Fruits of the Gospel

Meditation for Wednesday of the 28th in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Gal 5:18-25; Lk 11:42-46)

Finally, St. Paul talks about the fruits of a life guided by the true gospel. There is free movement of the Holy Spirit in hearts nourished by the word of God. That means those who are connected to Jesus in faith through the gospel, are led by the Holy Spirit. In other words, they live spiritual lives, and manifest the fruits of the Spirit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.” If one is an active Christian and these fruits of the Spirit are not within him, it implies he has either abandoned the true gospel or shifted from it.

On the other hand, those who follow the perverted gospel, who trust in their ability to keep the law, will slide away from the Spirit and end in the works of the flesh. “Now the works of the flesh are plain: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like.” St. Paul warns that those who manifest such behaviors shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

In the same way, Jesus condemned the Pharisees who made show of their practice of religion, and emphasized the external practice of the law, but neglect justice and the love of God, which are the works of the Holy Spirit. It means that if we do not allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify our inner selves, and become the internal energy that prompts our actions, we cannot produce the fruits of the Spirit. To such people who produce fruits of the flesh Jesus says, “Woe to you! For you are like graves which are not seen, and men walk over them without knowing it.”

 

At the end, we thank God for St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians. The lessons he taught are very relevant to us today because there are so many fake preachers who go around spreading adulterated gospel messages. St. Paul had given us ways to escape their trap. The ultimate fruits the gospel bear in us are the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life in God’s kingdom. That is why St. Paul concluded today’s reading by saying, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Wednesday October 12, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

Jesus set us Free

Meditation for Tuesday of the 28th in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Gal 5:1-6; Lk 11:37-41)

Having received his revelation from Jesus Christ, St. Paul begins to round up his arguments in favor of the true gospel by directing the attention of his audience to Jesus Himself. He talks about the action of Jesus in saving us, which He did to set us free. If the will of Christ, and the reason for His passion, is to set us free, then the gospel of Christ will definitely bring us freedom. This freedom comes as a gift, unmerited favor, won for us by Christ Jesus. That is why St. Paul said that it is by faith in Jesus that we are qualified to receive these graces God has destined us from the foundation of the world. In addition, this faith in Christ that unlocks heavenly blessings is open to all. That means all who share this faith are one in Christ. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love.”

 

In the gospel of today, we see how the Pharisee, who believed in the external observance of the law, became judgmental against Jesus and restricted himself. Such legalistic life cannot save the whole man, and make him free. But, an act of charity inspired by faith in Jesus, and performed out of love for Him, purifies the whole person, and set him free from within. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Tuesday October 11, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

The Guarantee of Freedom

Meditation for Monday of the 28th in Ordinary Time, Year C
(Gal 4:22-23, 26-27, 31-5:1; Lk 11:29-32)

Our meditations on St Paul’s Letter to the Galatians is sliding towards conclusion. At this point, St Paul begins to make demonstrations and give examples to proof his argument. He talks about the two sons of Abraham, one born of the slave woman, the other born of the free woman. “Now this is an allegory: these women are two covenants.” Those who insist that it is by their observance of the law that they are justified are like the children of Hagar, born as slaves. On the other hand, those who accept the true gospel that they are justified by faith in Jesus Christ are like the children of the free woman. “So, brethren, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

 

What is that knowledge of Christ you have today? Think about your understanding of prayer; are you a miracle seeker, or you see prayer as a way of communicating with God. Sometimes human needs and situations in life lure us to pervert the gospel in us. In the gospel of today, Jesus condemned the miracle seekers, saying, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” As we meditate on the readings, we can ‘perceive’ the countenance of Jesus for those who approached Him with the wrong understanding of His presence among us.

 

True faith in Jesus guarantees us the freedom of the children of God (Rm 8:21). This freedom makes our hearts light, bright and beautiful. Wrapped in this cloud of freedom, we can hear the gentle voice of creativity and vision. Then, we can make choices that are authentic and abiding, because it is only in freedom that the human will operates at full capacity. That is why only the free children of God can give genuine worship, and overcome every obstacle. Guided by faith in Jesus Christ, and powered by grace, the free children of God embrace the good times and bad times of their lives without compunction, restriction, etc, since faith assures us that all things work for good for those who love Him (Rm 8:28). Amen.

 

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday October 10, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

ONE IN CHRIST

Meditation for Saturday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Gal 3:22-29; Lk 11:27-28)

Today, St. Paul takes a mystical dimension in his defense of the authentic gospel, and to expose the errors of those who preached the perverted message. He argued that before faith in Christ Jesus was revealed, the law was given as a guide. “So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith.” Now that Jesus Christ has been revealed, faith in Him is now our new rule of life; “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.” All who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ, and have become one in Him. Ordinarily, one who has a sense of superiority might find it difficult to see himself as equal with others. But the grace of the true gospel enables us to overcome this obstacle, and live as one family of Christ, “For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

 

Meditate on that movement of grace that makes us one Body in Christ, where “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or female.” This mystical experience of being one in Christ can only come through the true gospel of Christ. This experience is so overwhelming that it becomes the predominant identity in the believer. Thus, every other divisive natural identity will fade away. On the other hand, those who preach “another gospel”, which is based on the law and human understanding, will exalt these divisive identities. That is why the perverted gospel always tend to crack the unity of the Body of Christ, even in families and among friends.

 

If we are still living a life of segregation, tribalism, racism, or we look down on people because they are poor, disabled, uneducated, etc, it means we have perverted the gospel message in us, and did not allow it to overshadow and transform us. Those who hear the true gospel and receive it will have the mystical experience of being one in Christ, and they shall be blessed, and like Abraham, they shall become sources of blessings to others. St. Paul says, “If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” To the woman that acclaimed Jesus in the gospel of today, He said to her, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Saturday October 8, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH

Meditation for Friday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Gal 3:7-14; Lk 11:15-26)

On this fifth day of our meditation on St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he takes his argument to the guiding principle that differentiates the true gospel he preached from those that preached “another gospel.” St. Paul’s teachings were guided by the principle of justification by faith, while those who perverted the gospel insisted on justification by law. He argued that it is by faith in Jesus Christ that all are qualified to become children of God. This was prefigured in the Scriptures when God said to Abraham, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” Hence, St. Paul said, “Those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith.” For the righteous shall live by faith. “That in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Thus, the preaching of the gospel is to build up this saving faith in Christ Jesus. That is why the gospel permeates all cultures and societies, and is relevant at all times.

On the other hand, the perverted gospel is based on law. Such preaching promotes spirituality of punishment and curse, “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, and do them.’” Since law is usually restrictive, an adulterated gospel message will end up promoting segregation among believers. By placing emphasis on one’s observance of the law, self-righteousness will go ahead of grace in the lives of those who embrace the perverted gospel message. How then can one talk about the unmerited grace to the glory of God?

 

That is why we must be watchful so that we will not be distracted from the true gospel message, which builds up our faith in Jesus Christ, in whom we are justified, and in whom every requirement of the law is fulfilled. Think about how those selfish men tried to distract the people from believing in Jesus by calling Him Beelzebul. Jesus answered them, “If it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” As Jesus cast out the demon, so faith in Him sets us free from the curse of the law, and uplifts us to the free working of His grace, which inspires our actions, and brings to us Abraham’s blessings. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Friday October 7, 2022.

Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

Personal Commitment to the Gospel

Meditation for Thursday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Gal 3:1-5; Lk 11:5-13)

After presenting submission to Church authorities as an important character of the preacher of the true gospel, St. Paul now appeals to the personal responsibility of the believers as a necessary discerning tool to distinguish the true gospel from the perverted gospel. Reason and common sense should be employed to discern and apply the gospel, while recognizing it as the work of the Holy Spirit. The Christian should be intelligent and wise, not foolish! This is because the true gospel does not violate reason, but enhances it and fills it with joy. So, the gospel message is reasonable and understandable, yet, it gives reason an eternal vision.

 

While those who preached ‘another gospel’ to the Galatians emphasized the law over faith, St. Paul expected the believers to use their reason and asked themselves if the Holy Spirit they received, and the miracles they experienced, were by law or by faith. “Does He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” So, in the midst of many fake preachers, one of the ways to know the true teaching of Christ is that it makes you more reasonable as you grow in understanding of the gospel. As you employ reason to understand the message and apply it to your life, your personal responsibility towards the gospel shines out.

Perverted approaches to the gospel exiles reason but exalts emotions; they are majorly emotive. Meditate on the parable Jesus told in the gospel of today, and see through it how reason and personal commitment are employed in our faith journey. A man went to his friend at an inconvenient time to request for three loaves of bread. When the friend turned him down, the response of a man operating with “another gospel” would have been to become emotional, react angrily even with the name of God. But the man schooled in the true gospel of Christ would remain calm, preserver in his request, and reason it out that if the friend could not give him because of their friendship, his persistent knocking at his door would make him to attend to him. Hence, Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” As father is conscientious in giving his children good things, God the Father is much more than the human fathers; the heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. Thus, while God’s gifts are reasonable, still, He gives what reason cannot fully comprehend. The true gospel summons us to personal commitment, and at the same time, opens our eyes to see how everything we receive is the work of grace. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Thursday October 6, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

THE GOSPEL ON THE ROCK

 Meditation for Wednesday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time
(Gal 2:1-2, 7-14; Lk 11:1-4)

Like a man defending his case in a courtroom, St. Paul continues to argue in defense of the true gospel. It is important we listen to him because there are so many fake preachers and prophets among us. Earlier, St. Paul had explained how he received the gospel he preached by revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. In today’s defense, St. Paul narrated how he travelled to Jerusalem, accompanied by Barnabas and Titus, to lay before Peter, James and John, the respected Church leaders, the gospel he was preaching to the gentles. This act of submissiveness and obedience to Church authorities is a distinguishing mark of a true preacher of the gospel. Beware of that preacher who is answerable to no one, and who has no one to call him to order.

 

“And when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James, Cephas and John, who were reputed pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.” Jesus built his Church on St. Peter as the rock, that on this rock (Mt 16:18), it shall withstand every opposition and remain firm. The transmission of the good news, and the administration of the Sacraments as necessary means of salvation, are under the authority of the Church. Individuals, called by God, must work under the authority of the Church. The chain of authority that Christ bestowed in the Church is part of the good news of the gospel, and in turn, the gospel sanctifies and gives life to the authority of the Church. Therefore, any gospel message that cannot accommodate the divinely instituted authority of the Church becomes “Another gospel.”

 

As human, the man who occupies the position of authority in the Church may have his personal struggles, as we see in St. Peter, when he was in Antioch, where he tried to please the circumcision party and separated himself from the Gentiles. But St. Paul realized that the action of Peter was not in line with the gospel, and corrected him. That is why we must always call to the Lord, saying, “Lord, teach us to pray.” By submitting to prayer, we learn to be humble and submit to the authority of the Church, despite the revelation or vision we must have received. By prayer the Church authorities can discern properly and direct the people of God aright. Then we shall pray in the words our Savior taught us, saying, “Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come…” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday October 5, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com