Celebrating Mary, Mother of God

Monday, 1 January 2024. Read Numbers 6:22-27, Ps. 67:2-3,5,6,8, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:16-21

“But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)

Today is the octave of Christmas. That is, it is exactly eight days ago that we celebrated the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are celebrating so many things simultaneously today. First is the naming ceremony of Jesus Christ, which occurred exactly eight days after he was born, as our Gospel passage this morning tells us. (Luke 2:21).

Secondly, we are celebrating Mary as the mother of God. In Jewish culture, the eighth day after the birth of a child is also the day to celebrate (acknowledge, thank, and rejoice with) the child's mother. The undeniable truth that Mary is not just an envelope that God used and dumped is what St. Paul asserts in today’s second reading.

Thirdly, we are celebrating a new calendar year. This celebration takes up more attention because of the euphoria of a fresh start. As the saying goes, the morning shows the day. Coincidentally, our first reading today contains blessings for us for the New Year.

Fourthly, we are celebrating World Day of Peace. Today is a day for us to reflect on our commitment to ending wars around us, whether on the micro or macro level. It is a day to examine how well we have been living as our brothers’ keepers. Let us now consider some lessons in today’s readings.

1. Why the name Jesus?
What is in a name? Why is it important to give names? Upon creating man, one of the first assignments God gave to man was to give names to everything He had created. Genesis 2:19-20 reads: “So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man named all cattle, the birds of the air, and every animal of the field…”

Naming points out the truth that we are not all the same. No two persons are the same, not even identical twins. Each of us has a unique story; each of us has a unique purpose. Joseph and Mary would have had a hard time selecting the most appropriate name for this special child, but the Angel Gabriel already revealed to Joseph in a dream: “She will bear a son, and YOU ARE TO NAME HIM JESUS, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21).

Meanwhile, according to Luke, even before the Angel Gabriel appeared to Joseph in a dream, he also appeared to Mary, saying: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and YOU WILL NAME HIM JESUS. He will be great and called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end.” (Luke 1:30-33)

By giving the name “Jesus” to this special child, born not of the flesh but of the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary and Joseph proved themselves obedient to the voice of God. Not only does the name Jesus identify Him, but it also spells out His purpose on earth – the saviour of mankind and the everlasting king. Dear friends, let us take some moments to ask ourselves two questions right now: “What does my name say about me?” and “What efforts am I making to live out the meaning of my name?”

2. How can God have a mother?
Recently, I saw a book titled “The Scandal of the Incarnation: Irenaeus Against the Heretics.” How is the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ a scandal? What is scandalous about God taking our human flesh? It is the fact that God who created us could condescend so low as to become one of us, and not just that, it means that God also condescended so low as to make one of us His mother. This is why the incarnation is a scandal; it is unbelievable yet true.

To celebrate Christmas is to agree that God was born a man, but then, to agree that God was born a man is also to agree that God elevated a woman to become His mother at the incarnation. While it is easy for us to believe and accept the mystery of God taking human flesh, it is not so easy for us to believe and accept the mystery of Mary taking the exalted title of ‘Mother of God.’

For many Christians today, the very sentence: “Mary is the mother of God” is profane; it is an insult, and it is like reducing God – humanising God. Saying that Mary is the mother of God is, for them, giving too much praise and honour to Mary, making her look like some idol dragging prominence with God. However, the simple truth is that today, we only celebrate the deeper meaning of what we already celebrated on Christmas day.

I have a question for anyone who defines Mary as an envelope God only used: “Can you say the woman who bore you was just an envelope?” In other words, did she cease to be your mother after giving birth to you? Even after a million years from now, will she ever stop being your mother? We can’t take away the glory God bestowed upon this woman, yet she remains a creature of God.

Despite being His Mother, Mary is not greater than God. She does not control or command God as our human mothers can do, but as she said in the magnificent: “From now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me. (Luke 1:48-49)

3. Why did God choose to have a Mother?
In today’s second reading, St. Paul tells us: “At the fullness of time, God sent his Son, born of a woman born under the law, to redeem those under the law so that we might become sons of God.” (Gal. 4:4). Our adoption as sons and daughters of God rests on the fact that God was born of a woman.

God could have decided to come in another way, but because He wanted us to have a physical flesh-and-blood connection with Him, He took flesh in the womb of a woman. This is to say that God became a son of man so that man can truly become the son of God. God chose to have a mother to show us how close He is to us. God wants us to have that feeling of warmth in His presence to see ourselves not just as slaves but as His children.

St. Paul says: “You are not slaves anymore but heirs of God.” There is a whole world of difference between a slave and an heir. The slave wants to be free from the Master, but the child knows that all that the Master has belongs to him. Some Christians today relate to God as slaves; they want to be free from God – once they get answers to their prayers, they behave as if there is no God. Love God even if you don’t get what you ask for; after all, everything that belongs to God is yours. Love God even if you are blessed. Let your light shine.

4. The humility and Silence of Joseph and Mary.
In today’s Gospel passage, Luke describes how the shepherds visited Mary and Joseph moments after Jesus was born. The shepherds told them what the Angels said, confirming Joseph's dreams and Angel Gabriel's apparition to Mary. I tried to put myself in the shoes of Mary and Joseph at this point and wonder how they could contain their excitement and wonder. They knew that they were now carrying God in their arms yet did not go about announcing themselves to the world. Mary and Joseph were not loud, and this is something we must learn.

Luke (having interviewed Mary before writing his Gospel) tells us that Mary “treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” Our world is gradually losing a sense of silence. We make a lot of mistakes today because we hardly reflect. We surround ourselves with a lot of noise all day in the name of entertainment, and we never give ourselves a quiet space to meditate on what God is doing for us. St. James would say: “You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak.” (James 1:19)

If God has blessed you, learn to be quiet. Learn from Mary to treasure things in your heart. Yes, you have to thank God, but there is no need to make everyone else around you feel a little. Blessings come with responsibilities. It is one thing to carry God as a child, but another thing to be able to raise that child, not to become wayward, and another thing to protect that child.

5. Happy New Year to You
Congratulations, you are one of those who made it into 2024. To God be the glory. I pray that this new year, you shall rise to your true position as a Son in God’s house and eat no longer remnants but real food from the golden plate of God’s word, the Bible. You shall bless the people you will meet throughout this year. I pray that you will be light amid the darkness of sin and evil in our world.

In our first reading today, Moses prayed for the people: “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord, let his face shine upon you, and be gracious! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” As Moses prayed for peace, the world is praying for peace today. Indeed, on the first day of January, we also celebrate World Day of Peace. May this New Year bring you abundant peace of mind and happiness. Amen.

Finally, join our psalmist today to pray: “O God, be gracious and bless us.” It is good to receive powerful prophetic utterances on this first day of the New Year, but today should not be your last day stepping into the church. Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread – not our yearly bread. That is to say, Jesus wants us to pray every day. Continue to pray, don’t stop.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may this New Year be my best. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Mary, Mother of God – Solemnity. Bible Study: Numbers 6:22-27, Ps. 67:2-3,5,6,8, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:16-21).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

How To Turn Your Family Into A Holy Family

Sunday, 31 December 2023. Read Genesis 15:1-6,21:1-3, Ps. 128:1-5, Colossians 3:12-21, Luke 2:22-40

“And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; God’s favour was upon him.” (Luke 2:40)

The Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family every Sunday after Christmas. Indeed, our celebration of Christ’s birthday will not be complete if we fail to recognise that Christ was born into a human family. Just as God designed man and woman to live together as a family from the beginning, God went the extra mile to ensure that Joseph was married to Mary so that the child Jesus would have a family.

Take away the family, and the human species would gradually go extinct. How? The family is to the human race what the womb is to a human being. The book of Proverbs 22:6 says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” What becomes of a child who is not adequately trained or grew up in a dysfunctional family? As the saying goes: “Charity begins at home.”

Truth be told. There are no perfect families. There are only human families, and humans have flaws, weaknesses and limitations. St. Paul would say: “The good I want to do, I don’t do it, but I end up doing the evil I don’t want.” You may not be happy about your family, but do not assume your family is the worst. It is with this understanding that our readings today offer us useful tips on how to improve the situation of our families.

1. Prayer is the Key
Our first reading is a conversation between God and Abram wherein we hear Abram asking God for the gift of a child. Abram had, over the years, developed a solid friendship with God to the extent that he, being a man, could speak to God freely. The prayer of Abram teaches us that prayer is always a conversation with God – a dialogue, not a monologue.

As we talk to God, let us try to listen to Him by reading the Bible daily. Another important lesson we learned from Abram’s prayer was his firm faith. We read: “And he believed the Lord, and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.” Having prayed for your family, what are your expectations?

In today’s Second reading, we heard St. Paul admonishing us on the need for family prayers: “Teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16). When last did you gather as a family to pray, sing psalms, hymns and other spiritual songs? When did you last call your family to admonish them on the Word of God? A family that prays together stays together.

Apart from praying together, you must always bring your family to Church. In today’s Gospel passage, Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus to the temple and did what the custom required for Him. Of course, they both knew this child was not ordinary, yet they followed the law. Bring your children to the Church and make sure they pray, bring them to attend catechism classes, bring them to partake of the pious societies in the church, let them join the choir, the lay readers, the churchwardens, the mass servers, etc. When you get back home, ask them what they learned in Church.

2. Children are Gifts from God, Not Merely Products of Biology
One mistake we often make as parents is treating our children as our property. Once again, the story of Abram in today’s first reading emphasises this point. We read: “The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised.” Let us learn to respect our children.

It is better to make your children love you rather than fear you. When they love you, they would divulge their deepest secrets to you and seek your advice, but when they only fear you, they would keep things away from you and seek advice from their peers instead. In today’s second reading, St. Paul says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children lest they become discouraged.”

For whatever reason, you may love one child more than another but never show it. Know that all children are equally gifts from God. Avoid making the mistake of Jacob, whose love for Joseph made his brothers hatch a plan to sell him off. Love all your children equally.

3. Live by Example: Fear God; Put on Righteousness.
Our responsorial Psalm today sings: “Blessed are all who fear the Lord and walk in his ways… your wife like a fruitful vine, your children like shoots of olive around your table.” There is always a connection between your spirituality and what happens in your household. Good things will come to your family if you are God-fearing and walk in the light.

St. Paul outlines particular virtues we need to have to make our families holy. These include compassion, kindness, humility and patience, forbearance and forgiveness, peacefulness and gratitude. Take, for instance, compassion, the ability to help one who is suffering or passing through some difficulty. When one is in trouble, the first question is: “Doesn’t he (or she) have a family?”

Can you imagine a family without kindness? Or a family where there is no forgiveness? Some brothers and sisters do not see eye to eye today because they refuse to forgive each other. When you refuse to forgive your family member, you create room for the devil to steal, kill and destroy your family. There is no family where they do not hurt or offend each other, but what sustains a holy family is their ability to forbear and overlook these offences constantly. Mary and Joseph felt bad when Jesus stayed behind in the temple, but they forgave Him instantly for causing them such inconvenience and took him home.

4. Make Your Marriage Work
Good marriages always produce excellent families. When there is something wrong with the union, it always has a ripple effect on the family, and when there is a breakdown of marital love and unity, it often brings about a broken family. St. Paul speaks to wives and husbands: “Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” St. Paul is not asking wives to become slaves to their husbands; instead, he emphasises that there cannot be two captains on a ship.

St. Paul continues: “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.” To love a person is to respect that person and be willing to die for her just as Jesus Christ died for us. St. Paul says, “Do not be harsh with them”, which is another way of saying: “Learn how to control your temper.”

Know when to smile and diffuse an argument before it blows out of proportion. Learn to be emotionally intelligent; train yourself to always act with reason rather than emotions; never raise your hands or voice on your spouse. They may not be perfect, but rather than trying to change them, you can love them until their best comes out.

Conclusion: A Holy Family Requires Work and Sacrifice.
Growing up, we read many story books that ended with the phrase, “And they lived happily ever after.” Most of us often assume that after the wedding ceremony, everything suddenly falls into place by itself. This is not true. If your family is to be holy, prepare to do the hard work; be prayerful, fear God, live a virtuous life, be faithful to your marital vows, and love your spouse. Remember, no one can give what they do not have.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, renew my family in your grace and power. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (The Holy Family. Bible Study: Genesis 15:1-6,21:1-3, Ps. 128:1-5, Colossians 3:12-21, Luke 2:22-40).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The World is Passing Away

Saturday, 30 December 2023. Read 1 John 2:12-17, Ps. 96:7-10, Luke 2:36-40

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)

Our first reading today comes from the hand of St. John, who was nicknamed “the one who Jesus loved.” John describes the futility of loving the world by summing everything the world offers in three boxes: a. The Lust of the Flesh. b. The Lust of the Eyes, and c. The Pride of Life.

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

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

As much as these things deliver great happiness, they remain fleeting. We always need more. Our hearts are always restless because only God can bring us true satisfaction. It is pure wisdom to constantly remind yourself that you came to this world empty and will return empty; you are just a sojourner on earth.

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

With Simeon, Anna knew that this child brought in by Mary and Joseph was no ordinary child. She thanked God and spoke of him to all seeking Jerusalem's redemption. Her prophecy became a reality.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may my love for you overcome my love for this world. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (6th day within the octave of Christmas. Bible Study: 1 John 2:12-17, Ps. 96:7-10, Luke 2:36-40).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Hatred is Blindness

Friday, 29 December 2023. Read 1 John 2:3-11, Ps. 96:1-3,5-6, Luke 2:22-35

“Whoever says, ‘I am in the light,’ while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness.” (1 John 2:9)

Hatred is often considered a natural response to people who offend us, harm us or act as obstacles to our well-being or progress. Hatred begins with anger, which then festers into a feeling of pain. When anger is not addressed, it evokes bitterness and hatred. As natural as hatred may seem, St. John teaches us today that hatred is blindness.

To hate a person is to write off the person. It is closing your eyes from all the good the person was in the past or could be in the future. No matter how bad we are or the number of bad things we do, God never hates us. Like the prodigal Father, God waits for our return and repentance.

St. John says: “He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness still. ... He who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” Just as one cannot walk far in the night when it is dark, we cannot go far in life with hatred in our hearts.

Hatred (often expressed by unforgiveness) betrays our Christian faith: “By this, we may be sure that we are in him: he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” How did Jesus walk? He forgave his killers. How are we to know we are in Christ Jesus? By forgiving our enemies.

Given the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, Mary and Joseph knew that Jesus was a special child. However, they still chose to obey the law. They did not see themselves as greater than the law. When it was time for their purification, they presented Jesus in the temple and brought the basic items required. This speaks volumes of their humility and wisdom.

As much as Mary and Joseph tried to behave like every other parent, the baby Jesus was like a light too bright to be hidden, especially by those who were already close to God. When Simeon saw the child, he knew he had seen the Messiah. He held the child in his hands and began to prophesy. Mary treasured everything in her heart.

When you are close to God, He will reveal many things. You will learn what your physical sight (or natural knowledge) cannot fathom. However, to get such a level of divine revelation, keep your heart free from hatred. Remember the saying of Jesus: “Blessed are the pure in heart; they shall see God.”

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, open my heart to love my neighbour as myself. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (5th day within the octave of Christmas. Bible Study: 1 John 2:3-11, Ps. 96:1-3,5-6, Luke 2:22-35)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Baby Jesus and the Holy Innocents

Thursday, 28 December 2023. Read 1 John 1:5-2:2, Ps. 124:2-5,7-8, Matthew 2:13-18

“Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled because they are no more.’” (Matthew 2:17-18)

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

Herod instructed the wise men to find out about the child and return the news to him so that he could go and do the child's homage. This was a trick. He wanted, by all means, to eliminate the child. As God would have it, Herod realized that his trick failed when, after two whole years, the wise men never returned.

In a rage, Herod commanded the killing of all the male children two years old and younger. Herod did this as an act of war to protect his kingship. Herod did not know that Jesus was not an earthly king interested in worldly power.

We behave like Herod when we don’t let others shine. Whenever we hold on to power, even to the detriment of others, we act like Herod. We may condemn Herod’s action, but when we examine our conscience, we realize we have done worse than Herod in the past. How often have I felt so threatened by the success of others to the extent of doing all in my power to pull them down, get them out of the way, or even eliminate them?

No wonder our first reading today says: “If we claim we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, but if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins.” Repent. Let others shine. What belongs to you can never pass you by. Pulling others down, defaming people’s character, or blackmailing just to look good will not get you far. Ultimately, no matter how hard you try, you can never stop anyone from achieving their God-given potential, just as Herod could not stop Jesus.

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

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

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free me from the spirit of Herod. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (The Holy Innocents, Martyrs – Feast. Bible Study: 1 John 1:5-2:2, Ps. 124:2-5,7-8, Matthew 2:13-18)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

St. John the Beloved

Wednesday, 27 December 2023. Read 1 John 1:1-4, Ps. 97:1-2,5-6,11-12, John 20:2-8

“So, she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’” (John 20:2)

Today, we are celebrating St. John the Apostle. John was the closest Apostle to Jesus. The life of St. John the Apostle speaks a compelling truth: Jesus Christ took our human flesh; He grew up like us, had close friends, and human feelings.

Was it necessary for Jesus to have had a best friend? Being completely human, Jesus needed to streamline his circle of friends to twelve apostles and within that circle, there were three special ones; among these three, John was nicknamed “The beloved.” While Jesus taught us to love our neighbours as ourselves, he did not say it was a sin to have very close friends. No one is an island; we cannot do without close friends.

Today’s celebration calls us to reflect deeply on those we take as friends. One way to know who your friends are is to examine those with whom you freely share your secrets. At the Last Supper, John was reclining close to Jesus, and Peter asked John to find out who would betray him. Peter knew Jesus would not hide this information from John. Peter was right. Jesus confided in John. The person who betrayed him is the one he gave the bread dipped in wine. (John 13:23-26).

While other apostles fled during the Passion of Jesus, John was there with Mary at the foot of the cross. John’s presence shows that he was a true friend of Jesus. He was there when Jesus was “nothing” – he was there when Jesus was stripped, disfigured and hanged on the cross. Only when the chips are down do you get to know your friends. No wonder it was to John that Jesus handed his mother.

Based on how close Jesus was to John, some of Jesus’ disciples assumed that John would live forever. In John 21:21-23, we read: “When Peter saw him (John), he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said, ‘If it is my will that he remains until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!’ The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, ‘If it is my will that he remains until I come, what is that to you?’”

When John wrote his letter (read in today’s first reading), John proved that Jesus was not a figment of imagination. He said: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands…” John could preach about Jesus because He knew Jesus. Do you know Jesus? Could this be why you find it difficult to tell people about Jesus? Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

As part of our Christmas celebrations, the story of John the Beloved draws us to open our hearts to love Jesus as a friend and brother. It is not enough that we eat rice and chicken to celebrate Jesus’s birth; we must have personal relationships with Jesus. You, too, can become Jesus’ best friend today.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, make me open my heart to you just like John did. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint John, Apostle, Evangelist – Feast. Bible Study: 1 John 1:1-4, Ps. 97:1-2,5-6,11-12, John 20:2-8)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

What St. Stephen teaches us About Christmas

Read Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59, Ps. 31:3-4,6,8,16-17, Matthew 10:17-22

“But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (Acts 7:55-56)

Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and all will hate you for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:21-22) Why are we celebrating the feast of St. Stephen, the Martyr, just one day after Christmas?

Today’s morning prayer answers: “Grant Lord, we pray that we may imitate what we worship, and so learn to love even our enemies, for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of a man who knew how to pray for his persecutors.” That is to say, today, we are celebrating the heavenly birthday of St. Stephen even while celebrating Jesus’ earthly birthday.

What was Stephen’s offence? A false accusation by persons who tried but could not defeat him in some theological arguments. Stephen’s death was fuelled by envy and jealousy, inspired by lies against him and orchestrated by ignorance from a mob who could not stand it when Stephen revealed his vision of heaven with Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

St. Stephen is special because his heart was not filled with bitterness even while he was being stoned. Stephen prayed for his persecutors just like Jesus said: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).

Our celebration of St. Stephen today reminds us that Christmas is not all about eating and drinking. It is a celebration of the SACRIFICIAL LOVE of God for us. If God so loved us, we must love one another. If God so loved us even when we were His enemies, we must love our enemies and pray for them.

In our Gospel passage today, Jesus says: “Beware of men…” Jesus is not saying we should avoid all human company. Rather, He wants us to be wise in our dealings with others. Remember that those who orchestrated Stephen’s death were his friends – fellow Jews who studied the scriptures with him. Indeed, we can never be too careful. We must be prayerful. Only God knows the minds of our friends.

Jesus warns of wars and persecution in the last days but concludes hopeful: “He who endures to the end will be saved.” There would be tough times. However, like Stephen, be bold enough to stand your ground. Do not water down the truth in the name of being politically correct or diplomatic.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant me the courage of Saint Stephen. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Stephen was the first martyr. Feast. Bible Study: Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59, Ps. 31:3-4,6,8,16-17, Matthew 10:17-22)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Jesus Christ: God’s Word to Humanity

Christmas Day, 25 December 2023. Read Isaiah 52:7-10, Ps. 98:1-6, Hebrews 1:1-6, John 1:1-18

“Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 52:9)

Finally, here comes the day we have all been waiting for, the one day that always stands out from all other days in the year: the birthday of Jesus Christ. The book of Hebrews today tells us that in many and various ways, God spoke to our Fathers through the prophets, but in these last days, God has spoken to us by a Son. In other words, by giving us His Son, Jesus Christ, God has spoken to Humanity in a rather concrete and definitive manner.

As John explains in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus Christ is that Word of God that was with God in the beginning “and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3) and this Word, Jesus Christ eventually “became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth…” (John 1:14).

If God spoke by giving us Jesus Christ, the question is: What is the message? What is God trying to tell us by incarnating Himself in our human flesh?

1. God is saying: “I Love You.”
In Jesus, we can hear God saying to mankind: “I care deeply about you, and I am ready to do anything for your sake.” St. John puts it beautifully when he wrote: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17).

Christmas is such a wonderful love story. God’s way of vocalising “I Love You” was by giving us the greatest gift ever: the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. It doesn’t end there; God gave us Jesus Christ to die for us. Could there be any better way of saying: “I Love You”?

2. God is saying: “I Am Real.”
In Jesus, God has shown his face to mankind. With the birth of Jesus, we can put a face to God. We know that God is not just a figment of imagination but a father whom we can touch. When Philip asked to see the Father, Jesus said: “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Do you not believe I am in the Father, and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.” (John 14:9-10)

In today’s Gospel passage, St. John says: “No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.” (John 1:18). At Christmas, God speaks to us saying: “I am not far away, I am here, I am real and I rule over the world.” This is exactly what the prophet Isaiah conveys in today’s first reading: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’” (Isaiah 52:7).

3. God says, “I am Gentle, Humble, and Accessible.”
By choosing to come as a baby (not a warrior with an army), by choosing to be born to poor people under poor circumstances (not in a palace of gold), and by making Himself so vulnerable (such that Joseph had to flee at night with the baby Jesus for safety from Herod), I think God was concretely saying to mankind: “Love me, don’t be so frightened about me, I am close to you.”

Jesus drives home the point better when He says: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest… learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29).

At Christmas, God tells us, “Come to me as you would come to a baby; I will not hurt you.” Perhaps you cannot remember the last time you prayed. Start today. Start to talk to God again. Don’t be scared. Carry this child in your arms and talk to Him.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may your coming as man change my life completely. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

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

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

O Holy Night

Christmas Vigil, 24 December 2023. Read Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96:1-13, Titus 2:11-14 and Luke 2:1-14

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)

Dear friends in Christ, we gather this great night to keep vigil like the shepherds who watched over their flock by night. Night is symbolic of darkness (absence of light). This darkness can also imply the absence of joy, love or peace. When sin reigns in our lives, we are in darkness.

The people to whom Isaiah prophesied in our first reading were a people in darkness. Isaiah prophesied that Christ, the world's light, would dwell in their midst and wipe out the darkness. The Angels announced this to the shepherds who kept watch at night: “For to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.”

Ironically, as this great news was being announced, Mary and Joseph were in a different kind of darkness - an obscure manger amid animals. No inn was available, and no one was kind enough to pity a pregnant woman and open their doors. Nevertheless, what God has said must come to pass. The absence of a dignified hospital could not stop the light of God from coming into the world.

We live in a country that is experiencing various forms of darkness. Apart from the absence of electricity (that we are used to), there is also the darkness of poor leadership, hunger, and immorality. Across the country, people are groaning. There is no money, and there is no cash. This darkness is making many lose hope. Our prayer tonight is that just as God sent light to the world by the birth of His Son, He will send light again to Nigeria. Do not let your faith die.

When Jesus was born, it did not make the news. People went about their regular activities. God had to send the angels to announce the birth of Christ to shepherds watching over their flocks. Why shepherds? Why not the rulers and influential persons in towns? Announcing the good news to shepherds is symbolic. God Himself is our Shepherd, who has come to lead us by the hand.

Children of God, let us listen carefully to the message of St Paul in today’s second reading: “Live sober, upright and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, Jesus Christ, who gave his life to redeem us from all iniquity and make for himself a people who are zealous for good deeds.” _As we pray for God’s Divine light, let us know that God will not bring us out of the darkness of sin without our cooperation._ Repent from sin. Let your light shine.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, we are in darkness, come and save us. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Christmas Mass at Midnight. Bible Study: Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96:1-13, Titus 2:11-14 and Luke 2:1-14)

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

God Always Favours the Humble

Sunday, 24 December 2023. Read 2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-12,14,16, Ps. 89:2-5,27,29, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38

“He will be great and called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom, there will be no end.” (Luke 1:32-33)

Right from the time of King David, God already had the coming of Jesus Christ in mind. When we consider the promise made to David (that his throne shall be established forever), we cannot but agree that this promise was only fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The question is: “What made David pleasing to God?” The answer is our first lesson for today: Humility.

1. God Favours the Humble.
Despite being king of Israel, David never forgot his roots, how he used to be an ordinary shepherd boy before God elevated him. David never saw himself as some self-made man. In today’s first reading, David felt so embarrassed that the Ark of God was dwelling in a tent. “How can I live in a house of affluence while the Ark of God, who made me what I am, is just there in a tent?”

Like David, Mary never saw herself as some First Lady. Instead, she could say to the Angel: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord”, meaning: “I am nothing before God; let God use me as He pleases.” While David opted to build a house for God, Mary agreed to become a living tabernacle for God. Humility is not necessarily thinking less of ourselves but giving God His due.

Let us pause for a moment to examine our hearts: “Am I giving God His due? Do I have a place in my house dedicated to God for prayers? Do I show respect to God in the way and manner I treat items used for worship? Am I concerned if the Church where I worship God is in bad shape? What efforts am I making to honour God like David?”

2. It Takes Humility to Obey God.
David was the commander-in-chief of Israel. Everyone obeyed him, yet when Nathan told him what God had said regarding building the temple, David did not argue or insist on his decision. Let us examine our hearts. If, for instance, you have made up your mind to do something and the priest of God tells you not to proceed with this decision, would you accept it as the voice of God?

St. James teaches us: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6). St. Peter adds: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you.” (1 Peter 5:6). Humble people do not assume they know better than God. They do not try to pick and choose God’s commandments; they obey God because they consider God as greater than themselves. It takes humility to treat your body as God’s temple. Let us pray for a deeper sense of humility in our lives.

3. Building for God is a Privilege.
Another lesson for today is that we should always consider ourselves lucky when we can contribute to the growth and development of the house of God. David had everything they needed to build the Temple, but God considered him unworthy. It is not about your money but whether God allows you to be part of His house.

Indeed, no one can boast before God. The prophet Isaiah reminds us: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house which you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? The Lord says all these things my hand has made, and so all are mine. But this is the man to whom I will look, he that is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.’” (Isaiah 66:1-2).

Although God did not permit David to build the Temple, God blessed David for his good intentions alone. For having it in mind to build a House for God, God showered blessings on Him: “I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. … When your days are fulfilled, and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.” (2 Samuel 7:8-12).

Do you have the means of building for God? If yes, then do it gladly. Do not be like those who want to be praised (or awarded titles) before they give. However, even if you don’t have money to contribute to the building of God’s house, ensure you have good intentions. If God blessed David to the point of incarnating in the line of David (thereby making David’s kingship an everlasting one), how much more will God bless those who go beyond their good intentions and build for Him?

4. With God, Nothing is Impossible.
To assure Mary that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel announced that Elizabeth (a “barren woman”) was now in her sixth month with a child. The Angel said: “For with God, nothing will be impossible.” This is another great lesson we learned today – to trust less in our abilities and strengths while we place all our trust in God. According to St. Paul in today’s second reading, God is the only one who can strengthen us; He is the only wise God.

Dear friends, we must pause today and reflect deeply on the Christmas Story. It is a story of how God did a series of impossible things – how Elizabeth conceived in her old age, how Mary became pregnant without knowing a man, and how God took our human flesh and remained God.

Regardless of your situation, know that God can still turn things around for your good. If God can make a virgin conceive, then it is not too late for Him to intervene in your problem. Zechariah concluded in his mind that he and Elizabeth were too old to have a child, but God shocked him. You are worried because you think you have reached the end of the road. God will shock you. Be humble enough to accept that you don’t know everything. God is a specialist in doing things the human mind labels impossible.

Conclusion: Christmas is a story of Humility
In the words of St. Paul: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, 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.” (Philippians 2:5-8).

If God could be this humble by taking on our human nature, we who are called to be perfect like God must also learn to drop our pride and enter into the world of those less privileged than ourselves.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may my celebration of your birth increase my humility. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (4th Sunday of Advent. Bible Study: 2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-12,14,16, Ps. 89:2-5,27,29, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Silence Refines Our Hearts

Saturday, 23 December 2023. Read Malachi 3:1-4,23-24, Ps. 25:4-5,8-9,10,14, Luke 1:57-66

“He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God.” (Luke 1:63-64)

In today’s first reading, the prophet Malachi writes: “Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me… he is like a refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord.” As much as Christmas is a season of merriment, it is also a moment for refining our hearts.

Zechariah is an example of one whose heart was refined in the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. As a result of his doubt, God took away his power of speech, forcing him to observe a period of silence. Zachariah’s nine-month silence gave him time for reflection (the refinery of the heart).

When his power of speech returned, Zachariah sang praises to God. Instead of complaining, he sang a song of thanksgiving. Zechariah learnt to be grateful. He also had his faith in God reawakened during that period of silence. Like crude oil in the refinery, Zechariah came out as different.

Silence is powerful. We can use silence to refine, that is, to cleanse our hearts of various impurities. How? Silence helps us to listen more. Very often, solutions to our problems stare at us in the face, but we are too noisy and so distracted with our thoughts that we do not listen or ponder what God is saying to us through others.

Let us learn to be silent, even if it is just for a few minutes every day. And as we celebrate Christmas, it would help to play Zechariah by taking time for quiet reflection.

The birth of John the Baptist was a turning moment for the entire community. All those who attended the naming ceremony wondered: “What would this child turn out to be?” They must have gone home trying to answer this question.

There was something different about this child. Each of us has a unique destiny. You were born for a purpose; living has no meaning until you discover your purpose. You were not born simply to pass the time and then die. You were born for a purpose. The good news is that learning to stay silent will make your purpose clearer.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, cleanse my heart and make me new. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (23 December. Bible Study: Malachi 3:1-4,23-24, Ps. 25:4-5,8-9,10,14, Luke 1:57-66)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Remember God after the Storm

Friday, 22 December 2023. Read 1 Samuel 1:24-28, 1 Sam. 2:1,4-8, Luke 1:46-56

“For this child, I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore, I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:27-28)

Life is full of ups and downs. However, sometimes we encounter very painful experiences. For instance, Hannah endured constant humiliation and insult from her rival, Peninah, due to her childlessness. Elkanah did his best to prove his love for Hannah by giving her double portions at the yearly sacrifice, but Peninnah was jealous of Hannah.

The tongue is one of the smallest body organs but is dangerous if improperly handled. Sometimes, insults hurt more than physical injuries. Amid this storm, Hannah cried out her heart to God in prayer. She did not just pray; she made a vow to God that if she was blessed with a child, she would offer him as a Nazirite to the service of God.

Eli thought Hannah was drunk when he saw Hannah’s red eyes. Hannah explained her pain, and she believed Eli’s word when he assured her of God’s blessing the following year. When God heard Hannah’s prayer, she did not forget her vow. Our first reading today tells us how Hannah returned to the temple with her son, Samuel, to fulfil her vow. Hannah’s thanksgiving was the fulfilment of her vow.

Our responsorial psalm today, like Mary’s song of thanksgiving in today’s Gospel passage, contains Hannah’s prayer of thanks to God for answering her prayer. In it, Hannah acknowledged that God favours the humble and brings down the proud: “Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. (1 Samuel 2:5).

Dear friends, let us examine our hearts. Are there promises you made to God when things were rough for you, yet long after God heard your prayer, you refused to fulfil your part? Do you even remember God when things are going well for you? Are you currently going through a storm? Don’t worry; storms do not last forever. Keep telling yourself, “This too shall pass.” Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may my soul continue to sing your praises. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (22 December. Bible Study: 1 Samuel 1:24-28, 1 Samuel 2:1,4-8, Luke 1:46-56).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Powerful Lessons From Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth

Thursday, 21 December 2023. Read Song of Songs 2:8-14, Ps. 33:2-3,11-12,20-21, Luke 1:39-45

“And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leapt in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:41-43)

Our first reading today is from the Song of Songs. It is a passage that talks about the beloved leaping upon the mountains like a gazelle, the beloved whose voice is sweet and appreciated.

When we juxtapose this reading with our Gospel passage, we see Mary (the gazelle) going with haste to the hill country (leaping upon the mountains) to the house of Zechariah. We also see how the voice of Mary’s greeting made the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leap for joy, as the lover leaps for joy at the beloved's voice.

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

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

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

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

How did Elizabeth manage to know and say these things? The answer lies in Luke 1:41, “Elizabeth was filled with the holy spirit.” When we have the Holy Spirit in us, our utterances no longer come from our heads but from God. Elizabeth was not a priest nor was she a scholar, but by the Holy Spirit, she became a Dogmatic Theologian; she defined the doctrine of Mary as the Mother of God, and she began active devotion to Mary. This is why we must constantly pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may the Holy Spirit overshadow me now and always. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (21 December, Bible Study: Song of Songs 2:8-14, Ps. 33:2-3,11-12,20-21, Luke 1:39-45).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Two Names; One Person

Wednesday, 20 December 2023. Read Isaiah 7:10-14, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 1:26-38

“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

In our first reading today, we are reminded of how Isaiah delivered a great sign to King Ahaz, who was frightened upon hearing of impending disaster. Ahaz and all the kingdom's people needed to hear the name ‘Emmanuel’ and reassure themselves of God’s presence with them. They needed to know that their safety and protection do not lie in the weapons of war but in God’s presence with them.

Our Gospel passage directly fulfils God's sign to King Ahaz. God sent the Angel Gabriel to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, and the virgin’s name was Mary. Mary is that virgin that Isaiah spoke about, and she will be the one to conceive and give birth to this child named Emmanuel.

However, instead of saying his name shall be Emmanuel according to Isaiah’s prophecy, the Angel Gabriel said to Mary: “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” In other words, Christ had two names: ‘Emmanuel’ and ‘Jesus.’ Isaiah revealed his first name, which defines who He is: God with us. Angel Gabriel revealed his second name, which defines His role: Saviour of mankind.

Like Jesus Christ, we all have two names: one which appears on our certificates and one which defines who we are. Although the names we bear may vary, the kind of life we live must reflect our real identity – Christlike, children of God. People should not only call us Christians; they must also see Christ in us.

How can I live like Christ when it is so hard to resist the temptation to sin? Even Mary wondered: “‘How can this be since I am a virgin?” And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.” (Luke 1:34-35)

Just as the Holy Spirit produced a child in Mary’s womb, He can change your story. The Holy Spirit can make you overcome sin and incarnate Christ. Call on Him today. If He made Elizabeth conceive in old age, it is not too late for Him now. The Holy Spirit can still transform you no matter how deeply you sinned.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, work in me as you worked in Mary that I may live out my Christian identity to the fullest. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (20 December. Bible Study: Isaiah 7:10-14, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 1:26-38).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

With God, Nothing is Impossible

Tuesday, 19 December 2023. Read Judges 13:2-7,24-25, Ps. 71:3-6,16-17, Luke 1:5-25

“And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, although you are barren, having borne no children, you shall conceive and bear a son. Now be careful not to drink wine or strong drink or to eat anything unclean, for you shall conceive and bear a son.” (Judges 13:3-5)

Who can predict the mind of God? Nobody. Who knows what will happen tomorrow? Nobody. In our pursuit of scientific knowledge, we have discovered many laws, for instance, the law of gravity, the law of motion, etc. We see these laws daily, but what science cannot tell us is who put these laws in place. I bring you Good News today. He who created those laws can change them on your behalf.

This is what we find playing out in both of our readings today. God blessed women regarded as barren with children. And that was not all; the children they bore were extraordinary. As St. Paul makes clear to us: “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God.” (1st Corinthians 1:27-29).

To shame Goliath, God chose David. To shame those mocking Hannah and Elizabeth, God gave them children. Avoid laughing at others. Avoid labelling people with their condition. Do not write off anybody as good for nothing; you are not God.

Christmas reminds us that with God, all things are possible. Our celebration goes beyond merriment; it allows us to reflect on how God shows up when all hope is lost. As one author said, “God writes straight on jagged lines.” The fact that you are presently experiencing barrenness in one way or another does not mean that is the end of your story. God works in mysterious ways.

Zechariah prayed for many years for a child and did not get an answer. When the answer came, Zachariah eventually forgot what he had been praying for. He felt that God had decided not to grant him a child anymore. His doubt was obvious to the Angel. What is that which I have been praying for? Have I reached a point of doubt?

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, strengthen my faith when times are hard. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (19 December. Bible Study: Judges 13:2-7,24-25, Ps. 71:3-6,16-17, Luke 1:5-25).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Heroic Role of Joseph’s Faith

Monday, 18 December 2023. Read Jeremiah 23:5-8, Ps. 72:1-2,12-13,18-19, Matthew 1:18-24

“When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph before they came together, she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18-20).

Like the Joseph of the Old Testament, this Joseph was also a great dreamer. Just as Joseph welcomed his family to Egypt to save them from the famine, Joseph would have to flee at night with Mary and the baby Jesus to Egypt to save him from the mass slaughter of Herod the Great. Again, as Joseph was industrious and chaste in the house of Potiphar, so was this Joseph industrious (being a carpenter) and chaste.

Even though Joseph had already decided what to do concerning Mary, he found the faith to obey the voice of the Angel, taking it as a message from God. God was making a very huge demand on him. Note that he wasn’t just going to be the guardian of Mary; by this marriage, he was accepting a life of celibacy despite having to live with her.

Joseph deserves a lot of heroic commendation for his Faith. By obeying the Angel, Joseph showed that he believed in the possibility of God taking flesh in the womb of a person. Joseph believed strongly that with God, all things are possible.

The role of Joseph in the life of Jesus proves that every child needs a father who is there to provide, protect and train. Today is another day to say a big thank you to our Fathers: the men who were there for us from the cradle, the men who bore the harsh heat of the sun and worked all day just to put food on our tables, the men who were our first teachers in the faith, the men who disciplined us when we went astray. Fathers are not necessarily biological. Are you a Father? What kind of Father are you?

Let us pray: Almighty, bless our Fathers, biological fathers, foster fathers and even our Reverend fathers. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (18 December. Bible Study: Jeremiah 23:5-8, Ps. 72:1-2,12-13,18-19, Matthew 1:18-24).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Be Happy. Have Faith. Give Thanks Always.

Sunday, 17 December 2023. Read Isaiah 61:1-2,10-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8,19-28

“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

On this third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete (i.e. Rejoice) Sunday, we shall reflect particularly on St. Paul’s words in our Second Reading today. No doubt, this third Sunday of Advent is called “Rejoice Sunday” because of St. Paul’s words in this passage of Scripture. Even though we do not sing the “Gloria” as the other Sundays of Advent, there is something different about this Sunday; the colour of the vestment recommended is not purple but rose.

Today, the Church tells us, “Be Happy and Rejoice.” As always, specific questions come to our minds when we hear the phrase: “Be Happy!” What does it even mean? Is it possible to be happy all the time? What is the magic formula to finding lasting happiness, irrespective of all that may happen today? We shall now consider how our readings at today’s mass respond to these questions.

1. Happiness is a Command
A careful reading of our second reading today would show that St. Paul does not simply wish we would find happiness. Instead, he urges us to rejoice not just once in a while but always. St. Paul is technically saying: “make yourself happy all the time.” As such, even if we face death because of our faith in God, we should still find a way to rejoice. Even if things do not go as we planned or desire, St. Paul says: “Rejoice Always.” Now, someone would ask me: “How?” This is it: happiness is not something that happens to us. It is something we choose to become.

God already created us happy. A child’s smile for no reason proves that humans are naturally glad creatures. If, at any point, you feel unhappy, it is because you have chosen to be sad. Unhappiness is never a result of our circumstances; instead, it is our reaction to them. Our Responsorial Psalm today is Mary’s reaction to knowing that God had chosen her to be His mother. She had a choice to be sad or worried about the responsibilities ahead, but she chose to sing: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God….”

In today’s first reading, we hear Isaiah speaking prophetically the very words that the life of Jesus would accomplish. Even though this prophecy had not yet been fulfilled, Isaiah found the courage to say: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God.” Dear friends, happiness is not a matter of chance; we deliberately decide it. Happy people are not necessarily those who have the best things in life but those who choose to rejoice in whatever they have.

2. Pray Constantly; Surrender Everything to God
Another secret of happiness is found in the very following phrase of St. Paul’s instruction: “Pray constantly.” Research has proven that those who pray more tend to live healthier lives and have fewer chances of suffering from high blood pressure and stress. Prayer is life; the less we pray, the less alive we become. Jesus Christ always prayed to teach us that our best life on earth can only be lived by constant recourse to prayer.

If you desire to be happy, then learn to spend more time in prayer and don’t pray like someone who has no faith – Jesus told us not to heap up too many phrases when we pray and not to pray like the hypocrites who loved to stand obsequiously in the market place. To pray is to transport oneself to heaven; it is talking to God and listening to Him, which requires faith. Without faith, it is impossible to pray. (Cf. Hebrews 11:6). When things happen that you don’t understand or accept, surrender everything to God. Drop your worries at His feet, trust He can handle it, and you will find peace even within the storm – like Jesus asleep in the boat (Cf. Mark 4:37-39).

3. Give Thanks in all Circumstances
Sometimes, we behave as if we know what is best for us. We assume we know better than God, who allows seemingly adverse circumstances to happen to us, instead of trusting that God knows exactly what He is doing. Until you realise that everything happens for a reason, you will find it hard to be grateful. Within every unhappy person is ingratitude. If you cannot be thankful, then you cannot be happy.

Too often, we focus on what we don’t have and fail to appreciate what we have. Indeed, we never know the value of what we have until we lose it. In reality, there are no unfortunate circumstances in life because life itself is a fortune, and within every moment is something to be grateful for. Sometimes, we discover our talents, and our best comes out during hard times. No matter what you are going through, follow St. Paul’s advice: “Give thanks in all circumstances…” Do not be selective in giving thanks, for you never can tell if what is causing you pain now is a blessing in disguise.

4. Do not Quench the Spirit; Abstain from Every Evil
If you buy a car and turn it into a swimming pool, would you enjoy the benefits that the manufacturer intended for it? No way! In the same way, there is no way we can enjoy life as God intends when we disobey His commandments. There is no way we can find true happiness and peace from sin. In the very first sin of humanity, the devil deceived man into thinking there was something to enjoy by disobeying God, but just as Adam and Eve regretted their action, we realise that there is nothing we gain from sin. St. Paul states clearly: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). If you hate being unhappy, then learn to hate sin passionately. You cannot eat your cake and still have it.

5. Give God His Due: Avoid Pride
Our final lesson today comes from our Gospel passage. John the Baptist had become the most famous man in Israel. His ways were so different from the rest of the people. He baptised man and brought them out of the darkness of sinfulness to the light of Christ. John the Baptist seemed to be fulfilling the dreams of the people of Israel regarding the Messiah they eagerly awaited.

Having heard of his fame, the religious leaders of the day had to go and ask John the Baptist who he was. It was at this point that John the Baptist, a fearless preacher and proclaimer of the truth, showed the depths of his humility by announcing: “I am just a voice… but among you stands one… who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie. Humble people are always happy; they are never let down or disappointed, but rather, God exults them.

Please read our responsorial psalm’s entire passage (Mary’s Thanksgiving Song). You will see how God works: “He has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden… He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree…” (Luke 1:51-52). After John the Baptist displayed such great humility, it shouldn’t surprise us that Jesus himself declared: “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women, there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, fill me with joy. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (3rd Sunday of Advent. Bible Study: Isaiah 61:1-2,10-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8,19-28).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_SZL0bRuwI