If You Really Love Me, Prepare to Suffer For Me

Sunday 1st May 2022. Read Acts 5:27-32,40-41, Ps. 30:2,4-6,11-13, Rev. 5:11-14, John 21:1-19

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’” (John 21:17)

The word “love” is the most misused word in the English dictionary. Very often, when we say we love someone, we either do not understand the implication of what we say or we are not prepared to practically live out the meaning of that love. In truth, telling people we love them is just a trick we play to obtain certain things from them. This applies especially in our relationship with God. Jesus said it plainly: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) 

We often sing this song in the church: “Jesus, I love you, all I have is yours, yours am I Lord, yours I want to be” but when faced with temptation, we change it to: “Jesus, go away, my body belongs to me, I can do whatever I like with it, I will get rich or die trying, Jesus please go away.” Just like promising a lady undying love, only to deny ever knowing her after she becomes pregnant for you, many Christians today profess undying love for God only to deny ever knowing Him by their daily choices.

One musician sang: “Love is wicked.” The truth is that love is sacrifice. We cannot claim to love God if we are not willing to suffer even a single insult on behalf of God. We cannot claim to love God if we are not willing to abandon our dreams of becoming rich and wealthy in life to answer our calling. Of course, not all of us have been called by God to become ministers like Peter and the other apostles but each of us has been called to love God with all our minds, our hearts, and our strength. Each of us has been called to walk as children of the light, to put God first in what we do, to be pure in heart, and to keep His commandments. All these require sacrifice, all these require letting go of the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. (Cf. 1st John 2:15)

The last line of our first reading today states: “Then they left the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (Acts 5:41) If as a Christian, you cannot take joy in suffering for the sake of Christ, it means you are not yet grounded in the faith and before you know it, you may abandon Christianity. One of the secrets of the success of the early Christian Church was that Christians understood completely following Christ meant denying themselves and taking up their crosses daily. (Cf. Mat. 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23).

The early Christian Church succeeded largely because their love for God was not predicated on material prosperity but on the hope of eternal glory. They were willing to store up treasures in heaven where moth and rust cannot consume and thieves cannot break in and steal. (Cf. Matt 6:19, Mark 6:20, and Luke 12:21). As the saying goes, the blood of the martyrs is the seed of Christianity. Let us now consider our lessons for today:

1. If you truly love God, the world would hate you.

What played out in today’s first reading is simply a confirmation of the words of Jesus in John 15:18-20, “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world-- therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.” Do not expect the world to love you for being a Christian or for shining your light, rather expect hatred and persecution. This world is not our own.

2. If you truly love God, you would obey God rather than men.

Despite the threats, beatings, and imprisonment, Peter and the apostles said to the assembly: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (Acts 5:29). Have in mind that the law of God is greater and higher than any human authority. In fact, any human law that goes against the law of God is null and void. The apostles were warned against preaching in the name of Jesus but they so zealously proclaimed the name of Jesus that today, there is virtually nowhere in the world where the name of Jesus has not been preached.

If you ever find yourself asking whether to obey God or to obey man, just remember the words of Jesus: “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, Luke 12:4). Also, remember what Jesus said in Matthew 10:32-33, “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.

3. If you truly love God, you will promote His Kingdom.

It is not enough that we live good lives, we must use every means available to us to promote God’s kingdom on earth. By returning to fishing after two apparitions of the risen Jesus, Peter made a great mistake. That night, they worked as hard as they could but caught nothing. This experience teaches us that, having been called by God, we cannot find success anywhere else. Jonah tried to run from God when he was called to preach to the Ninevites but when he found himself in the belly of the fish, he begged for a second chance.

Secondly, it shows us that when God is not involved in any undertaking we embark upon, it amounts to futility. Jesus told us: “Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me… Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers.” (John 15:4-6) Whether you are a doctor, a lawyer, a farmer, a teacher, a businessman/woman, in whatever field you find yourself in, make sure that God is involved in what you are doing. Talk about God to your clients, play Christian songs in your work environment, dress decently, be kind to strangers, be a man or woman of integrity; always say the truth. The same disciples who worked all night and caught nothing suddenly made a huge catch when they started talking to Jesus the next morning.

Thirdly, through the huge catch of fish, Jesus practically explained the concept of ‘providence’ to the apostles. God will always provide for His work. Anyone who sets out to work for God should never be worried about what to eat, what to drink or what to wear. God knows what we need these things but if we just trust Him and do His work, they shall be given to us. (Cf. Matthew 6:31-33). They caught a total of one hundred and fifty-three large fishes equivalent to the number of the known nations in the world at that time. Peter understood this was a sign – he was no longer to catch fish but to fish for men; he was no longer to worry about where to get food or clothing because God would provide.

4. If you truly love God, you will feed His Sheep.

For the three times that Peter denied ever knowing Jesus, Jesus made him take back his words by asking: “Do you love me?” Before a little girl, before a young man, and before some bystanders at the fireplace, Peter said: “No” but now Jesus gives him a chance to say “Yes”. This experience teaches us the importance of restitution which is an important part of the process of obtaining God’s forgiveness. It is not enough to say, "I am sorry", you have to find a way to undo the wrong you have done.

Jesus also added the following: “Feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep.” Jesus is not a fan of audio love; He demands something practical. St. James would say: “If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,’ and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? (James 2:15-16). And as Jesus makes us understand: “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:41-42). 

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may my love for you grow deeper every day that I may seek first your kingdom and be willing to sacrifice even my very life for your sake. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (3rd Sunday of Easter. Bible Study: Acts 5:27-32,40-41, Ps. 30:2,4-6,11-13, Rev. 5:11-14, John 21:1-19)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

The Mother of Jesus Was There

Saturday 30th April 2022. Read Acts 1:12-14, Luke 1:46-55, John 2:1-11

“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’” (John 2:4-5)

As the month of April comes to an end today, we celebrate a Feast that perfectly sets us in the mood for devotion to Mary given that the month of May is Mary’s Month. Today is the feast of Our Lady; Mother of Africa. Our Gospel passage today captures that familiar scene of the Wedding Feast at Cana. The role Mary played in ensuring the miracle is one reason we often take recourse to her when we pray to God.

First, Mary understood the problem at hand and immediately informed Jesus that “they have no wine.” In other words, “Do something.” Mary teaches us to have faith in Jesus.

Secondly, we see that Jesus has very high regard for Mary. Jesus initially protested, “My hour has not yet come” but Mary pressed further. Mary teaches us never to give up when we pray for anything.

Thirdly, when Mary had successfully convinced Jesus to help the couple, she told the servants: “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5). Mary teaches us to trust and obey God

Fourthly, after the miracle, we do not hear anything from Mary. She simply remained in the background. Mary teaches us humility. She does not brag like some of us do.

Mary is the definition of an intercessor. If we ask human intercessors to pray for us, we should not be afraid to ask Mary to pray for us whether we are Catholics or not. Asking her intercession is not worshipping her.

Our first reading tells us that Mary was present with the Apostles in the upper room where they devoted themselves to prayer. They took her as their mother. Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ is fully human and fully God knows that Mary is not just any woman; she is not an envelope God used and dumped.

In our responsorial psalm today, Mary declares: “Henceforth, all generations will call me blessed” not because she is some goddess but because “He who is mighty has done great things for me” (Luke 1:48-49). We honor Mary because God honored her first.

Today we celebrate the fact that Mary intercedes for Africa. When Herod sought to kill the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph took shelter in Africa. At a time when our continent is faced with turmoil, suffering under the yoke of neo-colonialism, we need Mother Mary’s intercession more than ever.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may your mother pray for us. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Our Lady, Mother of Africa – Feast. Bible Study: Acts 1:12-14, Luke 1:46-55, Luke 1:26-38)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

No One Can Fight God

Friday 29th April 2022. Read Acts 5:34-42, Ps. 27:1,4,13-14, John 6:1-15

“So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.” (Acts 5:38-39)

“If this plan or this undertaking of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. In very simple terms, Gamaliel was saying: “No one can fight God and win.” This statement brought an end to the persecution of the early Christians by the Jewish authorities. They must have said to themselves: “Let us watch and see what would become of these illiterate, uneducated, retired fishermen going about preaching about Jesus Christ.”

Two thousand years later, the Church is still standing. What other evidence do we need to show that this undertaking is of God? As Jesus puts it: “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).

In our Gospel passage today, we read about the feeding of the multitude by Jesus. Firstly, it is interesting to note that none of the people asked for food but Jesus knew they were hungry and worked a miracle to feed them. Very often, we complain about our unanswered prayers forgetting that most of the time, God provides for us without us even asking.

Secondly, the feeding of the multitude teaches us the miraculous power of charity. Every time they broke the bread to share with someone else, it literally multiplied. In the end, from five loaves, they had twelve baskets full of leftovers. As Anne Frank once said: “No one ever became poor by giving.”

Thirdly this miracle displays the power of God over the works of nature and everything contained in this world. As Gamaliel noted, any undertaking that is entirely human is bound to fail but when God is involved, no one can bring it down. How often and how willing am I to involve God in my daily choices and actions?

Fourthly, we learn that Jesus did not come to seek earthly power and glory but to lead us to our true home; heaven. After the miracle, Jesus withdrew from the crowd perceiving that they were about to declare him King. The multitude had not seen anything like this before and they felt (in a materialistic sense) that Jesus was the answer to all they needed.

The mistake of the multitude is still being made by many of us Christians today. We somehow forget that our true home is in heaven and that no matter how good we desire life to be, we are forever strangers (pilgrims, passers-by) on earth. Let us tell ourselves the truth. Our churches in Africa are packed full not because we are converted Christians but because of the prevailing economic situation of our continent. These souls who ate the loaves and fishes were not believers but spectators.

A good number of those who fill up seats in our churches today are just spectators. This explains the stark contradiction between our lives and that of Christ. Should it happen that our continent becomes better economically, this mammoth crowd of spectators will leave and only true Christians will remain. Proof of this is the statistic of Africans who were extremely religious while in Africa only to abandon religion completely once they traveled abroad and found greener pastures. Just the crowd wanted to make Jesus king, men of God today are not just kings but semi-deities in our societies. No one can curtail their excesses because even our political leaders are afraid of them.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, deepen my confidence in you. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin, Doctor. Bible Study: Acts 5:34-42, Ps. 27:1,4,13-14, John 6:1-15)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Who do we Obey?

Thursday 28th April 2022. Read Acts 5:27-33, Ps. 34:2,9,17-20, John 3:31-36 

“And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” (Acts 5:27-29)

Despite the threats, the arrest, and the oppression from the authorities, the apostles were determined not to stop the good work of proclaiming Jesus Christ in obedience to the divine mandate of Jesus:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20).

The last line of this mandate is worth emphasizing because it explains why the disciples were so bold and fearless in challenging the authorities. They kept reminding themselves of Jesus’ assurance: “I am with you always, to the end of the end of the age.”

In our Gospel passage today, Jesus says to Nicodemus. “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God rests upon him.” In other words, there are dire consequences for disobeying God.

The truth is that nobody likes to be disobeyed. But then, the choice is ours to make as to who to disobey; whether to disobey men and suffer persecution as a result or to disobey God and face His wrath.

If it comes to that point when we have to choose who to obey, let us remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:28 “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.”

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, deepen my trust in your protection that I may fearlessly walk in your light. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Thursday of the 2nd week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 5:27-33, Ps. 34:2,9,17-20, John 3:31-36)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

The Lowly One Called and the Lord Heard

Wednesday 27th April 2022. Read Acts 5:17-26, Ps. 34:2-9, John 3:16-21

“But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said: 'Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’” (Acts 5:19-20)

Our first reading today continues the story of the earliest Christian community. As more persons were added to their number, the high priest and his companions were so filled with jealousy that they laid hands on the apostles and put them in the public jail. When we let our light shine, we are bound to face persecution, and sometimes, this persecution comes from the house of God.

Jesus tells Nicodemus in today’s Gospel passage that our world is filled with people who prefer darkness to light. “And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light.” (John 3:19-20). We live in a world that celebrates evil, immorality, and corruption; a world where you would have enemies even for attempting to live a righteous life.

Are we then to stop letting our light shine because of the powerful forces of darkness who try to stop us? Not at all. The battle belongs to the Lord. God surely knows how to fight for his children. That night, God sent an angel to rescue the apostles. The angel opened the prison doors and led them out saying: “Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life.” The apostles went to the temple area proclaiming this great miracle that had just happened.

Our responsorial psalm today says: “The Angel of the Lord is encamped around those who fear Him, to rescue them. Taste and see that the Lord is Good. Blessed is the man who seeks refuge in him.” (Psalm 93). If we are faithful to God, He will never abandon or forsake us. Since no one can fight God and succeed, know that if God is on your side, no one can fight you and succeed.

God did not prevent the apostles from being arrested but He rescued them from prison. Sometimes, it may look as though our enemies are succeeding but God always has a plan. Be patient. By freeing the apostles from prison, God made it clear to the high priest and his companions that nothing, not even the prison chains can stop the message of salvation from reaching the ends of the earth.

The entire Sanhedrin gathered the next day to try the matter. They sent for the apostles “but the court officers who went did not find them in the prison, so they came back and reported, ‘We found the jail securely locked and the guards stationed outside the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.’… Then someone came in and reported to them, ‘The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area and are teaching the people.’” (Acts 5:22-23) 

Regardless of what you are going through right now, surrender yourself to God in prayer. Do not compromise to evil for fear of what people can do to you. You are like a sheep in the midst of wolves but never forget that God is a shepherd who knows how best to take care of His children. Call on God and He will not abandon or forsake you. 

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, deepen my trust in your protection that I may fearlessly walk in your light. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Wednesday of the 2nd week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 5:17-26, Ps. 34:2-9, John 3:16-21)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

To be Born Anew is to Repent from Selfishness

Tuesday 26th April 2022. Read Acts 4:32-37, Ps. 93:1-2,5, John 3:7-15

“Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had everything in common.” (Acts 4:32)

Whenever a new group, society, or organization emerges, there are certain unique traits used in identifying them. Long before believers were called Christians, one of their most distinguishing features was oneness. No one said any of the things he possessed was his own. Unlike many Christian communities today, the first group of believers were not self-centered, they looked out for each other, they were generous, there weren’t competitions or rivalries over material riches among them.

In his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus made a statement that describes the extent of his generosity: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:15). Jesus did not die only for the Jews, neither did he die only for the twelve, not even for his country only, Jesus died for the whole of humanity.

If we lack
this spirit of oneness amongst us, can we really say we are Christ-like? If there are divisions and rivalries in our midst, can we say we are followers of Christ who sacrificed everything to ensure our salvation? If our churches today are stack opposites of the first community of believers, it is because we have made money into a god. In many ways, worship of God has been reduced to a quest for material riches and as a result of this, human sympathy, love for neighbor, and concern for the less privileged have disappeared from our hearts.

Recently, I saw a quote that made me reflect seriously on life. It states: “We come into this world with nothing. We then fight to get everything only to leave everything again behind and return with nothing.” Instead of complaining about not having this or that, instead of saying you don’t have as much as you desire, why not open your eyes to the even worse conditions of many around you? Why not remind yourself that soon enough, you would have to relinquish everything you are working and praying hard now to get.

Our greatest instinct is self-preservation; we would rather kill others to survive than offer ourselves to be sacrificed for the good of others. No wonder, Jesus Christ is inviting us to a second birth; to a new life; a life that looks out for the good of others; a life free from selfishness.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, make me realize that my true security lies in being kind to others. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Tuesday of the 2nd week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 4:32-37, Ps. 93:1-2,5, John 3:7-15)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Saint Mark, the Evangelist

Monday 25th April 2022. Read 1 Peter 5:5-14, Ps. 89:2-3,6-7,16-17, Mark 16:15-20 

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name, they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)

Today, we celebrate one of the great heroes of our Christian Faith. Mark was a personal assistant to the first Pope, St. Peter the Apostle and the Gospel he wrote was the content of what he heard Peter preach as they went from place to place in the mission of evangelization.

Peter even refers to Mark as a son as read in today’s first reading. Mark was not an assistant but one who in all humility served the mission by applying his talents and gifts. Perhaps, Peter had him in mind when he wrote of the need for us to clothe ourselves with humility. 

Indeed, one shining virtue we should all have is humility. Without it, we cannot learn from others and we cannot grow. We should never do anything to attract praise or exaltation to ourselves; let us allow God himself to exalt us.

It is believed that Mark was among the Seventy that Jesus sent out two by two to go into the surrounding countries in Luke 10: 1-20. And as Luke narrates, the seventy came back rejoicing and declaring how the evil spirits obeyed their bidding.

This is the same reality that Mark tries to convey in the concluding part of his Gospel passage which we read today. “And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by signs that attended it.” (Mark 16:20).

As we can see, miracles are signs that accompany and confirm the message not the other way round. Jesus asked us to go and preach everywhere. He didn’t say go and work miracles everywhere. Today’s Christianity has turned things around: No one says, “Come and hear the word of God,” they say, “come and receive your miracle.”

Any place where miracles are happening yet the word of God is not preached or given little attention and time, we must be on guard for native doctors, magicians and occultists have taken over the miracle business.

All we are called to do is to preach. Let Jesus work miracles according to His will. Mark says: “The Lord worked with them confirming the message by signs…” No one can lay claim to any miracle but Jesus is the only one who works miracles.

According to scripture scholars, Mark was the first person to have written a Gospel as early as 64 A.D. while Matthew and Luke copied from him thereby accounting for the deep similarities in the three Gospels.

Saint Mark’s journey with Saint Peter and Saint Barnabas is recorded in Acts as they traveled through Cyprus and Rome carrying the Word. Church writings accredit Saint Mark as founding the Church in Alexandria and consequently, serving as bishop there.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may I also spread your word like Mark the Evangelist. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Saint Mark, Evangelist – Feast. Bible Study: 1 Peter 5:5-14, Ps. 89:2-3,6-7,16-17, Mark 16:15-20)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Peace, Forgiveness, Healing, and Revelation: Expressions of Divine Mercy.

Sunday 24th April 2022. Read Acts 5:12-16, Ps. 118:2-4,22-27, Rev. 1:9-13,17-19, John 20:19-31

“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:21-23)

Today is called Divine Mercy Sunday. This is because, on this day, exactly one week after Jesus Christ rose from the dead, He displayed the magnanimity of His Divine Mercy not just to the disciples but to the whole world. Today, we shall be looking at the meaning of Divine mercy by exploring its various dimensions as presented in our readings for today. 

1. Divine Mercy is expressed in Peace.

John tells us that the disciples were locked up in a room for fear of the Jews. Even though they were told that Jesus had risen from the dead, they were still afraid because they did not believe. In Mark’s gospel, we are told that Jesus “upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart.” (Mark 16:14). When we are afraid of people, it is a sign that we do not trust God. The disciples shut the door against themselves hoping that the wooden bars and locks would keep them safe forgetting that in the event of an attack, these would have easily been broken.

Fear is often the result of panic. The disciples were afraid because they were still trying to fully comprehend what had just happened; they had not yet recovered from the utter shock of seeing Jesus treated like a criminal and crucified. At the bottom of their fear was a lack of inner peace. Jesus did not knock on the door but entered into their midst first, to show them the futility of trusting in human devices for protection, and secondly, to show them Divine mercy by calming their minds.

Hence, the first thing Jesus says to them is: “Peace be with you.” When there is peace in our hearts, it is only then we can see the hand of God clearly working in our lives despite our external situation. Without peace, our minds are not at rest, we suddenly forget what God can do and we begin to run helter-skelter. We act without reason and without faith like the disciples did when they faced a storm at sea while Jesus slept peacefully in the cushion. Child of God, each time you feel restless deep within you or you cannot understand what is going on around you, learn to say this short prayer: “Jesus, I trust in you.” Keep saying it until you become calm, then your eyes will be open to see Jesus right there with you.

2. Divine Mercy is expressed in God’s Forgiveness.

Immediately after calming the minds of the disciples, Jesus proceeded to create the sacrament of forgiveness. Not only was Jesus absolving the disciples themselves of their faults, He made them ministers of God’s forgiveness by empowering them with the ability to either forgive or retain the sins of others. This again is another concrete expression of Divine Mercy. If you have ever gone attended the sacrament of penance with the faith that you are not just talking to your fellow human being but one to whom God has given the power to forgive sins, you will discover how light you feel afterward.

When we go for confession, God so forgives our sins and washes us that we can confidently say we become new creatures. God does not remember our sins because the moment we offload them at the confessional, our old self dies and we leave as newborn babies. Just as you cannot accuse a newborn baby of sin, God no longer accuses us of the sins that we have dropped at the confessional. Never be too shy to go to confession; it is not the priest who forgives us but Jesus Christ himself who gave the priest the power to retain or absolve sins in His name.

Jesus again concretely expressed Divine Mercy by forgiving Thomas who demanded evidence to prove that Jesus was truly alive. After making Thomas touch His hands and feet and feel his side that was pierced with a lance, Jesus said: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (John 20:29) I think this statement perfectly applies to all those Christians who are never tired of asking questions like: “where is so and so in the bible? Show me, where is it written?”

Thomas was told that Jesus came but he was asking, “where is it in the bible?” He was asking for evidence. Jesus says to us today: “Blessed are those who have not seen where it is stated in the Bible and yet believe.” If you decide to limit your faith only to what you see in the bible, I wonder if you really have faith at all. I wonder how you can believe that a God for whom nothing is impossible would confine Himself to the bible alone. Even the Bible itself expresses its limitation by saying it is not everything Jesus did that is written down. (John 20:31 & John 21:25).

3. Divine Mercy is expressed in Healing.

In today’s first reading, we see how God worked great signs and wonders through the ministry of the apostles. It got to an extent that they carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The final verse of today’s first reading states: “The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” (Acts 5:16). Take note, it says: “they were all healed” meaning no one was left out.

Being a priest myself, I must confess that each time I read this passage, I ask myself: “How come God is not using me like He used Peter and the other disciples? Is it not the same anointing that is flowing in me? If only the shadow of Peter could cure the sick, why is it that I have laid my hands on the sick only to hear that they later died?” As I ponder on these questions, I also cannot but mention that there are countless times that I prayed for people and they came back with testimonies. There was even a day I said something to someone jokingly at it became a prophecy – yes, it happened exactly as I said to the extent that I became afraid of my mouth. He was thanking me but deep inside of me, I knew this was not my doing at all. There was a time that someone asked me to pray for them, I wrote it down hoping to go with the intention to mass but before I got to the church, the person called again to say God has done it. In each of these instances, I had to make it very clear that it is not me but God at work.

Now get the point: Miracles are still happening today. God is still very much at work in the affairs of mankind. Just as the Bible does not contain everything we need to know about God, miracles and inspiration did not stop with the Bible. However, when God is working, it is never for the glorification of the minister but for God’s own glory. Let us avoid worshipping the minister. Every miraculous healing is God showing His Divine Mercy, not God telling us that so and so is powerful. Be careful, there are a lot of scammers out there. Shine your eyes.

4. Divine mercy is expressed in Revelation.

In today’s second reading, John describes his experience, or rather, his encounter with God on the island of Patmos. He tells us that he found himself there on account of the tribulation and persecution that the Christian community was facing. In fact, if we want to understand the book of Revelation, we must bear in mind that this whole book was addressed to the Christians who were suffering the heat of severe persecution. This is why John employs very coded languages to pass on his message. John’s purpose was to give consolation to the Christians and assure them of a better life ahead.

One of the ways God shows mercy to us is by revealing certain things to us that we would never have been able to figure out on our own. The truth is that the more we draw close to God, the more we would hear God speaking to us. As God spoke to John on the island of Patmos, God speaks to us in moments we are afraid, depressed, confused, and troubled. Instead of running helter-skelter looking for quick fixes for our problems, let us develop the act of listening to God. Spend time each day to meditate on God’s word and your life would never be the same again.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see your mercy at work every day of my life. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Divine Mercy Sunday (2nd Sunday of Easter) Bible Study: Acts 5:12-16, Ps. 118:2-4,22-27, Rev. 1:9-13,17-19, John 20:19-31)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Fear No Man, Only Obey God.

Saturday 23rd April 2022. Read Acts 4:13-21, Ps. 118:1,14-21, Mark 16:9-15

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they wondered; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man that had been healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.” (Acts 4:13-14)

The greatest obstacle to growth in spiritual life is fear; fear of people, fear of authority, and fear of enemies. Ironically, the only reason we fear people is that we do not fear God. We are frightened at what people can do because we take God for granted! The Bible says: “The Fear of God is the beginning of Wisdom.” (Job 28:28, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7 & Proverbs 9:10) Each time we disobey God for fear of what our fellow human beings can do to us, we act foolishly; we behave as if God is not capable of fighting for us.

Think about the times you had to consent to evil because you felt threatened by a fellow human being. Think about the times you gave in to sin because you just wanted to blend with peers because you wanted to be accepted and praised by others. When the authorities told Peter and John never to speak again in the name of Jesus, they asked a very important question: “Whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20).

Peter and the other disciples had already received a mandate from the Risen Jesus to go to the ends of the earth to preach as we read in our Gospel passage today. This was why they could say: “We cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” It is my prayer for you that you will reach a point in your walk with Christ when you are no longer afraid of people; a point where you are prepared to face the furnace, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego or like Peter and John who were bold enough to accuse the religious leaders of killing Jesus.

Christianity today is under serious attack, this time not from strangers to the faith but from fully professed Christians who are wolves in sheep's clothing. They make Christianity look like a scam and give the worst possible representation of Christ. Social media is agog daily with all the recklessness and crimes committed in the name of "Church."

As much as we continue to de-market these fraudsters, let us not forget that the real weapon against darkness is light. We must start letting our light shine by showing good examples. We must preach (as Jesus says in today’s Gospel passage) not just with words but with good deeds. The only hope left for Christianity in Africa today is the witness of God-fearing Christians living righteous lives.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me to overcome my fear of human beings. Give me the wisdom to totally resign myself to you as I work to advance your kingdom on earth. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Easter Saturday. Bible Study: Acts 4:13-21, Ps. 118:1,14-21, Mark 16:9-15)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

You Have Risen with Christ: Totally Depend on Jesus

Friday 22nd April 2022. Read Acts 4:1-12, Ps. 118:1-2,4,22-27, John 21:1-14

“Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.” (John 21:3)

Can we disobey the will of God for our lives and still be successful? Or can we possibly ignore God’s words, disregard his commandments and still hope to achieve our dreams and aspirations in life? Peter was already a successful fisherman when Jesus called him. Even though Peter did not receive any training to be a Rabbi, Jesus saw in him qualities capable of heading the Church.  

One night, Peter and his fellow fishermen worked all through and caught nothing. The following morning, Jesus used his boat to preach. Afterward, Jesus asked Peter to put out a little from the shore and Peter protested: “Master, we worked all night and caught nothing…” (Luke 5:5). Eventually, they netted such a huge catch that they had to call other fishermen to help them. Peter said to Jesus: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8).

In today’s Gospel passage, Peter despite his three-year walk with Jesus, said to his fellow disciples: “I am going fishing.” Given Peter was their leader, the other disciples followed. The same thing that happened in Luke chapter 5 happened again in John 21. They toiled all night and caught nothing. The following morning, Jesus was standing by the shore and he told them to cast their nets right there and behold a great catch; one hundred and fifty-three big fishes all at once!

Sometimes, it is good for us to experience failure so that we may have the opportunity of asking ourselves certain very serious questions. “Am I just trying to make money or am I doing what God brought me to this life to do?” This experience had another profound effect on Peter. It made him realize that the God who called him was the creator and director of everything in this world. It made Peter totally fearless knowing that with God on his side, no human being can threaten him.

It is this fearlessness that we see in Peter in today’s first reading. Consider the boldness with which he spoke to the Chief priests and leaders of the Jews: “Let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.” (Acts 4:10-11).  

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I place my trust in you. May I never take any decision in life without first consulting you. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Easter Friday. Bible Study: Acts 4:1-12, Ps. 118:1-2,4,22-27, John 21:1-14)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Every Miracle Should Lead to Repentance

Thursday 21st April 2022. Read Acts 3:11-26, Ps. 8:2,5-9, Luke 24:35-48

“Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus.” (Acts 3:12-13)

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus appeared in the company of his disciples. They thought He was a ghost. Jesus asked them if they had anything to eat and they gave him a piece of broiled fish which he ate in their presence. He then went on to explain the Scriptures to them.

Jesus said: “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:46-48).

In today’s first reading, we realize that this was exactly the mission of Peter and John. As soon as the crippled man was cured, Peter gave a sermon where he noted: “And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way, God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out” (Acts 3:18-19).

Peter takes glory away from himself and directs the attention of the crowd to Jesus. He knew the miracle had captured their attention. Peter did not ask them to sow seeds in anticipation of their own miracle, rather He said: “Repent, therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.” This is the message we must continue to preach today: Repent, seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness and every other thing shall be added unto you.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, grant us the grace of true repentance. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Easter Thursday. Bible Study: Acts 3:11-26, Ps. 8:2,5-9, Luke 24:35-48)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu