Put Your Trust in God

Thursday 1st December 2022. Read Isaiah 26:1-6, Ps. 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27, Matthew 7:21,24-27 

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” (Matthew 7:24) 

Advent is a time of expectation. Without trust, there can be no expectation. Isaiah says anyone whose mind is stayed on God will be kept in perfect peace. To trust is to be at peace. If you are restless and not at peace, it is a sign that you are yet to surrender your affairs entirely to God, or perhaps, you do not trust God.

At Christmas, we celebrate the fact that God took our human nature and became flesh to showing to us the extent to which He is willing to go to solve our problems. If God could do this, why do we still struggle to trust Him completely? Bear this in mind; human beings will always disappoint you; this is because they do not have the capacity to do the things that only God can do.

A lot of us claim to trust God but our actions betray this trust. Actions speak louder than words. If we trust God, our actions will show it. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus told us: “It is not those who say ‘Lord, Lord’ who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.” If we trust God, we would obey Him.

While Isaiah uses the word “rock” in describing the unshakable nature of God, Jesus used the word “rock” to illustrate how unshakable we become when we obey His word. There is a correlation between trusting in God (the everlasting Rock) and having peace of mind (becoming like a Rock). As Jesus says, “everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock.”

To build on rock is to withstand the trials and difficulties of life; it is to remain unshaken no matter how bad things appear. To build on rock is to live above fear. Hence the Psalmist says: “In God alone be at rest my soul for my hope is in him.” (Psalm 62:1&5).

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, help me to trust in you and in nothing else. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of the 1st week of Advent. Bible Study: Isaiah 26:1-6, Ps. 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27, Matthew 7:21,24-27)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Lessons From the Life of Saint Andrew

Wednesday 30th November 2022. Read Romans 10:9-18, Ps. 19:2-5, Matthew 4:18-22

“As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea-- for they were fishermen.” (Matthew 4:18)

Andrew was the first person to be called by Jesus to be his disciple and just like John the Baptist who announced the coming of the Messiah, Andrew was the one who went to tell his brother Peter about Jesus. Although Matthew mentions the fact that Jesus called both Andrew and Peter at the same time, John gives us a more realistic account of what took place.

John tells us that two of John the Baptist’s disciples were with him when he saw Jesus one day and announced: “Behold, the Lamb of God!” These two of his disciples left John immediately and followed Jesus.

John 1:40-42 reads: “One of the two who heard John speaks and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, we have found the Messiah (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, ‘So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas’ (which means Peter).”

The moment Andrew introduced his brother Peter to Jesus, not much was heard about him again. It was like he just withdrew into the background of the twelve disciples like a quiet kid while all the limelight and attention went to a rather noisy Peter who eventually became the head of the Apostle.

Just as Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus, the Feast of St. Andrew stands at such a strategic point in the Church’s calendar as he continues to be the one introducing the Church as a whole to the Advent Season; his feast is like the Calendar Marker that reminds us of the need to start preparing for the Baby Jesus.

St. Paul in today’s first reading says: “How beautiful are the feet of one who brings Good News.” Indeed, how beautiful were the feet of Andrew when he ran immediately to tell Simon Peter: “We have found the Messiah.” How beautiful are the feet of St. Andrew today as he announces to the Church from heaven: “Advent is here! Prepare your hearts for Jesus!”  

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, may my feet only announce Good News. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Andrew, Apostle – Feast. Bible Study: Romans 10:9-18, Ps. 19:2-5, Matthew 4:18-22)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

How Blessed Are the Humble

Tuesday 29th November 2022. Read Isaiah 11:1-10, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17, Luke 10:21-24

“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” (Luke 10:21)

In our Gospel passage today, we hear Jesus thanking God for hiding certain things from the wise and revealing them to mere infants. On this occasion, Jesus was addressing His disciples who had just returned from the mission of evangelization with joy, because even the demons were subject to them.

If Jesus was referring to the disciples as infants, who then are the “wise” in this context? Those who are so full of themselves who think that they know it all, those who were challenging Jesus and looking for an opportunity to catch Him with some tricky question or another. Literally, Jesus’ opponents were wise by human standards but this wisdom only translated into God hiding certain truths from them.

In the course of this season of Advent, we must continuously ask ourselves: How willing am I to humble myself and come to terms with my nothingness? Am I ready to let go of my pride? Yesterday, we were presented with the example of the Roman Centurion who confessed his unworthiness to have Jesus under his roof. Today, we are again reminded of the importance of humility.

At Christmas, we celebrate a God who humbled Himself to the point of assuming the nature of one of His creatures; man. As St. Paul would say: “Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8).

Pride is blindness. Yesterday, we noted that humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking big of God. Pride on the other hand is the inability to see and acknowledge God having become blinded by one’s own greatness. Somehow, you begin to think you are God.

The prophet Isaiah in today’s first reading speaks of the time that shall come when the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together and a little child shall lead them. What does Isaiah mean by a little child assuming leadership of an unthinkable combination of animals who we know are natural enemies? This is what humility entails.

There is an African proverb that says, if a child washes his hands very well, he would be invited to seat at the table and eat with elders. In other words, if we are humble, regardless of our size and status, we would be granted access to high places. Like the child leading the lion, the leopard, the wolf, and the lamb, humility will put people under us.

This prophecy of Isaiah also points directly to the baby Jesus. As a baby, Jesus could not lift his hand, not to talk of holding a broomstick but Herod and his entire household trembled with fear, kings came from across the world to pay homage to Jesus. Angels sang to the shepherds who kept watch at night. The whole world literally stood still for this baby, this little child who was born to change the entire course of history.  

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, may I grow in humility. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 1st week of Advent. Bible Study: Isaiah 11:1-10, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17, Luke 10:21-24)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

The Advent Spirit

Monday 28th November 2022. Read Isaiah 4:2-6, Ps. 122:1-2,4-5,6-9, Matthew 8:5-11 

“Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8)

Come Lord Jesus the light is dying, the night keeps crying: Come, Lord Jesus. Christ, come quickly, there’s danger at the door, poverty aplenty, hearts gone wild with war, there is hunger in the city, and famine on the plain. Come, Lord Jesus. Advent is a moment to call on Jesus like the Centurion who cried to Jesus: “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress” (Matthew 8:6)

The Centurion displayed an attitude of humility. He recognized that Jesus is the king of the world, the only commander who only needs to say the word and it would be done. The Centurion, despite being a soldier in charge of a hundred did not consider his house worthy enough to receive Jesus.

Humility is not a matter of thinking less of ourselves, it is thinking big of God. Let us strive to adopt this beautiful mindset this advent season. Consider it a privilege each time you go down on your knees to talk to God, know that you are talking to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Centurion’s faith was unshakable. He said to Jesus, “only say your word and my servant will be healed.” He recognized the power of the spoken word; the power by which the whole world was made. Let us ask ourselves: “How deep is my faith in the power of God’s words?” We can know the extent of our faith by examining our eagerness to pray and how relieved we are after prayer.

The Centurion’s action teaches us an important lesson in caring for our workers. The Centurion was in charge of a hundred soldiers yet he found time to come looking for Jesus because of one servant; not even his son or a soldier. How lucky this servant was to have had such a good master. Can those working for me say the same about me?

As we prepare to welcome Jesus this Christmas, let us remember that the same Jesus who was born in a manger, is the same Jesus who said: “When I was hungry, you gave me no food, sick and in prison and you did not come to visit me.” Christmas is, first of all, a celebration of love and if I don’t show love to those less than me, I have failed Jesus.

This encounter between Jesus and the Centurion gives us a glimpse of what God has in mind for us in sending his son Jesus to be born as a man and live among us. The healing of the centurion’s servant is part of the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in today’s first reading.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, bring us healing and teach us to trust you like the Centurion. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of the 1st week of Advent. Bible Study: Isaiah 4:2-6, Ps. 122:1-2,4-5,6-9, Matthew 8:5-11)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Christ is Coming Soon; What Are We To Do Now?

Sunday 27th November 2022. Read Isaiah 2:1-5, Ps. 122:1-2,4-5,6-9, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:37-44 

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” (Isaiah 2:3)

As Jesus took flesh in Mary’s womb, the season of Advent provides an opportunity for us to prepare ourselves so that Christ can again take flesh in our own lives. The colour purple is a penitential colour. It reminds us of the season of Lent. It also reminds us of All Souls Day. Purple is the colour of the stole the priest wears at the confessional. In many dioceses across Nigeria, purple is the colour of vestments used at funerals.

For the next four weeks, the dominant colour for Mass would be purple – a colour that reminds us of our frailty, the need to repent or better put, the need to purge our hearts of whatever would be hostile to the coming of Christ. What is Advent? Our readings today provide us with some vital answers: 

1. It is Time to Cast Away the Works of Darkness.

In our first reading today, we hear the Prophet Isaiah admonishing us: “O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” St. Paul takes off from there in our second reading saying: “You know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep… the night is far gone, let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.”

St. Paul tells us, no more drunkenness, no more licentiousness (anything goes), no more quarrelling, no more jealousy, no more provision for the flesh etc. If indeed, Christmas is about the celebration of Christ’s birth among us, we would be going astray if, in the name of Christmas, we begin to celebrate sin, evil, darkness, theft, indecency and so on.

As Isaiah says, this is a time to allow the mountain of the Lord to be established as the highest of the mountains. In other words, this is a time for us to pay more attention to the things of God, a time to put God first, a time to talk about God, that those living in darkness (those who think that there is no God), may by our celebration begin to recognize worship God.

2. It is Time To Forgive, Reconcile and Make Peace.

The Prophet Isaiah says: “they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks, nation shall not lift up sword against nation, and neither shall they learn war anymore.” If we make the mountain of God higher than all other mountains, if we seek God above every other pursuit, the natural consequence we get is Peace. 

As St. Augustine would say, our hearts are restless until they rest in God. Anyone who has God in his heart not only enjoys the kind of peace that that world cannot give, (Cf. John 14:27) he becomes an agent of peace spreading the love and mercy of God everywhere.

At Christmas, we celebrate the love of God towards a people who were so unworthy of that love. It was while we were still sinners that God sent His Son Jesus to die for us (Cf. Romans 5:8). As Christ did for us, we too are called upon to do the same for others; to go out of our way to help those most unworthy of our love. As we seek forgiveness of our sins during this penitential season of Advent, we cannot but become agents of forgiveness ourselves.

In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught us to pray: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who sin against us.” Jesus warned: “but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15). 

It is not enough that we hang decorations, lights and pictures of Jesus this season, let us hang the virtues of Christ chief among which are forgiveness and mercy. Putting up fancy lights is very expensive, not many can afford these beautiful lights but there is another light that cost nothing and is available for all; it is the light of good deeds. 

3. It is Time to Watch and Pray.

In our Gospel passage, Jesus says: “Watch, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” Being watchful is a figure of speech that means: to be alert in the spirit; alert to temptations, and alert against spiritual laziness.

The Psalmist prays: “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not turn my heart to any evil.” (Psalm 141:3-4). The book of Proverbs 4:23 adds: “Guard your heart with all vigilance, for out of it proceeds the wellsprings of life.” Being watchful is guarding your heart so that no evil thought can enter and dwell there.

As St. Peter tells us “Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion, your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith.” (1st Peter 5:8-9). The key to being alert is prayerfulness. Advent is a time to increase and deepen our prayer lives.

The more time we allocate to God daily, the more spiritually alert we become. A heart that does not create time for God is like an abandoned building which becomes a home for grasses and other creatures. To watch is to pray. How else will Christ be born again in our hearts if we do not pray? 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, make my heart a ready temple for you this Christmas. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (1st Sunday of Advent. Bible Study: Isaiah 2:1-5, Ps. 122:1-2,4-5,6-9, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:37-44)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Behold, I Am Coming Soon

Saturday 26th November 2022. Read Rev. 22:1-7, Ps. 95:1-7, Luke 21:34-36

“See, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:7)

You still remember that song: Soon and Very soon, we are going to meet the lord… soon and very soon… soon and very soon…. Soon and very soon…. we are going to meet the Lord….alleluia …..alleluia ….we are going to meet the Lord.

Anyway, I think the song can also be understood to mean: “Soon and very soon, Christ is coming to meet with us… soon and very soon…. Soon and very soon…. Soon and very soon, Christ is coming to meet with us… alleluia … alleluia… Christ is coming to meet with us.” The fact that Christ will come to us very soon sets the tone for Advent when we prepare to receive Christ at Christmas.

Yes, Christmas is just a couple of days away and a little drive around town shows that people are already making plans for Christmas. One very common denominator amongst every single person you meet during this period is anxiety.

Jesus knew the danger of anxiety. Hence Jesus told us in today’s Gospel passage: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap” instead “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” 

Jesus is coming soon. Are you prepared to welcome him?

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, may I be found worthy on judgment day. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 34 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Rev. 22:1-7, Ps. 95:1-7, Luke 21:34-36)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Is Your Name in the Book of Life?

Friday 25th November 2022. Read Rev. 20:1-4,11-21:2, Ps. 84:3-6,8, Luke 21:29-33 

“Then I saw thrones and those seated on them were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:4)

When God made man, he had no intention that our life would be limited; that we would die, or that we would have to suffer eternally. God’s intention for man as contained in Genesis 1:26 states: “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”

Being made in the image and likeness of God, humans are made to be immortal, powerful, great, and in charge of every other thing that exists. But something went wrong! The inability of Adam and Eve to resist the temptation to sin brought death, limitation, and weakness. As attractive as sin may be, it always comes with its consequences – and the greatest consequence of sin is man’s disqualification from enjoying life as God originally intended.

The book of Revelations may appear very difficult to understand but the message is very clear – God will judge the world and it is only those whose names are found in the book of life that will eventually merit heaven. We live in an age where the talk about heaven and hell almost sounds archaic, you barely hear any preacher mention heaven or hell these days.

The very word ‘sin’ even is not as common as before. We are more concerned with how to get the best of all that life on earth has to offer, how to be comfortable here and now and whatever would help us achieve our dreams of wealth, health and luxury even if it means going against God’s commandments. 

There is no better time to think of heaven other than now. Today is a day to repent, to begin afresh; to perform acts capable of ensuring our names are in the book of life. These are the last days.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, may I be found worthy on judgment day. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 34 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Rev. 20:1-4,11-21:2, Ps. 84:3-6,8, Luke 21:29-33)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Look Up and Raise Your Heads

Thursday 24th November 2022. Read Rev. 18:1-2,21-23,19:1-3,9, Ps. 100:2-5, Luke 21:20-28

“Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)

Both our first reading and our Gospel passage today begin in a sad and tense mood. They both speak of destruction, punishment, and calamity, but surprisingly both of them ended in very joyful and hopeful tones. John concludes by saying: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” While Jesus ends by saying: “Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near.”

Of course, there would be great distress upon the earth. Many shall fall by sword and great signs shall appear in heaven and on earth. Surely, we all shall face judgment one day. Babylon (which signifies the great evils in this world) shall be thrown down and avenged.  But then, the message for us today is that in the midst of all these terrifying events that shall mark the end of time, there is no need for us to be afraid or go into panic attacks.

As our people would say: “A clear conscience fears no accusation.” No matter what would become of this world, those who continue to live in the light of Christ will surely be rewarded. Let us not be overcome by the pervasive evil around us. If you cannot beat them, don’t join them. Continue to raise your heads high in virtue and never give in to sin because your redemption is close at hand.

Right now, it may seem as if evil people are succeeding and there is nothing left for the virtuous. Some time ago, a young man asked me if it is possible to become rich in this country without getting into some sinful act in one way or another. He was so convinced that the hardship of the economy today leaves no room for the success of the righteous. Today’s readings answer his question. Judgment day is real. Those who seem to be succeeding today through evil means will surely face God’s vengeance one day.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, may I endure to the very end. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saints Andrew Dũng-Lạc and his Companions, Martyrs. Bible Study: Rev. 18:1-2,21-23,19:1-3,9, Ps. 100:2-5, Luke 21:20-28)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Hope in the Midst of Persecution

Wednesday 23rd November 2022. Read Rev. 15:1-4, Ps. 98:1-3,7-9, Luke 21:12-19 

“You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.” (Luke 21:17-19)

I once read somewhere: “Be grateful for your troublesome landlord; if not for him, you might never have thought about building your own house.” Always thank your enemies; those who make life difficult for you because these are the very people who end up bringing out the very best in you.

As a little kid, there was a short fence separating our house from the next apartment. I never knew I could jump that fence until I was chased by an angry hen for disturbing one of its chicks. Later on, I tried several times to jump that same fence but I couldn’t. That experience taught me a wonderful lesson: that even in the most painful situations, the best could come.

This was exactly the message John was passing on to his audience in the book of Revelations. The sea of glass mingled with fire represents the torture, pains, hardships, sacrifices, sweat, tears, and blood of Christians who were being slaughtered under the reign of Emperor Diocletian (the beast). John was assuring his readers of eventual redemption and glory if only they remained steadfast in the faith.

The experience of the persecuted Christians was indeed a fulfillment of the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel passage when he noted: “They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons…. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name.”

Consider yourself lucky if people hate you because of your Christian Faith and your desire to walk as a child of the light. Consider yourself lucky not because of what you will suffer but because of what that suffering would produce later on. Even Jesus assures us saying: “But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance, you will gain your lives.”

The very incident that made you shed tears will one day become your cause for joy either in this life or in the life to come. Never return hatred for hatred. Remember the book of Proverbs which says: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (Proverbs 25:21-22). 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, may I endure to the very end. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of week 34 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Rev. 15:1-4, Ps. 98:1-3,7-9, Luke 21:12-19)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Prepare for Harvest

Tuesday 22nd November 2022. Read Rev. 14:14-19, Ps. 96:10-13, Luke 21:5-11

“Use your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” (Revelation 14:15)

The book of Ecclesiastes teaches us: “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). Using very graphic images, John describes the end of the world in terms of harvest; the time to pluck up what has been planted.

Some people behave as if there would be no end to their lives. I think the forgetfulness of judgement can be defined as the greatest act of foolishness. In today’s Gospel passage, people were admiring the temple in all its beauty and grandeur but Jesus dropped a bombshell: “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6) 

The fact that things change and changes happen rather quickly is life’s constant reminder that nothing is permanent. Even the very air that we breathe is not permanent. Judgement day must come.

On that day, God will send his angels on a mission of harvest like the Landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, built a watchtower and leased it to tenants. (Cf. Matthew 21:33). The question is: “When that time comes, what kind of fruits will be found in me?”

You may wonder: “Why do we have to face judgement at all?” Simply put, there is no farmer who plants without coming back to reap the fruits of what he has planted. The only reason we shall face judgment is that God knows He has put so much good in us.

Of course, no two people shall face the same judgement; we shall each give an account of what was given to us. As Jesus remarked: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more, will be demanded.” (Luke 12:48)

There is so much good inside of you. If you search deep enough, you will discover that you are more than capable of goodness. As one author noted, it is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.

Finally, Jesus warns us today against procrastination. Do not be concerned about when judgement would happen rather be concerned about being prepared. Jesus said that there would be wars, famines, plagues, dreadful portents, great signs from heaven, earthquakes, and so on. “These things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” (Luke 21:9). 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, may my life yield a great harvest. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr. Bible Study: Rev. 14:14-19, Ps. 96:10-13, Luke 21:5-11)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Giving Your Widow’s Mite

Monday 21st November 2022. Read Rev. 14:1-5, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 21:1-4 

“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.” (Luke 21:3)

Every now and then, you hear the phrase, “I am giving my widow’s mite” which many have taken to mean, “I am giving the smallest amount I have.” If we truly understand the meaning of widow’s mite, we would either avoid using this phrase or actually give as the widow gave; that is, everything we have.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus is in the temple. It was time for offering and Jesus could see the amount each person gave. His attention was drawn to a woman who put in two copper coins; a rather small amount, at least compared to what others were giving.

To the surprise of everyone, Jesus praised this woman for giving the highest because while others gave only tiny bits of what they had, this woman gave everything she had. This teaches us that God does not judge by human standards. Humans judge by the amount of money (price) but God judges our giving by value (what that amount means to you).

The widow’s mite, by human standards, meant nothing because it was just two copper coins but for that widow, these two copper coins meant the whole world to her. The others gave money but she gave value. The others gave what they didn’t need but she gave what she needed for her own survival. She, like Abel, sacrificed the best.

God is not asking us to empty our entire accounts each time we come to Church. No. To say so would be completely missing the point. God is not interested in our money because He owns the whole world. (Cf. Isaiah 66:1-2). Rather, the point is God, desires value, not money. If what you are giving to God means nothing to you, then it means nothing to God. And it doesn’t have to be money.

There are so many things we can give to God that are not monetary. For instance, spending one hour every day in prayer. For many of us, one hour is too valuable to us; we would rather spend it playing with our phones, sleeping, entertaining ourselves, or pursuing money. People say time is precious and if you believe that time is precious, know that God desires precious things. He doesn’t want your money; He wants your time.

Another example of a value that we can give to God is being truthful. Saying the truth is so hard that many find it easier to drop money than to commit to saying the truth always. St. John in the book of Revelations speaks of the one hundred and forty-four thousand (a symbolic number) who have washed their robes clean. One of the characteristics of washing their robes clean was that: “in their mouth, no lie was found.”

No matter how difficult it is for you, let the truth be your offering; let the truth be your widow’s mite. It wasn’t easy for the widow to stand up and give all she had, and it would not be easy for you to repent from telling lies but this is the offering that moves God. Say the truth and shame the devil. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, Jesus, train my mouth to always speak the truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Bible Study: Rev. 14:1-5, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 21:1-4)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu

Celebrating Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe

Sunday 20th November 2022. Read 2 Sam. 5:1-3, Ps. 122:1-5, Colossians 1:12-20, Luke 23:35-43 

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Since the beginning of this liturgical year, we have been celebrating specific aspects of the life of Christ. During Advent, we prepared for the birth of Christ. At Christmas, we celebrated the incarnation of Christ amongst mankind. In Lent, we prepared to recall Christ’s saving action on the Cross of Calvary. At Easter, we celebrated the resurrection of Christ. During the period of Ordinary Time, we dwelt deeply on the teachings of Christ in the Gospels picking them one after another.

Having come to the end of this liturgical year, today’s Solemnity is the concluding statement of all our celebrations thus far: This Jesus that took flesh in the womb of Mary, lived amongst us, preached and worked several miracles, carried the cross, died and rose again on the third day, ascended to the Father and sent the Holy Spirit amongst us is the KING OF THE WHOLE UNIVERSE.

In this part of the world, our celebration of Christ the King is usually accompanied by processions around our streets with a whole lot of singing, marching, dancing, clapping, and public veneration of Christ the King in the Blessed Sacrament. This aspect is beautifully illustrated by our Psalmist today: “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.” Today, we re-live the joyful welcoming of Jesus into the City of Jerusalem. As we proceed with today’s liturgy, there are some vital points to guide our reflections. 

1. Christ is King. But Is He Your King Too?

The rulers scoffed at Jesus, the soldiers mocked him, the crowds jeered at him, and the same people who sang “Hosanna to the Son of David” shouted: “Crucify Him, Crucify Him.” With his face disfigured and blood dripping across his wounded body, Christ dragged his cross across the streets of Jerusalem to the point of crucifixion. The inscription on the cross was just a mockery. “How can this man be a king? … A king without an army? … He saved others, yet, he can’t save himself.”

The shocking reality is that even today, Christ is still being mocked, scoffed at, and insulted painfully, by those of us who claim to be Christians. Today, we move around our streets shamelessly singing and dancing, rubbing ourselves on the ground in exultation of Christ but what happens when we return home?

Do you allow Christ to reign in your living rooms, in your business place, in your sense of fashion, in your daily interactions with others? Is Christ your King when you do not get answers to your prayers? When the miracles you expect do not come? When life is tough? When you face persecution? 

2. Christ is King. For Him, nothing is Impossible

While others were mocking Jesus, there were some who were not moved by the seeming “defeat” of Christ on the Cross. In fact, there was one man who had eyes to see that Christ is truly the King of the Universe, the second thief. Not only did he rebuke the other thief for mocking Jesus, but he also showed sincere contrition for his life of sin and turned to Jesus to plead: “Remember me when you come into your kingly power.”

Jesus was so impressed by this man’s faith that He offered him an instant ticket to paradise. Jesus forgave his sins at once and answered His prayer. The thief wasn’t asking to come down from the cross as others, he was asking for something more precious; eternal life because he knew that his death was not the end. How is your prayer life? Do you ask with faith? 

3. Christ is King: Therefore, we are Princes and Princesses

In today’s second reading, St. Paul explains the implications of the Kingship of Christ. By our union with Christ the King, we are not ordinary persons, we are royalty; we have been delivered from the dominion of darkness, we walk in the light, we receive forgiveness of our sins, and we are members of the body where Christ is the Head.

As Jesus would say: “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister, and mother.” (Mark 3:35). Anyone from a royal family knows that there are certain rules which guide their behavior. In Christ’s kingdom, there is only one rule: LOVE. Christ on the Cross does not hate even those who were killing him; He loved everyone to the end. He forgave them and prayed for them. We disgrace Christ when we don’t live by this principle of Love.

4. Christ is King: His Kingdom is Forever

Earthly Kingdoms come and go but Christ is so powerful: His Kingdom remains forever. Check out the history of the world and tell me if there is any kingdom that considered itself a world power that did not eventually fall?

Our first reading today brings our mind to that of David. As great and glorious David was, his kingdom was only a foretaste (or preparation) of God’s kingdom that was to come in the person of Christ. All earthly power is fleeting, contingent and constantly under threat but the Kingdom of Christ is forever.

In conclusion

As we go out today to show the world our faith, many who do not understand would think we are idol worshippers. They would mock us, insult us and even try to obstruct us. Don’t be distracted. Focus only on Jesus. On the other hand, many would stand and stare, and some would want to know what is happening. This is an opportunity for us to spread our faith. Whatever the case, know that what becomes of your life after today would testify for or against you by this procession. 

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, King of the Universe, set me free from slavery to sin that I may render your Majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Christ the King. Bible Study: 2 Sam.  5:1-3, Ps. 122:1-5, Colossians 1:12-20, Luke 23:35-43)

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu