Avoid Mediocrity: Take Some Extra Oil

Friday, 1st September 2023.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Ps. 97:1-2,5-6,10-12, Matthew 25:1-13

“Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:2-4)

There were ten maidens; five were foolish, and five were wise. The only thing that differentiated the foolish from the wise was that they went along with some extra oil; they didn’t depend only on the oil in their lamps.

One distinguishing quality of winners is their commitment to excellence. They follow the dictum: “Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.” Have you ever had the experience of consulting a service provider (mechanic, painter, builder etc.) only to realise they did the job halfway through? Wise persons go beyond solving a problem; they go the extra mile – they locate the source of the problem to avoid repeating the process.

In this parable, the foolish virgins took the one thing necessary: a bottle of oil for granted. They assumed the oil in their lamps would be enough. Sometimes, we behave like foolish virgins. We assume our parents’ spirituality is enough to get us into heaven. Some Christians assume the penny catechism classes they attended growing up are enough. Some have never read their bibles; they feel that they are good to go since they were taught Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) in school.

I once met a young man who attended a Catholic boarding school where he attended morning Masses every morning. Upon graduation, he said the Masses he attended for six years were enough to cover for the rest of his life. This is another example of how we behave like the foolish virgins.

In today’s First Reading, St. Paul says: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from unchastity… For God has not called us for uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this disregards not man but God.” (1 Thessalonians 4:2-8). If you live on earth as though God does not exist, how do you hope to spend eternity with God whom you have so rejected?

Don’t just be an average Christian; be wise; carry extra oil with your lamp. Be an authentic Christian.

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

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 21 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Ps. 97:1-2,5-6,10-12, Matthew 25:1-13).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Live Everyday Like It Is Your Last

Thursday, 31st August 2023. Read 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13, Ps. 90:3-4,12-14,17, Matthew 24:42-51

“Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44)

Jesus tells us today: “Watch, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” To be watchful is to be alert in the spirit. It is reminding oneself constantly that the end must surely come. The book of Proverbs defines spiritual watchfulness: “Guard your heart with all vigilance, for out of it proceeds the wellsprings of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

St. Peter adds: “Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary, the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith.” (1st Peter 5:8-9). In school, we are informed ahead of time of the examination/test date, but in the spiritual life, the devil doesn’t inform us ahead of tests, trials and temptations. We have to be constantly prepared.

The best way to keep watch is to get busy. Just as a good security officer never sleeps while on duty, being watchful requires keeping our hearts engaged. If we are not busy, we will soon find ourselves sleeping, allowing the enemy to sow bad seeds in us (Cf. Matthew 13:25ff). Hence, Jesus says: “Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.” Jesus wants us to be prepared for the last day, and at the same time, He wants to find us at our duty posts when He comes.

Remember the end; even the air you breathe is borrowed, and you will have to relinquish it someday. Do not be attached to anything on earth, not even the hurts of others. Forgive quickly, and take life easy. What troubles you now will not matter if you die, so just let it go. In summary, try to live every day as if it is your last day on earth. This will help you be at your best. 

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may death not meet me unprepared. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of week 21 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13, Ps. 90:3-4,12-14,17, Matthew 24:42-51).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Cleanse the Inside, Too

Wednesday, 30th August 2023. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Ps. 139:7-12, Matthew 23:27-32 

“So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:28-29)

One of the most difficult things is trying to correct someone in authority. Jesus would have tried to be quiet, but he said the truth just as it is. In another passage, Jesus says: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28).

When it comes to correcting our religious leaders, there is a tendency for us to quote passages such as “Touch not my anointed ones, and do my prophet no harm.” (1 Chronicles 16:22 & Psalm 105:15). The greatest harm we do to God’s anointed ones is refusing to tell them the truth.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus likened the Scribes and Pharisees to whitewashed tombs, beautiful from the outside but full of dead men’s bones inside. If people get close to us, would they see something different from what we portray in public?

Jesus also condemned the fact that the Scribes and Pharisees had a practice of adorning the tombs of the prophets (who were killed for speaking the truth) to exonerate themselves from the crimes of their ancestors. Meanwhile, they were preparing to kill Jesus just as their fathers killed the prophets. It is easy to judge others, but it is always more profitable first to put ourselves in their shoes.

In today’s first reading, St. Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, stated: “For you remember our labour and toil, brethren; we worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you, while we preached to you the gospel of God…” (1 Thessalonians 2:9) Have I become a burden to my flock financially? Do I only think of what I would get from them?

St. Paul continues: “You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our behaviour to you believers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:10). Can I, as a religious leader, say this to my flock? Am I truly a role model when it comes to righteousness and holiness? 

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, I give us the grace to practice what we preach. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of week 21 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Ps. 139:7-12, Matthew 23:27-32).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Head of John the Baptist

Tuesday, 29th August 2023. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Ps. 139:1-3,4-6, Mark 6:17-29

“The king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.” (Mark 6:27-28)

Once upon a time, a popular musician sang: “If you stand for the truth, you will always stand alone.” Today, we are reminded that there is a price we must pay if we dare to speak the truth to others, especially those in positions of authority. There are some lessons for us today:

First, let us never be afraid of speaking the truth, especially when we are completely certain of our facts. By keeping quiet in the face of evil, we partake in the sins of others. It is better to die for telling the truth than to support it with your silence. The greatest disaster of our age is not evil people's presence but good people's indifference.

Secondly, if I fail to accept correction but begin to fight the mouth that tells me the truth, the simple fact is that I will never know peace. Silencing the voice does not make the evil you do right. The death of John the Baptist did not legitimise the adulterous union of Herod and Herodias; it only made them murderers.

Thirdly, speaking the truth entails speaking directly to those involved. If you know I am a bad person, come to me and tell me to my face. Tell me my mouth is smelling, and I will cry, but not forget to brush my teeth next time. Don’t go telling other people about me. Only cowards believe that they can change others by gossiping about them.

Fourthly, let us learn to practice self-control. Herod was not thinking straight when he promised even half his kingdom to a little girl. What if she had asked for his head? Think before you speak. Be a master of your emotions. In moments of anger, hold it. In moments of excitement, hold it also. Learn the habit of speaking to God and hearing from him before talking. Avoid making promises.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase my courage to proclaim and live out the truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. St. John the Baptist, pray for us.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Ps. 139:1-3,4-6, Mark 6:17-29).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Woe to You, Scribes and Pharisees

Monday, 28th August 2023. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5,8-10, Ps. 149:1-6,9, Matthew 23:13-22

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matthew 23:13)

Sadly, despite the diversity of churches, evil seems to rise in our society. Our real problem is hypocrisy. We are always trying to deceive people when we cannot deceive God. We are like the men who brought the woman caught in adultery to Jesus. We have picked up stones already, but need to listen to Jesus: “Let him who has not sinned be the first to cast a stone.” In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus accused the Pharisees of:

One. “Shutting the kingdom of heaven”. You wonder, how on earth can those leading people to heaven be the ones shutting the same door? Does my life proclaim a different Gospel from what I preach? Jesus said that they neither go in themselves nor allow those who want to go in.

Two. Jesus accused them of travelling far and wide to convert a single person to the faith only to make them a more qualified candidate for hell. Am I simply interested in increasing the number of people coming to my church? As a priest or a church leader, am I more concerned about offertories, tithes, and seeds than the spiritual nourishment of souls?

Three. Jesus accused the scribes and Pharisees of not teaching the truth regarding swearing and oath-taking. How sound is my theology? What efforts do I make to update my knowledge? Jesus called them blind guides because they taught things they did not know. These Pharisees taught that if one swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, he is bound by the oath. This way, they seemed to place more emphasis on the gift than the very altar itself, revealing their true interests.

Let us examine our consciences and repent. We should not be so interested in attempting to convert anyone as much as we should be interested in living in the light ourselves.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, cleanse me from all hypocrisy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Augustine, Bishop, Doctor. Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5,8-10, Ps. 149:1-6,9, Matthew 23:13-22).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Authority and Power of Peter

Sunday, 27th August 2023. Read Isaiah 22:19-23, Ps. 138:1-3,6,8, Romans 11:33-36, Matthew 16:13-20 

“You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

Last Sunday, through the Prophet Isaiah, God described His house (the Church) as a House of Prayer for all nations. The miraculous healing of the daughter of the Canaanite woman who persisted in appealing to Jesus concretely expresses the all-inclusiveness of this special house of prayer where God continues to intervene in the affairs of mankind today.

A house (or any gathering) without a leader or someone to exercise authority is just a recipe for chaos and disaster. That the House of God on earth may stand, Jesus knew it was necessary to select a leader. Today’s lessons are drawn from how Jesus went about selecting this leader. 

1. Leadership Requires a Sixth Sense

The most difficult job on earth is controlling a fellow human being. Some time ago, someone shared a picture on social media. On one side were moving; they all seemed on a straight file, each animal waiting for the other. None was in a hurry to get there before the other. On the other side of the picture was a typical traffic gridlock – cars in a zigzag fashion having blocked themselves as none was willing to wait for another and the drivers shouting at the top of their voices at themselves.

Every now and then, you tune into your radio, and you hear people criticising (and even insulting) people in government for not doing this or that. Some of those who criticise the most get into power only to become woeful failures. Leading humans requires special abilities, including hearing directly from God. By asking the disciples a question about his identity, Jesus was putting them to the test, and when Peter answered correctly, Jesus clapped for him, saying: “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17)

Are you a leader in any capacity? Are you a man or woman of God? Do you head a family, a church or a company? Know that your success highly depends on your closeness to God, active prayer life and willingness to listen to God’s voice daily. Left to your power and intelligence, you can do nothing. As Jesus would say: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) In other words, all power and authority come from God who alone controls the entire universe. This brings us to our next lesson today. 

2. All Power and Authority come from God.

According to St. Paul, “There is no authority except God, and God has instituted those that exist.” (Romans 13:1). That is to say, whatever power anyone exercises is just a tiny share of the ultimate power of God, who has what it takes to remove such power from that person or put it in the hands of another. This is exactly what the first reading today teaches us.

No human being can boast about grabbing, retaining and exercising power. Simply put, no one can rise to power or stay in power without God’s divine approval. Truly, as St. Paul says in our second reading today: “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36) 

3. Jesus Christ Founded and Built the Church

Over time, I have noticed that when our separated brethren attack the church for its doctrines or practices (especially those not explicitly stated in the Bible), they tend to use the phrase “Roman Catholic Church”, giving the impression that the Romans founded the church or that its practices merely reflect Roman culture and traditions. As we see in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus said: “I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

Note that Jesus did not say to Peter, “You are Peter and I give you power to build a church for me….” Instead, Jesus said: “Upon this Rock, I (Jesus himself) will build my church…” Jesus Christ is the Founder of the Church, and any attempt to hide or dismiss this fact is playing the devil, a liar from the beginning. (Cf. John 8:44). Some persons moved by hatred say that Jesus did not establish any church, but I wonder if this verse is in their Bible.

Secondly, when Jesus founded the church, He did not name it. The name “Catholic” and its later modified version, “Roman Catholic”, were given to it to distinguish it from other churches founded by individuals who felt they could no longer be under the authority of Peter. From the Reformation, Christianity has seen the birth of almost a million new denominations, almost entirely committed to attacking and condemning the Catholic Church – playing the devil while pretending to be from God. 

4. Jesus Placed Authority on Peter, not on the Bible

The popular question is at the basis of virtually all the attacks against the Church: “Is it in the Bible?”* As much as the Bible is unarguably the word of God, let us not forget that Jesus Christ founded the Church not on the authority of the Bible but on the authority of Peter. Even the Bible testifies to this fact when Jesus said to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19).

Jesus never said: “Upon this Bible, I build my church; whatever is contained in the Bible is approved, and whatever is not contained in the Bible is from the devil.” As we have it today, the Bible did not even exist when Jesus said these words. Before its compilation, there was the Magisterium, i.e. the teaching authority (Cf. Matthew 23:2-3) and the Sacred Tradition.

The Bible is just one of the three legs upon which our Faith as Christians is built, and its interpretation and understanding depend on the other two. Treating the Bible as the ultimate authority undermines Peter's authority and contradicts what the Bible itself says. 

Conclusion: The Powers of Death Can Never Prevail Against the Church

The fact that the Church continues to exist despite its long history of internal and external attacks is nothing short of a living miracle. It is a testimony that humans are not in charge, and God governs the Church. Over the years, many have sought to destroy the church and continue launching spurious attacks with hearts filled with hatred. We only respond as much as possible, defending the truth with our words and good deeds. In the end, just as Jesus said: “The powers of death can never prevail against the church.” 

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, we know that all power comes from you. Bless our spiritual and temporal leaders, and work in them and through them for our good. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Isaiah 22:19-23, Ps. 138:1-3,6,8, Romans 11:33-36, Matthew 16:13-20).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Don’t Call Me Father If I Don’t Practice What I Preach

Saturday, 26th August 2023. Read Ruth 2:1-3,8-11,4:13-17, Ps. 128:1-5, Matthew 23:1-12 

“Practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.... They do all their deeds to be seen by men. (Matthew 23:3-5)

It is easier to preach about righteousness than to live it out. It is easier to point out the errors of others than to notice our faults. It is easier to condemn evil than to refrain from it. One of the most difficult things to do is to sit down in silence and be the judge of your thoughts, words and actions. This is the practice of examination of conscience, which is the bedrock of Christianity.

The scribes and Pharisees paraded themselves as holy, but Jesus could see through their hypocrisy. Jesus knew they were scandalising the people (leading many astray by their bad behaviours). While commending them for preaching the truth, Jesus warned against copying their actions.

Since the scribes and Pharisees were not living up to God’s expectations, Jesus warned against giving them undue reverence. “You are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher and are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father in heaven. Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:8-12) 

Jesus’s words must never be taken out of context. Jesus is not against the use of titles. No. Jesus is against answering a name that your actions contradict. Don’t call me Father if I am not behaving like one. I don't deserve such titles if I do not practice what I preach. Jesus is against the worship of human beings. If I do what is wrong, be bold enough to call and correct me. Do not say: “Leave him alone. He is next to God.” Jesus says: “Call no man on earth your God. You have only One God who is in heaven!”

Jesus also warns against pride. Pride is like an invisible spirit; you can’t see it, yet pride is dangerous. One of the reasons we fail to practice what we preach is pride. Pride makes us assume we are better than our audience. It makes us place burdens on the shoulders of others, knowing that we have no intention of following such standards. Jesus says we would be humiliated if we exalt ourselves, but if we practice what we preach in humility, we would be exalted. 

The story of Ruth and Naomi ends today with the happy union of Ruth and Boaz, whom God blessed with a child who became the grandfather of David. God rewarded Ruth for her sacrifice – accepting to stay with Naomi (her mother-in-law) rather than return to her home. Love is a sacrifice. We never go unrewarded for every sacrifice we make. Our Responsorial Psalm today sing: ‘Blessed is everyone who fears the lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labour of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you….’ (Psalm 128:1-6).

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may my life's sermon be better than my words' sermon. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 20 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Ruth 2:1-3,8-11,4:13-17, Ps. 128:1-5, Matthew 23:1-12).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Love Is Sacrifice

Friday, 25th August 2023. Read Ruth 1:1,3-6,14-16,22, Ps. 146:5-10, Matthew 22:34-40

“But Ruth said, ‘Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; where you die I will die, and there will I be buried.’” (Ruth 1:16-17) 

The love of God is the summary of all the commandments. To love God is to value God from the depths of your heart. At the heart of Christian worship is love. To love is to worship. In other words, if we love God, we would truly worship him by keeping every one of his commandments. To love God is to sacrifice your will to do the will of God.

Take away love, and our worship of God loses its value. This was why Jesus asked Peter the same question three times. “Do you love me?” “Peter, do you love me more than these?” “Peter, do you love me?” How can we claim to be serving God if we love other things more than God?

The first and greatest commandment is also intricately connected to the second commandment: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Of course, as St. John says:  “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20).

The Story of Ruth and Naomi in the Bible is a story of Love. Ruth refused to leave Naomi, her mother-in-law because she was wise enough to know that Naomi, an aged woman, could not survive without help. Here comes another lesson in love: the care for the old.

Love is empty if it doesn’t require anything from you. True love requires sacrificing for others, especially for the old.  Just as loving God demands our wholehearted worship, loving our neighbours also demands sacrifice on our part. 

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me love you better each day. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 20 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ruth 1:1,3-6,14-16,22, Ps. 146:5-10, Matthew 22:34-40).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Come and See

Thursday, 24th August 2023. Read Apocalypse 21:9-14, Ps. 145:10-13a,17-18, John 1:45-51 

“Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” (John 1:46)

Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Bartholomew, otherwise known as Nathanael. Philip told him that they had found Jesus of Nazareth. He did not believe the Messiah could come from a place like Nazareth. Bartholomew said: “Can anything good come out of that town?” 

Philip wasn’t discouraged by Bartholomew’s reaction. Philip did not even try to argue with Bartholomew. He said to him: “Come and see.” In our efforts to spread the Good News, we would encounter many people like Bartholomew; people already have strong opinions or beliefs about what we are about to tell them. For instance, some believe that Christianity is colonialism. Some think that Catholics do not read the Bible and so on. There is no need to argue with them. We only need to say to them: “Come and see.” Let Jesus do the talking.

Philip did not waste time arguing with Bartholomew because he knew that after encountering Jesus, Bartholomew would never remain the same. When Jesus saw Bartholomew coming, Jesus called him by his name. Bartholomew wondered: “How do you know me?” Jesus added: “Before Philip came to call you, I saw you under the fig tree.”

Bartholomew confessed: “You are the Son of God, the King of Israel.” Like Thomas, who spoke similar words after touching the hands and feet of Jesus after the resurrection, Bartholomew saw with his eyes and believed. Jesus told him, “You will see greater things than this.”

As we celebrate the feast of St. Bartholomew, let us take some moments to recall our conversion experience. How did you come to know Jesus? What convinced you that Jesus is God? Have you had a one-on-one encounter with Jesus? Are you holding on to your confession of faith in Jesus like Bartholomew, who described Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel?

In today’s First Reading, John gives us a glimpse of what Jesus was referring to when he told Bartholomew: “You will see greater things than this.” Just as Jesus revealed his identity to Bartholomew, Jesus continues to reveal himself to us today. However, all we have to do is to “come and see.” Do not think that you know everything already; grow above your prejudice. Something good can come out of Nazareth.

Bartholomew remained a strong disciple of Jesus after this encounter. He never looked back; he never stopped following Jesus, even when this meant carrying the heavy cross of martyrdom. Today, we celebrate Bartholomew as one whose blood became the seed of the Christian faith that continues to grow. We pray that, like Bartholomew, we may remain convinced about Jesus.

Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, use me as your instrument of salvation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Bartholomew, Apostle – Feast. Bible Study: Apocalypse 21:9-14, Ps. 145:10-13a,17-18, John 1:45-51). 

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Before God, We Are All Equal

Wednesday, 23rd August 2023. Read Judges 9:6-15, Ps. 21:2-7, Matthew 20:1-16 

“If in good faith you are anointing me, king, over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.” (Judges 9:15) 

Peter asked Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you; what then is there for us?” In response, Jesus mentioned two kinds of rewards: seats in heaven and a hundredfold return of all that was left for the sake of God’s kingdom.

God is not like us; He does not use and dump. There is no sacrifice we make on God’s behalf that is unrewarded. The book of Hebrews says, “Whoever would approach God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6).

When Jesus mentioned the rewards, the disciples must have felt relieved. However, Jesus narrated the parable of the Landowner to teach them a very important lesson. When receiving rewards from God, we must avoid comparing ourselves with others.

Like the workers recruited for work in the vineyard at different times, we are not all gifted the same way, we were not all born on the same day, and we did not come to know God on the same day. However, after our labour, we shall all receive exactly what we deserve.

Saint Paul throws light on this parable when he declares: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and waters are equal, and each shall receive his wages according to his labour.” (1st Corinthians 3:6-9).

We cannot all become ordained ministers, consecrated men and women, bishops, or cardinals in the church, but at the end of the day, not even the Pope will receive a greater reward than the newly baptised. Jesus says: “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” This means that there would be no last or first.

This parable of the landowner teaches us that the essence of the Christian life is collaboration and not competition. Each is called to give their best to achieve the good of all. In today’s First Reading, Jotham narrated a very beautiful story. The trees came for a meeting to elect a king.

The olive turned down the offer claiming that its oil was too precious. It refused to contribute its best to others. The fig tree said its fruits were too delicious. The vine couldn’t give up its wonderful wine. Eventually, they settled for the bramble tree and the bramble with only fire to give. If we don’t contribute our talents for the common good, we will all suffer the consequences. Whatever your talents are, do not keep them to yourself. It is by serving others that we become better.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me grow above pride that I may treat everyone around me as my equals before you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of week 20 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Judges 9:6-15, Ps. 21:2-7, Matthew 20:1-16).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

With God, All Things Are Possible

Tuesday, 22nd August 2023. Read Judges 6:11-24, Ps. 85:9,11-14, Matthew 19:23-30 

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, "Then who can be saved?” (Matthew 19:24-25)

A young man approached Jesus to learn how to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked him to give his possessions to the poor so he could have treasures in heaven. The young man walked away sorrowfully. This young man had come to Jesus hoping that Jesus would praise him for meriting heaven, not knowing that he had made an idol of his wealth. On the last day, many would be shocked by their judgement. It is easy to think we are perfect because we barely see the logs in our eyes.

When Jesus saw how the young man walked away, Jesus declared: “How hard it is for the rich to enter into the kingdom of God.” In Mark’s account of this scenario, Jesus clarified this statement by saying: “Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:24). While wealth does not disqualify a person from entering heaven, trusting in riches makes it difficult.

There is a particular gate into the city of Jerusalem called “the eye of a needle.” This gate is so small that a camel cannot enter it with its load. The camel can go through this gate but must drop whatever is on its back and squat to pass through it. This has a meaning for everyone. Whether rich or poor, we must let go of our earthly possessions to enter heaven.

The disciples asked: “Who then can be saved?” Jesus responded: “With men, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” In other words, we cannot make it if we trust only in ourselves (our riches, fame, intelligence or might). In today’s First Reading, an Angel of God addressed Gideon as a “mighty man of valour.” Gideon did not believe it until he saw a sign.

Gideon was the least in his family, and his clan was the weakest in Israel, yet God chose him to save Israel. Relying on our strength, we are powerless, but all things are possible with God. The Angel told Gideon, "I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites as one man.” Do not trust in whatever you have; place your trust in God.

Today we celebrate the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary (the fifth glorious mystery). Today’s feast is a sequel to that which we celebrated on the 15^th of August; the Assumption of Mary into heaven. The entire life of Mary is a confirmation of the words of Jesus: “With God, all things are possible.” From the fact that a virgin became pregnant without intercourse to the fact that she remained a virgin even while married to Joseph and lived a sinless life even to being assumed into heaven defies human logic. To doubt anything about Mary is to assume there is a limit to what God can do.

If God could make a man as weak as Gideon, a successful war hero, it tells us that God can take “a nobody” like Mary and turn her into His mother; by this fact, she is the queen of heaven. 

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may my quest for riches not block my love and devotion to you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Our Lady, Mother and Queen, Bible Study: Judges 6:11-24, Ps. 85:9,11-14, Matthew 19:23-30).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Do Not Make a God of Your Possessions

Monday, 21st August 2023. Read Judges 2:11-19, Ps. 106:34-37,39-40,43-44, Matthew 19:16-22

“All these I have observed; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” (Matthew 19:20-21)

Like the Israelites we read about in our First Reading, we become idol worshippers when we seek security in our possessions. To the young rich man who wanted to know how to possess eternal life, Jesus said: “If you want to be perfect, go and sell what you possess and give to the poor.”

According to St. John Chrysostom, when this young man first met Jesus asking about what he has to do to have eternal life, Jesus led him to the truth in various degrees. First, Jesus taught him to let go of false flattery by saying: “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.”

Secondly, Jesus reminds him of his basic Catechism: “If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” St. Augustine commenting on this statement, says Jesus said, “If you want to enter into life”, meaning that at the moment, what we have is not life but a miserable and finite existence on earth. The only life is that which we shall begin to live in heaven.

Thirdly, having proved that he had observed the commandments since childhood, Jesus led him to a higher degree of perfection; to sell all he had and give the money to the poor. We must take note of the sequence of steps Jesus outlined in this conversation with the young man.

Given that he was unwilling to give away his possessions, the young man walked away from Jesus sad. We brought nothing into this world; we cannot take anything with us when we die. Help the poor. Learn to give things away. There is a joy that comes to us when we give things away. The way to be happy is to make others happy.

Jesus told us: “I tell you, make friends for yourselves using unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails, they may receive you into the eternal habitations.” (Luke 16:9). It is not enough that we keep God’s commandments. We must secure our place in heaven by helping others. 

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, save me from the worship of my possessions. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Pius X, Pope. Bible Study: Judges 2:11-19, Ps. 106:34-37,39-40,43-44, Matthew 19:16-22).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Tough Times Don’t Last, but Tough People Do

Sunday, 20th August 2023. Read Isaiah 56:1,6-7, Ps. 67:2-3,5-6,8, Romans 11:13-15,29-32, Matthew 15:21-28

“Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.” (Matthew 15:28)

Last Sunday, Jesus came to his disciples at the fourth watch of the night, walking on water. They thought they saw a ghost, but Jesus said: “Take heart, it is I. Have no fear.” To confirm it, Peter asked that he might walk on water, but he soon began to sink when he took his gaze away from Jesus. Jesus said to Peter: “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31-32).

Meanwhile, in today’s gospel passage, Jesus said to the Canaanite woman: “Woman, great is your faith!” Do we say that what a man cannot do, a woman can do better? Nevertheless, let us remember that, unlike Peter, this woman had something at stake – her daughter, tormented by a demon. In The Canaanite Woman, we learn what it means to be a mother. Like St. Monica, who prayed relentlessly for her son, Augustine, this woman shows us that being a mother is loving sacrificially. It is refusing to give up on your children regardless of how they turn out to be.

Like this Canaanite woman, we have been victims of tough times at some point. We may be going through very difficult circumstances right now. Today, we learn that tough times do not last, but tough people do. What does it mean to be a tough person? Selflessness – living not merely for oneself but for others. Living above Prejudice - refusing to judge others based on their origins. Positivity - refusing to take ‘No’ for an answer. Humility – accepting and taking advantage of whatever insults we receive. Let us not examine some lessons in today’s readings.

1. Why Does God Allow Tough Times in Our Lives?

Some Christians have asked, “if God is all good, all kind, all loving, why does he allow his children to go through difficult moments?” To take our minds to last Sunday’s Gospel passage, Jesus knew what awaited the disciples at sea, but he sent them on ahead of him. Why? He wanted to test the extent of their faith. We can only say we have faith if we are tested. Without tough times, we cannot claim to be people of faith. Secondly, Jesus wanted to teach them. We learn more from adversity than from leisure. As the saying goes: “Once beaten, twice shy.”

There is a quotation by Hazrat Inayat Khan which goes thus: “I asked for strength, and God gave me difficulties to toughen me. I asked for wisdom, and God gave me problems to learn to solve. I asked for prosperity, and God gave me a brain and brawn to work. I asked for courage, and God gave me dangers to overcome. I asked for love, and God gave me people to help. I asked for favours, and God gave me opportunities. I received nothing I wanted. I received everything I needed.”

2. In Tough times, Keep Pushing; Pray Until Something Happens

Once, Jesus gave us a parable of a woman demanding justice from an unjust judge. Like the Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel passage, this woman never gave up. Jesus concluded: “And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:7-8).

This means that God would reward our faith if we persevere in asking, but this asking must be done with faith, not bitterness. It is one thing to pray repeatedly but a different thing to display anger towards God for delaying our requests. The Canaanite woman was not ready to take No for an answer, but she was not bitter. This woman played along even when Jesus said something that could be interpreted as insulting.

How do we avoid bitterness when our prayer requests are delayed? St. Paul says: “Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). Pray without ceasing. God has no favourites. God is the father of all. You are not suffering because your sins are greater than those of others. God allows His rain to fall on the good and bad alike. Isaiah says, “God’s house is a place of prayer for all nations.” 

3. Qualities of Tough People - Selflessness

The most outstanding quality of tough people is that they do not live only for themselves. Selfish people are weak. Since they are only concerned about themselves, they live in a small world (‘I’, ‘Me’ and ‘myself’). Since their world is so small, they only see negatives rather than positives. They have weak faith because they don’t believe they can help others. When they see people in trouble, they play the ostrich -hide their heads in the sand, hoping the trouble never gets to them.

The Canaanite woman had a large heart. Instead of abandoning her daughter in her condition, she searched for a solution. Tough people can survive tough times because they are always trying to help others; they are always looking for solutions to other people’s problems, and by so doing, they always discover new ideas, new opportunities and ways to improve their lives. Isaiah tells us in today’s first reading: “Keep justice and do righteousness” Don’t be selective of your goodness.

4. Qualities of Tough People – No Prejudice

One evil that has kept our society from making progress is ethnic bigotry. Many people believe that if someone is not from their tribe or community, they are good for nothing. Tough people are more concerned about a person’s potential than their history. The Canaanite woman did not consider that her people were enemies of the Jews. Recall the statement of the Samaritan woman to Jesus when He asked her for water: “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (John 4:9).

Matthew tells us, “Jesus went away and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.” This means that Jesus went there to hide because he simply wanted to rest. He was not expecting people to recognise Him. Meanwhile, the Canaanite woman was more concerned about receiving healing for her daughter than maintaining an age-old communal clash.

Child of God, be wise – do not cheat yourself by refusing to ask for help from someone just because the person is an enemy of your friend. Treat people according to who they are, not what you have heard about them. Tough people are willing to walk into the so-called enemy zone because they know what they want. 

5. Qualities of Tough People – Positivity

Tough people do not take ‘no’ for an answer. They understand that failure is not a bus stop but a bridge to success. Tough people are like salespeople; they are always optimistic. No matter how many times you slam the door on their faces, be sure to find them knocking again with a smile on their faces. They are like Jacob – they would never let you go unless you bless them. When you tell them you don’t want to patronise them, they keep the conversation going until you finally agree to their terms.

The Canaanite woman persisted because she prepared herself ahead for possible rejection. It was like she was expecting Jesus’ reaction, and her plan was simple: “I will never give up.” When Jesus did not answer her a word, she smiled and kept asking. When the disciples asked Jesus to send her away, she smiled again but did not stop asking. When Jesus said he was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, she still smiled but never gave up. When Jesus said children’s bread should not go to dogs, she smiled again and asked for the crumbs. Tough people always look at the brighter side, knowing their situation is never beyond remedy.

6. Qualities of Tough People – Humility

Tough people know how to swallow insults. They have such tough skin that they can make jokes even about themselves. Tough people recognise their “nothingness”, but instead of feeling inferior, they ask for help. Weak people are too ashamed to ask for help; their pride keeps them down forever. How can a man who lacks a secondary school education employ (and control) professors who have attained the highest possible level in their chosen fields? The answer is humility.

No wonder, in her song of thanksgiving, Mary tells us that God exults the lowly and puts down the proud. Show me a man who knows how to remain calm when humiliated, and I will show you a man whose heart is as tough as steel. Others may laugh at him, but he knows exactly what he is doing. When they realise what he planned, he will laugh at them. 

Conclusion: Faith is Not Magic

When it comes to faith, there are always obstacles here and there, discouragement and stumbling blocks, but we must never give up; we must never say never until it is over - we must pray until something happens (P.U.S.H). Jesus told us: “Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) but He never gave us any time frame. Be Patient with God. 

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, fill us with the warmth of your love so that by loving you in all things, we may attain your promises. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (20th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Isaiah 56:1,6-7, Ps. 67:2-3,5-6,8, Romans 11:13-15,29-32, Matthew 15:21-28).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu