See Your Present Sufferings as Seeds.

Homily for Friday 1^st February 2019

_“Recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and affliction… but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” *(Hebrews 10:32-33,38)*_ 

Every time we suffer, every time we go through pain and sorrow, every time we find ourselves having to put up with things we do not wish for ourselves, we are just being planted like seeds in the ground.

Just as seeds must die before producing a new plant, our sufferings and crosses help us die to ourselves so that we can remain virtuous, blossom in good deeds and bear fruits for God.

Growing up, one of my mum’s favourite sayings was: “Work does not kill, it only makes you stronger.” Suffering no matter how great does not last forever just as seeds sown in the ground do not remain there forever, they eventually germinate and become plants.

Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a man scattering seeds on the ground and then goes to sleep. How the seeds spouts, the farmer does not know. When things are tough, we are not able to see the brighter side. Little by little, that which you thought was your worst nightmare eventually becomes your most treasured moment.

I recently saw Mr. Ibu’s testimony on social media. It wasn’t until his friend kicked him out of the house leaving him with nowhere else to go that he realized he had such a fine talent for entertainment.

Jesus also compared the kingdom of God with a mustard seed that is so tiny yet grows into a shrub large enough to provide shade for birds. Never despise your little beginnings. The toughest aspect of a journey is the first few steps. Know that your promotion comes only after you decide not to give up.

Finally, it is not advisable to pick up seeds from the ground after they have been planted. The seeds would be useless and they would never grow into plants again. Do not pray that your sufferings will end, rather pray that you will get to reap its full fruits.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, may my suffering not lead to faithlessness but let it deepen my patience, endurance and confidence. Amen.

Happy New Month. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 3^rd Week in Ordinary Time. Hebrews 10:32-39, Psalm 37, Mark 4:26-34).

Be Careful: Nothing Remains Hidden Forever.

Homily for Thursday 31^st January 2019

_“For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.” *(Mark 4:22-23)*_ 

Our responsorial psalm today asks a question: “Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who can stand in his holy place?” And it answers: “The clean of hand and pure of heart…”

What does it mean to be clean of hands and pure of heart? Simple: it means living as a light in the midst of the darkness of vice and evil that surrounds our world. To be clean of hands and pure of heart means that you do not have any skeletons in your wardrobe. To be clean of heart and pure of heart means that you basically have nothing to hide.

By the way, we live a world where it has virtually impossible to hide anything anymore. With our latest technological gadgets and devices, one’s entire life history can be dug up in a minute. Take the mobile phone, for instance, every call you have ever made, every text message you sent or read, every social media chat are all recorded somehow somewhere in the cloud.

Even when you delete, destroy the phone, close down your account and destroy your email, it is never hidden. Just wait till you become a “somebody” or start campaigning for President and you will understand.

Even a picture you took innocently can be interpreted otherwise with a false but convincing story and used to tarnish your image. How much more, when you are actually guilty of some evil deed?

Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel passage: “For nothing is hidden, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light.” Like the Parable of the Sower, this too is a parable directed at those who have ears.

To have ears in this context is to be wise enough to avoid falling into the trap of sin thinking it could be covered up. To have ears in this context is to wise enough to know that it only takes time for the truth to rear its ugly head.

Before you act, think! Think not only about the immediate result but think also of years to come. Live your life in such a way that when all your secret deeds and hidden facts come to light, you will be so proud of yourself.

The book of Hebrews today tells us to always encourage one another and stir people up to love and good works. We can do this by telling each other the truth rather than partake in secrecy.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, wash us clean from all attachment to sin, evil and deeds of darkness. Amen.

St. John Bosco, Pray for us.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of the 3^rd Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 10:19-25, Psalm 24, Mark 4:21-25).

Some Seeds Fell on Rocky Ground.

Homily for Wednesday 30^th January 2019

 

_“And these in like manner are the ones sown upon rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.” *(Mark 4:16-17)*_ 

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus gave us the parable of the sower in which he explained the different types of persons who receive the word and their reactions to it. Jesus also tells us the reason he preferred to speak in parables was that there are some persons who will never understand or accept the truth regardless of how many times you say it.

“He who has ears, let him hear.” This means there are some persons who do not have ears (cannot learn). These are the rather unfortunate ones “who see but do not perceive, hear but do not understand.” If you have ever been a teacher, you must have felt the way Jesus felt before reaching this conclusion.

Some students are so unteachable; it doesn’t matter how many times you repeat yourself or how many analogies you use, they will still refuse to get the point. Meanwhile, there are some students that will not only grasp immediately but will even teach their fellow students better than the teacher.

From this parable, we learn one fact: people are different! Never expect everybody to react the same way or behave the same way. In other words, everybody is not like you. While it may seem effortless for you, some people will have to struggle even to accomplish what you take for granted.

This calls for sympathy in our judgement of others. Rather than condemn people, try to understand why they act that way. Instead of writing off any student, a good teacher will change his method until he is able to meet the student at his level. Don’t be too quick to write anyone off, who knows, he or she may just be a seed that fell on a road path, or on rocky ground or perhaps among thorns.

Another important lesson we learn from this parable is that our love for riches constitutes thorns capable of chocking our spiritual growth. As Jesus would warn: “you cannot serve both God and mammon.” Do you aspire for Sainthood or to be in the cover of Forbes Magazine? Are you working hard to be one of the richest persons in this country or to be one of those who moral legacy would always be mentioned as an example for the next generation?

Finally, my heart really goes out to those seeds that fell on rocky ground. These are really good Christians who are so excited about the things of God but lack roots in them. They cannot withstand trial because they are sweet-sweet-milk-and-sugar Christians. For them, the fact that they serve God at all means that they should never experience even a single headache or tough time. These are Christians who are quick to change church or even stop church altogether once they face any setback in life. If God gives them what they want, fine but if not, they “bounce.”

Could this be where you belong? Can your faith remain steadfast in the face of adversity? How long can you last if prayers are not answered? Somehow, all of us at one point or the other would be subjected to rocky situations in our lives. Like the Israelites, we would at some point find ourselves walking through the desert with no idea of the beautiful Promised Land ahead. Pray always for the gift of patience. Don’t give up. Just keep pushing.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, I may not have been planted on the right soil but I beg you to meet me where I am so that I may bear fruits. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 3^rd Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 10:11-18, Psalm 110 and Mark 4:1-20).

Some Seeds Fell on Rocky Ground.

Homily for Wednesday 30^th January 2019

_“And these in like manner are the ones sown upon rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.” *(Mark 4:16-17)*_ 

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus gave us the parable of the sower in which he explained the different types of persons who receive the word and their reactions to it. Jesus also tells us the reason he preferred to speak in parables was that there are some persons who will never understand or accept the truth regardless of how many times you say it.

“He who has ears, let him hear.” This means there are some persons who do not have ears (cannot learn). These are the rather unfortunate ones “who see but do not perceive, hear but do not understand.” If you have ever been a teacher, you must have felt the way Jesus felt before reaching this conclusion.

Some students are so unteachable; it doesn’t matter how many times you repeat yourself or how many analogies you use, they will still refuse to get the point. Meanwhile, there are some students that will not only grasp immediately but will even teach their fellow students better than the teacher.

From this parable, we learn one fact: people are different! Never expect everybody to react the same way or behave the same way. In other words, everybody is not like you. While it may seem effortless for you, some people will have to struggle even to accomplish what you take for granted.

This calls for sympathy in our judgement of others. Rather than condemn people, try to understand why they act that way. Instead of writing off any student, a good teacher will change his method until he is able to meet the student at his level. Don’t be too quick to write anyone off, who knows, he or she may just be a seed that fell on a road path, or on rocky ground or perhaps among thorns.

Another important lesson we learn from this parable is that our love for riches constitutes thorns capable of chocking our spiritual growth. As Jesus would warn: “you cannot serve both God and mammon.” Do you aspire for Sainthood or to be in the cover of Forbes Magazine? Are you working hard to be one of the richest persons in this country or to be one of those who moral legacy would always be mentioned as an example for the next generation?

Finally, my heart really goes out to those seeds that fell on rocky ground. These are really good Christians who are so excited about the things of God but lack roots in them. They cannot withstand trial because they are sweet-sweet-milk-and-sugar Christians. For them, the fact that they serve God at all means that they should never experience even a single headache or tough time. These are Christians who are quick to change church or even stop church altogether once they face any setback in life. If God gives them what they want, fine but if not, they “bounce.”

Could this be where you belong? Can your faith remain steadfast in the face of adversity? How long can you last if prayers are not answered? Somehow, all of us at one point or the other would be subjected to rocky situations in our lives. Like the Israelites, we would at some point find ourselves walking through the desert with no idea of the beautiful Promised Land ahead. Pray always for the gift of patience. Don’t give up. Just keep pushing.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, I may not have been planted on the right soil but I beg you to meet me where I am so that I may bear fruits. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 3^rd Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 10:11-18, Psalm 110 and Mark 4:1-20).

Some Seeds Fell on Rocky Ground.

Homily for Wednesday 30^th January 2019

_“And these in like manner are the ones sown upon rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.” *(Mark 4:16-17)*_ 

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus gave us the parable of the sower in which he explained the different types of persons who receive the word and their reactions to it. Jesus also tells us the reason he preferred to speak in parables was that there are some persons who will never understand or accept the truth regardless of how many times you say it.

“He who has ears, let him hear.” This means there are some persons who do not have ears (cannot learn). These are the rather unfortunate ones “who see but do not perceive, hear but do not understand.” If you have ever been a teacher, you must have felt the way Jesus felt before reaching this conclusion.

Some students are so unteachable; it doesn’t matter how many times you repeat yourself or how many analogies you use, they will still refuse to get the point. Meanwhile, there are some students that will not only grasp immediately but will even teach their fellow students better than the teacher.

From this parable, we learn one fact: people are different! Never expect everybody to react the same way or behave the same way. In other words, everybody is not like you. While it may seem effortless for you, some people will have to struggle even to accomplish what you take for granted.

This calls for sympathy in our judgement of others. Rather than condemn people, try to understand why they act that way. Instead of writing off any student, a good teacher will change his method until he is able to meet the student at his level. Don’t be too quick to write anyone off, who knows, he or she may just be a seed that fell on a road path, or on rocky ground or perhaps among thorns.

Another important lesson we learn from this parable is that our love for riches constitutes thorns capable of chocking our spiritual growth. As Jesus would warn: “you cannot serve both God and mammon.” Do you aspire for Sainthood or to be in the cover of Forbes Magazine? Are you working hard to be one of the richest persons in this country or to be one of those who moral legacy would always be mentioned as an example for the next generation?

Finally, my heart really goes out to those seeds that fell on rocky ground. These are really good Christians who are so excited about the things of God but lack roots in them. They cannot withstand trial because they are sweet-sweet-milk-and-sugar Christians. For them, the fact that they serve God at all means that they should never experience even a single headache or tough time. These are Christians who are quick to change church or even stop church altogether once they face any setback in life. If God gives them what they want, fine but if not, they “bounce.”

Could this be where you belong? Can your faith remain steadfast in the face of adversity? How long can you last if prayers are not answered? Somehow, all of us at one point or the other would be subjected to rocky situations in our lives. Like the Israelites, we would at some point find ourselves walking through the desert with no idea of the beautiful Promised Land ahead. Pray always for the gift of patience. Don’t give up. Just keep pushing.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, I may not have been planted on the right soil but I beg you to meet me where I am so that I may bear fruits. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 3^rd Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 10:11-18, Psalm 110 and Mark 4:1-20).

The Mother and the Brothers of Jesus Christ.

Homily for Tuesday 29^th January 2019

_“And looking around on those who sat about him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister, and mother.’” *(Mark 3:34-35)*_ 

Some time ago, I got involved in an argument with a non-Catholic who tried to prove to me that our devotion to Mary is wrong and unbiblical. To his defence, he quoted our Gospel passage this morning saying that, first, Jesus had brothers and sisters and secondly, that Jesus ignored his mother and his brothers just to teach us how unimportant they were.

Is it true that Mary, the mother of Jesus is not “blessed ever-virgin?”? Did Mary have other children through the natural process of procreation with Joseph? In truth, Mary never had any children apart from Jesus. She was perpetually a virgin all through her life. She remained a virgin before, during and after the birth of Jesus. How do we know this? First, at the foot of the cross, we hear Jesus saying to Mary, “Woman, behold your son” and to the beloved disciple, Jesus said: “Behold your Mother.” (John 19:26). If Mary really had other children, why was there a need for Jesus to entrust her to one of his disciples?

Secondly, recall that when the Angel announced to Mary that she would give birth to a son, Mary responded by saying: “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:34). From research, we have come to understand that this response of Mary was as a result of the vow of perpetual virginity she had taken. According to the Protoevangelium of James (one of the books that did not make it to the Bible), Mary’s Mother had pledged Mary as a “virgin of the Lord” in the service of the Temple and that Joseph was widower to whom Mary was entrusted to be her guardian. Even the fact that nothing was heard about Joseph in the Bible indicates that he was by far older than Mary and probably died when Jesus was still a kid.

So how do we explain these “brothers” who came with Mary to see Jesus? Given that the word “brother” was often used in Scripture to refer to relatives (e.g. Genesis 14:14, 29:15), close friends (2 Samuel 1:26, 1 Kings 9:13) or even allies (Amos 1:9), we would not be out of place to say they were extended family members, neighbours or friends

Having established the fact that Mary never had other children, the next question we now ask is: “Why did Jesus refuse to honour them by leaving the crowd so as to attend to them?” Does it mean that Jesus has no respect for them? Definitely not. First, note that this event is similar to what happened when Jesus stayed behind in the temple and when Mary asked him, he said: “Am I not supposed to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49)

His mother and brothers were standing outside refusing to come in (like the elder brother of the prodigal son). They wanted Jesus to leave the crowd behind and come with them because they were hearing stories that Jesus was so busy with the work that he did not even have time to eat; they felt Jesus was sacrificing too much. They wanted to bring him back to sanity; to make him normal again because they loved him.

Jesus, being such a good teacher who loved to pass across his message using graphic illustrations, parables and examples seized the occasion to teach a powerful lesson: that He values those of us who hear His word and practice it because by so doing, we become engrafted into his family and therefore, deserving of his respect and attention as well.

By his action, Jesus did not say Mary is not important, (His respect for Mary cannot be doubted with the incidence at the wedding feast at Cana), Jesus meant to say that You too are important for hearing and doing the will of God.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, make me more and more worthy of admittance into your special family. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 3^rd Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 10:1-10, Psalm 40 and Mark 3:22-30).

No Divided Kingdom Can Stand.

Homily for Monday 28^th January 2019

_“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” *(Mark 3:24-25)*_ 

In our second reading yesterday, St. Paul speaks to the Corinthian Church of the need for them to guard against any form of disunity among themselves. Today, Jesus having been accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub explains that such was not possible because a kingdom divided against itself can never stand.

One way to recognise a house or even a Church or any community that is on the verge of collapse is to study its lines of division. Wherever people are divided among themselves, they cannot make progress. Like a broom, its ability to sweep dirt depends on its ability to hold many single strands together. Put apart, none of the broomsticks can achieve what the entire broom can achieve.

The story of the Tower of Babel is an example of how division prevents progress. When the people could no longer speak or understand themselves in the same language, they abandoned the project that would have made them challenge God’s omnipotence. Genesis 11:1-9.

If Satan succeeds because of his internal unity, we the body of Christ should not allow disunity to break us apart. When we are united, it is difficult for anyone to destroy us. Jesus says “No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods unless he first binds the strong man.” Is it the case that Jesus is referring to Satan as a strong man? Of course, by strength, Jesus is referring to unity. What makes us strong is our unity.

A perfect example of unity is the three persons in one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are so united that even the greatest of all theologians cannot fully explain how they could be different and still one at the same time. Let us be united for unity is power.

For those who accused Jesus of being possessed, he made them understand that by so doing they were blaspheming against the Holy Spirit and therefore guilty of eternal sin. In moments of distress and sadness, let us be careful of our utterances against God lest we become guilty of the sin of blasphemy.

We remember St. Thomas Aquinas today. He was a man gifted with intelligence and wisdom, a scholar to the core, a philosopher to philosophers, a theologian of great magnitude, a man whose unshakable Faith in God led him to discover five perfectly logical proofs of God’s existence also known as the Five Ways. Thomas Aquinas is to the Church what the seminary is to a priest. He was not just an intellectual, he was a deeply spiritual person – qualities you hardly find combined in a single person.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, teach me to love my neighbour as myself. Amen. St. Thomas Aquinas, Pray for us.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of the 3^rd Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 9:15.24-28, Psalm 98 and Mark 3:22-30).

The Word of God and the Living Conditions of the People.

Homily for Sunday 27^th January 2019

_“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” *(Luke 4:18-19)*_ 

Two Sundays ago, we celebrated the first mystery of light (the Baptism of Jesus), last Sunday we celebrated the second mystery (the self-revelation at the Wedding Feast at Cana). Today, we are celebrating the third mystery of light – Jesus’ Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the call to conversion. In each of these mysteries, we are being enlightened; we are given more light into Jesus’ true identity as God in the midst of men.

Jesus has officially begun His public ministry; thousands were already benefitting from Him. Jesus’ fame was spreading; he was “glorified” by all. He went to the synagogue on a Sabbath day and stumbled upon the passage from the Prophet Isaiah which was about him. How do we get the most out of God’s word? Does the word of God address the problems affecting society such as poverty, captivity, oppression, blindness and evil? These are some of the lessons we shall learn today.

*One: The need for Proper Attention to God’s Word.*

According to St. Augustine: “We should hear the Gospel as if Our Lord were present and speaking to us.” This was the attitude of the Israelites as listened to the reading of the word of God by the priest Ezra. The people gave their full attention to it so much so that from “early morning till midday” (a span of about 6 hours), no one seemed to have some important place to go. Even in our Gospel passage, Luke tells us that “the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him (Jesus). This is the kind of attention that God’s word deserves if we must benefit from its rich treasure.

Our first reading today says that the assembly consisted of men, women and all who could hear with understanding. This implies that children (who lacked the ability to understand) were excluded. As much as you love to be with your children even in church, your love for them should never be greater than your respect and reverence for God’s word. In the same vein, telephones and mobile gadgets (idols of modern day man) must be taken away or properly controlled to avoid distractions.

Paying attention to God’s word entails treating the word of God with utmost reverence. This is the symbolic meaning of the elevated platform on which Ezra stood to read. The elevation of Ezra teaches us that God’s word is higher than any of us, higher than any other word. Respect the Bible, it is the word of God.

*Two: Moved to Tears; Our response to God’s Word.*

The Israelites had just returned from exile, the city and the Temple were undergoing reconstruction. As Ezra read, the people came to the realization that it was as a result of their sins that the exile happened and that God had earlier warned them but they refused to listen. This brought them to tears. The word of God when properly read should move us to tears not because it contains sorrowful news (God’s word is Good News) but because it tells us where we ought to be and how far we have deviated from the goodness, joy and peace that God had planned for us.

The word of God has a way of disturbing us and unsettling our minds. The word of God is more than a mere motivational or feel-good package. No wonder the letter to the Hebrews tells us that: “it is sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing the division of soul and spirit… discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12). This is why there are times we hear God’s word and it hits us hard; we begin to feel as if the priest knew exactly what we were passing through at that point in time.

*Three: The word of God and the Socio-Economic/Political Situation of Man.*

Reading through our second reading today, we see that St. Paul addresses a social problem that was affecting the society at that time; a problem which continues to tear humans apart – the problem of social inequality and failure to respect the rights of others – the problem of seeing certain persons as “useless” or “disposable” simply because of their material wealth, spiritual giftedness or physical descent. St. Paul teaches us that just as the hand cannot claim superiority to the eye, we cannot assume we are better or more important than anyone else.

St. Paul moves further to say: “if one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.” We can apply this to our country Nigeria. As long as there is one person suffering injustice, pain, oppression or deprived of his or her human rights, we are all suffering. Indifference to the plights of others is a terrible disease. He who fails to put out the fire in his neighbour’s house will soon watch that same fire consume his own house.

God’s word encourage virtues such as sacrifice, courage, leadership, truthfulness, justice, etc. which are totally lacking in our society today. In whatever field or capacity we find ourselves, we must allow God’s word to influence our decisions and everyday choices.

*Four: Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.*

After reading from the book of Isaiah, Jesus gave a one sentence homily: “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” This means that the presence of Jesus in our midst is the solution to our troubles. As long we allow Jesus to reign in our hearts and minds, poverty, captivity, blindness, oppression will have no place in our lives. How do we allow Jesus to reign in our lives? By loving our fellow brothers and sisters as Jesus loved us.

Come to think of it, if all of mankind were to love one another as Jesus loved us, will anyone still be poor? If we all were to live by the Golden rule of doing to others only what we want to be done to us, will anyone be oppressed, held captive or blind?

*Conclusion.*

The challenge is up to you. Don’t just complain about the situation of things; you too can do something. Practice what you read from the Bible every day, allow Jesus to reign in your heart, only do what Jesus would have done if He were in your shoes right now.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, deepen my love for your word and grant that I may always practice what I read daily. Use me as your instrument to bring an end to poverty, pain, injustice, captivity and oppression in our society. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C. Bible Study: Nehemiah 8:2-10, Psalm 19, 1^st Corinthians 12:12-30 and Luke 1:1-4, 4:12-21).