"I HAVE SEEN THE LORD"

Feast of St Mary Magdalene

(Song of Solomon 3:1-4; Jn 20: 1-2, 11-18)

1.0. The Question of the Magdalene

Today we celebrate the feast of St Mary Magdalene, one of the prominent women in the Gospels. She is mentioned about twelve times in the Gospels. Magdala was a town in Galilee, where Jesus visited severally. Mary of Magdala was delivered of seven demons, afterwards, she became a follower of Jesus. She was identified among several women that supported Jesus’ ministry (Lk 8:1-3). And she watched the crucifixion from a distance and saw where Jesus was buried (Mk 15:40). Mary Magdalene was the first to witness the resurrection, and the first to announce the resurrection to the other disciples. This has earned her the title in some quarters as “Apostle to the Apostles.”

But there are some unresolved questions about this woman. Is Mary Magdalene the same as the sinful woman that anointed the feet of Jesus? (Lk 7:36-38). Maybe her taking oil to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus can make one think that the two personalities are the same. Was she the same as the woman caught in adultery? (Jn 8:1-11). Some traditions try to associate her with Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Nevertheless, these were not specified in the Bible. But the fact that the Church has a saint day for Martha, and Mary Magdalene is celebrated in place of the other Marys, apart from the Mother of Jesus, gives room for the above assumptions.

2.0. “I have seen the Lord”

“Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that He had said these things to her.” Here is a woman who discovered Jesus along the way, committed her life totally to Him, and is now addressed by Jesus with such respect and importance! After her deliverance, she discovered the truth that is Christ Jesus, and surrendered her life totally to Him. It was in response to the love she has for Jesus that she went to anoint His body. Then she became the first to witness the resurrection.

My beloved brother and sisters, we thank God for the gift of Mary Magdalene and the example of her life. Each day gives us an opportunity to rediscover the truth of Christ Jesus and fall in love with Him anew. This brings newness to our lives, and disposes us for a deeper Divine encounter. But, Like Mary, we must be committed and be responsible to the demands that this love makes on us.

St Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of contemplative life, glove makers, converts, penitent sinners, sexual temptation,  people ridiculed for their piety, Perfumers, hairdressers, Pharmacists, tanners and women. In 2016, Pope Francis raised the level of her liturgical memory from ‘memorial’ to ‘feast.'

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday July 22^nd, 2020.

Feast of St Mary Magdalene.

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DOING THE WILL OF GOD

  Reflection for Tuesday of the 16^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Micah 7:14-15l 18-20; Mt 12:46-50)

One of the duties of a prophet is to act as an intermediary between God and the people, especially in delivery God’s message. He also intercedes for the people before God. And this is what our beloved prophet Micah did in the readings of today. “Shepherd your people, Lord, with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, who dwell alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land.” He begged God to feed them as He did in the days of old. Since God is the most merciful, Micah appealed to Him for compassion and forgiveness of their sins. He called unto God to continue to show faithfulness as He swore to Abraham, Jacob, “As you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.”

In the Gospel, as Jesus was teaching the people, someone came forward and interrupted Him with the news that His mother and brethren were outside, asking to speak with Him. Following the law of ‘honour your father and mother’, we all expected Jesus to get up immediately and attend to them. Mary must have travelled far in search of her Son. The Handmaid of the Lord, who surrendered herself to the will of God in bearing the Divine Son, did not stop being a mother halfway! Her motherly instinct continued to follow Jesus. Now, she has found Him, Jesus’ response kept us thinking...

“And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, ‘Here are my mother and my brethren! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.’” Yes, and the Blessed Virgin Mary is the most qualified thereof to answer the Mother of Jesus since she surrendered totally to the will of God. “Let it be to me according to your words” (Lk 1:38). She is the mother and model of those worthy to become ‘family’ with Jesus, i.e. those who do the will of God. Obviously, it is those who seek the will of God that seek for Jesus! And those who find Jesus are those who do the will of God.

The prophet Micah sought from God His guidance, mercy and faithfulness, which are God’s will for His people. And Mary, who committed herself totally to the will of God, looked for Jesus, in whom is the completeness and fulfilment of God’s will. All who seek God with a sincere heart find Jesus in the righteous lives they lead. Our hearts race with Mary to behold Jesus when we desire truth and righteousness. And surely, we shall have peace in Christ Jesus, for all who hungers for righteousness are satisfied (Mt 5:6). Let us pray this day that the will of God be done in our lives, so that the blessings of God we need today shall flow unto us as members of the family of Jesus. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Tuesday July 21^st, 2020.

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WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU?

 Reflection for Monday of the 16^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Micah 6:1-4, 6-8, 6-8; Mt 12:38-42)

Welcome to another blessed Week as we journey with Prophet Micah, who was a contemporary of Isaiah. Micah can be described as the prophet of divine justice for the inviolable rights of the poor.

In our readings today, Micah used a courtroom analogy to expose the situation between God and His chosen people, Israel. This kind of analogy involves a question and answer section, and witnesses. The prophet summons the mountains and hills to hear the debate! God questions Israel, saying, “O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of bondage...” Israel’s response to this was the offering of calves and thousands of rams and oils. Micah concludes the debate by saying to the people, “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

The words of the prophet resonate in our hearts today. Once we fail in doing what the Lord requires of us, we will be pursuing self-interest and exuberance in the name of divine worship. That is why the Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign. How can an evil and adulterous people ask for a sign from God? How can we be unjust, unforgiving, greedy, proud and ask for miracles? Jesus explained that He himself is the sign. As Jonah stayed three days and three nights in the belly of the whale and became a sign for the people of Nineveh, so Jesus, the Son of man, resurrected after three days and became a living assurance that God has delivered us from bondage.

Both the wisdom of Solomon, which the Queen of the South came to seek, and the miraculous sign of Jonah for the conversion of Nineveh, all point to Jesus Christ as their ultimate Sign. But the Pharisees neglected the Saviour in their midst and were asking for a sign; a sign that would point to what? It was to entertain their curiosity. Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name give the glory (Ps 115:1). Micah has reminded us today that God wants something from us. And our hearts are constantly tuned to this divine requirement on us as we gaze upon the face of Jesus in meditation. As we go about our activities this Week, let us be conscious that we are in God’s presence. No matter how the days unfold, we should practice justice, love and kindness, and be humble. Jesus is in our midst; A blessing greater than ‘Jonah’ and ‘Solomon’ is here for you. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Monday July 20^th, 2020.

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WORKING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

 Reflection for 16^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Rm 8: 26-27; Mt 13:24-43)

1.0. Kingdom of Work

“Through such works you have taught your people that the righteous man must be kind, and you have filled your sons with good hope, because you give repentance for sins.” The Book of Wisdom talks about the righteous deeds with which God cares for all men and judges unjustly. Though sovereign, God works among His people, governing all with forbearance and mildness, judging justly and giving them chance to repent. Our meditation today captures this image of God who ‘works’, planting His kingdom of righteousness among us.

In the Gospel, Jesus presents three parables to illustrate how the Kingdom of God grows among us. Each of the parables uses the imagery of serious labour to convey its message. In the first He says, “The Kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field...” Here God is positioned as a ‘Farmer’, which involves serious work. The same goes with the sowing of the mustard seed and the kneading of the leaven with the flour. “My Father still goes on working, and I am at work, too” (Jn 5:17). In the same way, we must be dedicated people, committed to the task ahead, working out our salvation in fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). It takes persistence and time to build up a moral and righteous life. If you have placed your hand on the plough the Kingdom of Heaven and its righteousness, there is no looking back! This is how we can bear fruits for the Kingdom.

2.0. Fruit for the Kingdom

In the first parable, the seeds of the Kingdom were left to grow among the seeds of the evil one. The reason for this is that none of His righteous ones may be lost while still growing. But all will be allowed to grow to full maturity for the harvest. Then, the good ones shall be separated from the evil ones by their fruits! The Angels will gather those who produced fruits into the heavenly barn, and burn the rest.

What exactly is this fruit? The parable of the mustard seed gives us the idea. The righteousness of the Kingdom planted might be insignificant, almost unnoticed! But it grows to become a big tree that exists not just for itself, but is recognized for providing shelter to birds of the air! Imagine the great act of mercy and charity that the tree stands for, always available to all who come under its shade. The same applies to the little leaven mixed with the flour. It enriches the flour, and provides delicious meal to the hungry. The good works we do for the Kingdom of Heaven must shine before people to the glory of God (cf. Mt 5:16). There is no room for selfishness for the Children of the Kingdom.

God is still working in our lives; the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. The seeds of the evil one may want to dominate us, “But the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” And Jesus continues to nourish us in the Holy Eucharist. The holy Catholic Church is rich with numerous channels of grace to sustain us to bear fruit for the Kingdom. We cannot grow to full maturity and bear fruits of holiness if we do not apply the graces given us through openness to the Holy Spirit, prayer and the Sacraments. Let us be committed to the work God has started in us to produce mercy, charity, patient-endurance, humility, etc. It is on the Cross that God's great work to sow His Kingdom in our lives shines out.  Finally, Jesus said, “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.” Amen!

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Sunday July 19^th, 2020.

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THE ULTIMATE SIGN

 Reflection for Friday of the 15^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Is 38:1-6,21,7-8; Mt 12:1-8)

 At the end of our week long journey with prophet Isaiah, today he intervenes in the sickness of king Hezekiah. At first, Isaiah the prophet informed the King that the sickness would lead to his death. On hearing this, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed earnestly to God, and wept bitterly. God received his plea, and sent Isaiah to go and inform the King, saying, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and defend this city.” Hezekiah asked for a sign to show that God will fulfill what the prophet said. Isaiah told him that the sun would turn ten steps backwards.

If we too call out to God in our distresses, He will answer us, for He sees our tears. And He has given us the greatest sign that He will attend to our pleas in the cries and tears of Jesus on the Cross, whose Blood pleads for us incessantly (Heb 12:24). But the people did not accept Him; Jesus became a sign that was rejected (Lk 2:34). Thus, we see the Pharisees in the Gospel of today, opposing Jesus, accusing Him of allowing His disciples break the Sabbath. Jesus pointed to them the examples of David and the Temple Priests of old who were never accused of breaking the law or profaning the Sabbath though they did what was forbidden. “I tell you, something greater than the Temple is here.”

Because of their hardness of heart, the Pharisees failed to recognize who was in their midst. They did not know that Jesus is the Master of the Sabbath! He is the reason for the Sabbath; the answer to the Temple worship. He is the greatest Sign that fulfills itself. Hezekiah cried to God, and He answered him. Still, he asked for extra sign from Isaiah. Now, Jesus cried for us on the Cross and God heard Him. So, in our distresses we only need to call on Jesus and our ‘cry’ will be heard. That means the answer to our ‘cry’ in Jesus already awaits us, and is assured. Therefore, we need not ask for another sign to believe. Jesus is the answer! Those who run after miracles before believing that their cries have been heard are among those who rejected Jesus as the ultimate sign.

Therefore, Jesus said, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” This is what we are expected to pursue, not signs. By our acts of mercy, we wipe the ‘tears’ of others. And when we call, Jesus will surely answer and wipe our tears. Let us move forward this day in charity and confidence, the blessing of God goes ahead of us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Friday July 17^th, 2020.

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EASY BURDEN

Reflection for Thursday of the 15^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Mt 11:28-30)

RESTORATION

“The way of the righteous is level; you make smooth the path of the righteous.” Isaiah offers a prayer of trust in God, who vindicates His people. According to Bible scholars, this prayer was probably made at a time when Babylon had lost its grip as a world power. The burden of exile was being lifted, and Israel had learnt her lessons. Now, they walk in the path of God’s judgments. “My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.” He called on God to restore peace and unity to Israel.

Isaiah prays to God to remember how they cried to Him in their distress, when they were in bondage. Israel was in pangs of pain like a woman in labour pains! Since God had broken the Babylonian yoke upon them, Israel shall be restored. The dead shall rise; lowly dwellers shall awake and sing for joy.  

EASY BURDEN

Jesus declared, “come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Pause a while, imagine Jesus as the meeting point of all labour and heavy laden! He is the ‘most laden’, bearing upon Himself the burden of our sins and transgressions for all generations. He laboured, and carried them to the end, and triumphed over them. In Jesus, the pain of labour and the depression of heavy laden are emptied into the new life the resurrection. That means labour and heavy laden can become sources of re-generation and re-creation.

Human life is full of burden; family life, work and business, education, relationship, etc. Sometimes, nature imposes heavy burden on us such as sickness, disasters, etc. We are laden physically, mentally and emotionally. At times, we are even a burden unto ourselves, unable to do the very things we ought to do. In whatever form it may be, Jesus has invited us to come to Him with our burden and heavy laden. So, we begin this day by meditating on how Jesus bore the very burden we fear. This is how we begin to locate our yoke in His. Then, we must connect to Him in prayer and dispose ourselves to the Sacraments. This is how His strength nourishes us.

His invitation assures us that this burden is not ours alone; Jesus has offered His shoulder to make it easy for us. Do not be discouraged; do not give up, nor allow depression and frustration get hold of you. As God broke the Babylonian yoke and Israel was restored and rejoiced, so shall you rejoice and have new life if you answer Jesus’ call to come to Him that your burden be easy.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Thursday July 16^th, 2020.

Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

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HUMILITY AS A SHIELD

Reflection for Wednesday of the 15^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Isaiah 10:5-7, 13-16; Mt 11:25-27)

 Assyria was a great nation, with stout warriors, which subdued many nations under her. The message of Isaiah today was addressed to Assyria. “Thus says the Lord, Ah! Assyria, the rod of my anger, the staff of my fury! Against a godless nation I send him, and against the people of my wrath I command him.” God used Assyria to punish disobedient nations, especially Israel. But they began to take pride in their victories over nations, thinking it was by her strength, wisdom and great army that nations fell under her. Because of this pride, Isaiah announced, “The Lord, the Lord of hosts will send wasting sickness among her stout warriors, and under his glory a burning will be kindled, like the burning of fire.”

Though, Assyria was a pagan nation, God used them as a chastening rod to humble Israel. Yes, Jesus addresses God as Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth. All creation, all times and seasons, belong to Him. And He disposes all according to His will. He uses both good and bad people and situations to humble us and teach us His ways. It is those who are humble like little Children before God that He reveals His mysteries and wisdom.

Therefore, we do not take pride in our strength or knowledge. In humility we hide ourselves in Christ Jesus, the most humble, and who is one with the Father. Being Lord of heaven and earth, He is equally the Lord of all we are and can be in the future! Like His little Children, we stand before Him without evil intentions, ready to be disposed according to His gracious will and we look up to Him for His providence.

That is why as we practice daily meditations, we become more conscious of the presence of God and we gaze upon Him in humility. This will fill us with the grace to coordinate ourselves as His ‘handmaids’, or as ‘missionaries sent’ even to our works, family life, relationships, and spiritual life. The pride of Assyria can no more bring down the humble Israel. Humility is a shield; you shall stand secure. Amen

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday July 15^th, 2020.

Memorial of St Bonaventure.

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