Lord, Let Me See Again

Thursday, 1st June 2023. Read Ecclesiasticus 42:15-26, Ps. 33:2-9, Mark 10:46-52 

“Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (Mark 10:48)

The book of Sirach today teaches us that nothing can ever be hidden from God. It says: “For the Most High knows all that may be known… No thought escapes him, and not one word is hidden from him.” (Sirach 42:18-20). So if God knows all that is to be understood, why do we still need to pray? Why did Bartimaeus call out to Jesus since Jesus knew what he wanted?

Prayer is not a matter of informing God because, before we start praying, He already knows what we will say (cf. Matthew 6:8). Prayer is a relationship that raises our minds and hearts to God. Prayer begins with acknowledging who God is. This is why Jesus taught us to start our prayer with praise. (Our Father in heaven, hallow be your name…)

Praise leads to positive expectations. And when there is a positive expectation (faith), it no longer matters whether or not we use words. The woman with the issue of blood did not shout or scream; she touched Jesus’ garment. Considering his condition, Bartimaeus had to call to get Jesus’ attention.

Prayer is powerful, but it is not magic. When we pray, we do not exercise power and authority over God; we beg from Him. We may not always get a “yes” from God, but our prayers are never wasted. Jesus heard Bartimaeus calling, but to test him, Jesus continued to walk along. Many told Bartimaeus to keep quiet, but he shouted all the more. He would not allow the crowd to discourage him.

Bartimaeus’ persistence became a practical application of the lesson Jesus taught us in the parable of the unjust judge (cf. Luke 18:1-8). To give up on prayer is to fail the test of faith. Bartimaeus’ cry included praise. He praised Jesus by calling Him the “Son of David” even when Jesus ignored him. Like Paul and Silas, who found the courage to sing praises to God even in prison (cf. Acts 16:25), Jesus stood still at that point and said: “Call him here.”

Continue to praise God even when things are difficult. Prove to God that you value your relationship with Him more than what you are asking for. Do not be like that friend who only remembers you when in need and forgets you once they get what they want from you. God is your Father, not something you use and dump.

When Bartimaeus was brought to Jesus, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Till that moment, Bartimaeus did not state what he wanted; he was only singing the praise of Jesus. Jesus wanted him to express his request with his mouth. This can be likened to God saying to Solomon: “Ask whatever you wish.” (cf. 1 King 3:5). God wants us to exercise freedom in asking, but then we must remember that some prayers (such as asking for the death of our enemies) are not good.

Bartimaeus asked for his sight, and Jesus said: “Go; your faith has made you well.” This shows us that faith by itself is therapeutic. Your faith is capable of restoring you to health and wholeness. Just believing in what God can do is enough to attract your miracle. Unlike the blind man whom Jesus rubbed clay on his eyes (cf. John 9:6), Jesus did nothing for Bartimaeus; his faith was strong enough to open his eyes. 

Let us pray: Almighty Ever-Living God, grant us the grace of persistent faith so we may never be discouraged in prayer. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Justin, Martyr, Bible Study: Ecclesiasticus 42:15-26, Ps. 33:2-9, Mark 10:46-52)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Significance of Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth

Wednesday, 31st May 2023. Read Zephaniah 3:14-18, Luke 1:39-56 

“And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leapt in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:41)

We live in a world of technology. Social media connects us to millions of people yet, leaves us empty inside. It has gotten so bad that a couple could be in the same room with each other and still be chatting with themselves on social media. So, while we cannot do away with our mobile phones, today’s feast reminds us of the importance of physical visits.

Elizabeth had a poor reputation. Her neighbours called her a “barren woman.” So now, in her old age, God decided to bless her with the fruit of the womb. Imagine not having friends and having to carry a pregnancy in old age. I bet it would not have been enough if Mary had just picked up her phone and texted Elizabeth.

Mary knew exactly what Elizabeth needed, and she ran to her aid. Note that Elizabeth was not the one who asked Mary to come over. Mary only heard from the Angel Gabriel about Elizabeth and ran to visit her immediately.

This visit lasted for about three months. Mary was there for Elizabeth till the time she delivered John the Baptist. Mary didn’t consider that she was carrying God in her womb; she chose to serve Elizabeth because she recognised that Elizabeth needed help.

Indeed, life is not balanced. No one has it all rosy. Virtually everyone alive today is going through something. However, we can learn from Mary’s visit to look beyond our challenges and difficulties. Let us know to place ourselves in the shoes of others. If you hear something good about others, go and visit them. If you hear something terrible, still visit them; talk to them before you start spreading the news (damaging their names).

On a deeper level, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth marked the fulfilment of the prophecy of Zephaniah in today’s first reading. It teaches us that we serve a God who plans for hundreds of years ahead; a God who never promises and fails; a God who is not selfish – who so cares for us that He gave us His only Son for our salvation. If you only care about yourself, you are yet to know God.

The moment Mary greeted Elizabeth, John the Baptist leapt to acknowledge the presence of Jesus Christ in Mary’s womb, and Elizabeth was enveloped with the Holy Spirit. She announced that Mary would forever be honoured by humanity for accepting to be the mother of Jesus, and this prophecy is playing out even now. 

When we visit one another, we convey something social media can never bring. Text and chat all you like, but there is nothing as beautiful as being present (body, mind and soul) for others. So drop that phone and visit someone in need of help today. Become a carrier of joy. 

Let us pray: Our heavenly Father, grant that we may be carriers of joy wherever we go. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Feast, Bible Study: Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12, Luke 1:39-56)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

No Sacrifice without Its Reward

Tuesday, 30th May 2023. Read Ecclesiasticus 35:2-15, Ps. 50:5-8,14,23, Mark 10:28-31

“Truly I tell you, no one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold.” (Mark 10:29)

When the rich young man walked away from Jesus sorrowfully, Peter recalled how he left his fishing business (with its hopes and promises of a comfortable life), how Matthew left his tax collection business, how James and John left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and how the other disciples also left family and possessions to follow Jesus. Then, finally, he exclaimed: “Behold, we have left everything to follow you.”

In his response, Jesus assured Peter that he had not made a wrong choice. As Jesus puts it, no one who has left anything behind for the sake of the Gospel will go unrewarded. In truth, serving God requires many sacrifices, but as long as our sufferings help advance God’s kingdom, we shall certainly not miss our reward.

In one of His parables, Jesus described the kingdom of God as a refined pearl which a man found buried in a field, and he went and sold all he had to buy that field. Serving God demands much letting go. St. Paul writes to the Philippians: “For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, so that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8).

The book of Sirach today speaks of the beauty of giving and offering sacrifices to God. It says: “Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed… glorify the Lord generously… with every gift show a cheerful face, and dedicate your tithe with gladness. Please give to the Most High as he has given and as generously as your hand has found. For the Lord is the one who repays and will repay you sevenfold.” (Sirach 35:4-11).

In as much as there is a reward for our gifts and sacrifices on God’s behalf, the book of Sirach is quick to warn: “Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it; and do not trust to an unrighteous sacrifice; for the Lord is the judge, and with him is no partiality.” (Sirach 35:12). 

You may wonder, what gifts would God find most acceptable today? Time spent in prayer, fasting especially from sin, and alms to the poor around us. These are great sacrifices, and they are never without their reward.

Let us pray: Our heavenly Father, teach us to love you more than everything this world can provide. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of week 8 in Ordinary Time, Bible Study: Ecclesiasticus 35:2-15, Ps. 50:5-8,14,23, Mark 10:28-31)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu 

Trust in God, Not Your Riches

Monday 29th May 2023. Read Ecclesiasticus 17:20-28, Ps. 32:1-2,5-7, Mark 10:17-27 

“Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’” (Mark 10:23)

Many people came to Jesus during his earthly life for different reasons, but the young man in today’s Gospel passage came to find out what is needed to inherit eternal life. Jesus went on to list the commandments as a response to this man’s quest for inheriting eternal life. By answering in this way, Jesus teaches us that these commandments represent a certain degree of perfection.

According to this man, he had kept the commandments since his youth. However, he knew that keeping these commandments was not enough. Hence he came to Jesus asking for the key to inherit eternal life. Jesus saw through his heart and decided to invite him to a higher degree of perfection which entails letting go of our material riches and building complete trust in God instead.

“You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” His countenance fell, and he walked away sorrowfully. He could not imagine life without his riches. Somehow, he had made a god of his wealth.

Jesus looked at his disciples and said, “How hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Indeed, as Jesus would ask: “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and suffers the loss of his soul?”

Today, we celebrate the memorial of Mary, the mother of the Church. Having completed the seven weeks of Easter, today is a day for us to pause a while and remember the unique role of Mary in the course of the whole Easter festivities and, in particular, to examine the total weight of the words Jesus spoke at the foot of the cross: “Behold, Your Mother.”

Mary was there on the day of Pentecost, the church's birth. Mary has never abandoned the church like a very responsible and caring mother. Through Mary’s intercession, the church has recorded and continues to record countless testimonies. Mary has proven beyond every doubt that she is more than just an envelope; she is a woman we can talk to and rely upon to help her talk to her Son, Jesus Christ.

Let us pray: Our heavenly Father, teach us to love you more than everything this world can provide. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Mary, Mother of the Church, Bible Study: Ecclesiasticus 17:20-28, Ps. 32:1-2,5-7, Mark 10:17-27)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Holy Spirit is the Life of the Church

Sunday 28th May 2023. Read Acts 2:1-11, Ps. 104:1,24,29-31,34, 1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13, John 20:19-23 

“No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3)

Today’s Feast is older than Christianity. The Jews celebrated Pentecost (meaning the fiftieth day) feast fifty days after the Feast of Passover. It is the memorial celebration of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses at Mount Sinai. Since every adult Jew needed to come to Jerusalem to celebrate this Feast, the city was filled with visitors. On this great day, the Holy Spirit manifested visibly among the disciples in the Upper Room, praying.

Interestingly, just as the children of Israel received the tablet of the Law on Mount Sinai, marking a new dispensation for them – freedom from the captivity of the Egyptians, the coming of the Holy Spirit became the beginning of a new era for God’s children; the birth of the Church and the writing of the Law in our hearts. “A new spirit I will put within you, and I will take out of your flesh the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and carefully observe My ordinances.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

Again, just as God descended on Mount Sinai “in fire and the smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln” (Exodus 19:18), God came down upon the Apostles in tongues as of fire. Furthermore, just as a baby would cry out loudly at birth, the Church gave a loud cry on this day; a cry of the tongues. As Luke puts it, “Suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind… at this sound, the multitude came together, and they were bewildered because each one heard them speaking in his language.” (Acts 2:2-6).

What is the significance of today’s celebration for us, and what lessons are contained in the liturgy today: 

1. The Power of Prayers

Last Sunday, we reflected on the Power of the upper room, where the disciples, in the company of Mary, the mother of Jesus, gathered to pray night and day. In this same room, the Holy Spirit came down mightily upon them. So as we celebrate this great Feast of Pentecost today, we are reminded of the Power of prayers again.

The Church stands at the threshold of a new era as it was two thousand years ago. Many have left the faith; some churches that used to be filled up as early as fifty years ago in developed nations have now been sold and converted into mosques, movie theatres, dancing halls, etc. As a result, we stand in need like never before of a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

We are still lucky that our churches are filled in this part of the world, but the problem is that many Christians today do not seem to translate their values into their everyday life. It is as if once we pull off our Sunday attires, we also pull off our love for God and our neighbour. We need the Holy Spirit. We need a fresh anointing today that just as the entire company of those gathered in the upper room became evangelised, we all may go out today and influence our world for good. 

2. God is a Promise Keeper

God never promises and fails. The coming of the Holy Spirit was a direct fulfilment of the promises of God in the Scriptures. So today, we are not just celebrating the fiftieth day of Easter; we are celebrating the fact that Jesus promised and kept His word. We are celebrating our total reliance and dependability on God.

In John 15:26, Jesus promised: “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.” In Acts 1:8, just before ascending to the right hand of God, Jesus again promised: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” Just as Jesus said it, it came to pass. God is a promise keeper. 

3. The Holy Spirit Enables Sacramental Remission of Sins

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus appeared to the disciples. “He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’” (John 20:22-23).

Adam was lifeless until God breathed on him. Until that moment, no human being had the Power to absolve a person of their sins. By living on the disciples, Jesus gave them supernatural life and extraordinary grace, enabling them to forgive or retain people’s sins.

Bear this in mind when you next go for confession. Then, the priest can absolve you of your sins by the Power of the Holy Spirit. 

4. The Holy Spirit makes us Charismatic

As St. Paul explains in today’s second reading: “There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in everyone. Each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

To be charismatic is to be gifted; the word ‘charism’ means gift. Every Christian is Charismatic because we all possess different varieties of these gifts of the Holy Spirit. However, when we hear the word Charismatic, we tend to associate it only with a particular group of people who may speak in tongues.

St. Paul explains the other charismatic gifts, such as the utterance of wisdom, the word of knowledge, the gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, the ability to distinguish between spirits, various kinds of tongues, the interpretation of tongues and so on. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). The truth is that the Holy Spirit decides which is best for everyone at any point in time. All we need to do is to make our hearts habitable for the Holy Spirit to use us. 

5. The Holy Spirit Unites Us as One

St. Paul mentions in today’s second reading: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit, we were all baptised into one body -- Jews or Greeks, enslaved people or free -- and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

With the coming of the Holy Spirit, God seemed to have reversed the confusion of the people attempting to build the Tower of Babel by giving them different languages (Cf. Genesis 10:1-9). With the Power of tongues, people could now understand other languages and work together again, this time not to challenge God’s authority but to provide further glory.

With the Holy Spirit, God’s children should see themselves as one body. Therefore, we must eschew racial discrimination, ethnicism and bigotry from our lives.

*Conclusion:* The Holy Spirit is everything to us. The Holy Spirit is our Life. He is the breath of God in the life of a Christian. Therefore, as we celebrate the Coming of the Holy Spirit today, let us incline ourselves more readily to His mighty working in our lives. If we are good Christians and bear fruits for God, keeping His Commandments means we have the Holy Spirit in us. Otherwise, let us in prayer fan into flames today, the Spirit of God in us. 

Let us pray: Come Holy Spirit fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Pentecost - Mass of the Day, Bible Study: Acts 2:1-11, Ps. 104:1,24,29-31,34, 1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13, John 20:19-23)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Mind Your Business and Follow Jesus

Saturday 27th May 2023. Read Acts 28:16-20,30-31, Ps. 11:4-5,7, John 21:20-25

“When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If it is my will that he remains until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” (John 21:21-22)

After an unsuccessful attempt to return to fishing, Jesus appears again to the disciples. Three times, He asks Peter, “Do you love me?” This was to make up for the three times that Peter denied Him and each time, Peter responded: “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” These questions must have made Peter very uncomfortable. While Peter denied Jesus three times, there was a disciple who stood beside Jesus all through. This disciple was with Mary, the mother of Jesus at the foot of the cross and it was through him that Jesus handed over his mother to us Christians.

After Jesus had asked Peter if he loved him three times, Jesus reinstated Peter by saying “Feed my lambs, tend my flock, feed my flock” Then Jesus predicted the kind of death that Peter would die. Peter saw John coming behind them. Since John did not betray Jesus, Peter asked Jesus: “Lord, what about this man? Is he also going to die that way?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remains until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” (John 21:21-22)

Jesus was saying to Peter, “Whatever becomes of John is not as important as the task before you.” In essence, Jesus was telling Peter: “Mind your business.” In life, we do not all have the same calling and even in ministry, every minister has his/her unique gifts, talents, and opportunities. We must avoid having to compare ourselves with each other lest we lose touch with our unique call. 

To the ordinary eyes, it seems as if John did better than Peter but the question is: “If John had faced the same temptations that Peter faced, would he have done better?” Let us by every means avoid having to compare ourselves with others because we do not know the whole story. Stop asking: “Is her/his/their cross heavier than mine?” We are all carrying the crosses that God deems fit for each of us. No one has it all good!

Mind your business, struggle for your salvation, and be at your best. Paul knew his purpose. Even in prison, he continued to mind his business – the business of preaching, preaching with his pen. Today, Paul’s letters occupy a large part of the New Testament. Peter did not write as much as Paul but both of them fulfilled their call. We cannot all be the same but we must all be our best. There is no competition in heaven. 

Let us pray: Come Holy Spirit fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 7th week of Eastertide, Bible Study: Acts 28:16-20,30-31, Ps. 11:4-5,7, John 21:20-25)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu 

When the Going is Tough, Love Keeps You Going

Friday 26th May 2023. Read Acts 25:13-21, Ps. 103:1-2,11-12,19-20, John 21:15-19)_

“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (John 21:18)

If you do not love your work, you would soon think of quitting. Before handing over the flock to Peter, Jesus needed to question Peter’s love for him. If Peter did not love Jesus more than everything else in life, his ministry would have suffered.

When we love, we can bear whatever suffering or pain that may result from that which we love. No matter how hot the kitchen may be, a woman who loves cooking will not step out. Jesus knowing how hot the task of leadership would be and the persecutions ahead needed to be sure that Peter truly loved him more than anything else.

For all those times, Peter would have to suffer, the only thing that would keep him going is the memory of his triple “yes” to Jesus’ question. Love is patient and kind; love takes no record of records; love never ends; love never gives up.

Jesus even went as far as predicting the kind of death Peter would die; how he would stretch his hands while others will tie his belt and take him where he does not wish to go.

Do I love God? Am I willing to let go of everything else for His sake even when I am to get nothing in return? In truth, if I do not love God above everything else in this life, I would not be able to withstand whatever sacrifices my Christian faith would demand.

In today’s first reading, Paul was held in prison for the sake of the Gospel. King Agrippa reports Paul to Festus, the Roman Governor. King Agrippa notes how he tried to settle the matter only for Paul’s accusers to start disputing among themselves meanwhile he couldn’t find him guilty of any evil.

Paul for his part did not seem too disturbed, as he said to the Ephesians, “I have played my part, I am innocent of the blood of you all, (meaning: I am ready for anything now, even death).”

Like Paul, have you suffered or are you currently suffering anything for the sake of your Christian Faith? Remember, when the going becomes tough, love keeps us going. Do not give up. 

Let us pray: Come Holy Spirit fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Philip Neri, Priest, Bible Study: Acts 25:13-21, Ps. 103:1-2,11-12,19-20, John 21:15-19)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu              

United We Stand; Divided We Fall

Thursday 25th May 2023. Read Acts 22:30,23:6-11, Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-11, John 17:20-26

“I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee.” (John 17:20-21)

In today’s first reading, Paul is before a tribunal. He knows that he is on trial for the sake of preaching the Gospel. In his farewell speech we read a few days ago, Paul prophesied saying: “The Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me.” (Acts 20:23) Bearing witness for Jesus is carrying a cross; it comes with its unique challenges.

Although Jesus describes us as sheep amid wolves, (we are in the world but the world hates us because we don’t belong to this world) Jesus also advised us to be as wise as serpents and innocent and doves. (Cf. Matthew 10:16) Being a Christian does not mean that you should be suicidal. The fact that you know the world hates you does not mean you should freely give them your head to cut. You must use the common sense God put into your head.

When Paul stood before the tribunal, he immediately noticed that there was a severe division between the two camps of those who brought him to trial. Applying the wisdom of a serpent and the innocence of a dove, Paul decided to take advantage of the division between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Paul introduced himself as a Pharisee who was on trial because of the issue of the resurrection of the dead. The moment he said this, there was an uproar in the assembly.

Paul could no longer be tried because his enemies were busy fighting a war of words. The principle at play here is called ‘divide and rule.’ The British colonialists used it to conquer us in Africa. They emphasized our differences, made us hate each other, and then pretended to help us settle our disputes thereby making themselves rulers over us. The current war in Sudan is a case study.

All these arguments about the Blessed Virgin Mary, the use of images in the church, the number of books in the Bible, etc. etc., what good has it done? You ask if I have given my life to Christ, and I tell you I am a Catholic, the next thing, you start trying to convince me that I will go to hell. You don’t believe in my doctrines, does that stop you from loving me as your fellow Christian? Why this hatred and animosity in our hearts? 

We cannot pray or worship the same way, we cannot hold the same doctrines but we all must love one another. No wonder in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus prayed fervently: “May they all be one . . . so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Disunity is a scandal. If you cannot love your neighbour as yourself just because this neighbour is attending a different church, it means you don’t even know Christ at all.

Let us pray: Come Holy Spirit fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of the 7th week of Eastertide, Bible Study: Acts 22:30,23:6-11, Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-11, John 17:20-26)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Surviving as a Sheep amid Wolves

Wednesday 24th May 2023. Read Acts 20:28-38, Ps. 68:29-30,33-36, John 17:11-19 

“I have given them thy word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:14-15)

The prayer of Jesus in today’s Gospel passage is both prophetic and instructive. Firstly, Jesus highlights the hatred of the world. “The world has hated them because they are not of the world.” St. Paul in today’s first reading mentions the fact that “fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock…” (Acts 20:29). As Christians we are constantly the subject of hatred by wolves who pretend to love us.

Secondly, despite the hatred of the world, Jesus does not pray that we should be taken out of the world. Jesus prays that we should be protected from the evil one. Even though we wrestle against principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12), we are rest assured of God’s protection. We do not wrestle as victims but as victors, because Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33). Do not fear.

Thirdly, Jesus defines the Christian life as a missionary enterprise. “As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18) To be a Christian is to be on a mission: to preach the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. We are not here to become rich or successful but to know God, love God, serve God and be happy with God forever.

St. Paul in today’s first reading mentions the fact that during his stay, he did not covert anyone’s silver or gold or apparel but worked with his hands to meet his necessities. Do not be envious of others (1st Timothy 6:10). Like Jesus who was a carpenter, do not see work as a punishment.

Fourthly, Jesus says “They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.” This world is not our home. We cannot have it all and we cannot expect everything to be perfect in this side of existence. We only need to be content and grateful. “Be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never fail you nor forsake you.’ Hence, we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.’” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Finally, Jesus prays that we should be sanctified in the truth. What is the truth? Jesus answers: “Your Word is Truth.” (John 17:17). Soak yourself daily in the Word of God.   

Let us pray: Come Holy Spirit fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 7th week of Eastertide, Bible Study: Acts 20:28-38, Ps. 68:29-30,33-36, John 17:11-19)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Whatever Has a Beginning Must Have an End

Tuesday 23rd May 2023. Read Acts 20:17-27, Ps. 68:10-11,20-21, John 17:1-11

“I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.” (Acts 20:26-27)

Today’s first reading is Paul’s farewell speech while he was leaving the region of Asia and our Gospel passage today is an excerpt of Jesus’ high priestly prayer which he said just before His arrest and crucifixion. Both readings are set on a tone of departure.

Whatever has a beginning must have an end. It is a matter of wisdom to always keep the end in view. We are not born to live forever on earth. We can escape everything but we can never escape death when our time comes.

As a minister, a father, a mentor, a teacher etc., can I say like St. Paul that I am innocent of the blood of my congregation, my children, my employees, or those under my care? Can I beat my chest to say that I never led anyone under my care astray?

Death is very good; it is something to look forward to because it affords us the opportunity to return to our true home. However, we dread the thought of death, we hate to hear about death and we consider it a bad omen to dream about death.

Why are we so scared of death? One; we are not prepared to depart from this world yet and two; we are not certain of our fate after death, that is, we fear that we would not enjoy the bliss of heaven. Simply put, we are yet to start fighting the good fight of exemplary conduct and we are not running the race of righteousness.

When you live well, you lose the fear of death. Paul was not afraid to die. He said: “you will see my face no more.” At only 33 years old, Jesus prayed: “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do… I have manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world…”

By every standard, Jesus died at a very young age but he died a fulfilled person. In Jesus, we learn that a fulfilled life is not measured by the number of one’s days but by the quality of those days.

Rather than pray for a very long life, let us pray for a very impactful life. Rather than wish death away, let us pray for the grace to accomplish our purpose on earth. Rather than fear death, let us fear sin and flee from whatever would make us unworthy of being with the saints in heaven.

Let us pray: Come Holy Spirit fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 7th week of Eastertide, Bible Study: Acts 20:17-27, Ps. 68:10-11,20-21, John 17:1-11)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Be of Good Cheer, I Have Overcome the World

Monday 22nd May 2023. Read Acts 19:1-8, Ps. 68:2-7, John 16:29-33 

“In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Today Jesus tells us: “Rejoice, be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus wants us to be happy not because the world is perfect but despite the ups and downs that are constant in the world. By overcoming the world, Jesus did not take away the existence of tribulations, rather by His death and resurrection, He has defeated the devil such that no tribulation can overpower us.

No matter what you are facing in life, just look up to Jesus, pray over your circumstances and smile. Yes, smile over everything. Say to yourself that for Jesus, that problem is nothing.

Being in a state of joy makes you healthier. Develop the courage to laugh even when the world gives you many reasons to cry. Laugh over your problems; in that state of inner calm, you will then begin to see solutions. If you are always frowning and sad, your problems will look bigger and bigger.  

One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is joy. You cannot have the Holy Spirit in you and remain sad and miserable because the Holy Spirit must bear fruit in you. The joy the Holy Spirit gives us that which remains regardless of whatever trials or tribulations we may encounter in life. Let us pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our lives that he may fill us with supernatural joy and bless us with a kind of peace that this world cannot provide.

In our first reading, we encounter another fruit of the Holy Spirit: the ability to speak in tongues. We are told that as soon as Paul laid his hands on the people of Ephesus, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

The gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit are very many, and the Holy Spirit being God is the one who decides what particular gift He bestows upon us. No one gift is more excellent than another. 

Let us pray: Come O Holy Spirit fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of the 7th week of Eastertide, Bible Study: Acts 19:1-8, Ps. 68:2-7, John 16:29-33)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu