CLIMBING THE TREE OF HUMILITY

Meditation for the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Wis 11:22—12:2; 2 Thes 1:11—2:2; Lk 19:1-10)

Let us meditate on the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus. The name ‘Zacchaeus’ is a Hebrew name meaning, ‘pure’ or ‘innocent.’ But the man of Jericho named Zacchaeus was far from innocent, for he was an extortioner, who enriched himself as the chief tax collector. Jesus, the real pure and innocent, was passing through Jericho. Zacchaeus, though he was rich, had a longing deeper than what wealth could afford. “And he sought to see Jesus”, the One in whom the meaning of his name is fulfilled; the One whose message offers the satisfaction that gives meaning and value to our lives, the message of eternal life.

Zacchaeus made several efforts to see Jesus. It was as if he wanted to behold the ‘meaning of his name’, the meaning and fulfilment of his life in Jesus. But natural limitations and human obstacles made it difficult for him, because the crowd was too much, and he was small in stature. He had every reason to give up, just as some of us do when we encounter difficulties in our vocations, moral life, and career. Zacchaeus continued to press forward: “So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass that way.” This kind of effort comes from a man who recognized within him a yearning stronger than the obstacles. In addition, for a man of his repute to climb a tree just catch a glimpse of Jesus is a humble gesture. Meditate on how the man’s perseverance and humility took him to that spiritual height where his human capacity could not reach, and above that barrier, which his natural capabilities could not overcome.

 

“And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” Again, meditate on the humility of Jesus, who had to suspend his journey, abandoned the clamour of the multitude, and settled in the house of this one short man! Zacchaeus made effort, but Jesus made it possible. In this encounter, see a display of the divine wisdom expressed in the first reading that God is merciful to all. He can do all things, and He overlooks men’s sins so that they can repent. “Therefore, you correct little by little those who trespass, and remind and warn them of the things wherein they sin, that they may be freed from wickedness and put their trust in you, O Lord.” In the joy of this encounter, Zacchaeus made another effort to be ‘pure and innocent’ like Jesus by offering to give alms to the poor, and to restore in fourfold whatever he extorted from anyone. Jesus fulfilled this effort by granting him the greater offer of salvation, and restored him to the dignity of “a son of Abraham.” Jesus has restored his identity; Zacchaeus is now truly ‘pure’ and ‘innocent.’

 

Yes, “The Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” Awareness of the emptiness within should inspire us to long for deeper satisfaction. An honest search for truth is the right step forward. There are so many limitations and obstacles on our way. Our prayers are often marred by distractions and inconsistency. The little knowledge of God we possess is frequently eroded by secularism. However, we should make some humble efforts and persevere like Zacchaeus. If we climb the ‘sycamore tree of humility’, we will see Jesus! That is why St. Paul explains in the second reading that God will make us worthy of His call, and fulfill every good resolve and work of faith we have begone, “So that the name of Jesus may by glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen.  

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday October 30, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE ARMOUR OF GOD

Meditation for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time

(Eph 6:1-9; Lk 13:22-30)

Before rounding up his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul gave some words of encouragement to the people of God saying, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” He reminds us that we are in a serious spiritual warfare, and should be prepared accordingly. “For we are not contending against flesh blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” We cannot contend them with human strength or intelligence. That is why St. Paul insists we must put on the whole armour of God, which is the only way we can resist and conquer. This victorious armor of God consists in the following: 1. The belt of truth 2. The breastplate of righteousness 3. Feet shod of the gospel of peace 4. Shield of faith, which covers you against the darts of the evil one 5. The helmet of salvation 6. The sword of the Holy Spirit, which is the word of God 7. Perseverance in prayer.

 

At a time like this, we have more noisy Christians, who tend to reduce prayer and the Christian life to selfish gains and miracles, many may not be conscious of the real battle. The spiritual war is fault in the hearts of men and women; the real war is to control the mind and erode human conscience. That means the soul of man is the treasure that the enemy is battling for. That is why people like Herod, who threaten and persecute the flesh, instill fear so that people will not apply the spiritual armor necessary to protect the soul. But Jesus courageously replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.”

 

We see in Jesus the courage we need to stand firm with the whole armor of God. We do not fight alone, God defends us; in fact, if we take up the armor of God, we will realize that Jesus had won the battle for us. That is why the people of God, chosen as members of the Body of Christ, the Church, are victorious people. “In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rm 8:37).

 

 Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Thursday October 27, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

Models of the Christian Family

Meditation for Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eph 5:21-33; Lk 13:18-21)

Recently, issues bordering on marriage and human relationships are dominating public discourse. Social media has given ample opportunity for more people to air their opinions, irrespective of their traditional or religious beliefs. Almost on a daily basis, we hear stories about divorce, separation, domestic violence, infidelity, etc. However, most weekends are colored with gorgeous couples matching forward to celebrate and showcase their new marriage. St. Paul’s teaching on marriage remains one of the most formative.

As we said earlier, the Letter to the Ephesians talks about the people of God as the body of Christ, the Church; the people chosen and blessed in Christ, equipped with heavenly graces and called to the apostolic life of the Church in their own unique ways, according to His riches in glory. It is on this backdrop that St. Paul teaches about the Christian family as a model of the union between Christ and His Church, and most importantly, the family as living expression (Sacrament) of the union between Christ and His Church. Thus, the Church grows from the family, the small household of God.

 

St. Paul draws models from the mystical union between Christ, the Head, and His Body, the Church, and applied them to the union between husband and wife. It is from this mystical union that the Christian marriage germinates and is sustained. In other words, the choice to have a Christ-centered marriage becomes an expression of our new life in Christ as members of His body, the Church. That is why St. Paul maintains that Christian marriage must be contracted and sustained by the same virtues that exist between Christ and His Body, the Church. These virtues include sacrificial love, submission, cleansing (forgiveness), holiness, and respect. Think about a home with these virtues! These are the graces Christ constantly infuses in the Church that makes it new every day.

 

As Christ and His Body are one, so are husband and wife. “As the Church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her.” As the two are one body, St. Paul explains that he who loves his wife, loves himself, and she who honors her husband, honors herself. “This is a great mystery, and I mean in reference to Christ and the Church.” This great mystery of marriage can be likened to the mystery of the kingdom of God, which grows like a grain of mustard seed, sown in the garden of the hearts of a young couple, and it grew and became a big family tree of life. This growth is nourished and sustained, step by step, by the merits of the mystical body of Christ, even in the midst of trial and persecution.

 

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday October 24, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

CHILDREN OF LIGHT

 Meditation for Monday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eph 4:32—5:8; Lk 13:10-17)

As we meditate on St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, we come to understand the life we are called to in Christ Jesus as members of His Body, the Church. This new life in Christ sets us apart, gives us unique graces and apostolic responsibilities. In today’s reading, St. Paul explains that this mystical union we share in the Body of Christ requires that we coordinate our lives in line with our new identity in Christ. He says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” One who is a member of the Body of Christ must be guided by love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us in sacrifice. There must not be immorality, impurity, covetousness, filthiness, silly talk, levity, idolatry.  St. Paul explained that those who follow these ways of life cannot inherit the Kingdom of Christ, and “It is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”

The rich graces given to us in Christ enable us to make choices for the Body of Christ; we choose the virtues that are in line with our life of grace, and we choose to avoid the immoral ways that are obstacles to that new life in Christ. Each choice we make should be in response and in gratitude to God, who had earlier chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. If we are aware of the great love that chose us in Christ, which now defines our choices, we will never be confused nor make wrong choices.

 

Meditate on the healing of the woman in the gospel of today. Jesus called out to her saying, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” He chose to heal her even on the Sabbath. The Synagogue official opposed Him, arguing that the healing could have waited for any other day than the Sabbath day. But Jesus responded that the woman had been in need for eighteen years. So, her healing and restoration to the dignity of ‘the daughter of Abraham’ was urgent. And the right time for her healing was that moment the grace of God met her need for healing. Such moment of divine encounter cannot be suspended since it is in God’s hands. That means Jesus could not have chosen to transfer the healing another day since the love and grace of God flowing from Him abound for that woman at that moment.

 

As member of the Body of Christ, this love and grace flowing from Jesus abound for us, and help us to make the right choices. It is from there we choose love and the rich inheritance of His kingdom. About sin and immorality, St. Paul says, “Do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday October 24, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE FOUNDATION OF EFFECTIVE PRAYER

Meditation for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; 2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18; Lk 18:9-14)

Though Jesus asked us to pray without losing heart, He equally wants us to pray with the right disposition for our prayer to be effective. Among other things, the readings of today highlight the fact that prayer and our life journey are connected; our life must reflect our prayer and our prayer must speak for our life-experience. That means our daily activities can influence our disposition to pray, and our moments of prayer should energize us from within to be properly disposed in our daily life. That is why in the parable, Jesus praised the tax collector, who humbled himself and acknowledged his unworthiness before God.

 

Effective prayer is one that finds favor with God. And Jesus tells us through the parable that it is a prayer offered with humility of heart. “Humility is the foundation of prayer” (CCC 2559). To be humble means to be true to ourselves and to God. The Pharisee presented a false judgment of himself before God, while the Tax Collector presented a true judgment of himself before God. As the first reading says, “He whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted, and his prayer will reach to the clouds.” It is only services rendered with humility that are pleasing to God. God favors the humble (James 4:6-10). However, pride and humility are not just what we exhibit in prayer, they are ways of life we adopt. And the way of life we exhibit came from particular choices we made over time. In other words, the will of man, our volitional capacity to choose, can be inclined to pride or humility at every instance.

 

Thus, prayer from a contrite heart energizes one to align his desires and choices to a humble living. According to the first reading, “The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord…” So, the Tax Collector would rise from the temple and go out to change his ways accordingly. Effective prayer brings transformation; the answer to our prayers opens new opportunities and responsibilities. If the grace we receive from our prayers is not reflected in our daily lives, then we are hypocrites like the Pharisee. But once we approach God with the right disposition, which is humility of heart, prayer brings sanctification to our lives and activities. It makes us more responsible and responsive to duty.

 

We see a demonstration of this in the second reading. Here, St. Paul recounted how he fought the good fight and finished the race. At the same time, he humbly acknowledged that God gave him strength that made it possible. We see in St. Paul a man who worked so hard, yet he lived humbly before God in faith, trusting in God’s providence and protection. This is unlike the Pharisee, who trusted in himself and praised himself for his achievements. The prayer of such a proud man cannot bring conversion or transformation, for he is not open to God. Let us reflect if our prayers are clouded with self-importance or they open us in humility to God’s sovereignty. Let us not be afraid of placing the will of God and His glory over ourselves and our needs. St. Paul assures us, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory for ever and ever.” Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday October 23, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

Building up the Body Christ

Meditation for Saturday of the 29^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eph 4:7-16; Lk 13:1-9)

As members of the one body, sharing in the one Spirit in Christ, St. Paul explains that “Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” It is not the will of God that any member of the body of Christ become indifferent or inactive. He demonstrates how these unique graces are so precious, since Jesus Christ won them for us through His ascension on high, after he descended into the lower parts of the earth. These specific graces manifest different apostolic duties in us; “And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers.” These gifts are “For the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.”

 

It is obvious from St. Paul’s message that we must discover our own unique position in the body of Christ, and fulfill those apostolic duties. The grace of God cannot be given in vain (2 Cor 6:1). We are a pilgrim people, growing “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” By putting the grace we have received to use, we draw closer to Christ, and at the same time, we help others to mature in faith and knowledge of Jesus. If we are not growing in Christ, we will be like children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles.

 

Think about how many people today claim to be members of the Church but do not actively get involved in the spiritual life of the Church. Such people cannot help others grow in their relationship with Christ. Worse still, they are easily carried away by waves of strange doctrines. That is why we must adjust our lives to give room for the grace we have received to bear fruit. If we do not contribute to the building of the body of Christ, we shall be cut off from the body of Christ like the fig tree in the parable we read in the gospel of today. Hence, St. Paul urged us to speak the truth in love; this is how we grow up in every way into Christ, in whom all the joints are joined and knit together. When each part is working properly, there is growth, and the body upbuilds itself in love. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwe Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Saturday October 22, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

  

The One Body

Meditation for Friday of the 29^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Eph 4:1-6; Lk 12:54-59)

Since God has chosen us in Christ, and destined us to be holy and to possess the riches of His grace in the heavenly places, St. Paul urges us to live in a manner worthy of our vocation. It is our duty to adjust our ways of life to reflect our new identity in Christ Jesus. The virtues St. Paul highlighted that we must manifest as those chosen in Christ include lowliness and meekness, patience, forbearing one another in love, eagerness to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Above all, he emphasized the importance of unity. Looking at the level of disunity among families and in the society, we can understand why St. Paul’s message is important for us today. Unity is the victory over selfishness, which is the foundation of every sin. We do not know where the seed of love is sown until unity germinates; unity and peace are the first fruits we pick up from the tree of love. If we are eager to maintain unity as St. Paul said, then we have strong reason to pursue the other virtues, especially love. However, St. Paul wants us to understand that this unity is part of our mystical experience as those chosen in Christ through baptism. That means our commitment to our calling into the one body of Christ will bring about unity. And unity will in turn bear witness that we have been true to the new life we have in Christ.

 

“For there is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.” When our Christian faith can no longer reflect this mystery of unity among us, then it is a sign that something is not right; it is either we have believed wrongly, or we are not true to our faith. As Jesus said in the gospel, we must interpret the ‘signs of the times.’ Look around, you will see the cloud of disunity gathering everywhere. That means we must be more pro-active in sowing seeds of love and the other virtues that nurture unity. Thanks be to God, we have been chosen and blessed to become one body in Christ, the source of every unity. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Friday October 21, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com