TODAY LISTEN TO HIS VOICE

Meditation for Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Heb 3:7-14; Mk 1:40-45)

Now that we have become brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus and one family with Him, the author of the letter to the Hebrews looks back at the problem that came up among the early children of God. The Israelites hardened their hearts and rebelled against God. They provoked God to anger and He swore that they would never enter His REST. This serves as an example for all generations; it is a mandate of the Holy Spirit that, “Today, when you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion...where your fathers put me to test and saw my works for forty years.” Since this “Today” is still applicable to Christ’s faithful, then God’s “rest” is readily available and awaits them. Therefore, “Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today”, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Since God now speaks to us through Jesus, who shares our life and nature, we must open our hearts to His ‘voice’ in every situation of our lives. Thus, today’s first reading concludes by saying, “For we share in Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end.” That is why we must not be persistent in sin or “be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Lack of repentance or persistence in sin implies not listening to Jesus, who is present among us, and speaks from within our hearts and daily experiences.

Sin is like leprosy, which separates us from God and from the righteousness that binds us together as children of God. As the leper surrendered to Jesus in the Gospel, so we come to Him with the wounds of sin and our brokenness that He might have compassion, touch us and make us clean. As the man immediately regained his health, he equally regained his voice to praise God and to relate among his people. This is the restoration we need TODAY as we listen to His Voice, Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Thursday January 14^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

ONE FAMILY WITH CHRIST

 Meditation for Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Year 
   (Heb 2:14-18; Mk 1:29-39)

Today the Letter to the Hebrews reflects on the fact that Jesus shares our human nature, not in a superficial way, but in reality. We now have a BLOOD relationship with Him. The implication of this is that by shedding His blood on the cross, he destroyed the devil, who had the power of death, “And deliver those who through FEAR of death were subject to lifelong bondage.” Jesus being like us in every respect except sin, He has become a merciful and faithful high priest to make expiation for the sins of the people. “For because He himself has suffered and been tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted.”

In turn, this BLOOD RELATIONSHIP gives us confidence to approach Jesus and bring Him ‘home’ as Simon and Andrew did in the Gospel of today. Imagine the freedom with which Jesus entered the house of Simon’s mother-in-law, who lay sick with fever! “And He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served them.” By her SERVING, she made a ‘home’ for Jesus in her house. In other words, they became ONE FAMILY with Jesus. From His ‘new home’, Jesus attended to many who were sick and cast out demons.

As our brother, the mercy and compassion of Jesus is assured. Therefore, let us make a home for Him in our hearts. Since He shares our human nature, He is in touch with our every situation, and He heals us from within...Amen!

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday January 13^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE GREATNESS OF MAN IN CREATION

 Meditation for Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Heb 2:5-12; Mk 1:21-28)

“What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him?” The letter to the Hebrews today meditates on the greatness and beauty of the human person. He is so great that God subjected the whole creation under him, and made him a little lower than angels. “You have crowned him with glory and honour, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” But when we look at human beings and the conditions of their existence, the author of the Letter frowns that we do not see man in total control of everything!

“But we see Jesus, who for a while was made lower than angels, crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering and death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” Thus, the greatness, beauty and glory of the human person shine out in Jesus, who is the pioneer of our salvation. So where human wretchedness tends to diminish or cover up the crown of glory God placed on man, Jesus stands out to sanctify and perfect humanity through His suffering. “Thus, we shall become the perfect man, upon reaching maturity, and sharing the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13). Jesus has become the first among many brothers and sisters (Rm 8:29). “That is why He is not ashamed to call them brethren...”

Hence, Jesus stood among His people in the synagogue, but the authority of His teaching arrested the attention of the crowd! Evil spirits who tried to oppose Him could not withstand His power. Instead, the people marveled the more at His authority, and His fame spread everywhere. Thus, Jesus becomes the REASON God is mindful of us and cares for us! If we look towards Him and surrender to His authority, the greatness, beauty and glory God bestowed on us since creation will shine out. Amen.

 Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Tuesday, January 12^th, 2021
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

 

"FOLLOW ME"

Meditation for Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Heb 1:1-6; Mk 1:14-20)

“In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he  appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the ages.” So God has made His ultimate STATEMENT in Jesus; He is the living Word of God. “He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of His nature.” In fact, the life of Jesus Christ, in His words and actions, stands as a DECLARATION and FULFILMENT of God’s message to His faithful. This is an act of love; God came closer to us that we might not be far from Him.

Therefore, our response to the new communication of God to us must be more than that given to the prophets. Since Jesus is the MESSAGE, we listen to Him, not just as an ‘audience’ standing at a safe audible distance. But we follow Him as the WAY and destination of our LIFE. We hear His words and understand His silence, since He speaks to our conscience and innermost heart. Now that the word of God is alive, we hear Him by living His life. Hence, Jesus calls us in the Gospel of today to repent.

“The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.” As we repent of our sins, we are made available for the Kingdom of God with its joy and peace. The gospel message invites us to take this positive step towards the Kingdom that has come close to us. Thus, Jesus said to the fishermen of Galilee, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Think about the simplicity, the clarity, urgency and authority behind this divine summon! The ultimate task of the disciple is to hear when He speaks, and to follow where He leads. The response of Peter, Andrew, James and John is our model in following Jesus: “And immediately they left their nets and followed Him.”

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday January 11^th, 2021
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE SILENCE OF THE MAGI

THE SILENCE OF THE MAGI

Meditation on  the Epiphany of the Lord

Today we celebrate the manifestation of Jesus Christ as King of the universe. The salvation of the Lord has been announced to the ends of the Earth. The door of salvation in Christ Jesus is opened to both the Jews and the Gentiles. The Wise men from the East recognised the Star and followed it to pay homage.

The silent message of the star was obvious to them, but their initial interpretation and inquiry landed them in Herod's abode. Their peaceful journey brought confusion and tension to Herod's household. Those who in their authority refuse to surrender to Christ will always echo the noise and confusion of Herod in their lives. Still, the Wise who were in search for Jesus continued their peaceful journey, drawn along in silence by the bright star. 

Though it was a peaceful and bright journey, but they had hard times getting to Bethlehem. Seeing Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus they were filled with joy. Then opening their treasuries they offer Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Imagine the beauty of the wise men from the East as they payed homage to Jesus and surrendered their wisdom and authority to Him. Their individual personalities was overtaken by their difficult journey and the gifts they offered. What they did for and offered to Jesus stood up as IDENTITIES for them. They lost their voices in the silence of their journey and adoration, but their act of homage spoke for them. And we continued to perceive them in the sparkling of the Royal gold, the rising of the incense of prayer and the scent of sacrificial myrrh.

The silence of the Magi speaks to us. The exaltation of the self is foolishness. Let the good works we perform speak for us. Too much talk and projection of the ego does not last a life time. The wise ones speak the silence of Jesus as they search for Him and empty their TREASURIES before Him. Joy and peace shine like the star in the lives of the wise ones who choose to kneel before Jesus. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R 

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos. 

Sunday January 3rd, 2021.

Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord 

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com 

THE CHOICE OF FAMILY

 MEDITATION ON THE FEAST OF HOLY FAMILY

What do you think is the most common fear people have today about family life? For the singles, I think it is the issue of ‘choice.’ Choosing the right partner can be as burdensome as it can be exciting. For the married, I think their common fear is how to cope with their choice. The salient tension to marry or to remain married has numerous variables, but they all appear to have something in common with ‘choice.’ Christmas draws our attention to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. This celebration renews our love and commitment to family life.

God offered man the family at the dawn of creation. Man received family life as God’s choice for him. Thus, man’s bond with his creator is echoed in his joyful embrace of his partner. Adam exclaimed, “At last this is the bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh” (Gen 2:23). It was an expression of “Chukwu ma obi m” i.e. ‘God knows my heart.’ Adam’s exclamation as he embraced his wife became a cry of joy and gratitude to God who reaches out to man in his deepest yearnings, loneliness and abandonment, even in the midst of material things. The smoke of their warm embrace rises to God like thanksgiving offering! This family offering of love received God’s approval as He blessed the couple, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it” (Gen 1:28).

“Family” chooses us even before we ever think of making a choice for marriage! Family life is our habitat; it is the basic format of our life. No human relationship or interaction endures unless we take each other as ‘family.’ No nation develops unless the government treats the citizens as ‘family.’ Thus, the gospel was proclaimed by the apostles as a ‘family.’ And any religious organization that does not network as a ‘family’ is not of Christ. Therefore, the choice for family is fundamental and continuous. We must constantly choose the one that has chosen us; and we must continue to choose the ones FROM WHOM we are chosen! Nevertheless, our capacity to make consistent right choices can be lowered by negative experiences and selfish desires. Left to itself, human choice will create inconsistency and dysfunctional family life.

Christmas brings salvation to family life. Once more, God declares His choice and approval of family life by coming among us through the Holy Family. His choice sanctifies every family. In His choice for family, our choices are redeemed and given consistency. Interestingly, Jesus comes into the family as an “Offspring.” In Him every Christian marriage is fruitful. Now the smoke of our family embrace rises with Christ... We choose ‘with’ Christ, and we choose ‘for’ Christ, as we respond to the call for family life.

Think about the struggles and joys of the Holy Family! Imagine Mary’s meditations, and Joseph’s fears and silence. Look at their socio-economic situation, their difficult travels and devotions to God. Still, the beauty of the Holy Family shines out as we behold them complementing each other and approaching the Temple in unity. And Simeon blessed them...(Lk 2:34). As the Baby Jesus united Mary and Joseph, so shall every family remain united if Jesus becomes the centre of their lives. The blessing of God has been poured into every family through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we choose Christ Jesus IN WHOM  we are chosen, then it becomes easy to constantly choose the partner WITH WHOM we are chosen, and the family members FROM WHOM we are chosen to become members of God’s family, worthy of the blessings He bestows on His children, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday December 27^th, 2020.
Feast of Holy Family.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com 

 

THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS

 Meditation on the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ 

We celebrate with utmost joy the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We recall that solemn moment in human history when God took flesh and dwelt among us. This celebration offers us a special opportunity to welcome Him anew with renewed hearts, and deepen our love for Him. The mystery of His birth is hidden and also shines out in the events through which it was communicated.

At that time, Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census. Joseph took Mary and travelled from Nazareth in Galilee to his home town of Bethlehem in Judea. As Mary entered labour, Joseph could not find a room in a place he called his home. Whenever we ‘decorate’ this earthly life as our ‘home’, it becomes difficult to have ‘room’ to welcome Jesus. “He came to His own, yet His own people did not receive Him; but to all who received Him, He empowers to become Children of God, for they believed in His name (Jn 1:11-12). Mary gave birth to Jesus and wrapped Him in swaddling cloth and laid Him in a manger (Lk 2:6-7). The lowly birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords shook heaven and earth as Angels descended. In the midst of the clamour and complexity of our lives, Jesus needs a little ‘manger-space’ to enter. If we understand this, we can begin to wind down the uproar within and remodel our hearts like the simple manger that tenders the Baby Jesus.

It all happened in Bethlehem-Ephrathah, a little hill town in Judah. Jacob blessed his son Judah, saying, “The sceptre shall not be taken from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet...” (Gen 49:8-12). Another name for Bethlehem is “Ephrath” (Gen 35:16-20). “Ephrath” means ‘fruitfulness”. Though the town is the smallest among the clans of Judah, it is called, ‘Bethlehem Ephrata’, which means it is the 'fruitful Bethlehem' (Micah 5:1-2). “The earth has yielded its fruit; for God, our God has blessed us” (Ps 67:6). Bethlehem was the city of David, the little shepherd boy whom God anointed to become the great King (1 Sam 16:1). Joseph the simple carpenter from the lineage of David became the foster Father, through whom Jesus is called The Son of David. We rejoice and meditate on how God puts down the mighty from their thrones, and lifts up the lowly.

The darkness of the night received the Light of the World; the lowliness of the manger haboured the exalted King. The silence of the night echoed the Angelic chorus, and the loneliness of Mary and Joseph was flooded with faithful visitors. He who was rejected at the Inn became the most sought for as shepherds squat around the manger. God is with us! Human history now bears witness to divine presence. Now strength can germinate from weakness; courage stands up from fear. Our silence speaks; and human loneliness and rejection is flooded with divine warmth. The beauty of Christmas sneaks in the silence of our lowly hearts with its bundle of joy that settles therein like the tender Baby Jesus in the manger! The joy of Christmas uplifts us. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace amongst men with whom He is pleased!” (Lk 2:14). Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Friday 25^th December, 2020.
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com