Say the truth and shame the devil.

Monday 1st August 2022. Read Jer. 28:1-17, Ps. 119:29,43,79-80,95,102, Matthew 14:13-21

“And Jeremiah the prophet said to the prophet Hananiah, ‘Listen, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, and you have made these people trust in a lie.’” (Jeremiah 28:15)

Our first reading today is quite dramatic. A prophet called Hananiah lied against God by announcing to the people something he did not hear from God. He went as far as breaking the wooden bars that God had told Jeremiah to place on his neck as a symbol of the imminent exile of the people as a result of their sins. In Hananiah, we see an example of what becomes of men and women of God who lie on the Altar in the name of God telling the people what they like to hear rather than what God himself has spoken.

While growing up, we were told: “Say the truth and shame the devil.” This is a saying that does not apply to children only. Even as adults, even as grown-ups, we should remember that each time we tell a lie, we are giving credit to Satan, the father of lies. There is no justification whatsoever for telling a lie.

Jesus is saddened by the death of his friend and forerunner, John the Baptist. He retreats to a quiet place just to be by himself and mourn but the crowd would not let him. When he saw them approaching, he had pity on them, he forgot his own distress and attended to them. They say the way to be happy is to make someone happy. Jesus was sad but, in his sadness, he didn’t send the crowd away, he saw that they were also sad and he decided to make them happy, that way he too became happy. He fed them with the word of God and with physical food as well.

I do myself disfavor when I put people away because of my own sadness because the truth is that as much as I expect people to have pity on me and cry with me, people also expect the same of me. The happiest persons on earth are not those without problems but those who spread happiness to others as if their own problems do not exist.

Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, the founder of the Order of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). He was an Italian Catholic Bishop, spiritual writer, composer, musician, artist, poet, lawyer, scholastic philosopher, and theologian. He was born on the 27th of September, 1696, and died on this day 1st of August, 1787 at Pagini, in Italy.

Amongst his favorite quotes include: Acquire the habit of speaking to God as if you were alone with Him, familiarly and with confidence and love, as to the dearest and most loving of friends. Your God is ever beside you - indeed, He is even within you.

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, may truth never be lacking from my lips. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Alphonsus Mary de' Liguori, Bishop, Doctor. Bible Study: Jer. 28:1-17, Ps. 119:29,43,79-80,95,102, Matthew 14:13-21).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Don't Be a Fool; Be Rich Towards God.

Sunday 31st July 2022. Read Ecclesiastes 1:2,2:21-23, Ps. 90:3-6,12-14,17, Colossians 3:1-5,9-11, Luke 12:13-21

“And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry. But God said to him, Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Luke 12:19-20)

Last Sunday, we saw how God was willing to negotiate with Abraham for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, we saw also the need for persistence in prayer with the story given by Jesus of a man who went to his friend at night demanding some loaves of bread. Today, surprisingly, a young man prayed to Jesus imploring Him to come and settle a property dispute with his brother but Jesus who had said whatever we ask we shall receive, responded by saying: “Man, who made me a judge or divider over you?” (Luke 12:14). What is Jesus teaching us today?

1. Beware of all Covetousness.

Reading through our Gospel passage, it is easy for us to wrongly assume that Jesus was condemning riches but in truth, Jesus was condemning i. The worship of riches, ii. The feeling that our life is secure, based on the abundance of our possessions, iii. Our willingness to do anything just for the sake of riches (covetousness on the part of the brother who refused to release the father’s inheritance), iv. Selfishness; thinking only of ourselves and v. Wastefulness; storing up riches instead of helping to better the lives of others who are in need. To be rich is not a sin but to worship riches and to fail to use riches properly is a mortal sin. Jesus does not condemn the rich, rather he condemns covetousness; greediness, avarice, and inordinate desire for another person’s possessions.

2. Take Care of Your Soul; Be Rich towards God.

The rich man in the parable said: “I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.” The man did not realize that the survival of his soul does not depend on earthly riches. The reason this man is called a fool is that he acted as if there is no God. Remember the Psalmist says: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 14:1, 53:1). He was wise enough to know how to plant but was foolish by his failure to be rich towards God. What does it mean to be rich towards God? “Let him:’ says St. Bede, “he who wishes to be rich in God, should not lay up treasure to himself, but distribute his possessions among the poor.”

My brothers and sisters, have you written your will? If God were to demand your soul this very night, would He call you a fool or a wise person? According to St. Ambrose “The things that we cannot carry with us are not our own. Virtue alone is the companion of the dead. Mercy alone follows us—and mercy alone gains abodes for the departed.”

3. Wealth and Vanity Are Not The Same Thing.

The word ‘vanity’ is the English translation of the Hebrew word ‘hebel’ which means ‘breath’ or ‘air’. In our first reading, the preacher’s aim is to draw our attention to the futility (emptiness, senselessness, mere breath) of toiling and working so hard for wealth which neither brings us satisfaction nor lasts forever. It is a mere breath to work so hard only for others who didn’t know how you got it to enjoy. It is a mere breath to spend your health to make money because no amount of money can buy back your health.

Our first reading is not fatalistic. It only warns us of the danger of making the pursuit of wealth our highest priority in life. There is a way to be wealthy that would not amount to vanity. This is when we are committed to training our children, instead of simply transferring wealth to them. Spend more time with your children, be involved in their lives, don’t leave them at the mercy of house-helps, and don’t assume the eight or nine hours they spend in school is enough to give them a sound moral upbringing.

4. Some Prayers are not Worth Answering.

If you read Luke chapter 12 beginning from verse one down to where our Gospel passage today begins you would immediately realize that this man interrupted Jesus. He was not even listening to what Jesus was saying. “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7). Sadly, many of us are in the same shoes as this man. We come to church not because we desire to improve our spiritual life, but because we want our share of earthly properties.

According to Saint Augustine, this man “begged half an inheritance on earth; the Lord offered him a whole one in heaven; he gave him more than he asked for.” Some prayers are not answered not because God is incapable of answering but because we ask wrongly. As James puts it: “You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. Unfaithful creatures! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:2-4).  

5. Set Your Minds on Things Above.

You would agree with me that the reason why many are engrossed with these sinful behaviors is money. Don’t fall into this trap, don’t be like the seed “sown among thorns; they are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Mark 4:18-19). Stop aiming to be the richest man on earth, satan will so entice you that you end up losing your religion. Aim rather for Sainthood. St. Paul tells us in our second reading to set our minds on things that are above by putting to death immorality, impurity, evil desires, covetousness and especially telling of lies.

In conclusion, Don’t Be a Fool. 

Money is useless without your soul. Do you feel blessed with some money? Has your business prospered? Then “give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:13-14). Do you have any extra money and you are thinking of what investment to do? Are you thinking of building a new barn? “You have it in the bellies of the poor,” says St. Basil and St. Ambrose.

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, draw near to us, answer our prayers with your unceasing kindness, restore in us what you have created and keep safe in us what you have restored. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (18th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ecclesiastes 1:2,2:21-23, Ps. 90:3-6,12-14,17, Colossians 3:1-5,9-11, Luke 12:13-21).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

To Be Sentenced to Death for Truth?

Saturday 30th July 2022. Read Jer. 26:11-16,24, Ps. 69:15-16,30-31,33-34, Matthew 14:1-12

“He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.” (Matthew 14:10-11)

In both our first reading and our Gospel passage today, we come across the same story; the messenger of God is made to face death for speaking the truth. Jeremiah and John the Baptist had something in common; they were not afraid of the establishment, and they were not afraid of speaking the truth to power.

Jeremiah was young and he had to speak the truth to an assembly of priests and prophets who definitely were far ahead of him in age, wisdom, and experience. John the Baptist was probably in his thirties and he faced Herod, the king, to tell him it was not lawful for him to take his brother’s wife and be living in an adulterous manner. While Jeremiah was lucky to have escaped death, John the Baptist was not so lucky. Preaching the truth is not easy. Anyone determined to take this path must be prepared for death.

This persecution surprisingly does not always come from unbelievers (outsiders to the faith). It comes also from within; from the very persons who should know better, who should be holier or closer to God. This is the scandal we see in the case of Jeremiah. While the prophets and priests sentenced him to death, the princes and the ordinary people were the ones who came to Jeremiah’s defense saying he does not deserve to die.

Again, there are people who feel that by their wealth or by their position, they have power over the moral codes that hold society together. In our society today, there are too many Herods who believe they can do anything, take any woman or man they want, tell any lie; steal any amount they so wish; and nobody, not even the Supreme Court can stop them.

No matter the level of persecution we may have to face, let us remember that a greater judgment awaits us if we keep quiet and fail to speak the truth that God has put in our hearts.

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, if saying the truth means death for me, teach me to die properly. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 17 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Jer. 26:11-16,24, Ps. 69:15-16,30-31,33-34, Matthew 14:1-12).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Yes Lord; I Believe That You are the Christ.

Thursday 28th July 2022. Read Jer. 26:1-9, Ps. 69:5,8-10,14, John 11:19-27 

“Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.” (John 11:27)

Truth is bitter; so bitter that many may not like to accept it. Some may even try to fight it by looking for a way to destroy the mouth that tells the truth. On the other hand, if we are wise enough to face the truth and accept it, it becomes medicine for us, washing out our bad sides and bringing out the very best from us.

In today’s first reading, God said to Jeremiah: “Stand in the court of the Lord's house and speak to all the cities of Judah which come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word. It may be they will listen, and everyone turn from his evil way, that I may repent of the evil which I intend to do to them because of their evil doings.” (Jeremiah 26:2-3)

Truth is bitter but failing to accept it produces bitter consequences. Jeremiah had to warn the people lest they set themselves up for destruction. Do you know what God has been planning for you? Why not repent now and begin to walk in the light again?

Truth is bitter, but it can also be painful. Mary and Martha could not understand how Jesus could be so friendly with the family yet when He received news that Lazarus was very sick, He failed to show up. Jesus didn’t even need to come; he could cure Lazarus from a distance as he cured the Centurion’s servant. But Jesus did nothing.

In pain and disappointment, Mary and Martha buried Lazarus. It is not easy to speak of faith when we are faced with serious challenges; when prayers are not answered or when tragedies strike. When Mary and Martha were still mending their heart-aches, Jesus showed up. He asked Martha this question: “Do you believe?” Now imagine yourself in Martha’s shoes. what would your response be?

On this day that we celebrate the feast of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, we are called to be inspired by Martha’s exemplary faith which was obviously unshaken by the death of her brother Lazarus. She replied: “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.” Jesus was so impressed by her statement of faith that He brought Lazarus back to life. We pray that we may have faith large enough to make God move mountains on our behalf. 

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, strengthen my faith, love, and devotion to you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saints Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Bible Study: Jer. 26:1-9, Ps. 69:5,8-10,14, John 11:19-27).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

Thursday 28th July 2022. Read Jer. 18:1-6, Ps. 146:2-6, Matthew 13:47-53

“The kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind.” (Matthew 13:47)

One of the four marks of the Church is that the Church is Holy. When we say the church is holy, we mean that the church is set apart; different from any other human organization or group. The Church belongs to God even though its members are humans; humans are often prone to sin, and various limitations. In this Church, there are good, bad, and ugly characters.

As Jesus put it, the kingdom of God is like a massive catch of fish. It is full of all kinds of fish. As soon as the fishermen drag it out of the water, they do sorting; they threw the bad ones away and package the good ones into vessels for sale or consumption. Jesus told this parable so that we would not be scandalized. He was trying to prepare our minds ahead so that when we begin to see people whose life contradict what they profess, we would not be surprised.

Do not be scandalized by any bad Christian. Rather, be inspired by the good ones and strive to be good yourself. Do not allow another person’s sinfulness to become your standard of judging good and bad. That this man of God or that woman of God is a bad person does not mean you too should be bad. You shouldn’t focus too much on the evil of others nor should your membership in the church be determined by the presence of evil-doers. Just know that there is no twelve without a Judas Iscariot. If there are twelve persons in the church, at least one of them is bad. Just don’t try to be the Judas yourself.

In our first reading, God made Jeremiah go to the potter’s house to see how he was working and made Jeremiah understand that was how God works with us. Even those who are bad are not useless. Yes, those who live scandalously are like clay intended for a purpose but proved unworthy. When the clay the potter was working with became spoiled, the potter reworked it into another vessel.

The point I see here is that even the bad Christians inspire good ones by teaching them via negativa. You may learn from a fellow Christian either how to behave or how not to behave. If you know a Christian who steals, develop a hatred for stealing yourself. If you know a cleric who is unfaithful to his vows, become the Christian who is faithful to his or her spouse. You cheat yourself if you walk out of the church because of something that Jesus Christ already warned us before now.

Hellfire is real. The clay that failed to become a vessel decorating the king’s palace ends up eventually as that used by the blacksmith to control fire. Allow God to use you, don’t be focused on others who are not doing well. 

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, shape me, use me, mold me, hit me hard until I become exactly what you intended. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of week 17 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Jer. 18:1-6, Ps. 146:2-6, Matthew 13:47-53).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

How much is Your Faith Worth?

Wednesday 27th July 2022. Read Jer. 15:10,16-21, Ps. 59:2-5,10-11,17-18, Matthew 13:44-46

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

If I were to offer you money in exchange for your Christian Faith, how much would that be? How much money would be enough just for you to denounce your relationship with Christ forever?

A young man parked a very expensive car by the road and decided to conduct a social test. He stood by the corner and tried asking a lady out but she bluntly told him she was not interested, and then he started walking towards the car. When the lady noticed he was the owner of the car, she ran to him saying she was now interested. Another lady who initially said her wedding was coming up also ran after him when she noticed his car.

Like these ladies, we are not yet fully converted unless we reach a point where all the money in the world is no longer enough to buy our faith. If God is not a priority in your life, if you cannot let go of everything else like the merchant who sold all his possessions just to buy a field containing a treasure (or just one fine pearl), you do not deserve that kingdom.

Can I say: “With Jesus alone, I am satisfied?” Am I willing to sacrifice all I have, all my friends and connections, all my possessions just for the sake of being part of God’s kingdom? Can I say with the psalmist today that “God is my refuge in the day of my distress?”

In the face of the persecutions Jeremiah suffered, God assures “they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you.” Do I have such firm confidence in God? Or is it the case that my bank alerts give me more confidence?

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, help me to live a good life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of week 17 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Jer. 15:10,16-21, Ps. 59:2-5,10-11,17-18, Matthew 13:44-46).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

The Fate of the Seeds and the Weeds.

Tuesday 26th July 2022. Read Jer. 14:17-22, Ps. 79:8-9,11,13, Matthew 13:36-43

“The field is the world, and the good seed means the sons of the kingdom; the weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels.” (Matthew 13:38-39)

In today’s Gospel passage, we see Jesus explaining the parable of the wheat and the weeds. In this parable, Jesus was not talking about non-Christians neither was he talking about anyone outside the territory of God’s kingdom.

On the day of our baptism, God admitted us into his kingdom and we now answered the name, Christian. However, as time went on, satan succeeded in sowing very bad seeds into some of us and instead of bearing fruits, we became weeds (useless plants) growing within that same kingdom of God.

In all honesty, there are some Christians who are a real disgrace to the body of Christ. Not only do they fail to bear the right fruits needed, they prevent other plants from growing normally. These are the weeds that Jesus is talking about who will be gathered and thrown into the furnace of fire at the end of time.

The question we must ask ourselves today is: “Am I a weed in God’s kingdom?” Let us join Jeremiah in today’s first reading to ask for God’s mercy that we may no longer be weeds but good seed.

Today, we remember Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Virgin Mary. According to Catholic.org, “There are no mentions of them in the Bible or Gospels, what we know comes from Catholic legend and the Gospel of James, which is an unsanctioned, apocryphal writing form the second century AD… We have no true primary sources that prove they even existed, but certainly we can agree that Mary had parents. Likewise, we can agree that Mary had good, faithful parents who raised her with a love and devotion to God like none other except Jesus Christ Himself. Joachim and Anne serve as role models for parents and both deserve to be honoured and emulated for their devotion to God and Our Lady Mary, the Mother of God.”

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, help me to live a good life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Bible Study: Jer. 14:17-22, Ps. 79:8-9,11,13, Matthew 13:36-43).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Some Prayers Are Better Left Unanswered

Monday 25th July 2022. Read Gen. 2 Cor. 4:7-15, Ps. 126:1-6, Matthew 20:20-28

“She said to him, ‘Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking.” (Matthew 20:21-22)

As we celebrate the feast of St. James today, we are drawn to reflect on the remarkable personality of this great apostle who shed his blood for the sake of the faith. It so turned out that amongst the apostles of Jesus, James was the first to die a martyr’s death under the sword of Herod.

In today’s Gospel passage, we see the mother of James and John presenting her sons before Jesus saying: “Please permit that these two sons of mine may sit one at your left and the other at your right hand.” At first glance, it looks like it is just the sole request of the mother. But when Jesus asks “Can you drink of the cup? (suffering, persecution, hardship, etc. that would follow), it was not the mother who responded but it is James and John themselves who answered: “Yes we can!”

Jesus responds in such a wonderful manner: “Yes you will drink of the cup but as for seats at my right and left, they belong to those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” This scenario speaks volumes about prayer and God’s responses to us. Whenever we go to Jesus to ask for something, we are praying, and like James and John, there are times our prayers are not answered not because God is incapable of granting our request, but because, that which we ask for is not meant for us.

It is okay to be ambitious, it is a good thing to aspire to become the Head of your organization, the Chairman of your community, the President of your group, the CEO of your company, the Bishop, etc. You may be ready to do anything, even to shed your blood like James and John but you must bear in mind that it is not your ambition or your effort that would get you what you want but the WILL of God.

It is interesting to note that despite turning down their request, James and John did not resign from the company of the twelve apostles. They went all the way, they drank the cup; they spread the message by their lives and by their blood. Do not live your life only for the sake of rewards. Just do what is right and you will find inner peace and happiness.

Finally, as St. Paul says in the first reading, let nothing discourage you. Not even the fact that your prayers are not granted for “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). 

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, if it is your will, grant me my heart desires, take this cross away but nevertheless not as I will but let your will be done. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint James, Apostle – Feast. Bible Study: 2 Cor. 4:7-15, Ps. 126:1-6, Matthew 20:20-28).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Does God Always Answer Prayer?

Sunday 24th July 2022. Read Gen. 18:20-32, Ps. 138:1-3,6-8, Colossians 2:12-14, Luke 11:1-13

“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11-13)

Last Sunday, we read the story of Abraham playing Good Samaritan to the Holy Trinity without knowing it. In the course of this visit, God made the promise of a child to Abraham. God also revealed to Abraham the purpose of His visit – to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham had just passed the first test; he didn’t ignore the strangers, he gave them food and water. _Treat others as you wish to be treated._

This was now the second test: “How would Abraham react when he hears that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah would be destroyed?” Recall that Abraham had a cousin named Lot, who became rich as a result of working with him. When disputes arose between Lot’s servants and Abraham’s servant, Abraham asked Lot to pick a portion of the land to settle, and behold Lot chose what seemed like the best part knowing full well that the people who lived there had no fear of God.

Abraham could have simply smiled and said: “Oh, that serves him right.” Abraham had a large heart – he sought to negotiate, that is, intercede for the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah. Like Moses would, later on, do on behalf of the Israelites when they sinned in the desert, Abraham attempted to save Sodom and Gomorrah from destruction. Abraham passed the second test. _Never wish evil for anyone or take joy in their downfall._ Let us now outline other lessons in today’s readings.

*1. The Wages of Sin is Death.* What warranted God’s destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah? The Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave,” (Genesis 18:20). God is merciful, but His mercy should never be taken for granted. The only reward we get for sin is death (Romans 6:23); death to ourselves, death to others, death to our environment, and ultimately eternal condemnation in hell. There comes a time when repentance becomes too late, so if today you hear God’s word, harden not your heart.

It is often said: “If you cannot beat them, you join them.” The city was destroyed because there were not up to ten persons who stood their ground against evil. Do not say: “everybody is doing it.” Even if everybody is doing it, let your light shine. Don’t wait till you get caught to blame the devil. Accept responsibility now and change, there is nothing to gain from sin. The temptation may be so enticing now but try to think of the consequences, and remind yourself that a time for reckoning must surely come.

*2. Prayer is Powerful.* The fact that God was willing to negotiate with Abraham regarding His planned destruction of the city of Sodom and Gomorrah is one big lesson. More than three times, we hear God saying to Abraham, “I will not destroy the city…” Prayer is truly powerful. If God was willing to change his plan based on Abraham’s intercession, I am sure God would have spared the city if Abraham continued further down to one person. Abraham, felt asking for more was asking for “too much” so he stopped the bargain.

There comes a time when we stop praying. We stop asking because having asked for a period of time, we feel God will no longer listen to us anymore; we just give up on prayer. The story that Jesus gave in today’s Gospel passage teaches us never to give up, never to stop asking, and never stop praying. Jesus says “I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs.” (Luke 11:8)

A child of God is never afraid to ask, to seek, and knock because God is a Father, a responsible and loving Father, a Father who is ever ready to forgive his children when they call on Him; a Father who takes no delight in the destruction of his children. “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

*3. Keep Praying, Do not be Discouraged by Results.* According to Jesus, “Everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Luke 10:10) Now, you may wonder, ‘what about the times I asked and didn’t get it? Many often wonder, “Does God always answer prayer?” The answer to this question lies in the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel passage. Even if we do not get exactly what we ask for, God would never give us stone or snake when we are asking for bread or fish. Whatever the outcome of your prayer, trust that it is for your good. As St. Paul would say: “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

Secondly, bear in mind that Jesus did not add a time frame. Prayer works. It is not magic but it works. You may not see the results immediately but know that you didn’t pray in vain. At times, God blesses us by taking away our afflictions, but sometimes, God uses our very afflictions to bless us. Don’t stop praying.

*4. There is a Format for Prayer.* By teaching us how to pray, Jesus was saying “There is a way not to pray”. For instance, Jesus taught us that prayer should never be used to attract attention to ourselves like the hypocrites who loved to pray in the marketplace or on street corners. (Matthew 6:5-6). Jesus also warned us against using empty phrases thinking we would be heard for our many words (Matthew 6:7). In the parable of the two men who went to pray, Jesus warned us to avoid condemning others in our prayer lest we end up praying to ourselves (Luke 18:10-14).

Jesus’ teaching on prayer finds culmination in the Lord’s Prayer. “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation.” (Luke 11:2-4). Compared to Matthew’s Gospel, Luke’s version of this prayer is quite brief yet it contains the essential components any prayer should have which are: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.

Finally, the Lord’s Prayer teaches us that every prayer involves an agreement with God to take from Him only that which we are willing to give to others. “Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.” In fact, in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus goes further to add: “if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15)

*Conclusion: Prayer can Change God but Prayer also Changes Us.* Prayer is not one-way traffic. We ask from God because we are his children and by asking from Him, we also declare to live according to His instructions. Sin destroys our relationship with God. When we pray, we should have full confidence in God. At the same time, our prayer must affect the kind of life we live. If we beg from God, we must not forget there are others begging from us; others who need our charity; others who need our forgiveness; others who need us to intercede for them like Abraham did for Sodom and Gomorrah.

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, teach me to pray, and may my prayers rise up to you like incense. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (17th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Gen. 18:20-32, Ps. 138:1-3,6-8, Colossians 2:12-14, Luke 11:1-13).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Amend Your Ways.

Saturday 23rd July 2022. Read Jer. 7:1-11, Ps. 84:3-6,8,11, Matthew 13:24-30

“Thus says the lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will let you dwell in this place.” (Jeremiah 7:3)

The words of Jeremiah in today’s first reading apply directly even to the church in our day and time. Christianity today has become more of a “come-and-receive-your-blessing” phenomenon. As Jeremiah puts it: “Here you are, trusting in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, “We are safe!”-- only to go on doing all these abominations?” (Jeremiah 7:8-10).

Helen Paul, a popular Nigerian comedian once said: “Ladies, listen to me when you are looking for a husband, it is very easy to get one. Just go to a church and join the choir. Ensure your dress is very tight and let it show your nice curves. When you are leading the song, raise your left hand so that men will notice that there is no ring. Then shake and turn your body around in the spirit so that they will see you are a complete package.” 

Helen had just passed a message; attending Church no longer impacts the practical day-to-day morality of people. We steal, murder, commit adultery, and so on, then appear in the church to collect our blessing, destroy the demons responsible for our poverty and feel good about ourselves. We listen to motivational talks, entertain ourselves with good music, dance to our delight, and shout countless ‘Amen’ to impossible prayers.

In the novel, Americanah, Chimamanda wrote about Aunty Uju who was obviously going out with a General while Ifemelu’s mother described the “blessings” she was getting from the General as miracles. Is it a miracle that a single lady drives a big car or owns a big house after prostituting herself with a married man?

No doubt Jesus’ parable in today’s Gospel passage is so true. There are weeds among the wheat. In any church, be sure to find the good, the bad, the very bad, and the satanic. And just as you cannot easily distinguish the wheat from weeds, Christians are not easily distinguishable today. We all dress alike, talk alike and pretend very well but it is when we get to the privacy of our homes that our true religion plays out. 

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, help me to serve you in such a way that at the end of my life I may be counted among the wheat and not the weed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 16 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Jer. 7:1-11, Ps. 84:3-6,8,11, Matthew 13:24-30).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Who am I to Jesus? Friend or Client

Thursday 21st July 2022. Read Song of Songs 3:1-4, Ps. 63:2-6,8-9, John 20:1-2,11-18

“Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord", and she told them that he had said these things to her.” (John 20:18)

Today we celebrate the life of Saint Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene was the first to see Jesus Christ after his resurrection and she was the one who delivered the Good News to the apostles. This alone makes her a name to be reckoned with as far as Christianity is concerned.

Mary Magdalene was most probably a convert who, together with other women, assisted Jesus and his disciples and attended to their needs. Some scholars also believe that it was from her that Jesus cast out seven demons while others would say that she was the one who poured expensive oil on the feet of Jesus and wiped them with her hair.

When Jesus gave the parable of the sower, Mary Magdalene represents the seed that fell on very good soil and yielded a hundred-fold. Mary Magdalene literally gave her life to Christ after her conversion. She became an apostle to the apostles. She represents the truth that for God, it is not your past but your potential that matter. Like St. Paul who was once Saul, Mary Magdalene’s life shows us that God can work through anybody.

Our first reading today comes from the Song of Solomon, a book in the Bible that speaks about spousal love. When the others deserted Jesus at his arrest and crucifixion, Mary Magdalene was one of those who stood beside the cross. When others thought it was over and moving on with their lives, Mary Magdalene, out of love came back to the tomb very early on that Sunday morning.

There is a saying: “you would know how much you are loved when you consider how quickly people forget you after your death.” Mary Magdalene wasn’t going to forget Jesus in a hurry. When she recognised Jesus, she used a personal name for Jesus “Rabonni!” which means “Teacher.” The question we should all ask ourselves is: “Do I have such a personal relationship with Jesus?” “Am I a friend or simply a client?

The difference between clients and friends is this: clients can never be satisfied, they are always grumbling and complaining! But friends would stick with you in good times and in bad times. Clients are ready to end the relationship if service is interrupted and move on but friends value the relationship more than the service. Client-minded Christians worship God for the sake of benefits but Christians who have a personal relationship with God worship Him regardless of benefits. Am I a friend to Jesus? 

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, open my heart to love you more as a friend than anything else. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Mary Magdalen – Feast. Bible Study: Song of Songs 3:1-4, Ps. 63:2-6,8-9, John 20:1-2,11-18).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Blessed are Your Eyes.

Thursday 21st July 2022. Read Jer. 2:1-3,7-8,12-13, Ps. 36:6-11, Matthew 13:10-17

“To you, it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them, it has not been given.” (Matthew 13:11)

The ability to understand God’s word is a gift. Jesus said to the twelve: “To you, it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them, it has not been given…. blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

In other words, there are many who read the bible but are not able to perceive the secrets it contains. I recall one of my teachers back then in the Seminary who taught us Scriptures. She told us that the Bible should always be read kneeling. The meaning of this is that we should never read the Bible just like any other piece of literature. We must first ask God to open our hearts before we begin to flip through the pages of the Bible. That way, the meaning becomes clear to us. We see things that others cannot see and we hear things that others will never hear.

A divine revelation of God came to Jeremiah in our first reading today, to preach to the people in a way they had not heard before. Jeremiah’s words were a total reproach to the entire nation of Israel. He seemed to capture every one of their sins. From the least person up to the leaders, the priests, those in the custody of the law, and the rulers, Jeremiah fearlessly delivered the word, telling them how they have all abandoned God, the fountain of living waters, and have tried to create cisterns for themselves; broken cisterns for that manner.

There were so many holy people at the time of Jeremiah. The scripture did not change. It was studied every day by the lawyers and the Scribes at the temple. It was the same scripture that the priests were using but it took Jeremiah to tell Israel as a nation that they were going out of track. The Bible is like a picture, so many persons are looking at it but only very few see it.  

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, give us eyes that see and ears that hear so that our study of your word may bear the right fruits in our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of week 16 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Jer. 2:1-3,7-8,12-13, Ps. 36:6-11, Matthew 13:10-17).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu