The Christian Life is a Cross

Friday 1st April 2022. Read: Wisdom 2:1,12-22, Ps. 34:16,18,19-21,23, John 7:1-2,10,25-30

“Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?” (John 7:25-26)

Being a Christian is an invitation to a road less traveled. It is standing for what is right regardless of the ridicule, insults, oppression, pain, and humiliation. Jesus was aware of the threat to his life so he did not go openly with his disciples to the Feast but went privately. Upon getting to the Feast, Jesus would not allow fear to close his lips; he came out to preach in public. People were wondering how Jesus managed to get the audacity to preach when his life was at stake.

As the book of Wisdom says: “Ungodly men reasoned unsoundly saying: ‘Let us lie in wait for the righteous man because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; … let us test what will happen at the end of his life; … Let us test him with insult and torture,… Let us condemn him to a shameful death,… Thus they reasoned, but they have led astray, for their wickedness blinded them.” (Wisdom 2:12-21). 

Those who wanted Jesus dead had an image of Christ in their minds but Jesus did not fit their expectation. They knew Jesus too well as the son of the carpenter to believe that He is God. Jesus told them that if only they really knew God, they would not have had any problem believing He is the Son of God.

Even today, the greatest persecution we face come from those who claim to know God but do not know Him. This is exactly the point the book of wisdom makes in its conclusion: “They (these ungodly men) do not know the hidden things of God, they have no hope that holiness will be rewarded; they can see no reward for blameless souls.” (Wisdom 2:22).

One lesson we learn from Jesus’ action today is that even when our life is under threat, we should not be afraid to continue our good works. Dear child of God, the Christian life is a cross. Those who know this are never perturbed by challenges and difficulties, they continue to let their light shine in the midst of the darkness that continues to envelop our world today.

However, Christians who see the Christian faith as a shortcut to success, comfort, and prosperity cannot withstand trials. When they don’t get what they expect, they rush to wherever they expect solutions. They are not afraid of God; for them, God is just a tool, an option among many providers. They cannot keep God’s commandments because they are not willing to sacrifice or suffer even the slightest discomfort for God’s sake. This explains the gross immorality among Christians and many so-called ministers today who are merely in the business of church administration.

Recently, I saw a viral video of a man who almost committed suicide. According to him, he opened a church but he wasn’t getting returns on his investment. He narrated how he organized crusades but he couldn’t get enough money to pay the guest artists and so on. I almost cried watching this video because it gave me an idea of what is going on in the Christian faith today. This man did not complain about not being able to convert sinners. He did not complain that members were refusing to repent from their evil deeds. His problem was that he wasn’t getting enough money to live like his colleagues. When you attend such a church, do you expect to hear the truth?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me to understand that there are trials that must come and may I never give up when I face persecution for your sake. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Friday of the 4th week of Lent - Proper Readings. Bible Study: Wisdom 2:1,12-22, Ps. 34:16,18,19-21,23, John 7:1-2,10,25-30).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Every Sin is a Rejection of God.

Thursday 31st March 2022. Read: Exodus 32:7-14, Ps. 106:19-23, John 5:31-47 

“Go down; for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves; they have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them; they have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it.” (Exodus 32:7-8)

Just as the people of Israel rejected God and pressurized Aaron to fashion a golden calf that they could see, modern man today continues to reject God in exchange for the worship of the material things of this world.

To some extent, we are not different from the Israelites who turned their most valuable possessions, gold ornaments into a god. For some today, their golden calf is their expensive car (or fleet of cars), for others, it is their wardrobe containing all kinds of shoes, clothes, wristwatches, and many items that they never use for adore daily.

Whatever possession you have that you do not need and at the same time, cannot give away is an idol that you are keeping. Seeing these idols every day may give you a sense of security but they cannot save you nor can they answer prayers.

As a stamp of their rejection of God, the people of Israel got up to engage in all kinds of bodily corruption; they did the very things that were totally against their religion. In the same way, at the height of our rejection of God is a rejection of morality in our society. Take a look at our modern-day fashion, our music, our movies and one cannot but wonder if we are still a Christian society.

Child of God, repent from the worship of idols. Repent from the worship of pleasure. Flee from sexual immorality. Each time we indulge in the sins of the flesh, we are not different from the children of Israel and by so doing we attract the wrath of God.

As Moses pleaded for the Israelites, Jesus explains in today’s Gospel passage that He pleads to God on our behalf. No matter what your past has been, you can return today to the true worship of God. Do not procrastinate your repentance.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I worship you with my whole mind, body, and soul. May I not be carried away by the multitude who have rejected you in our world today. Amen 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Thursday of the 4th week of Lent. Bible Study: Exodus 32:7-14, Ps. 106:19-23, John 5:31-47).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

How to Cheat Death

Wednesday 30th March 2022. Read: Isaiah 49:8-15, Ps. 145:8-9,13b-14,17-18, John 5:17-30

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24)

The fact that human beings die is a very sad and humiliating reality. When we hear that a person we once knew has died, the next question we ask is: “What killed him/her?” Underneath this question is a desire to know how to escape death. However, as Jesus teaches us today, the only way we can cheat death is to live in a manner that is worthy of eternal life.

In today’s Gospel passage, John tells us: “This was why the Jews sought all the more to kill him because he not only broke the sabbath but also called God his Father, making himself equal with God.” (John 5:18). Jesus was fully aware that he had been marked out for death. This must have been very painful but at the same time, Jesus knew that His death was the beginning of another life. Jesus did not pray against death (as most of us would do), rather, He used the occasion to teach us certain truths.

_One: There is life after death._ Jesus said: “For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.” (John 5:21). Do not be scared of death, it is not the end. Jesus added: “Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” (John 5:25) 

_Two: To do good is to cheat death._ Jesus noted: “The hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:28-29). In other words, while we cannot avoid death, we can avoid hell. In fact, as Jesus puts it, “he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24).

Jesus died on the cross so that we may not suffer eternal damnation. It is the greatest desire of God to see that at the end of our lives, we are united with Him in heaven. This desire is what we see echoed in today’s first reading from the prophecy of Isaiah. “Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted. … Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion for the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:13-15).

God is a prodigal father who will never forget his children. If today you hear these words, harden not your heart, repent and come back to Him. You never can tell what day would be your last on earth but you can cheat death now by living a righteous life. 

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I place my life in your hands. I know I must die one day but when it happens, may I not perish in hell. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Wednesday of the 4th week of Lent. Bible Study: Isaiah 49:8-15, Ps. 145:8-9,13b-14,17-18, John 5:17-30). 

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Sin no more that Nothing Worse may Befall You.

Tuesday 29th March 2022. Read: Ezekiel 47:1-9,12, Ps. 46:2-3,5-6,8-9ab, John 5:1-3,5-16 

“Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you.” (John 5:13-14)

To the man Jesus healed by the pool of Bethzatha, he said: “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you.” In a similar vein, to those who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate mixed with their sacrifices, he said: “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered thus? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish...” (Luke 13:2-5).

As much as God is not interested in the death of the sinner, the truth is that there is something about sin itself that predisposes us to danger. As we see in the story of the prodigal son, sin takes us away from the Father’s house; it removes us from the protective embrace of God. We soon find ourselves at the mercy of the devil and his agents like the son who hired himself to strangers who wouldn’t even give him food to eat.

Jesus warned the man who had been cured to avoid sin so that nothing worse would happen to him. What else could be worse than suffering for thirty-eight years? What else could be worse than spending half of your lifespan in pain, discomfort, and misery? What could be worse than living with utter bitterness? This is exactly what sin does to us. The book of Proverbs says: “Can a man carry fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk upon hot coals and his feet not be scorched?” (Proverbs 6:27-28).

Jesus asked the man a simple question, “Do you want to be healed?” This is a very important question. It is a question that Jesus is also addressing to us: “Do you want to come out of that life of unnecessary pain and sorrow?” As terrible as sin is, there comes a time we become so used to sin that we begin to enjoy that which should ordinarily give us sleepless nights. We reach a point when we assume it is impossible to live differently.

Even though this man did not answer Jesus directly, his response was “Yes.” He told Jesus how he had often tried without success to get into the water once it is stirred. For thirty-eight years the man remained there “hoping against hope” that one day, he would enter the pool before anyone else. You may have been trying unsuccessfully to overcome the same sin. Don’t give up. You may have failed countless times but let your answer to Jesus’ question remain: “Yes, I want to be healed.”

One of the effects of sin is guilt – the feeling that we have become worthless creatures; unworthy of love and respect; unworthy even of God’s presence. The prodigal son tried to convince his own Father to employ him as one of his hired servants. Sin reduces the desire to pray in us. We start telling ourselves that God is too holy to listen to us meanwhile it is during such moments of guilt that we ought to pray more and be in God’s house. That is when we should bathe ourselves in the river of God’s mercy.

In today’s first reading, God opened the eyes of Ezekiel to see a river flowing from the sanctuary of the temple. God said to him: “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah; and when it enters the stagnant waters of the sea, the water will become fresh. And wherever the river goes every living creature which swarms will live, and there will be very many fish; for this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes.” (Ezekiel 47:8-9).

Let us pray: May we drink this water and become fresh again. Amen. May the dry bones of holiness within us receive life again. Amen. May this supernatural water deepen our hatred of sin and renew our resolve to receive healing from the wounds of sin. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Tuesday of the 4th week of Lent - Proper Readings. Bible Study: Ezekiel 47:1-9,12, Ps. 46:2-3,5-6,8-9ab, John 5:1-3,5-16).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu 

You Don’t Need Signs and Wonders to Believe

Monday 28th March 2022. Read: Isaiah 65:17-21, Ps. 30:2,4-6,11-13, John 4:43-54 

“Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honour in his own country. So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him.” (John 4:44-45)

Our first reading today paints a picture of paradise; no pain, no sorrow, nothing lacking, nothing missing. Isaiah says “no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress.” Even though we are not there yet, Jesus’ coming as man has elevated our world such that whenever we receive answers to our prayers; we experience a little bit of paradise.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus visited Cana in Galilee where his first miracle was worked at a wedding feast. An official whose son was sick met Jesus pleading that Jesus would go with him to heal his son. Jesus said to him: “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” The official feared that the boy would die if Jesus did not come with him but Jesus assured him: “Go; your son will live.” John tells us that the “official believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way.”

The behaviour of this official is similar to that of Hannah who believed the word of the prophet Eli. In 1 Samuel 1:17-18, we read: “Eli answered: ‘Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have made to him.’ And she said, ‘Let your maidservant find favour in your eyes.’ Then the woman went her way and ate, and her countenance was no longer sad.”

Just as the official did not doubt Jesus and eventually received his miracle, Hannah went home happy and ate and the words of Eli came to pass. This teaches us that it is not the length or volume of your prayer that matters but the extent of your faith. Hence, Jesus taught us: “whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matthew 21:22).

Given the sad condition of our country today; the abysmal failure of leadership, the economic meltdown, dilapidated educational structure, the state of insecurity and so on, some persons who were never called by God are now into the business of exploiting and stealing from gullible Christians in the name of prayer. In such places, you find Christians who subject themselves to various forms of abuse just because of their quest for miracles.

Child of God, you do not need the display of signs and wonders to believe. Place your complete trust in Jesus and not in any man or woman of God. If truly you believe that your prayers would be answered, God who sees your heart will reward your faith and grant what you ask. You do not need to go from one Church to another or run from pillar to post before your receive favours from God. 

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, increase my faith. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Monday of the 4th week of Lent - Proper Readings. Bible Study: Isaiah 65:17-21, Ps. 30:2,4-6,11-13, John 4:43-54).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Home Sweet Home: Truly, there is No Place Like Home

Sunday 27th March 2022. Read: Joshua 5:9-12, Ps. 34:2-7, 2 Cor. 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3,11-32

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.” (Luke 15:18-19)

On this fourth Sunday of Lent, we are called to return home. This call is echoed deeply in the voice of the prodigal son who upon coming to his senses, said to himself: “I will arise and go to my father.” (Luke 15:18). The hunger of the prodigal son reflects that deep longing in us which no earthly food can satisfy, that hunger for which St. Augustine writes: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.”

The call to return home is foreshadowed in our first reading, wherein we see the people of Israel under the leadership of Joshua finally settling down in Gilgal. For the first time after four hundred years, they were no longer to feed on manna but on the fruit of the land of Canaan; the land flowing with Milk and Honey. Manna was a symbol of their rebellion in the desert, a symbol of sojourning across the desert.  There are so many lessons for us to take home today:

1. We are simply Pilgrims on Earth

Being heavenly-bound, we too are on a journey through a desert. Think of all the problems the world is facing today, listen to the news and you cannot but realize we are in a desert. All the world has to offer us is manna at its very best and this is why Jesus was not carried away by Satan’s offer of earthly kingdoms. Jesus knew that all the kingdoms of the world are deserts compared to the glory of heaven.

The prodigal son represents that desire in us to grab and grab the material pleasures of the world. That he squandered all he had within a short time shows that all that the world has to offer only lasts for a short time; money reduces in value, beauty fades, things get broken, fame diminishes, love soon turns to hate and so on… In fact, nothing lasts forever on earth! We must never lose sight of our true home; heaven.

2. Every Sin is a Prodigal Act

Every time, we value the things of this world over and above God, we are acting very much like the prodigal son. Sin always looks very attractive and beneficial at the beginning and God respects our freedom if we choose to go in that direction. But no sooner had we fallen, we realise the pain and sorrow of our foolishness.

In the end, that which promised us lasting enjoyment away from the father’s presence soon turns into starvation and misery and it dawns on us that we would have been better off in the father’s house; that is, within the comfort zone of obeying God’s commandments. Quite often, like children standing in front of their father’s compound, the grass is always greener in their neighbour’s compound. We tend to believe that there is something to be gained from sin and instead of appreciating where we are in God, we begin to see God’s house as burdensome. 

3. Sin Reduces Us to the Level of Slaves

Sin not only destroys the life of God inside us, but it also takes away our dignity by making us think less of ourselves. Like the prodigal son who forgot who he was and hired himself out as a farmworker, sin gives us a low image of ourselves. The more we sin, the less we think we can overcome temptations.

No matter how deep we may have engrossed ourselves in sin, no matter how much pig food we may have consumed, we still have the capacity to return home. Hence St. Paul encourages us in today’s second reading: “if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has passed away; the new has come… For our sake, (God) made him be sin who knew no sin, that that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2nd Corinthians 5:17&21)

4. Pretence is a Silent Killer

Both the younger son and the older one had the same problem; they were no longer satisfied with what they had. While the younger son decided to explore what was out there, the elder son kept to himself. He too longed to go out but he wanted his father to give him a go-ahead, his obedience was not genuine. This was why he felt cheated when the younger son returned.

He felt the boy only went out there to “enjoy.” Many of us are like the older brother, we strive to avoid sin, yet deep down within us, we believe there is something to gain by committing sin. Our obedience becomes a matter of pretence rather than a matter of conviction. It is not enough that we avoid sin, we must never envy those who engross themselves in sin. Do you lack a sense of joy keeping God’s commandments? Then it is time to repent and return home.

5. God Eagerly Awaits Our Return

Just as the Father gave a great banquet for the prodigal son, so is God going to give a great banquet for all sinners who change their ways and return to Him. There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine who have no need of repentance. Jesus says: “But while he (the prodigal son) was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20).

Imagine someone told you that your only child who had been sick for a while is dead only for you to rush to the hospital and meet that child alive. Think of the joy that would fill your heart seeing that child alive, this is the joy that fills God’s heart when we repent. Twice Jesus quoted the Father as saying: “for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found… for this your brother was dead and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:24&32) To sin is to die and be lost.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I shall leave this place and return to you. Grant me the grace of true repentance. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (4th Sunday of Lent – Year C. Bible Study: Joshua 5:9-12, Ps. 34:2-7, 2 Cor. 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3,11-32).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu 

Avoid Boasting: Everyone who Exalts Himself will be Humbled

Saturday 26th March 2022. Read: Hosea 5:15-6:6, Ps. 51:3-4,18-21, Luke 18:9-14

“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God, rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)

I guess you may have heard the story of the woman who told her parish priest that she was going to quit her membership of the Church. The priest felt very concerned and asked her the reason for her rash decision. The woman then went on to narrate all the evils that the church members were doing. She had something bad to say about everyone. Not even the priest was spared. She concluded by saying: “I don’t think I can continue worshipping God in this filthy place.”

“Before you go, there is something I would like you to do for me,” said the priest. The priest then gave her a glass cup filled with water saying: “Take the glass cup and walk to the sanctuary and back here. Do not let a single drop of water spill from this glass.” She took the glass cup, held it gently with her two hands, and walked up to the sanctuary and back.

When she returned to the priest, he congratulated her for not spilling a single drop, then he asked her: “While you were walking with this glass cup, did you notice anyone gossiping, not properly dressed, reading a newspaper, pressing their phones inside the church and so on?” She said: “No, Father. How could I have noticed when I was trying not to spill the water?”

The priest then said: “Consider this cup to be Christ. When you come to church, let your attention be on Christ and not on your fellow Christians” Like this woman, a lot of us Christians have become puffed up with pride because we believe we are better than everyone else. Some even go as far as narrating the sins of others during the sacrament of penance while maintaining that they themselves are sinless. As much as we wish the Church was a gathering only of saints, we must accept the reality that the church is also a hospital where the sick and wounded come in seeking healing.

In today’s Gospel passage, Luke tells us that Jesus told a “parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others.” (Luke 18:9) One of the symptoms of pride is trusting in ourselves rather than in God, forgetting that our righteousness is a product of grace, not personal efforts. The Pharisee was so puffed up by pride that he ended up praying to himself; that is to say: his prayer did not reach God’s ears since it was merely a boast.

Pride not only prevents our prayer from rising to heaven, it also attracts the wrath of God. In Jeremiah 50:31-32, we read: “Behold, I am against you, O proud one, says the Lord God of hosts; for your day has come, the time when I will punish you. The proud one shall stumble and fall, with none to raise him up, and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it will devour all that is round about him.”

Meanwhile, the tax collector who didn’t even lift his eyes to heaven went home justified. Jesus concluded the parable saying: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14). Both St. James and St. Peter remind us: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6 & 1 Peter 5:5).

In conclusion, St. Paul teaches us: “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29) 

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, teach me to examine my conscience; to lift others up rather than look down on them. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Saturday of the 3rd week of Lent. Bible Study: Hosea 5:15-6:6, Ps. 51:3-4,18-21, Luke 18:9-14).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

She Said Yes And Became Pregnant

Friday 25th March 2022. Read: Isaiah 7:10-14,8:10, Ps. 40:7-11, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38 

“Behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:36-37)

Today is March 25. It is exactly 9 months before Christmas. On this day, Mary gave her consent, her fiat, her “I do” to God’s Divine Proposal. On this day, that great miracle happened. What is this miracle? Through the powerful overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, the baby Jesus, the word of God, became flesh in Mary’s womb.

Anyone who understands this miracle (known as the incarnation) cannot afford to ignore Mary. A few days ago, we read about Moses and the encounter with God in the burning bush. God said to Moses: “Do not come near; put off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5). Moses needed to take off his shoes because God’s presence in the bush had made it holy ground.

Today, we celebrate the day God took human flesh in Mary’s womb. If God himself described the bush as holy, how much more was the womb of Mary? Again, the symbol of the bush on fire yet not consumed explains the virginity of Mary – the woman who became pregnant without losing her virginity.

As Moses took off his shoes before the burning bush, Joseph (the husband of Mary) “took off his shoes” before Mary. There was no way Joseph could have had conjugal union on this holy ground. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with intercourse (between a married couple) but to explain the truth of the situation between Joseph and Mary. Do not forget what the angel said: “with God, nothing is impossible.” (Luke 1:38)

Today’s feast is a reminder that God does not force his way in our lives. One Saint said: “God created us without our consent but He will not save us without our consent.” We always have a choice either to say “Yes” or “No” to God’s plans for our lives. Great things happen when we allow God to have His way in our lives.

The book of Hebrews says: “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, burnt offerings and sin offerings you take no pleasure but Behold, I have come to do your will.” (Hebrews 10:5-7) Nothing makes God more pleased than seeing His children doing His will.

“You shall conceive in your womb and bear a Son and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.” How happy God must have been when Mary said “Let it be done!” Mary’s acceptance became the beginning of the fulfilment of God’s promises to the people of Israel which the prophets all spoke about.

Mary is that Virgin Isaiah spoke of as a sign to the people of Israel that God has finally sent them the Saviour they have been expecting. Mary’s Yes to God earned her the exalted title of “Ark of the covenant.” The first Ark contained the two stone tablets God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai while the second is Mary who carried Jesus in her womb for nine months. Just as no one could accuse the Israelites of idolatry in their treatment of the Ark, no one can accuse Christians today of idolatry for honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary.

You wonder why the Pope wants to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to Mary? Think of how the Israelite Nation were instructed by God to match around the city of Jericho with the Ark of the Covenant. (Read more in Joshua 6:2-20)

God wants to do great and wonderful things through you but He needs you to say “Yes” just as Mary did. Our Responsorial Psalm today give us details of what it means to say “Yes” to God. It sings: “I delight to do your will O my God, your instruction lies deep within me. Your justice I have proclaimed in the great assembly… your faithfulness and salvation I have spoken. Child of God, come out of darkness today, leave sins behind and say loud ‘yes’ to God by your life.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, use me like Mary to bring your word to life. Amen 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (The Annunciation of the Lord – Solemnity. Bible Study: Isaiah 7:10-14,8:10, Ps. 40:7-11, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Be Truthful Always

Thursday 24th March 2022. Read: Jer. 7:23-28, Ps. 95:1-2,6-9, Luke 11:14-23

“Now he was casting out a demon that was dumb; when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke, and the people marvelled. But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons.’” (Luke 11:14-15)

Do you want to succeed in life? Then be a truthful person. Be courageous to face the truth no matter how painful it may be. On the other hand, do not rush to believe everything you hear without first trying to find out if it is true.

The healing of the man in today’s Gospel passage was a clear confirmation that God has come in the midst of men and that the words of Jesus regarding His identity are true. However, some persons tried to twist the truth; they started spreading a rumour that Jesus was casting out demons by the prince of demons. One would wonder what these liars and rumour mongers were hoping to gain in castigating Jesus.

It is very sad how we who claim to be children of God, (we who say we are Christians; followers of Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life), would be aware of the truth yet would still turn around to lie or spread false unverifiable rumours.

Growing up I was told: “Say the truth and shame the devil.” Do not generate falsehood and do not rush spread gossip especially when they damage other people’s character. Even if these rumours were true, you do not make the world a better place by announcing evil. Lies are bad. Lies can destroy.

Upon hearing the rumour about him, Jesus was amazed at their reasoning and asked how can a kingdom be divided against itself and still hope to succeed? Light and darkness cannot exist in the same place at the same time. When the light comes, darkness must go because the light is stronger than darkness.

Jesus explains his ability to cast our demons saying: “When a strong man (referring to satan), fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; but when one stronger than he (that is, Jesus) assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted, and divides his spoil.” (Luke 11:21-22). In other words, there are two separate kingdoms here. Satan may appear strong but Jesus is stronger! Power pass power.

Just as there are two separate kingdoms, we cannot belong to both at the same time. Just as satan cannot cast out satan, we cannot claim to belong to Jesus and still be involved in falsehood. We are either children of God or agents of darkness. Hence, Jesus concluded today saying: “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.” (Luke 11:23). 

We may claim to be Christians, we may even hold high positions in the Church but with falsehood still reigning in our lives, we are acting against Christ and scattering the flock of God’s kingdom.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me remain committed to the truth. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Thursday of the 3rd week of Lent - Proper Readings. Bible Study: Jer. 7:23-28, Ps. 95:1-2,6-9, Luke 11:14-23). 

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

If You Trust God, You Will Obey Him.

Wednesday 23rd March 2022. Read: Deut. 4:1,5-9, Ps. 147:12-13,15-16,19-20, Matthew 5:17-19

“Keep them and do them; for that will be your wisdom and your understanding.” (Deuteronomy 4:6)

In today’s first reading, we hear Moses instructing the Israelite Nation: “And now, O Israel, give heed to the statutes and the ordinances which I teach you, and do them; that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, gives you.” (Deuteronomy 4:1). Moses told them: “do them (i.e., obey the commandments); that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land…”

There is surely a connection between our obedience to God and the quality of our lives. Do you desire to be very successful in life? Then, do not disregard God. To get a clearer understanding of this fact, let us consider what God said to Joshua shortly after the death of Moses: “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.” (Joshua 1:8). In other words, obedience to God produces success.

Jesus also expresses this very fact during the Sermon on the Mount: “Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ … Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33). To seek righteousness is to strive consciously every day to think, speak and act right in accordance with God’s words. To seek righteousness is to grow daily in the fear of God, being careful to avoid sin at all cost.

The question is: “why is it so difficult to keep God’s words?” Firstly, we do not love God. Jesus told us: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) If our love for God is genuine, we would do all it takes to obey Him, without counting the cost. The letter to the Hebrews states: “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Hebrews 12:4).

Secondly, we find it difficult to obey God’s words because we do not trust God. Deep within us, we do not believe there is any value in keeping God’s commandments. Somehow, we have come to believe the lie of the devil, that by “eating of the fruit” we would not die but our eyes would be open, we would be like God. The bottom line of all these evils happening in our society today is that we no longer trust God’s ability to bless us with genuine wealth and prosperity if we seek righteousness. Indeed, we no longer believe that God exists.

Child of God, as you hear (or read) these words, do not harden your heart. Renew your trust in God; believe that there are uncountable blessings that come with obedience to God; believe that you will never regret whatever sacrifice you make to keep God’s words; believe that no one can ever worship God in vain – “that He is a rewarder of all who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6). Anyone who tells you that you have to contribute money to the church before God will bless is a liar and a thief. The only seed that God demands is to let your light shine, to walk in righteousness, to avoid sin, and love your neighbor as yourself.

In conclusion, Jesus tells us today: “Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19)

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, increase my trust in you and help me to obey. Amen 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Wednesday of the 3rd week of Lent. Bible Study: Deut. 4:1,5-9, Ps. 147:12-13,15-16,19-20, Matthew 5:17-19).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Forgive: Do Not Keep Records of Past Offences

Tuesday 22nd March 2022. Read: Daniel 3:2,11-20, Ps. 25:4-6,7a-9, Matthew 18:21-35 

“So also, my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:35)

Peter had been hearing Jesus talk about forgiveness but like every Christian today, Peter was troubled: “Should I always forgive? If I keep forgiving my neighbour, wouldn’t I be indirectly saying it is okay for him or her to keep doing the same or even worse things? Shouldn’t there be a limit to how much I can forgive?” Peter came up and said to Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” (Matthew 18:21)

Now, it is important to note that Peter’s question was with regard to a brother who admits his faults and comes begging for forgiveness. Luke’s version of this story gives us a clearer context. There, Jesus said: “Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4)

Honestly, forgiveness is one of the most difficult things to do even for a devoted Christian. Jesus is teaching us today to always forgive, especially when the offender comes to beg for pardon. By seeking our forgiveness, it means that the person recognizes that what he or she has done is wrong and there is some willingness on their part not to do it again. If eventually, they still do it and come to beg for our forgiveness, it means they still have a conscience. Jesus says: “Don’t count how many times they come, just forgive – so long as they say they are sorry.”

To illustrate his point, Jesus gave the parable of the unforgiving servant. For a person to come to you to beg and you still insist that he or she must be punished, it means you are saying to God that you do not deserve pardon for your sins. If you have pleaded with God for mercy, you should naturally forgive a brother who pleads for mercy. No matter how much pain we feel, we should not forget that we owe God more. The master said to his servant, “I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?” (Matthew 18:32-33)

However, it is a completely different ball game if they fail to admit their fault. If they insist that they are right, if they fail to say they are sorry, it means that if given the chance, they would do it again. In this instance, Jesus did not say we must forgive but He outlined the steps we are to take. “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you (i.e. admits his fault), you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)

Why did Jesus outline these steps? It is very important that the offender is able to admit his or her faults. If a person does not see anything wrong with what he or she has done, forgiving them only enables them to do more. The Gospel truth is that it is not everyone that deserves forgiveness; some persons are meant to be treated like Gentiles or tax collectors because they know what they are doing is wrong but still do it. For instance, there is no point forgiving the devil. 

When Jesus forgave His killers, He begged on their behalf saying: “They do not know what they are doing.” Jesus was sure that if only they knew, they would not have been so cruel to Him. Make efforts to forgive but do not be ashamed if you are not able to forgive but do not die in silence, that is, seek professional help, talk to someone, speak out. Seek healing for your pain and trauma, not revenge. Revenge is not only un-Christian, it does not cure your pain. Even if you were to kill your offender, you would still be traumatized if you do not seek professional help.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, in moments of pain and hurt, let your Holy Spirit descend on me to know how best to act, touch my heart softly, heal my wounds that I may be strong enough to forgive. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Tuesday of the 3^rd Week of Lent. Bible Study: Daniel 3:2,11-20, Ps. 25:4-6,7a-9, Matthew 18:21-35).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu