SAVED AND PRESERVED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS

Meditation for Tuesday of the Six Week in Ordinary Time
(Gen 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; Mk 8:14-21)

“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Evil and wickedness are contagious. What started like a simple miscalculation from Adam and Eve became widespread. There was a need to renew the face of the earth, and restore righteousness. “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” It is interesting that evil could not completely wipe out goodness despite its aggressive spread. There is always that one drop of truth that exposes numerous lies.

 

While God was considering destroying the earth, which was engulfed by evil, He found in Noah a reliable link to save the earth, and preserved righteousness. After Noah built the ark, the Lord said to him, “Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate…” This was to ensure that those saved and preserved from the flood would be productive, bringing forth a sanctified generation in righteousness. They were paired, for they were on a mission of posterity in righteousness. Thus, the cancerous spread of evil would be counteracted by the new generation of humanity, regenerated through the Ark, who would reproduce and spread forth the seeds of righteousness.

 

The package of salvation has no selfish label! The grace of salvation given to us summons us to be responsible for promoting the righteousness entrusted to us. In our meditation, we see through Noah’s Ark, the fullness of salvation we have in Christ Jesus, His riches in glory (Eph 3:16), and the apostolic grace given to us to bring about the obedience of faith (Rm 1:5). In the gospel of today, we see Jesus in the boat with His disciples. He is the most reliable and ‘perfect link’ that saves.

 

In Him we are reborn through the new waters of baptism. In Jesus, the spread of evil has hit a stumbling block. He is that one ‘perfect link’ from which righteousness springs up anew and spreads forth. In Jesus, God’s anger over the wickedness of man has been appeased. Hence, He warns us, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” Yes! In Jesus, we are saved and preserved in righteousness. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday February 14^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

Greed and Jealousy

Meditation for Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
(Gen 4:1-15,25; Mk8:11-13)

Let us meditate on the story of Cain and Abel. Greed and jealousy are like Siamese twins; you cannot have one without the other. Cain was a farmer, while Abel was a shepherd. Abel was generous to the Lord, and offered “The firstlings of his flock and their fat portions.” On the other hand, Cain kept for himself the best of his produce. His greed caught up with him when he realized that the Lord found favor with Abel’s generosity, ‘but for Cain and his offering, He had no regard.’ “So, Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.” His greed has matured into jealousy!  His jealousy over Abel razed like unquenchable fire.

 

Greed germinates from the hidden desire to have the better things of life over and above others. It is such a disposition that perceives possession as competition, and it is always striving to be ahead. The greed of Cain became obvious as he locked up his heart in the best of his farm produce, while his younger brother, Abel, offered up his heart to God through the generous offering of the best of his flock. As greed cannot be satisfied, it excuses itself and expresses its frustration in jealousy. Greed and jealousy are self-contradictory. Cain was angry at his brother for being favored. But it was not Abel that denied him favor. His own greedy choice was his undoing. Jealousy is always bloodthirsty and vengeful against the innocent.

 

“And when they were in the field, Cain rose against his brother Abel, and killed him.” This is always the case when we listen to an angry voice of jealousy against those who possess the good things we aspire to. Unfortunately, the effort to pull them down, to kill their vision or success brings more destruction to the jealous man. As Jesus entered the boat and quietly left the Pharisees behind, so does grace and favor evaporate from hearts soaked in greed and jealousy. Unlike the Pharisees, who came to argue with Jesus, we listen to Him and welcome Him in our hearts. The joyful presence of the Lord sets us free from the bondage of greed and jealousy. With Jesus we learn detachment and generosity, which helps us to appreciate the little gifts of life. Then, our prayers and offerings will be pleasing to the Lord like the sacrifice of Abel. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday, February 13^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

FULFILLMENT OF THE COMMANDMENTS

 Meditation for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Sirach 15:15-20; 1 Cor 2:6-10; Mt 5:17-37)

The readings of today underline the fact that the commandments of the Lord are guiding principles that save us from evil and lead to the good. By the very act with which we obey the commandments, we avoid evil and attain the good. That means at the cross road of life, where we are required to choose either good or evil, the commandments guide our will to act according to the will of God. However, in the presence of the two paths of life there is human free will, which is given the responsibility to choose either good or evil. The freedom to choose makes us culpable and responsible for our actions.

 

The prescriptions of the law strengthen our free will to act according to God’s plan for us. The first reading says, “Before a man are life and death, good and evil, and whichever he chooses will be given to him.” Ordinarily, one would expect that fear of death will make man choose life. However, the wisdom of Sirach maintains that it is the knowledge of the great wisdom of God, His mighty power, and His overshadowing presence that ought to incline our free will to obey the Lord’s commandments. “The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, and He knows every deed of man.”

 

If keeping the commandments is a way we acknowledge God’s wisdom and power, and align our free will to His holy Will, it implies that the commandments put us in a relationship with God. Thus, we express this relationship by obeying the commandments. In this way, the hidden wisdom of God comes alive in us, and His plans and purposes begin to unfold through our actions. This great wisdom of God remains hidden from those who do not keep the commandments. The second reading says, “None of the rulers of this age understood this; if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Thus, in Jesus is revealed the perfect fulfilment of God’s will, and the manifestation of His divine glory.

 

Let us meditate on how the cross of Jesus has become our true guide when we come to the cross road of life. Jesus explains in the gospel that He came to fulfill the law. He speaks ‘from Himself’ as the true authority that directs our free will to the perfect fulfilment of the commandments. Jesus leads us to have a righteousness that exceeds wordily standards, and which can lead us to enter the kingdom of heaven. In Jesus, the commandments of the Lord go beyond the ‘rule of life’ to ‘the way to eternal life.’ This new horizon of the law or new standard of living becomes our way of living out the righteousness of Jesus in our daily choices and actions. This new standard ensures that every iota of the law is accomplished.

 

To accomplish the ultimate purpose of the law is eternal life. That means the hope that inspires us to embrace the commandments is greater than the precepts. “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” For the human free will to respond to this hope that is beyond human comprehension, we look up to Jesus, in whose righteousness we share. And by living out His righteousness, we fulfill every iota of the law. This can be efficient and effective if with our free will we begin to make friends with Jesus. If we freely align our free will with Jesus in faith, it becomes easy for us to walk freely in the pathway of life and goodness. As we live out the righteousness of Jesus, the blessings of the kingdom of heaven shall be the footprints we leave behind, and eternal life shall be our destination. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday 12^th February, 2023

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

SALT AND LIGHT

Meditation for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
(Is 58:7-10; 1 Cor 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16)

Salt and light are related to the senses of taste and sight. Salt is used in preservation and to make food tasty. Salt is probably the cheapest ingredient in meals, yet it is indispensable. It brings out the taste in the other food ingredients. The good taste it generates gives joy and fills us with appreciation. In the Bible, salt was added to the grain offering (Lev 2:13). It was mixed with the incense offered at the tent of meeting (Ex 30:34). Salt was used in ratifying covenant (Num 18:19). It was used to purify and sanctify. Elisha used salt to sanctify impure water and make it wholesome (2 Kg 2:19-22). Jesus said, “For everyone will be salted with fire” (Mk 9:49).

 

Light dispels darkness and gives vision to our sight. With light, we see the beauty around and appreciate them. Then, we can move freely and live fully. Light was the first thing God created. He said, “Let there be light” (Gen 1:3). The Israelites were led out of Egypt by the pilar of fire (Ex 13:21-22). Light is a sign of deliverance. God Himself is Light (1 Jn 1:5), and He is the source of light (Ps 36:9). Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world, anyone who follows me will not be walking in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12). To follow the life of Jesus, therefore, is to move from darkness to light (Eph 5:8-9; 1 Pet 2:9).

 

Salt and light have their inalienable qualities within them. Their qualities are not defined by anything external. In other words, by their very existence they give taste and vision. In addition, they are readily available and easily accessible to all. Think about the contradiction that arises when salt loses its taste and light is covered with a bushel. Imagine such confusion when in the presence of salt there is no taste, and in the presence of light there is no illumination! This kind of situation will bring shame and disgrace.

 

Jesus said to His disciples, “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.” The followers of Jesus are to have within them such quality that brings the kind of effectiveness that salt and light offers. The first reading describes this inner taste and vision as charity. The second reading describes it as having the life of Christ within; to be filled with the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. It is by instilling charity and love of God in the world that we become salt and light to the earth. Whatever restricts our charity is like the bushel that tries to block the illumination of the light. In the same way, whatever distracts us from the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit tries to render our salt tasteless.

 

Salt and light best describe the kind of impact we are to bring in the world. These qualities are inherent to us as children of God. They manifest the inner life we share in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday 5^th February, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

GOD AMONG US

Meditation for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

(Christmas 2022)

Every year the Church celebrates with great solemnity and joy the birth of Jesus Christ. The joy of this celebration has been caught up in secular society, such that the spiritual joy of Christmas is practically begging for attention. The Christmas decorations, songs, entertainment and travels most times are so socially engaging but leave little or no room for any spiritual encounter. Yet, amidst the excitement and noise that accompanies the celebration, the real message of Christmas is renewed in the silence of our hearts. That is why, in our meditation, as we listen to the message, we perceive the beauty of this mystery.

The Nativity of Jesus celebrates God’s dwelling among men; “the Word became flesh and dwells among us” (Jn 1:14). This is an important mystery of faith that has become a way of life for believers, since the dynamics displayed in this mystery is our regular expression through faith. In the Baby Jesus, the spirit and flesh have a common abode in a ‘hypostatic union.’ Thus, human weakness has encountered the divine strength of God; nature now mingles with grace. The angel said to Mary, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Lk 1:32). But at Christmas, He was born in the lowly manger (Lk 2:7). Light has come into darkness (Is 9:2).

 

The genealogy of Jesus Christ shows how human history has become the history of ‘God among us.’ This brings sanctification and deeper meaning to human life and relationships. The persons and events surrounding the birth of Jesus testify to the transforming grace that comes when man opens up to God, who dwells among us. St. Joseph, the common carpenter, became the great guardian of the Holy Family. The Virgin Mary, the lowly handmaid, was exalted as the Mother of God. The little town of Bethlehem became a kingly city. Think about the poor shepherds in the open cold night, who heard the angelic song, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to people of good will” (Lk 2:8-14). The message they heard warmed their hearts with joy and courage. See how the simple manger became a beautiful bed for the baby Jesus!

 

It is obvious that whatever the joy of Christmas touches, it transforms. This is the mystery of ‘God among us’, which evokes the spiritual joy that rekindles hope. With great humility and simplicity, the real message of Christmas pierces through the colorful celebrations and touches our hearts in silence. In our meditation, we see this spiritual joy silently radiating on the faces of all who came to pay homage to the Baby Jesus in the manger. This transforming spiritual joy of Christmas assures us that a new life in Christ is possible (Eph 4:24; 2 Cor 5:17). As we welcome Baby Jesus in our celebration this Christmas, we lift up our hearts to live out the mystery of ‘God among us’, so that we can testify to the transforming power of His presence. Amen.

 

Happy Christmas!

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday December 25, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE LORD IS NEAR AND WITHIN

Meditation for the Fourth Sunday in Advent, Year A
(Is 7:10-14; Rm 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24)

Let us meditate on some of the immediate events surrendering the birth of Jesus. This last week of Advent announces the nearness of our salvation in Jesus, and the right disposition we need to welcome Him. In the first reading, we hear the message of Isaiah delivered to king Ahaz. The king had a serious political crisis that threatened the safety of his kingdom. The prophet came to bring God’s consoling message to Ahaz and to encourage him to stand by faith in God. In the process Isaiah delivered the great prophecy about the virgin birth of the Messiah, saying, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

 

Meditate on how Isaiah’s message stood on a temporary human situation and brought in a solution that was far-reaching than the issue at hand. The crisis of Ahaz was addressed with a solution that has an eternal value. The intervention of God in human affairs brings out a dimension that goes beyond human capacity. Thus, in reaching out to God from the depths of his misery, man steps on his problems to open up to divine glory and power.

 

This is clearly demonstrated in the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah as narrated in the gospel. St Joseph was burdened by thoughts about Mary’s pregnancy. Being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, he was considering the safest way to put her away without shame or hurt. “Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit, she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” As Joseph responded to the message, he cooperated in the fulfilment of the prophecy of old and played an important role in human salvation. What began as a normal family crisis ended up as part of the story of God’s dwelling among men.

“Let the Lord enter; He is the king of glory” says the Responsorial Psalm. The Lord is near and within! According to St. Paul in the second reading, Jesus fulfilled the promise of God through the prophets in the holy Scriptures. He was descended from David according to the flesh and designated Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection from the dead. “Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of His name…” By this obedience of faith, as we see in the life of St. Joseph, we unlock the grace to participate in the power and spirit of holiness of Jesus Christ, such that we too are designated as God’s adopted sons and daughters in Christ.

 

This new order of life, rooted in obedience of faith in Jesus, becomes our rule of life. Reflect deeply how such faith-filled life resolves life situations by opening up its limited transitory conditions to eternal glory. So, in the obedience of faith in Jesus, the man of flesh responds to the order of grace; his actions are far-reaching to eternal glory. This is how he steps on the present challenges of life to experience victory, peace and joy. That is why we celebrate Jesus who is with us, and continue to reach out to Him who is coming in glory; the Lord is near and within. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday December 18, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

GAUDETE IN DOMINO SEMPER

Meditation for the Third Sunday of Advent
(Is 35:1-60,10; James 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11)

Let us meditate on the mystery of Jesus Christ, who is to come, and also who is in our midst. While we look forward and await His coming in glory, we celebrate Him now because we have experienced His saving power. Advent Season prepares us with joy to celebrate His presence among us, which is marked by Christmas. At the same time, it helps us to wait for His final coming with a living faith. This third Sunday of Advent celebrates the consoling joy we have in Jesus even we as await His coming in glory; Gaudete in Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord always).

What does the coming of the Messiah look like? The prophet Isaiah prescribes it like that refreshing moment when water springs up in the desert. He compares it to a situation where a weak and feeble person regains straight and courage. “Be strong, fear not! Behold your God will come and save you.” The prophet says the coming of the Messiah shall bring everlasting joy; “They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

 

John the Baptist captures the Advent mystery we are celebrating today. He was the Voice who announced the coming of the Messiah, and he lived to experience His presence. However, he was already in prison when Jesus was carrying out the messianic work as announced by Isaiah. Still, the humility of Jesus, and the simple ways He was instilling divine action among men, must have left John to have a rethink. So he sent his servants to ask Jesus, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Jesus sent them back, to share with John what they personally experienced of Him; “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk…” They experienced the fulfilment of the prophecy about the coming of the Messiah. Without such personal experience of Jesus, it will be difficult for one’s faith to grow and for him to bear witness.

 

Meditate on the experience of Jesus that is available for us today. Think about the great mystery of Christ Jesus we have that even John the Baptist did not experience. Jesus described him as ‘more than a prophet.’ “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women, there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” John heard about the saving work of Christ through his servants, but we participate in the mystery of His saving passion, and have a foretaste of the heavenly communion. We all have become God’s first-born sons and daughters in Christ (Heb 12:23), and co-heirs with Christ in the riches of grace in glory.

 

Therefore, our waiting for the coming of Jesus in glory is powered, not by prophetic messages, but by our personal encounter with Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit. The witness we bear for Jesus, the life we live that is guided by faith in Him, becomes our great Advent because our manner of life testify that we are waiting in hope for glorious revelation of God’s children (Rm 8:19-25). That is why we must be patient, and firm in faith for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Let us emulate the example of John the Baptist, the prophets and saints, who witnessed to Jesus through their endurance. Then, the ransom of the Lord and everlasting joy shall come upon us. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday December 11, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com