Face to Face with Satan’s Anger

Monday 31st August 2020. Read 1st Corinthians 2:10-16, Psalm 145:8-14 & Luke 4:31-37

“Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” (Luke 4:34)

In one of his audience for priests, Bishop Barron made reference to David and Bathsheba. It was supposed to be the time of year when kings go for battle and David was not in battle but in his house relaxing. David sought after pleasure and when he discovered he had just fathered a child, he used the enormous power he had to eliminate Uriah.

Bishop Barron noted that when we forget that we are supposed to be in battle, we begin to place so much importance on pleasure and power only to end up falling flat like David. I mean, if you underestimate the anger of the devil, you might end up asking him out for lunch only for you to become the suya (roasted meat) on the devil’s plate.

We Christians today must realize that we have an enemy that is very angry with us. Can you try to picture the annoyance of the man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue? “What have you to do with us?” meaning: “Why did you come here? What is your business with this place? Why not allow us to do our thing while you stay on your side?” Take it from me, Satan is not smiling at all oh!

As we struggle to make progress in our spiritual lives every day, let us realize that every step we make in the right direction pisses off the devil more and more. This is a truth clearly hidden from the worldly-minded; a truth which St. Paul says in our first reading, always sounds like mere gibberish to the unspiritual man.

The advice Bishop Barron gave to the audience of priests is valid for all Christians. We must realize that NOW IS THE TIME OF BATTLE; not the time to be strolling about in our palaces admiring naked people taking their baths (online pornography, illicit movies, music, sensual entertainment, immoral television shows etc.)

Now, is the time for us to wake up to the fact that Satan can possess even those who come to church and appear as most-holy. Now is not the time to become scared but to get dressed in our armour (Ephesians 6:13-18) and face Satan squarely standing upon the victory of our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ.

Let us pray: O Jesus, open my eyes to see the battle in front of me. Amen.

Happy New Month. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 22nd week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1st Corinthians 2:10-16, Psalm 145:8-14, and Luke 4:31-37).

The Bitter Side of Truth

Monday 31st August 2020. Read 1st Corinthians 2:1-5, Psalm 119:97-102, and Luke 4:16-30

“And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.” (Luke 4:22)

In today’s Gospel passage, we see that what began as a happy reception for Jesus eventually turned into an attempt to kill him. Luke tells us that it was the usual custom of Jesus to go to the Synagogue in Nazareth. On this day, Jesus decided to step into the podium to proclaim the message. He read from the book of the prophet Isaiah a passage that was about him.

So long as Jesus said beautiful things to them, they were happy with him. So why would the same people who spoke well of them turn around so quickly to throw him off the cliff? What was responsible for this sudden change of attitude?

By giving examples of how Elijah ministered to a widow of Zeraphath, and how Elisha cured Naaman, the Syrian, Jesus made them understand that salvation was not hereditary. This was a truth too hard to bear; a truth that many still struggle with today.

The fact that I come from a generation of Christians does not automatically qualify me for heaven, it is the life I live that matters. Indeed, the fact that I am a Catholic does not qualify me for heaven, it is the way I live that counts. In Matthew 21:31, Jesus declared: “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots will go into the kingdom of God before you.”

Writing to the Corinthians, St. Paul reminded them how he came preaching the message of salvation with very simple terms using the common language of the people. More still, he lived among them like any other person, in weakness and in much fear and trembling. In the end, it became clear that their conversion and life in Christ was simply a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit. As ministers of God, all we need is to make ourselves available as instruments and God will do the rest. Indeed, none of us can boast or take credit for converting even a single soul.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, give me the grace to accept the truth of your Word and live accordingly. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of the 22nd week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1st Corinthians 2:1-5, Psalm 119:97-102, and Luke 4:16-30).

Do not be conformed to this World

Sunday 30th August 2020. Read Jeremiah 20:7-9, Psalm 63, Romans 12:1-2 and Matthew 16:21-27 

“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Last Sunday, we saw how Jesus gave Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever he binds on earth is bound in heaven and whatever he would loose on earth is loosed in heaven. Armed with this power and authority, Peter protested the fact that Jesus would have to suffer, “God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” Peter said.

Dear friends, our first lesson today is that *we must never stop praying for our religious authorities.* From the time of Peter to date, men and women of God have had the tendency to abuse the enormous power and authority given to them by Jesus, the humble lamb who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Cf. Mark 10:45). Once we forget this fact, we become high-handed in our use of power, we could even be serving the purpose of the devil without knowing it.

Our second lesson today is to *be attentive in spirit so as to detect the voice of Satan.* The devil is a liar and a master in the art of deception. He will never come as a dragon with two horns, sharp teeth or long tail. No, he comes as a child of light, a trusted friend or even a lover and he would use the most subtle manner to seduce us into sin. After trying so hard to prevent Jesus from attaining glory without the cross (at the beginning of His public ministry), the devil tried again through Peter.

Jesus did not bother to address Peter as a person, He went straight to the source: “Get behind me, satan. You are a hindrance to me for you are not on the side of God but of men.” If we listen very well, some of the suggestions we receive from friends, co-workers and colleagues when we are going through some difficulties or trials are subtle inspirations of the devil. This is why we must be alert in spirit as St. Paul warns: “Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance. (Ephesians 6:18) 

The third lesson we learn today is: *no cross, no crown.* In recent times, there has been a wave of the Gospel of Prosperity among preachers, especially in Africa. With Governments failing woefully, people trooped to the Church to find solace. By failing to bring people to repentance and raise up God-fearing leaders, the Church has been practically reduced to a pub where people go to catch fun and feel good about themselves. Shouting loud “Amen” and “Alleluias” will not do us any good if after all that dancing and sweating we refuse to carry our cross daily and follow Jesus.

What does it mean to carry one’s cross? It is refusing to tell a lie when it seems more convenient to do so. It is embracing suffering gladly as the price for doing what is right. It is as St. Paul says in today’s second reading, presenting our bodies as living sacrifices holy and acceptable to God and this begins by consciously guarding the kind of thoughts we accommodate in our minds. This is not easy but then, bear in mind that there will be no crown for those who refuse to carry the cross. There will be no reward for those who follow the broad way, who are Christians only for convenience. (Cf. Matthew 7:13-14)

Our fourth lesson today is *repentance from sin begins with renewing your mind.* Do you feel stuck in sin? Have you tried so hard to stop a bad habit without success? Perhaps there is too much dirt and filth in your mind; too much immorality, lust and greed for worldly things. Transformation can only happen through the renewing of your mind. Renew your mind by reading good books such as the Bible, the lives of the Saints and books written by Saints. Spend not less than two hours every day reading. God’s people perish today due to their ignorance.

Stop looking at television shows and social media items targeted at the further destruction of your mind. If you are careful enough to drink only purified water or eat only hygienic foods as recommended by the doctor, why do you allow all kinds of evil things into your mind?

The fifth lesson for us today is to *embrace persecution with gladness.* Jesus tells us: “whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?” (Matthew 16:25-26). Have you ever been laughed at because of your dress code? Have you ever been called names, insulted or even rejected for standing by your beliefs and values? Even Jeremiah in today’s first reading says: “I have become a laughing stock all day; everyone mocks me.”

Let’s face it, though we live in the world, we do not belong to this world and the world hates us. (John 15:18-19) If you have not been experiencing this hatred, (if you have never suffered anything for the sake of God), it is a sign that you are yet to become a Christian. You have been trying so hard to gain the world that you have forgotten you do not belong to it so when opportunities came for you to testify to God and suffer, you quickly denied God and moved on.

In conclusion, we are only pilgrims on earth and *at the end of our brief sojourn, we shall all face judgement.* Jesus reminds us today: “the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done.” (Matthew 16:27). Don’t worry, whatever good or evil you do must surely come back to you with its full reward. 

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may the truth of your Word guide my life. Amen.

Happy Sunday. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A. Bible Study: Jeremiah 20:7-9, Psalm 63, Romans 12:1-2 and Matthew 16:21-27).

The Head of John the Baptist

Saturday 29th August 2020. Read Jeremiah 1:17-19, Psalm 71:1-17 and Mark 6:17-29 

“Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; because he had married her. For John said to Herod: “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him.” (Mark 6:17-19) 

Once upon a time, a popular musician sang: “If you stand for the truth, you will always stand alone.” Today, we are reminded that there is a price we must pay if we dare to speak the truth to others especially those in positions of authority.

In today’s first reading, God tells Jeremiah that He is ashamed of those who are too shy or too scared of speaking the truth to people. “Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them.” There are some lessons for us today:

First, let us never be afraid of speaking the truth especially when we are completely certain of our facts. By keeping quiet in the face of evil, we actually partake in the sins of others. It is better to die for telling the truth than to support it with your silence. The greatest disaster of our age is not the presence of evil people but the indifference of good people.

Secondly, if I fail to accept correction but begin to fight the mouth that tells me the truth, the simple fact is that I will never know peace. Silencing the voice does not make the evil you do right. The death of John the Baptist did not legitimize the adulterous union of Herod and Herodias, it only made them murderers.

Thirdly, speaking the truth entails speaking directly to those involved. If you know I am a bad person, come to me and tell me to my face. Tell me my mouth is smelling, I will cry but I will not forget to brush my teeth next time. Don’t go telling other people about me. Only cowards believe that they can change others by gossiping about them.

Fourthly, let us learn to practice self-control. Herod was obviously not thinking straight when he promised even half his kingdom to a little girl. What if she had asked for his own head? Think before you speak. Be a master of your emotions. In moments of anger, hold it. In moments of excitement, hold it also. Learn the habit of speaking to God and hearing from him before talking. Avoid making promises.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, increase my courage. Amen. St. John the Baptist, pray for us.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Beheading of St. John the Baptist. Bible Study: Jeremiah 1:17-19, Psalm 71:1-17 and Mark 6:17-29).

Be a Good Steward of Your Opportunities in Life

Saturday 29th August 2020. Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Psalm 33:12-21 and Mark 6:17-29

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21) 

We do not all have equal opportunities in life but we all have equal abilities to make the best of our opportunities. Some of us were born with silver spoons, others with “clay pots.” Some were born into homes of physical, psychological and mental abuse, some into havens of love, abundance and peace.

This is the point St. Paul makes in today’s first reading. He says “not many of you were wise, not many were powerful, and not many were of noble birth…” but God, the perfect equalizer, choose what is foolish to shame the wise and what is weak to shame the strong so that at the end, NO ONE CAN BOAST about anything.

One can actually look at life and blame God for being so unfair but in truth, God is kind and just to everyone. The parable of the talents given by Jesus in today’s Gospel passage addresses this concern. The master had three servants and to one he gave five talents, to another, two talents and to the third, he gave one talent. There is just no way we can all be the same; there is no way we can all have the same amount of talents and gifts but God gives to us according to our individual capacities.

Rather than engage in useless competitions with one another or expend energy fighting for equality (a fight that will never end), rather than engage in the “pull-him-down” games we play often, there is much peace that comes with accepting our own truths and realizing it is not what we have that counts but how we manage it.

You see, the one who got two talents did not ask for more simply because another got five. He traded with his and produced four while the other produced ten. Your two talents can never produce ten. God will not judge you for failing to produce ten. He knows four is your capacity. You are unique, you are different, your entire life is itself an opportunity; use it and make the best of it. Stop competing with others. Compete with your own self by striving to be better than what you were yesterday.

Finally, the one who got only one talent is a perfect depiction of what envy does to us. When we begin to feel sad at what others have, we no longer appreciate what is ours and end up burying our God-given talents. Envious people are never tired of complaining and speaking of others in a bad light. This man was so used to complaining that when the master arrived, he complained about the master’s character saying he was a hard man blah. blah. blah. Stop blaming God, stop asking “why me?” Stop looking at the expanse of your lack or the seemingly “unfairness” of God, take your one talent today and start working!

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, make me realise that my very life is an opportunity. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 21st week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study:  1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Psalm 33:12-21 and Mark 6:17-29).

Carry along Your Extra Oil

Friday 28th August 2020. Read 1 Corinthians 1:17-25, Psalm 33:1-11 and Matthew 25:1-13

“The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” (1st Corinthians 1:18)

There were ten maidens, five were foolish and five were wise. The only thing that differentiated the foolish from the wise was the fact that they went along with some extra oil; they didn't depend on the oil in their lamps.

What is this extra oil? It is going beyond just being an ordinary Christian. The extra oil is living out the holiness of life that is beyond average. It is going the extra mile to help those in need even when they do not ask. It is avoiding hypocrisy; practising what you preach; living out the dictates of your creed/vows whether in public or in private.

In our first reading today, St. Paul also makes a distinction between foolishness and wisdom. For those doomed for destruction, the cross is to them a stumbling block but for those who destined for eternal life, the cross is the power of God and the wisdom of God. If as a Christian, I am not willing to take up my cross daily to follow Jesus (if I am not willing to sacrifice for the sake of God), I am foolish.

No wonder Jesus says: “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Today, we celebrate an African saint; the great Augustine of Hippo. He was born in Numidia. His family were ethnic North Africans (the Berbers). His father was a pagan, but his mother was a devout Christian. Augustine left his Christian background and joined the Manichean sect, founded by the prophet Mani in 240. He also fell in with friends who followed a hedonist approach to life. Despite his wayward lifestyle, he developed an interest in philosophy and was impressed by the writings of Cicero. Augustine became an expert in Latin and rhetoric.

In his late teens, he developed an affair with a young woman from Carthage. She gave birth to his son Adeodatus in 372. In 384, he was given a more prestigious position as a rhetoric professor at the Imperial Court of Milan. Eventually, he annulled his marriage as he made plans to become a celibate priest. In 386, at the age of 31, he made a formal conversion to Christianity.

Augustine was baptized by Bishop Ambrose in April 388. Afterwards, they returned home to Africa, where his son Adeodatus died shortly after. Augustine gave away his wealth to the poor and converted his house into a monastic foundation for himself and a group of like-minded Christians. He later became a priest and even a Bishop who stood in defence of the true teachings of the Church. His writings helped to formulate some of the church’s doctrines.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom of the extra oil that I may not be merely a mediocre Christian but one who would carry my cross and follow your steps. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 21st week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25, Psalm 33:1-11 and Matthew 25:1-13).

Never Forget the End

Thursday 27th August 2020. Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 146:2-7 and Matthew 24:42-51

“Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44) 

Jesus says to us today: “Watch, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” To be watchful is to be alert in the spirit. It reminding oneself constantly that the end must surely come.

Just as a good security officer never goes to sleep while on duty, being watchful requires that we diligently guard our heart. The book of Proverbs chapter 4, verse 23 defines what spiritual watchfulness is all about when it says: “Guard your heart with all vigilance, for out of it proceeds the wellsprings of life.” 

St. Peter puts it beautifully when he wrote: “Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary, the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith.” 1st Peter 5:8-9. 

The best way to keep watch is to get busy. It is not a matter of staring at the ceiling all day, we must also be doing what God desires. Hence Jesus says: “Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes, will find SO DOING.” Before we begin any activity, let us ask ourselves “if the world were to end right now, will God be happy to meet me doing this?” or “If this was the last thing I did before my death, would it be worth it?”

Always remember the end; always remember that even the air you breathe is borrowed and you will have to relinquish it someday. Thinking of our death often helps us to be less materialistic, it also helps us to forgive easily. Reminding ourselves that we shall die helps us to take life lightly and refrain from complaining when we don’t seem to have all we need.

If anyone had told me I would be mourning a beloved staff of mine today, I would never have believed. When death comes for a young person, it leaves behind a devastating blow; one from which we can never recover. Dear friends, never forget the end.

Today, we remember St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine. Her story, much like the story of the women who encountered Jesus in the Gospels teaches us perseverance in faith. For many years, it seemed as though her prayers for her son Augustine were in vain but eventually she had the privilege of seeing her son become a priest before her passing on to glory. She remains a model for Mothers.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me to be prepared always. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of the 21st week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 146:2-7 and Matthew 24:42-51).

Repent From Hypocrisy

Wednesday 26th August 2020. Read 1Thes. 2:9-13, Ps.139 & Mat. 23:27-32

“For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27) 

One of the most difficult thing to do is to try to correct a person who believes he or she is perfect. It is a task that requires true courage and even the willingness to risk one’s own life. Jesus would have tried to be quiet (or even diplomatic) but he said the truth just as it is. This is one important lesson we must learn from Jesus who told us “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28).

When it comes to correcting our religious leaders, there is a tendency for us to quote passages such as: “Touch not my anointed ones, and do my prophet no harm.” (1 Chronicles 16:22 & Psalm 105:15). In truth, the greatest harm we can do to God’s anointed ones and prophets is our failure to tell them the truth or to pretend (to praise them in their presence only to go behind them and complain). If you cannot tell someone the truth to his face, then don’t say it to anyone else, this is the sin of gossip.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees to their face how they cared more about their public image without minding the fact that their hearts were full of iniquity. Jesus likened them to whitewashed tombs beautiful to look at from the outside but full of dead men’s bones inside.

As a Christian, if people get close to me, would they see something different from what I portray in public? Do I even believe the things I preach? If I am not convinced about what is right and wrong, do I expect anyone to believe me? If I am not converted, how I hope to convert a single soul? For how long would I continue to hide hoping that my secrets would never be exposed?

The scribes and Pharisees had a practice of adorning the tombs of the prophets who were persecuted for their righteous deeds, meanwhile, they were about to repeat history by killing Jesus for telling them the truth. If we fail to examine our conscience, if we keep telling ourselves we are better than everyone else, we begin to believe the lies we tell ourselves to the extent that even when we are confronted with the truth, we immediately consider that person as an enemy.

No matter how good you think you are, have some openness to criticism. Do not surround yourself with sycophants. Cherish and appreciate those who have a different opinion, there is always something to learn and something you can improve on. Do not assume that your critics are being disloyal to you. Only a true friend will tell you to your face that you are going the wrong way. Jesus says we should be childlike to enter heaven; be willing to take advice even from your subordinates, do not become a god unto yourself.  

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, give us the grace to practice what we preach and be open to the truth. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 21st week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1Thes. 2:9-13, Ps.139 & Mat. 23:27-32). 

Woe to You Scribes and Pharisees

Tuesday 25th August 2020. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17, Psalm 96:10-13 and Matthew 23:23-26 

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matthew 23:13)

A few days ago, we heard Jesus say, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; so practise and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.” (Matthew 23:2-3). Today’s Gospel passage is a continuation of this discussion. We must bear in mind that Jesus never set out just to condemn these religious leaders. Jesus had a deep respect for the office they occupied and so wanted them to live out the truth of what they represented.

Jesus drew the attention of the scribes and Pharisees to their undue emphasis on tithes while ignoring the weightier matters of the law such as justice, mercy and faith. In truth, their love for material benefits was overtaking their concern for the spiritual welfare of the people. Jesus’ attempt to correct this anomaly would eventually see Him taking a whip of cords to drive out the money changers, petty traders and those rearing animals at the temple area. In Jesus words, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you make it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:13).

In one of Jesus’ temptation, the devil showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in all their glory and splendour promising to give them to Jesus if only He would bow. To bow to the devil is to refuse to put God first or to pretend to be doing God’s work while seeking for worldly riches. Whether we like it or not, this temptation remains always rife for anyone who sets out to do God’s work.

Some time ago, I saw a video of a man who declared that anyone who does not pay tithe will go to hell. Inspired by our love for money, we preachers have often gone to the extremes of instilling in the minds of the people just to make them give. This is exactly what Jesus set out to correct in the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus did not condemn tithing; instead, He says giving tithe is not as important as other requirements of God’s law. If failure to give tithes could lead one to hell, then when Jesus was asked about the most important commandment, he would have said: “you shall give your tithes.”

Jesus goes further to teach us that religion should never be about putting up appearances. If the cup is to be clean enough for drinking, the washing must begin from the inside. The outside may be laced with gold but if the inside is dirty, the drink is poisonous. In other words, in our desire to do God’s work, we must always examine our motives; we must look inside – if our desire is to own a lot of money, cruise around the world and use the latest and the best of everything, we may just be serving poison to those who come in contact with us.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, free me from the spirit of hypocrisy. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 21st week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17, Psalm 96:10-13 and Matthew 23:23-26).

Come and See.

Monday 24th August 2020. Read Apocalypse 21:9-14, Psalm 145:10-18, John 1:45-51 

“Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him, “Come and see.” (John 1:46)

Too often, we judge people by where they come from and we easily make generalizations about certain towns and places. These beliefs and assumptions soon become fixed in our minds that even when we find evidence to prove such notions false, we continue holding on to them.

For Bartholomew (Also known as Nathanael), Nazareth was a complete write-off. The reaction of Philip is highly worthy of praise. Philip did not try to argue with him. He simply said: “Come and See.” Like Philip, there are times we encounter people whose minds are fixed in our attempt to tell people about Jesus. The best thing to say to such persons is: “Just come and see.” Invite them and allow Jesus to do the rest, avoid arguments, avoid fights.

On the other hand, this encounter teaches us to refrain from prejudice. Avoid drawing a conclusion too quickly; no matter how convinced you are, know that you could still be wrong.

As soon as Philip brought Bartholomew to see Jesus, it was as though he handed over the baton to Jesus who in turn completed the work. Jesus won Bartholomew over by simply saying two things about Bartholomew which sum up his entire life.

One. Jesus described Bartholomew as an Israelite in whom is no guile. In other words, Bartholomew was an upright man. He was the opposite of the scribes and Pharisees who Jesus condemned often condemned for their hypocrisy. This is why we are celebrating him as a saint today.

Dear friends, if Jesus (from whom nothing is hidden) were to give a candid summary of your life, how would it sound? Would you be proud to hear it?

Secondly, Jesus told Bartholomew that He saw him under the fig tree. According to some Biblical scholars, the fig tree was a symbol of the prayerfulness of Bartholomew. That is to say, even before meeting Jesus face to face, Bartholomew had established the habit of going under the fig tree to pray on his own and so, only God could have seen him pray there. This is the reason Bartholomew immediately called Jesus, the Son of God, and the King of Israel. How often do I go to a quiet place to commune with God?

Finally, Jesus promised Bartholomew that he would see greater things; heaven opened and the angels ascending and descending. This promise is not reserved only for Bartholomew, it is for all of us so long as we are people without guile and we are as prayerful as Bartholomew.

Dear friends, every sacrifice we make for being Christians is worth it because heaven is real and heaven awaits us who remain faithful. That fact is further reinforced in today’s first reading. Don’t let anyone deceive you that heaven is not real. Jesus can never lie.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, increase in me a longing for heaven. Amen. St. Bartholomew, pray for us.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Feast of St. Bartholomew, Bible Study: Apocalypse 21:9-14, Psalm 145:10-18, John 1:45-51)

The Authority and Power of Peter

Sunday 23rd August 2020. Read Isaiah 22:19-23, Psalm 138, Romans 11:33-36 & Matthew 16:13-20

“You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

Last Sunday, God speaking through the Prophet Isaiah described His house (the Church) as a House of Prayer for all nations. The miraculous healing of the daughter of the Canaanite woman who persisted in appealing to Jesus concretely expresses the all-inclusiveness of this special house of prayer where God continues to intervene in the affairs of mankind today.

A house (or any gathering) without a leader or someone to exercise authority is just a recipe for chaos and disaster. That the House of God on earth may stand, Jesus knew it was necessary to select a leader. Today’s lessons are drawn from the manner Jesus went about selecting this leader.

1. Leadership Requires a Sixth Sense.

The most difficult job on earth is that of controlling a fellow human being. Some time ago, someone shared a picture on social media. On one side were animals moving; they all seemed to be on a straight file; each animal waiting for the other, none was in a hurry to get there before another. On the other side of the picture was a typical traffic gridlock – cars in a zigzag fashion having blocked themselves as none was willing to wait for another and the drivers shouting at the top of their voice at themselves.

Every now and then, you tune into your radio and you hear people criticising (and even insulting) people in government for not doing this or that. Some of those who criticise the most get into power only to become woeful failures. Leading humans requires special abilities which include the ability to hear directly from God. By asking the disciples a question of his identity, Jesus was actually putting them to the test and when Peter answered correctly, Jesus clapped for him saying: “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17)

Are you a leader in any capacity? Are you a man or woman of God? Do you head a family, a church or a company? Know that your success highly depends on your closeness to God; your active prayer life and your willingness to listen to God’s voice on a daily basis. Left to your own power and intelligence, you can do nothing. As Jesus would say: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) In other words, all power and authority come from God who alone controls the entire universe. This brings us to our next lesson today.

2. All Power and Authority Comes From God.

According to St. Paul, “There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1) That is to say, whatever power anyone exercises is just a tiny share of the ultimate power of God who has what it takes to remove such power from that person or put it in the hands of another. This is exactly what the first reading today teaches us.

No human being can boast when it comes to grabbing, retaining and exercising power. Simply put, no one can rise to power or stay in power without God’s divine approval. Truly, as St. Paul says in our second reading today: “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)

3. Jesus Christ Founded and Builds the Church.

Over time, I have noticed that when our separated brethren attack the church for its doctrines or practices (especially those not explicitly stated in the Bible), they tend to use the phrase “Roman Catholic Church” giving the impression that the Romans founded the church or that its practices merely reflect Roman culture and traditions. As we see in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus said: “I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

Note that Jesus did not say to Peter, “You are Peter and I give you power to build a church for me….” No, instead Jesus said: “Upon this Rock, I (Jesus himself) will build my church…” Jesus Christ is the Founder of the Church and any attempt to hide or dismiss this fact is playing the devil who is a liar from the beginning. (Cf. John 8:44) Some persons moved by hatred go as far as saying that Jesus did not found any church but I wonder if this verse is contained in their Bible.

Secondly, when Jesus founded the church, He did not give it a name. The name “Catholic” and its later modified version “Roman Catholic” were given to it in the attempt to distinguish it from other churches founded by individuals who felt they could no longer be under the authority of Peter. From the time of the Reformation to date, Christianity has seen the birth of almost a million new denominations most of which are entirely committed to attacking and condemning the Catholic Church – playing the devil while pretending to be from God.

4. Jesus Placed Authority on Peter; not on the Bible.

At the basis of virtually all the attacks against the Church is the popular question: “Is it in the Bible?”* As much as the Bible is unarguably the word of God, let us not forget that Jesus Christ founded the Church not on the authority of the Bible but on the authority of Peter. Even the Bible testifies to this fact when Jesus said to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19).

Jesus never said: “Upon this Bible I build my church, whatever is contained in the Bible is approved and whatever is not contained in the Bible is from the devil.” The Bible as we have it today did not even exist when Jesus said these words. Before its compilation, there was the Magisterium, i.e. the teaching authority (Cf. Matthew 23:2-3) and the Sacred Tradition.

The Bible is just one of the three legs upon which our Faith as Christians is built and even its interpretation and understanding depends on the other two. To treat the Bible as the ultimate authority is to undermine the authority of Peter and by so doing contradict what the Bible itself says.

Conclusion: The Powers of Death Can Never Prevail Against the Church.

The fact that the Church continues to exist despite its long history of internal and external attacks is nothing short of a living miracle. It is a testimony that we humans are not really in charge; that God is the one governing the Church. Over the years, many have sought to destroy the church and many continue launching spurious attacks with hearts filled with hatred. We only respond as much as we can, defending the truth with our words and good deeds. In the end, just as Jesus said: “the powers of death can never prevail against the church.”

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, we know that all power comes from you, bless our leaders both spiritual and temporal, work in them and through them for our good. Amen.

Happy Sunday. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (21^st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A. Bible Study Isaiah 22:19-23, Psalm 138, Romans 11:33-36 & Matthew 16:13-20).

Mary is Queen of Heaven and Earth

Saturday 22nd August 2020. Read Ezekiel 43:1-7, Psalm 85:9-14, Matthew 23:1-12. 

“He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12) 

Today’s feast, The Queenship of Mary, is a natural follow-up of her glorious Assumption into heaven; her final reward so to say and the fulfilment of the words of Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation.

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31-33).

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus acknowledged the authority (chair) of Moses held by the scribes and Pharisees and for this, he tells his followers to obey them and observe what they preach based on this authority that they possess. A gathering without a leader, without someone exercising authority, everything falls apart. Jesus knew the importance of authority, that is why he gave Peter the keys of the Kingdom and made him head of the church.

Today, there is chaos in the body of Christ because of the lack of respect for the chair of Moses. Men and women of God today consider themselves as their own authority. This has brought about competition as well as abuses in churches that are being established every now and then.

Jesus also pointed out the fact that even though the scribes and Pharisees were preaching the truth, they were not living out the truth. Jesus said, practice what they tell you but not what they do. No wonder Jesus referred to them often as hypocrites – whitewashed tombs which outwardly appear beautiful but are full of dead men’s bones inside.

All through His public ministry, Jesus sought to correct this abnormally, he tried to make them understand that the washing of the cup must begin from the inside that God is not moved by external show of religiosity but instead of accepting the truth, they were determined to kill Jesus.

We may lie to the world about who we are but we can never lie to God. The worst kind of life (and the most miserable too), is living in pretence; projecting a false image of yourself like an actor on stage. Funnily, the movie tends to come to an end too quickly and the audience is shown who the real characters are. As Jesus said: “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Luke 12:2)

Am I a religious leader who does not practice what he or she is preaching? Do I have skeletons in my cupboard? Am I simply doing God’s work just for the fame and material benefits? Am I really living out the life that my title connotes? These are very important questions for our self-examination today.

As we celebrate the Queenship of Mary, we ponder on Mary’s humility before God. Mary was so humble and ordinary that to this day, many Christians continue to think of her as just and “envelop” used and dumped by God. In her humility, God has now raised her to glory. Jesus said: “whoever exalts himself will be humbled but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12)

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, free me from pride and from pretence. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Memorial of the Queenship of Mary: Bible Study: Ezekiel 43:1-7, Psalm 85:9-14, Matthew 23:1-12).