THE COVENANT BOW

 Meditation for Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
(Gen 9:1-13; Mk 8:27-33)

“God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” The Lord put every creature on his care, and commanded that man should take care of his brother. “Of every man’s brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for God made man in His own image.” Then He said to Noah, “Be fruitful and multiply, bring forth abundantly on the earth and multiply it.” The Lord established a covenant with Noah and his descendants, sayings, “That never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” The Lord set a bow in the cloud as a sign of the covenant between God and the earth.

Let us meditate on the new relationship God established with Noah and his descendants. Now Noah became the father of the new generation of man, washed clean through the waters. God renewed in him the command He gave the first man after creation. In the Covenant with Noah, God would sustain the new generation of man thus formed. In other words, the survival of Noah’s generation and their escape from destruction would hinge on the covenant, never on the strength of their personal righteousness. That means the new generation of man, washed clean of evil and corruption, are to be identified as people of the covenant.

 

As we pause in silence, and gaze on the beauty of God’s covenant with Noah, we see Jesus, in whom is the perfect covenant for the new generation of man, washed clean through the waters of regeneration. The cross of Jesus, lifted up, becomes the perfect ‘bow in the sky’ that guarantees our survival and escape from destruction. Above all, in Him the perfect new generation of man is born. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). And the newness is gives is ever new.

 

In the gospel, the identity of Jesus was revealed as Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” Immediately Jesus began to introduce them to His cross, saying, “The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected...” We see at once how the cross is part of identity of the Christ. Just as the bow in the sky was important for the covenant that defined the new generation of man through Noah, so also the Cross is the banner that defines the new life we have in Christ Jesus. What was prefigured through Noah, has been perfected in Jesus Christ, in whom God and man is reconciled, and through whom man is given dominion over the earth, and care for his brothers and sisters. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul, Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Thursday February 16^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

LONGING FOR THE NEW LIFE

Meditation for Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

(Gen 8:6-13,20-22; Mk 8:22-26)

Let us meditate on Noah’s anticipation to see the end of the flood. Though he was safe inside the Ark, he was still eager to step out once the flood ended. He sent forth birds to confirm if the water had dried up four times. Obviously, his heart went with the birds each time he sent them out. His anticipation to see the end of the flood was not an expression of doubt in God’s promise to save him from the waters. It was a yearning to step into the new life, washed clean through the waters. In this way, the Ark became a sort of ‘enclosure of hope’, which conveyed him safely to the new life, washed clean of evil and wickedness. Then, Noah offered burnt offerings in thanksgiving. God accepted his offering and promised never to destroy the earth again.

 

The anticipation of Noah and his eager longing is the kind of hope we have in Christ Jesus for the new life He offers.  “But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay” (Rm 8:20-21). Think about the blind man of Bethsaida, how Jesus led him from the ‘flood of blindness’ and landed him safely in the ‘dry land of clear sight.’ His age-long desire to see received ‘the assurance of hope’ in the divine touch of Jesus. The divine presence of Jesus in our lives, in our every situation, gives us that assurance of hope that purifies our anticipations, removes doubt, and strengthens them as unshakable eagerness to step into the new life of grace in Christ Jesus.

 

Think about the joy of the man that received his sight. His joy rises gracefully like the burnt offering of Noah. This joy is already captured in our Eucharistic celebration. Therefore, though we are still longing and anticipating through our prayers, the Eucharist gives us the opportunity to participate in the joy of the new life of grace in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Wednesday February 15^th, 2023.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

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