Great Leaders are Prayer Warriors

Tuesday, 1st August 2023. Read Exodus 33:7-11,34:5-9,28, Ps. 103:6-13, Matthew 13:36-43

“And Moses made haste to bow his head toward the earth and worshipped. And he said, ‘If now I have found favour in thy sight, O Lord, let the Lord, I pray thee, go in the midst of us, although it is a stiff-necked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thy inheritance.” (Exodus 34:8-9).

In the parable of the weeds among the wheat, we can see different kinds of people in the world. The good seed represents those of us who believe in God and are children of the kingdom, while the weeds represent the children of the world who love to perpetrate evil.

As much as we live side by side with evildoers, we are supposed to be leaders in our little ways. Leading others takes work. Sometimes, like Moses, you may find yourself alone against the crowd. Moses was just one man, yet as one man, he brought an entire nation to repentance from idolatry.

Upon returning from the mountain with the stone tablets, Moses could have kept his mouth shut in timidity since the crowd outnumbered him. He could have resisted pressure like the weak Aaron, who fashioned a golden calf for them. But then, Moses stood his ground for what was right, even if it was unpopular. Moses did not believe in the dictum: “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Instead, he beat them until they all joined him. This is leadership.

Leadership is not easy, but there is a secret to being successful at it: PRAYER. As a man, Moses was very weak; he lacked physical strength, having passed his young age. He was a meek person. He couldn’t speak coherently and confidently (hence the need for Aaron). The success of his leadership prowess came from his constant meetings with God.

Every good leader must have a tent of meeting with God. Every good leader must have the habit of going up to the mountain to consult with God. We are powerless if we are not in tune with God by daily prayer. God had decided to destroy the people, but Moses pleaded and spared the nation. In truth, leaders are prayer warriors.

If you are a leader in any capacity, be you a Father or Mother, a teacher, a minister, or a public official, never become too busy to pray. Remember, no matter how hard you work, you can never work harder than God; you can never say: “God, I don’t need you.” You can never depend on yourself. Revive your prayer life today.

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

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

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, equip me daily to be a better leader. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Alphonsus Mary de Liguori, Bishop, Doctor. Bible Study: Exodus 33:7-11,34:5-9,28, Ps. 103:6-13, Matthew 13:36-43).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Seed of Holiness

Monday, 31st July 2023. Read Exodus 32:15-24,30-34, Ps. 106:19-23, Matthew 13:31-35

“It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown, it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches. (Matthew 13:32)

Sin is defined as an offence against God. And since the world does not want to hear about God (Divine authority), it prefers to use the word ‘bad’ (indicative of freedom and choice). We live in an age where sinful actions are advertised, openly displayed, and people are made to take pride in them without seeing anything wrong. If I call somebody a sinner, they could take it as an insult, but if I call that person a ‘bad guy’, they would smile and be happy.

When Aaron fashioned the golden calf, the people saw nothing wrong with it. They bowed and worshipped it; they even danced around it and engaged in orgies. There was no shame in them, just as the people of our age quickly lost a sense of shame. But then, see how our first reading ends. God says: “When it is time for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.”

Sin is sin and always attracts punishment, yet we know God is merciful. How foolish would we be if we deliberately sin because we know his mercy? If you always pardon your child each time they do something bad, how would you react if that child deliberately continues doing it and even laughs at you when you try to correct him? Be your judge.

In our Gospel passage, Jesus describes the kingdom of God as a mustard seed that appears to be the smallest of all seeds but eventually becomes the biggest of all shrubs. A good character begins with little habitual acts. To become the person of your dreams, you have to start with very few acts of goodness and holiness. Whatever good we do, this day is like a seed that eventually grows, shaping us into saints in the future.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish Catholic priest and theologian who, with six companions, founded the religious order of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits) and became its first Superior General in Paris in 1541. Ignatius envisioned the purpose of the Society of Jesus to be missionary work and teaching. In addition to the vows of chastity, obedience and poverty of other religious orders in the church, Loyola instituted a fourth vow for Jesuits of obedience to the Pope to engage in projects ordained by the pontiff.

As a former soldier, Ignatius paid particular attention to the spiritual formation of his recruits and recorded his method in the Spiritual Exercises (1548). In time, the method has become known as Ignatian spirituality. He was beatified in 1609 and was canonised as a saint on 12 March 1622. His feast day is celebrated on 31 July. 

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, grant us the grace to live upright lives. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Ignatius Loyola, Priest. Bible Study: Exodus 32:15-24,30-34, Ps. 106:19-23, Matthew 13:31-35).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Make the Right Choice – Put God First

Sunday, 30th July 2023. Read 1 Kings 3:5,7-12, Ps. 119:57,72,76-77,127-130, Romans 8:28-30, Matthew 13:44-52

“Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold… I give you a wise and discerning mind so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.” (1 Kings 3:11-12)

Two Sundays ago, Jesus explained the kingdom of God with the parable of the sower who generously spread seeds across various kinds of soil. Last Sunday, Jesus told us three more parables; the weeds among the wheat, the mustard seed and the yeast. God’s kingdom on earth (the church) is like a farm with wheat (good people) and weeds (evil people). Though it starts very small (like the tiny mustard seed), it soon becomes a great shrub. It is enough to leaven the dough like yeast, which may be small in quantity compared to the amount of dough.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus explains God’s kingdom again with another set of three parables; the treasure hidden in a field, the merchant searching for fine pearls, and the dragnet. One theme runs across these parables – wisdom. Just as the landowner exercised great wisdom by not letting his servants pull out the weeds (lest they pull out the wheat alongside), these parables challenge us to act with wisdom by carefully examining our choices.

Speaking of choices, our first reading today tells the story of Solomon. God was impressed with his sacrifice after the dedication of the temple. By offering such a huge sacrifice, Solomon acted like Abel (who sacrificed the best), Abraham (who was willing to sacrifice his only son) and the men in our Gospel passage today who sold all they had to purchase something of greater value. To reward Solomon, God appeared to him in a dream and asked him to make any request. This brings us to our lessons for today:

1. Wisdom is the Principal Thing

The book of Proverbs teaches us: “Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, for her income, is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy.” (Proverbs 3:13-18)

What is that treasure hidden in a field? Wisdom. It is “hidden” because not many people know its value; in other words, it is hidden in plain sight. Jesus tells us that a man was working in a field and found it. He didn’t set out in search of this treasure but found it. This means he probably wasn’t the first person or the only person to have found it, but he was the one who recognised its value, and he decided to secure this treasure by letting go of all that he had previously. He didn’t mind embracing poverty for the sake of wisdom. He knew that wisdom was worth more than riches.

What is that pearl of great value? Wisdom. The merchant deliberately searched for wisdom while the farm worker accidentally stumbled upon it. Upon finding it, he had to sell everything he owned to buy it. Those who know the value of wisdom are ready to sacrifice everything to get it. They are ready to let go of the fleeting things of life, power, pleasure, and prosperity to hold on to wisdom.

No wonder St. John would say: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world-- the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches-- comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.” (1 John 2:15-17).

Do you want to buy wisdom? Then stop loving the world. Stop loving these passing things in the world. Remember constantly that you brought nothing to this world and would leave with nothing one day. Those who love the world are foolish – in the sense that the world controls them. They are ready to offend God (tell lies, steal, cheat, kill others, engage in immorality etc.) just to get the things that can never be theirs.

To love the world is to be like the proverbial donkey. The donkey hated farm work, but it wanted to eat carrots. The farmer tied some carrots on a stick attached to the donkey’s head. The more the donkey tried to reach for the carrots, the further they moved from sight. The farmer successfully made the donkey do all the farm work. To gain wisdom, we must sacrifice our love for the world.

2. Seek First God’s Kingdom: Everything Else Shall Be Added (Matthew 6:33)

In our opening prayer at Mass today, we prayed: “Grant that with you as our ruler and guide, we may use the good things that pass in such a way as to hold fast even now to those that ever endure…” This is another version of the prayer of Solomon in today’s first reading. When God asked Solomon to make any request, Solomon prayed: “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil…” (1 King 3:9)

While we would not be wrong to say that Solomon asked for wisdom, the truth is that Solomon only asked for the ability to discern between good and evil. Solomon asked for the ability to live upright (God’s kingdom). The fact that Solomon did not ask for riches (prosperity), long life (pleasure), or the death of his enemies (power) request was pleasing to God. “Indeed, I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honour all your life; no other king shall compare with you.” (1 Kings 3:12-13)

Once upon a time, a king, while on his death bed called for his only son and slave. He loved both of them dearly and decided to share his property with both of them. So, he asked his slave to choose first while his son would choose last. The slave was so excited. He chose the king’s gold, silver, lands, farms etc. The slave chose everything that appeared valuable among the king’s possessions. Then it was the turn of the king’s son to choose. Can you guess what he said? “I choose the slave.”

To choose God’s kingdom is to act wisely. It is choosing everything that God has. Hence Jesus taught us: “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness; all these things will also be given to you.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

What does it mean to seek God’s kingdom first? It recognises the value of obeying God’s commandments. It is living an upright life amid the economic crisis, poverty, confusion and insecurity in our society today. Life has become difficult; many families cannot afford two meals daily. Do we abandon God’s law to fend for our families? Do we take to crime? This is a time to trust God more than ever before. This is a time to sing with our Psalmist: “The Law from you means more to me than large quantities of silver and gold.” (Today’s responsorial psalm).

3. Wisdom is Patience

It is important to note that seeking first God’s kingdom does not automatically translate to a life of bliss (endless enjoyment, prosperity, power and success). Jesus said: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad.” (Matthew 13:47-48)

The meaning of this parable is that we should expect all kinds of “fish”. There would be good times. There would also be bad times. There would be moments of excitement. There would also be moments of pain and disappointment. So long as we have chosen to prioritise God, we will face many trials; the devil will not stop his attempts to dissuade us from the right path.

Like the fishermen who waited to complete their day’s work before sorting out the fish, we must not be too quick to deal with every negative situation. Wisdom is patience. No matter how careful the farmer is, there will always be weeds in the wheat. The farmer may destroy the wheat if he rushes to pull the weeds. Like these fishermen who took their time to sort out the fish, we must learn to sort the good things (be grateful) and let go of the bad things (forgive, ignore, accommodate and accept) life throws at us.

Wisdom knows that no one has a perfect life, but perfect people know how to turn their scars into stars. Perfect people never stop trusting God because they know God always works for their good. This is what St. Paul teaches us in today’s second reading: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Why has life been tough for you lately? Do you think God no longer cares about you? Are you thinking of joining a cult or doing something illegal or immoral? Think again. God still cares about you. Make the right choice today – put God first, and you will never regret it.

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, grant us the gift of wisdom to make the best decisions in life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (17th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Kings 3:5,7-12, Ps. 119:57,72,76-77,127-130, Romans 8:28-30, Matthew 13:44-52).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Yes, Lord, I Believe That You are the Christ

Saturday, 29th July 2023. Read Exodus 24:3-8, Ps. 50:1-2,5-6,14-15, John 11:19-27

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

After listening to the words of the Ten Commandments, the people of Israel spoke with one voice: “We will observe all the commands that the Lord has decreed.” Moses put the words of the Ten Commandments into writing, and early next morning, he built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve standing stones for the twelve tribes of Israel.

One question that readily comes to mind is: Was Moses disobeying the first commandment by building an altar at the foot of the mountain? Moses did not just build this altar; he offered holocausts and immolated bullocks to the Lord on the altar. Half the blood Moses took up and put in basins, the other half he cast on the altar. After reading the Ten Commandments to the people, Moses sprinkled the blood of the animals on the people.

No one would say Moses committed idolatry right after receiving the Ten Commandments because, even though Moses used visible signs, images and symbols, the people understood it was all directed to the worship of God. From the earliest days of our faith, we have always used visible images, signs and symbols in our worship of God.

Similarly, everything in the church today, from the altar to the pillars to the pews, to the images, the statutes, the book of the Gospel, the Holy Eucharist etc., are all directed at the worship of God. Those who still accuse the Church of idolatry, like the Pharisees who accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath, express a lack of understanding of the Ten Commandments.

Today we celebrate three Saints: Mary, Martha and Lazarus, siblings of the same family and friends of Jesus Christ. One day, Lazarus was sick. Mary and Martha sent for Jesus, but He did not show up. In pain and disappointment, Mary and Martha buried Lazarus. It is difficult to speak of faith when faced with serious challenges, when prayers are unanswered or when tragedies strike.

When Mary and Martha were still mending their hearts, Jesus showed up. He asked Martha this question: “Do you believe?” Now imagine yourself in Martha’s shoes. What would your response be? On this day that we celebrate the feast of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, we are called to be inspired by Martha’s exemplary faith, which was unshaken by the death of her brother Lazarus. She replied: “Yes, Lord; I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God, coming into the world.” We pray that we may have faith large enough to make God move mountains on our behalf. 

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

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saints Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Exodus 24:3-8, Ps. 50:1-2,5-6,14-15, John 11:19-27).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Law of the Lord is Perfect

Friday, 28th July 2023. Read Exodus 20:1-17, Ps. 19:8-11, Matthew 13:18-23 

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul … the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (Psalm 19:7-8)

Have you been lost in a strange land before? Imagine you are lost and need to get to a particular location within a certain time frame, then you try asking people for directions, but no one understands English. Under this circumstance, how would you feel when you suddenly stumble upon a map? I bet you would jump up and down in joy and quickly apply yourself to the directions.

Like one lost in a strange land, the Israelites were lost when they found themselves in the middle of nowhere in the desert. When God gave these commandments, he provided a map towards achieving wisdom, joy, enlightenment and long life.

Our Responsorial Psalm today sings: “The Law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye… They are more precious than gold than a heap of purest gold.”

If keeping God’s commandments holds the key to happiness, wisdom, and wealth, how else can we find these things when we ignore God’s commandments? How else can we find our way when we ignore the map provided by God Himself?

Many in our world today do not care about these commandments. They are like seeds planted along the path. Some people are eager to receive these commandments but quickly push them aside in the face of temptation (and trials). They are like seeds planted on a rock.

Others love to keep the commandments but also want to pursue material things. Their love for riches overshadows their love for God. They are the seeds that are planted among thorns. Finally, some receive God’s commandments and allow these commandments to guide their lives. They are seeds planted on very rich soils. Now, let us ask ourselves: “Where do I belong?” 

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, impart the grace to value and obey your commands in me. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 16 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Exodus 20:1-17, Ps. 19:8-11, Matthew 13:18-23).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart: They Shall See God

Thursday, 27th July 2023. Read Exodus 19:1-2,9-11,16-20, Matthew 13:10-17

“Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments, and be ready by the third day; for on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.” (Exodus 19:10-11)

In today’s first reading, God instructs the people of Israel to consecrate themselves and wash their garments to prepare to behold His face. This experience sends a strong message: To meet God, one must prepare by cleansing oneself internally (of sins) and externally (of dirt). In other words, meeting God demands being in a State of Grace.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8). The Psalmist further corroborates: “Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are pure in heart.” (Psalm 73:1). The book of Proverbs adds: “Those who love a pure heart and are gracious in speech will have the king as a friend.” (Proverbs 22:11).

The book of Hebrews throws light on this internal and external consecration when it says: “Let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22). St. Paul also alludes to this cleansing when he warned against participating in the Holy Eucharist unworthily. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 11:27-28)

Does this mean that God does not admit sinners in His presence? No. Jesus received sinners and ate with them. He added that He had not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. So why do we need to consecrate ourselves to see God? It is a mark of respect, an expression of our reverence for God, who is sinless, faultless and spotless.

Who amongst us would like to visit our community’s king in rags? Not to mention the Governor of our state or other high-ranking Government officials? If we try to put up our best to meet human beings, what is wrong with going to confession and taking a bath before attending Mass? If we respect God, why do we make noise (engage in vulgar conversations), play with our phones or transact business inside the church?

Jesus cleansed the temple because people turned it into a market; they didn’t prepare (consecrate themselves) for God’s presence. (Cf. Luke 19:46). This lack of preparation is why Jesus preferred to speak in parables. (“Destroy this temple, and in three days, I will raise it”). Jesus knew that some people’s minds were so cluttered that regardless of how much He taught them, they would not understand.

Jesus said: “For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.” (Matthew 13:14-16). This happens when we fail to properly prepare ourselves by cleansing our hearts and garments.

When next you are going to the church, endeavour to prepare! If possible, go for Confession to be in a state of grace. Dress decently. Have an idea of the readings for Mass/Service. Be seated for some quiet meditation time at least fifteen minutes before it starts. Listen attentively to the words and prayers during Mass/Service. Join in the singing; you are not there to be entertained. Be conscious of God’s presence throughout. If you do this, you will feel something in the depths of your being. 

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, give me the grace to approach your presence with fear and trembling. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of week 16 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Exodus 19:1-2,9-11,16-20, Matthew 13:10-17).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Effective Parenting: Nurturing Rich Soils in Kids

Wednesday, 26th July 2023. Read Exodus 16:1-5,9-15, Ps. 78:18-19,23-28, Matthew 13:1-9 

“Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:8)

Today, we remember Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Virgin Mary. There are no mentions of them in the Bible or Gospels. We can certainly agree that Mary had parents. Likewise, we can agree that Mary had good, faithful parents who raised her with love and devotion to God.

Applying today’s Gospel passage to the concept of parenthood, we can interpret the parable of the sower in this way: The soil represents the parents. While some parents provide a nurturing ground for their children to blossom, others are like rocky, thorny or roadside paths. Not minding the “nature-nurture argument”, we can never underestimate the importance of proper upbringing.

Let us bear in mind that our role as parents is to cultivate and constantly manure good soils in the heart of our children so that God can work mightily through them. A child who is well brought up is the glory of his parents. If, as parents, we encourage our children to commit malpractice in examinations, how do we make them understand that kidnapping, terrorism, prostitution, bribery, armed robbery, telling of lies, certificate forgery and so on are evil?

Some parents are like rocky soil; they make their children attend Church but lack moral depth. They show their children bad examples, making them think “church” is just a social gathering. Some parents act like thorny soil; they see their children as money-making machines (investments). They either force them into early marriages or order them to start contributing financially to the family when these children do not have any legal means of income.

On the other hand, some parents bring up their children to believe they can always get what they want, thereby developing an entitlement mentality. Like the children of Israel on their way to the Promised Land, some children do not understand the concept of delayed gratification. They want it now. Their anthem is NOW, NOW, NOW. And when they don’t get it, they complain, throw tantrums, get depressed, and attempt suicide.

Raising children is a mystery. Sometimes, your best efforts as parents may yield negative results. There is no formula for raising children; it is just God’s grace and goodwill from parents. As we remember Saints Joachim and Anne today, let us pray for all parents worldwide that God will work through them to bless our world with good children.

The murmurings of the children of Israel showed the depths of their lack of appreciation for God. They forgot that God was leading them somewhere and that all they needed to do was endure for a while. While we could blame them for not trusting God after crossing the Red Sea on foot, let us look inwards. Can I say God has not done anything for me? Do I trust God enough to continue praising Him even when I face hard times? Do I understand that life happens in seasons and stages? Do I have the gift of patience? Or do I lose my temper at every slight provocation?

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, bless our parents with wisdom, patience, and every virtue needed to be good soils to our children. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Bible Study: Exodus 16:1-5,9-15, Ps. 78:18-19,23-28, Matthew 13:1-9).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Celebrating St. James the Greater

Tuesday, 25th July 2023. Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-15, Ps. 126:1-6, Matthew 20:20-28

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

Today, we remember St. James, the first of the twelve apostles to suffer martyrdom under the sword of Herod. In today’s Gospel passage, the mother of James and John presents her sons before Jesus, saying: “Please permit that these two sons of mine may sit one at your left and the other at your right hand.”

James and John were sure that by bringing their mother to Jesus, He would not turn down their request. This is one lesson we learn from St. James: Prayer. Even though God knows our hearts, He wants us to ask. (Cf. Matthew 7:7). Like James and John, bring your mother to Jesus. How? Ask her to pray for you. You can ask the saints to pray for you, who you believe are now in heaven. As Jesus did not rebuff James and John for coming through their mother, Jesus listens when we ask others to pray for us.

Jesus asked: “Can you drink the cup I am about to drink?” James and John responded: “We are able!” (Matthew 20:22). St. James and his brother did not ask the meaning of the cup, whether it was a cup of sweet wine or a cup of bitter vinegar like that which Jesus sipped on the Cross of Calvary. For their zealousness, Jesus once described them as “Sons of Thunder.” (Cf. Mark 3:17).

To what extent do I desire heaven? Am I prepared to drink the cup? Am I prepared to deny myself, take up my daily crosses and follow the footsteps of Jesus? On the other hand, am I only concerned about my daily bread? Am I only interested in what I can get from Jesus right now? St. James teaches us to make heaven our priority.

Jesus said: “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom my Father has prepared it.” (Matthew 20:23). This response of Jesus is quite puzzling. It makes us wonder, “Is there any difference between God the Son and God the Father?” I believe Jesus was trying to pass across a message here – in heaven; there would be no need for anyone to lord over another.

Jesus further explained that Heaven operates very differently from this world. While a seat at the right or left of Jesus would be interpreted as a “high position” in earthly terms (Deputy Jesus, second in command, etc.), it may be the opposite in heaven. “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you, but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave” (Matthew 20:25-27)

Another lesson St. James teaches us today is never to give up on God when it appears our requests are not granted. St. James did not resign from the company of the twelve apostles. He drank the cup and shed his blood to defend the Christian faith. He did not deny Jesus. St. Paul teaches us in today’s first reading not to be discouraged by whatever suffering, pain or disappointments we face as Christians: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).  

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, deepen in me the desire for heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 

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

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

God will Make a Way

Monday, 24th July 2023. Read Exodus 14:5-18, Exodus 15:1-6, Matthew 12:38-42

“Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying, ‘I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.’” (Exodus 15:1) 

Reflecting on today’s first reading, Don Moen sang: “God will make a way, where there seems to be no way, He works in ways we cannot see. He will make way for me. He will be my guide; hold me closely to His side. With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way; He will make a way. He'll lead me by a roadway in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert will I see.”

Slavery is such a grave evil humans inflict on one another. Slavery begins with a basic lack of respect for the dignity of a fellow human being. Whenever you look down on others or deny them their human rights, slavery occurs. You are no better than Pharaoh and his household when you exploit others’ talents, energies, and time against their will. The painful reality is that even though we are Christians, slavery continues in our homes today under the guise of house help, apprentices, and the like.

One thing we need to understand about slavery is that it is not only the slave that suffers. This is the point, Asa, the musician, made when she sang, “I’m in chains, you are in chains too. I wear uniforms; you wear uniforms too.” A lack of respect for your fellow human does not make you a higher species.

The real impact of slavery is not so much the physical wounds inflicted on people but the psychological destruction it brings within a person. The slave begins to think of himself in such low terms that he craves for and worships his master. This is the stage of surrender! In the presence of his master, he is overcome by fear. This type of fear gripped the Israelites in the presence of Pharaoh. They even asked Moses, “Where there no better tombs in Egypt that you brought us out here to die?”

That was when Moses sang: GOD WILL MAKE A WAY. Be still. Be calm. Relax. Fear not. Just watch and see. Let God fight for you. Each time we are consumed by fear, we should remember this encounter. Never underestimate the power of God. Be calm, and know God knows how to make ways where there is none.

In today’s Gospel passage, the Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign, and in response, Jesus told them that only an evil and adulterous generation would be seeking a sign and that the sign of Jonah was enough. The lesson from this episode is simple: “We do not need signs to believe (otherwise, God would have to prove Himself repeatedly), but once we believe, we would begin to see great signs and wonders.

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, save me from the fear of people. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of week 16 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Exodus 14:5-18, Exodus 15:1-6, Matthew 12:38-42). 

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

God is Patient: Repent before it is Too Late

Sunday, 23rd July 2023. Read Wisdom 12:13,16-19, Ps. 86:5-6,9-10,15-16, Romans 8:26-27, Matthew 13:24-43 

“And they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and throw them into the furnace of fire; there, men will weep and gnash their teeth.” (Matthew 13:41-42)

Just like we saw last Sunday, Jesus explains the kingdom of God with a parable centred on the planting and growing seeds in a field. Last Sunday, we learnt that bearing fruits requires changing our soil. Today, Jesus surprises us that the enemy also sows bad seeds even within good soil.

Even more surprising is the behaviour of the landowner, who would wait to allow the servants to pull out the bad seeds immediately. Could this be why it seems God is quiet in the face of evil in our world? Where did the enemy come from? How can we survive amid the bad seeds? Who and what are these bad seeds? This brings us to our lessons for today. 

1. The Enemy is Real

In the parable of Jesus in today’s Gospel passage, when the master was told about the appearance of weeds, his response was: “The enemy has done this.” (Matthew 13:28). We will be playing the proverbial ostrich if we deny the activities of the devil and his agents in our world today. In John 10:10, we read: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Just as the devil deceived Adam and Eve, he continues sowing bad seeds in God’s vineyard today.

In the name of modernity, the devil has sown seeds of unbelief in the minds of many Christians today. In the name of “adapting to the current times”, some Christians no longer see anything wrong with fornication, homosexuality, co-habitation, swear words or indecent dressing. In the name of entertainment, many have lost their souls to the devil through illicit music, pornography, cultism, substance abuse and other vices.

2. The Enemy operates while we sleep.

Jesus says, “While the men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.” No matter how powerful the devil is, he cannot have his way in our lives unless we let him in. This is because He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4). No wonder St. Peter would warn us: “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).

St. Peter describes the devil as a roaring lion not to evoke fear of the devil in us but to emphasise the need to stay awake spiritually. Be watchful. The devil will only have his way when we are asleep.

How do we sleep spiritually? When we let down our guard. One example that readily comes to mind is David, the great king of Israel. The country was at war, but David was at home idle. One evening, he took a walk on the roof of his palace and lusted after Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. This was the beginning of David’s downfall.

Be on guard lest the enemy sows weeds in your heart and cause you to derail. Be mindful of the kind of entertainment you permit, the books you read, the friends you keep and the places you visit. Do not sleep spiritually. Do not get carried away by a so-called Christian Brother or sister who is very active in the church but will lure you into fornication right after Church.

Don’t be deceived by that brother or sister who appears to be so concerned about your welfare, always asks about your family and your job, and listens to you like a dear friend only to suggest (advertise) witch doctors, marine spirits and occult powers as the solution to your problem. Whatever your situation, be on guard; do not let the devil sow weeds of evil suggestion in your heart.

3. By their fruits, you shall know them (Matthew 7:16).

Unless one is an experienced farmer, there is no way to tell the difference between wheat and weed, especially when it is not yet time for the harvest. Our people say, ‘All lizards carry belle face ground, we no sabi the one wei him belle dey pain am.’ Indeed not all that glitters is gold. It is not all those who say “Lord, Lord, that will enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 7:20).

In the Gospel of Mark 1:23-27, we read how Jesus was in the synagogue (a place to worship God), and there was a man with an unclean spirit. But for the presence of Jesus, no one knew that such a person was there. Did this man go to the synagogue to deceive, destroy and pull out believers from God’s house? On the other hand, could he have gone there because he knew he was sick and needed deliverance?

Whatever the case, we cannot deny that there is wheat and weeds in every Church gathering. The church is not home to saints alone; sinners are among us. Do not be deceived. There are satanic agents in our midst. There are seeds among us that the enemy has planted, and we would not know until harvest time (that is unless they begin to manifest their fruits).

As bad seeds are in our midst, we also have bad seeds within ourselves. While we point fingers at others, we cannot ignore the logs in our eyes. Once upon a time, the Jews brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. They wanted to know his verdict. For them, she is a weed and doesn’t deserve to live. Jesus did not defend her evil act but made them see the weeds within themselves.

Jesus said: “Let him who has not sinned be the first to cast a stone at her.” (John 8:7). As much as we are embarrassed at the presence of bad Christians in our midst, we must not forget that we have our bad sides. 

4. Avoid Labelling People

Once you label a person as bad, you suddenly become blind to their good sides. Once the servants recognised the weeds growing alongside the wheat, all they could see was weed. They forgot that even though the weeds grow faster than the wheat, they have a shorter life span. The servants worried about the weeds because they couldn’t see the wheat.

No matter how evil a person is, there is still a lot of good in them. Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. Your best friend today may turn out to be your worst enemy tomorrow, while the one you condemned today may ultimately become your saviour.

In the same way, do not condemn yourself because you have noticed your flaws and limitations. Instead of sliding into depression, focus on your strengths; build your talents – feed your wheat. In today’s second reading, St. Paul teaches: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us… And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the Spirit.”

In other words, prayer is the key. Have you noticed a bad Christian? Don’t rush to condemn; submit them to God in prayer. Do you hate yourself for the things you do? Go down on your knees. Call on the Holy Spirit. Prayer changes many things. 

5. Why does God allow wicked people to succeed?

The Book of Wisdom (our first reading) describes God as a merciful father. His care is for all men (no one is exempted). It says, “In strength, you judge with mildness, with great forbearance you govern us… you give repentance for sins.” God is patient. By not allowing his servants to pull up the weed immediately, the landowner acts with patience, knowing that in pulling the weeds, the servants would also mistakenly pull the wheat.

Secondly, the landowner knows the weed would benefit the wheat despite its ugliness. As St. Augustine would say: “God would never permit evil to happen unless He is incapable of bringing good out of it.” God will not rid the world of all evildoers because He gives them countless opportunities to repent and because He knows how to bring good out of their evil.

The weeds provided competition for the wheat, and because the wheat struggled to survive, the fruits they bore were stronger and better. Evil people provide adversity; they make life difficult for us, yet we become stronger due to adversity. Sometimes, you need to thank God for your enemies; they challenge you to bring out the best in you. Your enemies help you to know that you need God. They keep you at your toes, prevent you from sleeping spiritually; they teach you not to trust people. Without weeds, we wouldn’t value wheat. Without enemies, you would never know who your friends are or what you can achieve. 

We cannot rid the church completely of sinners, yet the church will never lack saints. You can learn to be good by having a role model to imitate or by having someone that you don’t want to be like.

Conclusion: Judgement Day Will Surely Come.

God is patient, but we must not take His patience for granted. Jesus wasn’t speaking in parables when he spoke about the furnace of fire where men will weep and gnash their teeth. Jesus mentioned this “furnace of fire” while explaining the wheat and weeds parable. There comes a time when the reapers will enter the farm and gather the weeds; then, it will be too late. Repent now while it is possible. 

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, save me from the many evils around me. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (16th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Wisdom 12:13,16-19, Ps. 86:5-6,9-10,15-16, Romans 8:26-27, Matthew 13:24-43).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu