Like Mary, Blessed Shall You Be This New Year.

Friday 1st January 2021. Read Numbers 6:22-27, Psalm 67, Galatians 4:4-7 and Luke 2:16-21

“The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”(Numbers 6:25-26.)

Today, being the eighth day of Christmas, we are celebrating the woman in whose womb Jesus Christ was conceived. If we accept that Jesus whose birthday we celebrated exactly one week ago is God in human flesh, it follows that Mary is the Mother of God.

The fact that we are celebrating the Motherhood of Mary on the first day of the New Year also teaches us how we are to approach the next twelve months. In today’s Gospel passage, Luke tells us that: “She treasured all these things in her heart.” Mary was not a noisy, gossiping woman. She was not a nagging or complaining woman, she accepted everything that came her way quietly.

Mary accepted the plan of God in her life, she took in the highs and the lows, she was ready for the joys as well as the pains. She knew her role in God’s plan and was willing to obey every detail. When the child was born, she gave the name “Jesus” in obedience to the angel’s instruction. As St. Paul says: “At the fullness of time, God sent his Son born of a woman born under the law, to redeem those under the law so that we might become sons of God.” (Gal. 4:4). We are sons, we are not slaves, thanks to Jesus, the Son of God, born of a woman, Mary.

I pray for you that this new year, you shall rise to your true position as a Son in God’s house. That you shall eat no longer remnants but real food from the golden plate of God’s word, the Bible. That you shall be a blessing to the people you will meet throughout this year. I pray that you will be light in the midst of the darkness of sin and evil in our world.

In our first reading today, Moses prayed for the people: “The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!” As Moses prayed for peace, the whole world is praying for peace today. Indeed, being the first day of January, we are also celebrating World Day of Peace.

In his message for the Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace, Pope Francis appeals to the international community and every individual to foster a “culture of care” by advancing on the “path of fraternity, justice and peace between individuals, communities, peoples and nations.” The Holy Father calls for “a common, supportive and inclusive commitment to protecting and promoting the dignity and good of all, a willingness to show care and compassion, to work for reconciliation and healing, and to advance mutual respect and acceptance.”

“A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace” is a “way to combat the culture of indifference, waste and confrontation so prevalent in our time,” Cain’s response to God – “Am I my brother’s keeper?” – after killing his brother, Abel, is a reminder that all of us are keepers of one another. Pope Francis concludes his message, urging “We never yield to the temptation to disregard others, especially those in greatest need, and to look the other way.” “Instead, may we strive daily, in concrete and practical ways, to form a community composed of brothers and sisters who accept and care for one another.”

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may this New Year be my best. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Bible Study: Numbers 6:22-27, Psalm 67, Galatians 4:4-7 and Luke 2:16-21)

Goodbye 2020: What Have We Learnt This Year?

New Year Eve – Midnight Mass 

Our gathering in Church this night is a tradition which we have picked up over the years as Christians in this part of the world. In the Catholic Church, there is no specific liturgy for New Year’s Eve. Our Liturgical calendar already began on the first Sunday of Advent. This night, we are not reflecting on any specific readings, but we shall sit beside this old year 2020 and allow it to give us some of its fatherly advice.

1. Never Try to Deceive God

There is a belief amongst Christians that if they enter the New Year in the house of God, it is a good sign and the indication that the coming year will be good and better than the previous year. As such, our churches are usually filled to capacity on nights like this especially with people who normally would not go to church. Indeed, it will not be out of place for me to warn you to watch your belongings properly as I would not be happy to hear that anyone’s phone or wallet is missing. A word is enough for the wise.

Given that as a people, we are used to cutting corners and bribing our way to get what we want, we also apply that so-called sense with God; we assume that if we try to give God His due just this night, if we sow a seed this night or shout “Amen” to powerful prayers, God will make the new year smooth and easy for us. At least, 2020 has taught us that God cannot be deceived. There were many men and women of God who lied in the name of God just to make their congregation super excited; they made prophetic declarations that God had not revealed to them.

Dear child of God, stop sitting on the fence. Stop trying to be hot and cold at the same time. If it is God you want to serve, then serve Him with all your heart, with all my mind and with all your strength. Let today not be your last time of coming to church this year, be consistent. God cannot be bribed or manipulated. Live as a child of the light. Drop your bad habits, repent from your sin, make a covenant with God today and be faithful to it. Stop being a disgrace to your Christian identity.

2. Be Your Brother’s Keeper

Recently, I saw on Social Media a post that says there were only five months in 2020; January, February, Covid-19, #endsars and December. In truth, the bulk of our suffering and pain in 2020 came from the covid-19 pandemic. In the name of enforcing a lockdown to reduce the spread of the virus, we learnt how a young man was shot by security forces in Delta State. This triggered public outcry and subsequent protests nationwide, first, against police brutality, then ending bad governance. We have not forgotten how some lost their lives at the Lekki Toll Gate even though many continue to deny this fact. Imagine if our security forces had applied more love in the discharge of their duties?

When the news of the virus first broke out, people were quick to call it a Chinese-problem. Life went on as usual in other parts of the world while we saw how people were dying in China. It didn’t take time for us to realize that what goes around comes around. Imagine if the world rallied around China to quickly end the virus within the first 20 days of its outbreak?

Here in Nigeria, billions of naira were raised to fight the virus most of which ended up in private pockets and in warehouses. But for the Endsars protests, no one knew that these palliatives were being kept to be used by politicians to curry favour from the people. One claimed he was waiting for his birthday, another said he was expecting a second wave, another said he was trying to work out logistics for sharing the items. I saw on Twitter recently how a politician was giving away covid-19 palliatives as Christmas gifts not minding that most of these food items had already expired. We claim we are Christians but we are just as wicked as the devil.

Let us learn from 2020 that those tears which we see the faces of others and we refuse to wipe off when we have the capacity to do so may eventually become our own tears. The world is such a small village so small that if we are not our brothers’ keepers, our own security is never assured.

3. Winners Don’t Quit; Quitters Never Win.

In every respect, 2020 was a tough year. There are even jokes on social media that the last person to enter 2021 should shut the door tightly so that nothing of the old year should follow us into the New Year. Nevertheless, as bad as 2020 was, there were many who excelled beyond their wildest imaginations, many who achieved things that they had never achieved within the last ten years combined, many who were faced with life-threatening challenges but were able to see the great opportunities hidden within these challenges.

It is easy for me to tell you what you would like to hear but it is better to tell you the truth. 2021 will not be different from 2020 just as 2020 was not so different from all other years. Of course, I am not saying that history would repeat itself or that the same events of 2020 would happen in 2021. The point is that just as 2020 came with its own unique challenges (breaking many historical records), 2021 would not be immune from its own special challenges and difficulties.

As children of God, our duty is to pray but we must be ready to accept and make the best of whatever God ordains in response to our prayers. St. Paul says: “Pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18) In other words, rather than hang on to any prophetic declaration this night, let us commit our plans to the hands of God. Let us practice total surrender. Let our prayer be that of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42).

Conclusion:

As the number of the calendar year increases, it is a reminder to us that we are also increasing in our age and getting closer to our graves. It is not enough to simply make merry at seeing the New Year, something good and positive must increase in our lives. Time is counting, our life with God must begin to count as well.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, make me better than ever before. Amen

THIS IS MY OWN WAY OF SAYING HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU. I PRAY FOR YOU TODAY THAT EVERYTHING YOU DESIRE WOULD COME TO PASS BUT ABOVE ALL, THAT YOU MAY BE A CHILD OF THE LIGHT, NOT OF THE DARKNESS THIS NEW YEAR. THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY 2020 GREAT. GOD BLESS YOU.

The Antichrist and the Last Hour

Thursday 31st December 2020. Read 1st John 2:18-21, Psalm 96, John 1:1-18 

“Now many antichrists have come; therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us.”(1 John 2:18-19) 

Finally, this year is set to pack and go. It is the last day. Whatever has a beginning must also have an end. As the year ends, St. John in today’s first reading draws our mind to the end of the world; the last hour. According to John, a sign of the last hour is the coming of the antichrist. Who is the antichrist?

In our Gospel passage, we read: “The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not...” (John 1:9-11).

An antichrist is a person who is against Christ whether directly or indirectly, be it publicly or discreetly. An antichrist is opposed to Christ either by word, deed or thought. He or she is not just against Christ but against genuine followers of Christ. St. John makes us understand that contrary to assuming that there is only one antichrist, there are very many of them. We have antichrists both within and outside the church, even amongst the clergy and pious Christians who outwardly appear to love Christ.

In truth, if we are not careful, we could even be antichrists without knowing it. Yes, whenever we fail to let our shine, we become stumbling blocks preventing others from coming to Jesus; we become bad advertisements for Christianity. It is in the nature of an antichrist either to create a public scandal (one capable of making others lose their faith) or further publicise and broadcast the scandal even without prior investigations. Some people just take joy in spreading information (true or false) with the intention of pulling as many people away from Christianity, little did they realize they are being antichrists.

It is in the nature of a antichrist to boast about his or her Christian background. Usually, they begin their attacks on Christianity by telling us how their parents and grandparents were so devout and built churches. They tell us how they were baptised and confirmed, attended Christian schools and so on. They try to prove that they belong just so as to gain acceptance by more only to end up saying or doing things that would make their listeners question the faith.

St. John says: “They (the antichrists) went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, that it might be plain that they all are not of us.” (1 John 2:19). They are wolves in sheep clothing; pretenders, fake Christians. (Cf. Matthew 7:15). You are either a Christian or an antichrist; there is no middle way. You are either bringing souls to Christ or destroying what is left of their Christian faith. If for instance, as a priest, I am not faithful to my vows or as a married man or woman, I continue to disregard the sixth commandment, I tell lies, steal and so on, then I am an antichrist.

Today is the last day of the year. Take your time to reflect; how well have I been a Christian this year? How many people have stopped coming to church or no longer believe God exists because of my immoral or evil behaviour? If today was to be your last day on earth, what would be your greatest regrets?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, into your hands I commend my spirit. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Seventh Day of the Octave of Christmas. Bible Study: 1st John 2:18-21, Psalm 96, John 1:1-18)

Do Not Love the World; You Were Made for Something More

Wednesday 30th December 2020. Read 1st John 2:12-17, Psalm 96, Luke 2:36-40

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”(1 John 2:16-17) 

Our first reading today comes from the hand of St. John, who was nicknamed “the one who Jesus loved.” John’s describes the futility of loving the world by summing everything the world has to offer in three boxes:

a. The Lust of the Flesh.

b. The Lust of the Eyes, and

c. The Pride of Life.

According to Pope Francis, these three things correspond perfectly to the three temptations of Jesus. First, Satan told Jesus to turn stones to bread (lust of the flesh), then Satan told Jesus to bow to him so he could have all the riches and kingdoms of the world (lust of the eyes) and finally that Jesus should throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple that people may see it and worship him (pride of life).

Even Abraham Maslow would agree that these three things correspond to the needs of every person. They are just what we want in life; bodily satisfaction, (food, comfort, pleasure), riches, (abundant wealth, security) and respect (worship from fellow humans, praises and honour).

As much as these things deliver a great deal of happiness, they remain fleeting. We are never satisfied. Our hearts are always restless because only God can bring us true satisfaction. It is pure wisdom to remind yourself constantly that you came to this world empty and you shall return empty; that you are just a sojourner on earth.

In our Gospel passage, we are told the story of Anna, the prophetess. After losing her husband, she dedicated the whole of her life to serving God never leaving the temple. Anna is a practical example of what St. John was talking about in today’s first reading; she saw the emptiness of the world and stopped loving it. She spent the whole of her life in the temple because she found inner peace being in God’s presence.

Together with Simeon, Anna knew that this child brought in by Mary and Joseph was no ordinary child. She gave thanks to God and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Her prophesy became a reality.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, open our hearts to that deep encounter with God that we may be changed forever. Help us to know you as you are and love you with all our strength, with all our might, with all our heart and our neighbour as ourselves. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Sixth Day of the Octave of Christmas. Bible Study: 1st John 2:12-17, Psalm 96, Luke 2:36-40)

Hatred is Blindness

Tuesday 29th December 2020. Read 1st John 2:3-11, Psalm 96 and Luke 2:22-35

“Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.”(Luke 2:35) 

To hate a person is to write off that person. It is closing your eyes from all the good the person was in the past or could be in the future. To hate a person is to reach a conclusion about a person as one who is beyond redemption.

Come to think of it, no matter how bad we are, God never hates us. Like the prodigal Father, God continues to love us while waiting for our repentance. The only way we can claim to be like God is to free our hearts from any form of hatred.

Hatred not only prevents us from seeing the good in others, it also leads us into utter darkness. St. John tells us: “He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness still... he who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” To allow hatred in your heart is to literally blindfold your eyes while walking at night on the street.

Again, hatred is a sign of unforgiveness and a betrayal of our Christian identity: “He who says ‘I know him’ but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” What did Jesus command? Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Did Jesus have enemies? Sure, He had very many. How did Jesus treat his enemies? He said: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

Hatred against another is like poison in our body system. This poison, like venom, destroys others but more importantly, it damages us by extinguishing the light of God in our hearts. To hate a person is to open your heart for the devil’s manipulation.

In our Gospel passage, the baby Jesus is presented in the temple. So many people spoke well about Jesus. Simeon said something to Mary about the child Jesus; that a sword will pierce through her soul. This was a prophecy of the pain Mary would go through thirty-three years later when she watched her son condemned, scourged and crucified before her eyes. When we do not forgive, we further pierce the heart of Jesus. Love, don’t hate.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, open my heart to love as you always do. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Fifth Day of the Octave of Christmas. Bible Study: 1st John 2:3-11, Psalm 96 and Luke 2:22-35)

The Baby Jesus and the Holy Innocents

Sunday 27th December 2020. Read 1st John 1:5-2:2. Psalm 124, Matthew 2:13-18

“If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth.”(1 John 1:6)

Today we remember the Holy Innocents; the children who were slaughtered by Herod in an attempt to kill the baby, Jesus. When the wise men were being led by the star to the newly born king, they mistakenly went to the Palace. That was how Herod got to know about Jesus. He couldn’t stomach the existence of another king alive when he was still king.

Herod instructed the wise men to find out about the child and return news to him so that he too could go and do the child homage. This was a trick. He wanted by all means to eliminate the child. The wise men never returned to Herod. After waiting two whole years, Herod, in a rage, gave a command for the killing of all the male children two years old and younger. Herod did not know that Jesus had not come to compete for earthly power.

There is a Herod that lives in us; it is called our “ego”. It wants to reign, to be number one, to pull others down. It wants to be worshipped by all means. It is ready to eliminate, to kill and destroy others so long as it advances our self-interest. How often have you felt threatened by the success of others to the extent of that you find yourself speaking ill of them, spreading false tales and even trying to eliminate them?

If we were to be very sincere with ourselves, we would realize that are guilty of even worse crimes than that of Herod. Our first reading today teaches us: “If we say we have fellowship with God, while we hate our fellow brothers and sisters and seek to pull them down, we are just deceiving ourselves.”

Repent. Let others shine. What belongs to you can never pass you by. Defaming people’s characters or blackmailing them just to look good will not get you far. In the end, no matter how hard you try, you can never stop anyone from achieving their God-given potentials just as Herod could not stop Jesus.

The death of the Holy innocents casts a dark shadow on our Christmas celebration. It gives us a glimpse of the darkness that so filled the earth before Christ’s birth brought light to the world. It also gives us a glimpse of what life on earth would have been if Jesus had not brought salvation. 

As to why God allowed these children to die instead of giving Herod a knock, we do not know, we cannot question God’s ways. All we know is that we serve a God who will always protect us by warning us ahead of danger just as He did by sending an Angel to warn Joseph.

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

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Feast of Holy Innocents. Bible Study: 1st John 1:5-2:2. Psalm 124 & Matthew 2:13-18)

How to Turn Your Family into a Holy Family

What St. Stephen teaches us About Christmas

Saturday 26th December 2020. Read Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59, Psalm 31 and Matthew 10:17-22 

“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:21-22). 

Year after year, I never cease to wonder why the feast of St. Stephen is a day after Christmas. Why are we celebrating a martyr just hours after celebrating the birth of Christ? Our opening prayer at mass answers this question by praying: “Grant Lord, we pray that we may imitate what we worship, and so learn to love even our enemies, for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of a man who knew how to pray for his persecutors."

In other words, as we celebrated the birthday of Christ yesterday, we are celebrating the birthday of St. Stephen today. Today’s feast reminds us that we have two birthdays; the day we were born to earthly life and the day we enter heaven.

By the way, why was Stephen stoned to death, what was his offence? His ability to hear from the Holy Spirit and perform miracles. Stephen’s death was fuelled by envy and jealousy, inspired by lies against him from those who could not withstand his superior theological arguments.

The celebration of St. Stephen a day after Christmas is a sharp reminder that there are still many who prefer darkness to light; that there are many who may claim to be Christians yet, still allow jealousy, pride and evil keep them in darkness. In our Gospel passage, Jesus says: “Beware of men…”

Accepting to walk in the footsteps of Christ makes one an endangered species. It is in every sense walking along the narrow path. John tells us: “He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not.” (John 1:10). Just as the world did not know Christ, it doesn’t know those who belong to Christ. As Stephen suffered, we must prepare our minds to carry our cross daily for the sake of Christ.

In our celebration of Christ’s birthday, let today’s feast develop within us a longing to finally attain the bliss of heaven where we shall meet Christ face to face and really celebrate. Over there, the party never ends and the fun is forever. Hence, Jesus says: “He who endures to the end will be saved.”

Finally, as Stephen prayed for his persecutors, we must learn to pray constantly for our enemies. If God sent us His Son Jesus Christ while we were still His enemies, we who are made in His image and likeness ought to be so kind to our enemies. This is what would make our Christmas celebration complete.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, teach me to imitate you just like Stephen did. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr. Bible Study: Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59, Psalm 31 and Matthew 10:17-22)

Who Christmas Help?

Friday 25th December 2020. Read Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1:1-6 and John 1:1-18

“Hark, your watchmen lift up their voice, together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing.” (Isaiah 52:8-9).

Today, I have chosen to title our reflection “Who Christmas help?” It is a question phrased in Pidgin English which seeks to find out the true impact of Christmas and the purpose of our celebrations. This morning, I would like us to pause for a while and reflect on some fundamental questions:

1. Have I become a better Christian as a result of Christmas?

Today, there are many Christians who literally throw caution to the wind in the name of celebrating Christmas. By so doing and without realizing it, many of us actually celebrate the devil more than we celebrate Jesus Christ during Christmas. Let me ask, where are you planning to go and catch fun today? And why do you feel Christmas is empty without this “fun”?

Dear friends, if our celebration of Christmas is to be relevant, we must incarnate Jesus Christ in our world. If Jesus is not born again within me, then my celebration of His birth remains forever a mystery. How can I tell anyone I am celebrating someone’s birthday when they cannot see the person at least in me?  

2. How has my celebration affected Unbelievers?

Giving the popularity of Christmas, it is easy to assume that everybody is celebrating Jesus’ birthday but the truth is that there are still very many enemies to the faith as well as those who are not convinced, not converted and not willing to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is God. We heard St. John saying in today’s Gospel passage: “He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not.” (John 1:10)

In truth, if you really want to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, give Him the gift of winning at least one or two souls to the faith this period. Remember, Jesus never told us to celebrate his birthday, but He told us to go into the world and preach. (Cf. Mark 16:15). One of the most creative ways of preaching this period is showing love especially to our enemies and particularly to unbelievers. Don’t just give them something to eat, drink or wear, say one or two things about Jesus to them.  

3. Has Christmas made me a happier person?

When the Angel appeared to the shepherds, he said: “Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11). In today’s first reading, we hear Isaiah declare: “Watchmen lift up their voice, together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people.” (Isaiah 52:8-9). In other words, Christmas is a time for joy for the whole world. 

Now, we must be honest with ourselves. How do you feel deep within you? Can you really say you are happy and joyful? If not, what could be responsible for your unhappiness? Could it be the present covid-19 crisis? Could it be your job? Are you scared for the future? Worried about your children or the nature of things in our nation?

Whatever the situation is, if you are not happy, it is because you do not believe that God will help you as He helped the world by sending us His Son Jesus Christ. Christmas is a time to renew our faith and trust in God; a time to remind ourselves of the depth of God’s love; a love so great that He had to take our flesh to be with us. Ponder on this love and realize that your troubles are nothing before God. Just dance, sing and praise God – be happy!

In conclusion, if we really understand what Christmas is, we would see that Christmas is capable of making our world much better than it is today.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may your birth change my life completely. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Christmas Day. Bible Study: Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1:1-6 and John 1:1-18)

The Blessing of Thanksgiving

Thursday 24th December 2020. Read 2nd Samuel 7:1-16, Psalm 89, Luke 1:67-79 

“Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people…’.” (Luke 1:67-68)

In our Gospel passage today, we come across that beautiful song which Zechariah sang in thanksgiving to God for the release of his speech after he had named John the Baptist. Zechariah who did not believe it was possible for him to be a father at his age had to confess that indeed there is no one like God when he saw with his own eyes the son that was born to him. 

Zechariah’s song of Thanksgiving is also known as the Benedictus. It is a song that incorporates the entire history of the chosen people of God, a song that points God out as a promise keeper, a miracle worker, a mighty warrior, a God who delivers us from the hands of our enemies, a God of righteousness and holiness. This is the song we sing every day as part of our morning prayers in the breviary. No matter what you may be going through, sing this song of Zechariah and your confidence in God will surely be reawakened.

There is an aspect of the song of Zechariah which connects us with our first reading. Zechariah declares that God has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation in the house of his servant David. Who is this David? He is that same young man whom God took from being a shepherd boy to the position of King of Israel.

David was willing to build the best of the best temple for God not because he had the resources, but out of his humility and in thanksgiving; in acknowledgement of what God had done for him (raising him from nothing to glory).

Dear friends, what matters is not what you give to God, but the very fact that you acknowledge God and your willingness to give thanks. Jesus was impressed with the widow because, rather than complain about her obvious poverty, she still joined in the thanksgiving with the little she had. God was impressed with David not because he wants to build God’s house, but because he expressed his unhappiness about the state of God’s house.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us join Zechariah to sing songs of thanksgiving to God, let us join David to express thanks to God for all that God has done for us. In whatever way we can, let us end this year not on a note of complaining but on a note of thanksgiving. Let the song of Zechariah become our chorus.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may our mouths never be used for gossiping, complaining and evil talk. Grant us wisdom to seal up our own lips when its contents are not in consonance with the reason why you created it. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday 24th December. Bible Study: 2nd Samuel 7:1-16, Psalm 89, Luke 1:67-79)

His Name is John

Wednesday 23rd December 2020. Read Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24, Psalm 25 & Luke 1:57-66

“And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And they all marvelled.” (Luke 1:63)

Our Gospel passage today is a classical drama. News goes around the neighbourhood that the “barren woman” has given birth. Many who have laughed and mocked a while come to see things for themselves. What name would this child be called? Surely, it would make sense to name him “Zechariah” after his father. This would bring honour to his father, his name would live on it would be a historical record that this faithful priest did not die childless.

Put yourself in the shoes of Zachariah at this moment. Wouldn’t you rather call this child your own name? Wouldn’t you want your name to live on? For us in Africa, we don’t take things like this lightly. However, we must face the truth: it is how you live that would make your name live on – no one will remember you because your children bore your name. It is your good deeds, not your children that would immortalize your name.

Zechariah once doubted and for this, he lost his power of speech. Here was a test once again not of his faith in God but of his willingness to obey God’s instruction. The Angel Gabriel was quite clear: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” (Luke 1:13). If despair had made Zechariah doubt, would he allow pride to make him disobey? In his silence, he must have thought carefully on the choice he was about to make.

In the meantime, Elizabeth his wife spoke up: “Not so; he shall be called John.” (Luke 1:60) We are not told how she came up with the name. We do not know if the Angel Gabriel also appeared to her and it couldn’t have been Zechariah since he couldn’t speak. One thing we cannot deny here is that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Surely, this was a Patriarchal society. The words of a woman did not carry as much weight as that of a man. They were going to ignore Elizabeth and hear from Zechariah himself. So they gave Zechariah a writing tablet. Note: Zechariah’s power of speech did not return once Elizabeth conceived, his speech did not return for nine whole months of pregnancy, his speech did not return upon the baby’s delivery. His speech did not return for eight days. It was only after Zechariah wrote “His name is John” that he regained his power of speech.

What does this teach us? Perhaps, if Zechariah had chosen to disobey the Angel’s instruction, he probably would have remained dumb forever. Let us learn to swallow our pride and obey God’s instruction even if we do not understand.

Once he gained his power of speech again, Zechariah knew this was no ordinary child. He knew at once that this was not merely a product of his body but the work of God. He knew immediately that this child was the one spoken of by the prophet Malachi as the “messenger to prepare the way before me.” (Today’s first reading). Zechariah opened his mouth to sing a song of thanksgiving.

There may a lot of things to complain about in your life, you may have a lot of reasons to be angry with God but remember that if you still have the power to speak, use your lips to praise God.

Let us pray: God our Father, give us the grace to obey you more and more. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday 23^rd December. Bible Study: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24, Psalm 25, Luke 1:57-66)

Christmas: Atmosphere for Thanksgiving

Tuesday 22nd December 2020. Read 1 Samuel 1:24-28, Resp: 1 Samuel 2:1-8, Luke 1:46-56

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:46.) 

Giving thanks is not just an act, it is an attitude; it demands humility on our part to acknowledge all that we are and all that we have are gifts, not rights. Today we encounter two women who gave thanks to God. When we look at the song of Hannah in our responsorial psalm and that of Mary in our Gospel passage, we cannot but see a theology of how God works; a theology Paul summarizes in 1 Corinthians 1:27, “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”

According to Hannah: “The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.” And for Mary: “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” In order for us to really give thanks, we must first come to terms with our nothingness. Only then are we able to see that our cup is half full and not half empty.

Hannah prayed fervently for a child, she prayed so hard that one day Eli misinterpreted her behaviours as one who was under the influence of alcohol. When she told him her problem, Eli assured her that God would answer her prayer. Hannah stopped crying; she completely believed the assurance of Eli and went home happily. Her faith was rewarded in the gift of Samuel.

Hannah was not an ungrateful woman. She remembered God and came back to the temple to fulfil her promise: “As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child, I prayed. And the Lord has granted me my petition which I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord.” What a lesson for us! Do I remember to thank God for the prayers He answered in the past? Do I keep my promises to God? Am I faithful to those vows I made to God?

As Christmas approaches and the year itself comes to an end, let us pause for a while to count our blessings; enough of complaints. As bad as things may be for you right now, never forget that there are many who wished to see this day but are now resting in peace. Be like Hannah. Be like Mary. Give Thanks.

Let us pray: Lord teach us to be grateful. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday December 22nd 2020. Bible Study: 1 Samuel 1:24-28, Resp: Psalm 1 Samuel 2:1-8, Luke 1:46-56).

Blessed are You Among Women

Monday 21st December 2020. Read Songs. 2:8-14, Psalm 33 & Luke 1:39-45

“And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’” (Luke 1:41-42). 

Our first reading today is from the Song of Songs. It is a passage that talks about the beloved leaping upon the mountains like a gazelle, the beloved whose voice is sweet and appreciated. When we juxtapose this reading with our Gospel passage, we see Mary (the gazelle), going with haste to the hill country (leaping upon the mountains) to the house of Zechariah. We also see how the voice of Mary’s greeting made the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leap for joy, as the lover leaps for joy at the voice of the beloved.

Elizabeth, pregnant in her old age is at home hiding from people lest they begin to run their mouths. Mary, a young woman comes to visit her. As soon as Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, she opens her mouth and utters powerful words; words that would define Christianity for ages to come.

It was from Elizabeth’s mouth that we get to hear about Mary’s pregnancy. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42). Elizabeth introduces Mary to the world as the woman who is blessed among all women. Elizabeth and Angel Gabriel gave us the prayer, “Hail Mary”.

Elizabeth added: “And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43). Let us pause for a while to dwell on this verse. Mary had not yet given birth; Elizabeth was already honouring her as the “Mother of God.”

It doesn’t end there, Elizabeth also said: “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45). Apart from addressing Mary as the Mother of God, Elizabeth reveals the reason why Mary attained such a glorious height; Mary believed the words spoken to her by the Angel Gabriel.

One might wonder, how did Elizabeth manage to know and say these things? The answer lies in Luke 1:41, “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” When we have the Holy Spirit in us, our utterances no longer come from our heads but from God. Elizabeth was not a priest neither was she a scholar but by the Holy Spirit, she became a Dogmatic Theologian; she defined the doctrine of Mary as the Mother of God and she began an active devotion to Mary. This is why we must constantly pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may the Holy Spirit overshadow me now and always. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday, December 21^st 2020. Bible Study: Songs. 2:8-14, Psalm 33 & Luke 1:39-45).