THE HEALING OF HUMAN SUFFERING

 Meditation for 5^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

(Job 7:1-4, 6-7; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39)

Have you ever been in a situation where you feel helpless, alone or abandoned? Human suffering is inevitable. Like an uninvited guest, it sneaks in to awaken us from our vision of comfort. We are surprised at the sudden realization that the life we cherish so much is not totally under our control. The cry of suffering humanity echoes from the depths of our hearts. What is it we enjoy that lasts? Even the human life itself fades like a shadow! The lamentation of Job in the first reading of today echoes our voices in the face of emptiness, pain and sorrow. “Like a hireling who looks for his wages, so I am allotted months of emptiness, and nights of misery are apportioned to me.” Sickness and death rank highest in causing pain and meaninglessness to life.

Being aware that we are floating on this ocean of human suffering, which swiftly washes our joy and fulfilment of life away, we turn to Jesus to be saved. Hence, Peter invited Jesus to attend to his mother-in-law, who was sick with fever. Jesus took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her. It was such a complete and total healing that she served them. Imagine the hand of Jesus clasping the hand of human suffering! With the healing hand of Jesus in view, available and accessible, our every form of pain and abandonment has become reason to stretch out our hands of faith towards Jesus. Now our lamentation over our helplessness has become a prayer of hope through which we are lifted up to serve Jesus.

After healing many people and casting out demons, Jesus did not stay back to enjoy the popularity. He went to a lonely place and prayed there. To be alone with God in silence and prayer takes humility and submission to the will of God. Wrapped in this cloud of silence and prayer, we renew our strength and re-align our vision. It is within this lonely place with God that we are drawn out of the loneliness and abandonment that human suffering pushes us to. Alone with God, we feel that strong gentle divine touch that raises us up from the bed of self-agony and hopelessness of life.

Then Jesus said, “Let us go on to the next towns that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out.” With the divine touch we have received, we return back the glory to God by spreading the good news. That is why St Paul said about preaching the gospel that, “Necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.” We must commit ourselves to the Gospel, and dispose ourselves to spreading the message with its power and salvation. “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share its blessings.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday February 7^th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE GREAT RETURN

Meditation for Saturday of the 4^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Mk 6:30-34)

In conclusion, the letter to the Hebrews draws our attention back to Jesus, from whom we began this journey, and who was at the centre of the message of this letter. “Brethren, through Jesus let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.” To remain focused on Christ Jesus, we must be men and women of sacrifice here below. And we make this sacrifice by performing good works, sharing what we have with others, and by being obedient and submissive to our leaders.

Let us meditate on the return of the apostles from their missionary journey. Jesus sent them forth two by two, and they came back to Him to render account of all they did and taught. This is a sign of obedience and submissiveness. Sometimes we channel the energy of our obedience and submissiveness in the wrong direction, i.e. to persons and situations that will exhaust and misuse them. This can only happen if we do not first surrender them to Jesus. He alone will renew and refill us, such that in submitting to Him, we do not ‘diminish.’ That is why when the apostles came back to Him, He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.”

Finally, we learn from the example of the Apostles and the Letter to the Hebrews to ensure that our inner energies, intentions and actions are channeled back to Jesus and that they remain submissive to Him. The letter concluded with a prayer: “Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever...Grace be with you all.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Saturday February 6^th, 2021.
Memorial of St Paul Miki & Companions.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE HIGHEST VALUE

 Meditation for Friday of the 4^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Heb 13:1-8; Mk 6:14-29)

After weeks of journeying with the Letter to the Hebrews, we are now at the concluding section. We are reminded of the values we must cherish and sustain. These include, brotherly love, hospitality to strangers, visit to prisoners and care for the less privileged. “Let marriage be held in honour among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous.” Further, we are advised to avoid greed for money, rather we should be content with what we have since God does not forsake those who put their trust in Him. And we should remember the men and women of faith, who preached the word of God to us.

Yes, these values will give meaning to our lives and keep us secure in Jesus Christ. Imagine such a shallow and negative life Herod and his household soaked themselves into as they pursued vanity! They tried to satisfy their empty lives and secure relevance at the expense of John the Baptist’s life! This is the kind of wasteful living the Letter to the Hebrews wants us to avoid. As the message and works of Jesus brought to life the ‘voice’ of John the Baptist, so also the life of Jesus keeps alive those who live for Him. Therefore, let us abide in Jesus, and hold on to Him as our highest value. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Friday February 5^th, 2021.
Memorial of St Agatha.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE CITY OF GOD

Meditation for Thursday of the 4^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

(Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Mk 6:7-13)

As we are gradually rounding up our meditations on the Letter to the Hebrews, it is important to reflect on the great mystery of Christ we are being called to. Looking that the trials and discipline we are expected to embrace in faith, one may begin to wonder if it is worth it at all! But whatever we endure here now cannot be compared with the glory to be revealed for us. “You have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire...But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem...” What a glorious presence! Imagine you being found worthy to be invited to enter such a beautiful and awesome presence? Your soul would rise to its highest contemplation and be suspended in the bright glorious presence of God.

What we are called to participate in faith is a festal gathering of innumerable angels; an assembly of those enrolled in heaven, where everyone is a first born. Yes, it is a coming together of the spirits of just men and women made perfect; a place where God Himself is the judge. We are being called to Jesus, “The mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks more graciously than the blood of Abel.” What then can delay our response? What obstacle, trial or discipline can we not overcome to dwell in this glorious presence of God, where the Blood of Jesus bleeds for us!

In the Gospel, Jesus sent out His disciples two by two to spread this good news. Think about how He ‘stripped’ them of every distraction; such that the meditations of their hearts should not be on bread, bag, money, clothing, accommodation, relationships, or people's praises or rejection. The ultimate contemplation of their hearts must be on the Word of God and its authority. This, too, is how we move forward in faith, despite all challenges, to enter Mount Zion, the city of God, and abide in His glorious presence. Amen.    

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Thursday February 4th, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE DISCIPLINE IN FAITH

     Meditation for Wednesday of the 4^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Mk 6:1-6)

We have seen how our participation in the merits of the one sacrifice of Jesus requires faith. We saw the practical example of faith demonstrated by Abraham and the great men and women of old. Their trials, resilience, and achievements under the authority of their faith were presented to us to emulate. It appears that faith exposes us to trials and discipline. Why is it so?

The first reading of today explains that it is because we have been adopted as children of God. This comes with certain implications and responsibility, which includes fatherly discipline. “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” As parents discipline their children so that they can imbibe the moral of the home, the way does God allow us to pass through ‘faith-trials’ so that we can be moulded into the image of Jesus Christ. “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Therefore, we should not be faint-hearted, but through prayer, remain firm in faith.

The discipline our faith brings nurtures peace of soul and peace with our neighbour. It helps us to strive for that holiness of life, without which no one will see God. As God trains us in faith, we learn to root out every bitterness and things that may defile us. Then we are ready to obtain every grace, especially the merits of the one sacrifice of Jesus, our High Priest. Ironically, the ones Jesus came to as ‘His people’ rejected Him. Because of their unbelief, Jesus could not offer them the healing mercies of the Children of God. The discipline and trials we undertake in faith make us responsible children of God, and unlocks for us the great merits of our High Priest, Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday February 2^nd, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

A NEW SPRING

Meditation for Monday of the 4^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Heb 11:32-40; Mk 5:1-20)

We have come to the last week of our spiritual journey with the letter to the Hebrews. So far, we have been travelling down the path of FAITH as the sure pathway to receiving the merits of the one sacrifice of Jesus, our High Priest in the highest heavens. We saw how the practical faith of Abraham was ‘institutionalized’ in his household, and how this faith became strength with which he overcame adversities. Today, we see how this faith of Abraham has grown to become the FAITH OF ISRAEL, handed on down the ages. As the faith travelled down, it passed on to them its great promise and strength. So Judges, priests, kings and prophets, through the generations of Israel shared in this faith and testified to its mighty power.

However, the great men and women of Old, despite their achievements, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better and perfect. Thus, Jesus offers the one perfect sacrifice, which fulfils the hope of the faith of Abraham and his descendants, and offers the merits of the resurrection. That means the faith that drives us forward should be more perfect than that of Israel of old; a new spring of faith is needed. Our faith in Jesus can break more barriers and conquer more fortresses than the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, David, Samuel, etc. That is why the untouchable and unrestrained demoniac of the Gerasenes was liberated of the legion of demons at the command of Jesus.

Imagine the great and total transformation of the demoniac! Our faith in Jesus can bring forth a new spring of life in us. “And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and all men marvelled.”

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday February 1^st, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

THE PROPHETIC AUTHORITY

Meditation for the 4^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Deut 18:15-20; 1 Cor 7:32-35; Mk 1-21-28)

We are easily swayed by the loudest voices! The popular and trending ideas are usually those that dominate the air wave. In our society today, even in the church, you only need to be bold and loud to have your way, and aggressively sell your point. Often times, those who fly on these wings have less truth in their content. So, evil and negativity often push their way to dominate the narratives. Think about the loudest voices we hear today about human relationships, family, wealth, politics, etc. The silent and powerful voice of TRUTH is the only nightmare these ‘noises’ do not want around them.

THE PROPHET

Therefore, we need the true prophet, who cannot be taken over by the loud voice of lies and deceit, and who in turn will declare the word of God. A prophet speaks the truth. He is aware of himself as chosen by God to do so. He speaks with his words and actions, such that his life stands out to silence the loud voice of deceit. In the first reading, God promised to raise a prophet for His people.

AVAILABILITY

The prophetic gift of God, which is fulfilled in Christ Jesus (Mt 5:17), is given to the faithful through baptism (CCC 904-907). This participation in Christ’s prophetic office can be fulfilled through evangelization and the testimony of a holy life. In this way, the light of truth will continue to dispel the darkness of negativity and deceit. Thus, there is no need for us to be anxious or afraid; what is required of us is to make ourselves available for the grace of our baptism to flow! Hence, the second reading emphasizes on our undivided devotion to the Lord, which we are called to do through our different states of life: the married, through the obligations of their marriage, and the single, through their undivided commitment to the affairs of the Lord.

THE AUTHORITY

In the Gospel, the teaching of Jesus impressed the people, “For He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.” The teaching of the scribes was like a reported speech. But Jesus ‘owned’ the word; the authority of the word of God is in Him. Imagine the great influence of Jesus, and how the people were caught up in His mighty power! Before this could sink in their hearts, the evil spirit in the possessed man began to cry out. He tried to distract them, and divert attention to himself by positioning himself as one who 'knows' Jesus, and who, therefore, would have to ‘approve’ Him for the people. Notice that the evil spirit yielded like the spokesman for the good of the people. Evil and negativity, with all their noise, always seek attention and to dominate the ‘narrative.’

“But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’” And all the noise disappeared. The cool breeze of truth spread across. After this, the people were more amazed at the authority of Jesus. Thus, if we make ourselves available to Jesus, maintain our undivided devotion to Him, every mountain of deceit before us will crumble; the empty noise of negativity and evil shall be silenced. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday January 31^st, 2021.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com