the 25^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eccl 1:2-11; Lk 9:7-9)

“Vanity of vanities, says the preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” This popular quote opens up our meditation today. The passage from Ecclesiastes explains how human efforts, with all its weariness, ends up in vanity; a chase after the wind! Does it mean that human life has no value? But the insatiable appetite in man implies that a chase after those appetites cannot give man relevance or value. Another pointer to the vanity of things is the cyclic repetition of events. “And there is nothing new under the sun.” Think about how vain it may be that a lofty human action ends up as a mere repetition of what had been done in the past. Also, imagine how miserable it can be for one to commit his life to achieve something, hoping to derive satisfaction therein, only for that achievement to increase his hunger and restlessness!

 

If we want to go with the flow, we chase after the wind and our lives will have no bearing. If we want to repeat the past, we will be wearied out and become irrelevant to the present. Unless we experience newness and satisfaction, we shall live in terror of the unfolding future. Think about the horrors of Herod as given in the gospel. He beheaded John the Baptist, and did not show any remorse for his evil ways. Something new was happening and the King started shivering because he was still living in his old ways. Herod was perplexed and said, “John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he desired to see Jesus.

 

Without the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, human actions alone will be a repetition of the old, and cannot bring satisfaction and newness. This is vanity! That is why Herod and those like him, who refuse to repent of their ‘old ways’, will always live in fear of the new things to come. “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Is 43:18-19). Jesus is the First Born of all creation (Col 1:15). “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). So, Jesus is the center of our lives; it is in Him that our lives have bearing, and from Him we derive value. “And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20).

 

Hence, instead of ‘vanity of vanities’, from Jesus we have all receive grace upon grace (Jn 1:16). Our life is new every day; we live, not to chase after wealth or pleasure, but we live to FOLLOW JESUS. No more shall we live with the weariness and horrors of Herod, but we shall know contentment, newness and peace. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muow, Lagos.

Thursday September 22, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE LIGHT OF GOD’S MERCY

Meditation for the Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

(Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Mt 9:9-13)

We celebrate the feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. He was Jew and wrote his account of the life of Jesus in Hebrew. Before his conversion, he worked in the tax office, collecting tax for the Roman government. Tax collectors were known to be public sinners because they dubious in the amount they collected from people. That was why they were rich. Let us meditate on the mystery of Matthew’s conversion.

“As Jesus passed on, He saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and He said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed Him.” This encounter is like the meeting of light and darkness; love and selfishness. Matthew was sitting comfortably in his office, making gains out of people for himself. He used the tax law to trap people and hold them in bondage. The life and mission of Jesus was in total opposition to that Matthew. As Jesus steps in, we see immediately that the love in Him is stronger that the selfishness of Matthew; the freedom He offers is more overflowing than the dishonesty and bondage the sinner ties around people. As Jesus was going around, His sacrifice for the salvation of souls gives more joy than any earthly wealth. Thus, His thirst for the soul of the sinner cancels out every lust for wealth, which tends to value riches more than human dignity and salvation.

 

Matthew left behind his secured source of income and followed Jesus. It was not an easy decision, but it was an immediate and decisive one. He was overjoyed and welcomed Jesus to his house with party, inviting his friends to share in his joy. His joy was more than one who recovered from a terminal sickness, which is a testimony that he got a hidden treasure that money cannot buy!

 

As we celebrate St Matthew, we hear once more the invitation of Jesus, “Follow me.” Sin and temptation might try to make their office in our hearts. The conversion of the Apostle Matthew testifies that there is no depth the mercy of God cannot reach. The light of Christ dispels every darkness, heals every wound, conquers every fear, and ignites our hearts with such joy that the earthly riches and pleasure cannot give. Then, like Matthew, we gather around the Eucharistic table in thanksgiving and dine with Jesus. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday September 21, 2022.

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PROMPTNESS TO CHARITY

Meditation for Monday of the 25^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Proverbs 3:27-34; Lk 8:16-18)

As we go about our activities this week, let us bear in mind the message from the Book of Proverbs today. It reminds us of the urgency of charity; that we should be prompt and decisive about rendering help to our neighbors. Charity is practical love. It is probably the most challenging virtue, and the very one that testifies to the existence of other virtues. How can one judge promptly and accurately whether to perform a certain act of charity? The Book of Proverbs says, “My son, do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it…when you have it with you.”

 

Think about such a man who is prompted to perform an act of charity. Such a person must be ready to give, in fact, he ought to desire to give even before the demand is made on him. For such a person, charity becomes the satisfaction of a hidden hunger for the good of others. Sometimes, it comes like an irresistible urge. In a way, we can say that the ‘demand for charity’ is itself equally in the heart that gives. This is where charity can be prompt and satisfactory, and bringing joy to both the giver and the receiver.

 

Such promptness to charity is timely and timeless. As light shines out at the same time it is ignited, so is the promptness to charity that the Book of Proverbs teaches. Charity is a light to the soul. Hence, the first reading warns against obstacles to charity, which includes hatred, envy, desire for violence. But uprightness and humility make the light of charity glow. As we go about our activities, let us be on watch out for moments when the urge for charity will pop up, and respond promptly. It brightens and uplifts the heart. To achieve this, we must avoid lifestyles that tend to obstruct the illumination of charity, for they also slow down its promptness. Jesus said in the gospel, “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, that those who enter may see the light.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Monday September 19, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com