Celebrating the Great Multitude of Saints in Heaven

Wednesday, 1 November 2023. Read Apocalypse 7:2-4,9-14, Ps. 24:1-6, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12)

Some time ago, someone asked me: “Why do you pray to dead people? The Bible teaches us that it is wrong to call on a dead person. In 1st Samuel Chapter 28, Saul consulted the spirit of Samuel through a medium at Endor, and the outcome was not palatable.” In response, the first point I raised was that the saints are not just “dead people.” They are living souls. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says: “For your reward is great in heaven.” How else could we explain the reception of a reward in heaven if death makes a permanent end to one’s existence?

Today, we celebrate that great, uncountable multitude of souls in God’s presence. We cannot call them “dead people”, just as we cannot refer to the multitude in our first reading today as dead people. They must be more than dead people if they can cry out and praise God. Anyone who says the saints are just dead people probably hasn’t read today’s first reading.

This brings us to the next point: Why pray to the saints? We do not pray to the saints because they are not deities; we ask them to intercede on our behalf. Just as we ask our fellow humans (friends, colleagues, pastors, parents, etc.) to pray for us, we ask the saints to pray for us. Do we honour the saints? Yes, just as we honour our ancestors, friends, mentors or stars who have lived inspiring lives.

We immortalise our stars by naming streets, civic centres, universities, parks, etc., after them. We even erect huge statues of these great men and women to honour them. Do we worship the saints whose statues are found on our church premises? No. Only God deserves worship. If looking at the statue of a hero inspires me to tell the truth when I am tempted to lie, then that statue has served its purpose.

Today, we particularly remember the saints we know: fellow Nigerians, relatives, heroes and heroines. They may not have been officially declared saints, but we believe they are in heaven, given how they lived. That is why a day like this is set aside to celebrate not just the Europeans whose faces appear each time we type “saints” on Google but also the many Africans who may have been forgotten due to our poor record-keeping culture.

Asking the saints to pray for us is completely different from the action of Saul, who consulted a medium to invoke the spirit of Samuel. We are not consulting the dead or trying to wake them from the grave. Today’s celebration serves one purpose: to make us think of heaven and increase our longing for heaven. Don’t just be a Christian; strive to be an exceptional Christian; live according to the beatitudes, and follow what today’s psalm says—generations after you will continue to celebrate you. Your name will be heard on the lips of many long after you have gone. This is what it means to live forever.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, as we remember the saints today, grant that we may walk in your light to be counted among the redeemed in heaven. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (All Saints – Solemnity. Bible Study: Apocalypse 7:2-4,9-14, Ps. 24:1-6, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12a).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Every Journey Begins with Just One Step

Tuesday, 31 October 2023. Read Romans 8:18-25, Ps. 126, Luke 13:18-21

“It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree.” (Luke 13:19)

One does not become a saint or a sinner overnight. The journey of a thousand miles begins with just one tiny and often unnoticed step. It is not the size of the first step that matters but the direction in which it points. Jesus tells us today that the Kingdom of God begins like a grain of mustard seed that is planted.

The story of Christianity is the greatest miracle in human history and is still ongoing. How Jesus Christ called to himself twelve men (who were not the best as far as human reckoning is concerned; one even betrayed him) and started what has now become a worldwide movement is a mystery.

It takes faith to begin a new habit, a new book, a new act of holiness, etc. All that God demands of us is to take that first step, to do what is right at this very moment while we leave the rest for Him. That good deed is the grain of mustard seed; the yeast leavens whole quantities of flour.

The most difficult part of a journey is the first step. Taking that first step could mean breaking an old habit, spending one hour daily with the Bible, or ending a relationship (plucking out our eyes, as Jesus would say). It might even mean cutting off a source of income, like in the case of Peter, the fisherman who quit his fishing business to follow Jesus. That first step is hard, but it is worth the effort.

In today’s first reading, St. Paul says, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18). St. Paul goes further to compare our sufferings as Christians with the labour pains of a woman who is about to give birth to a child. Take that first step, and don’t give up.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me to do what is right now, even if it is the most painful option for the sake of your kingdom. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of week 30 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 8:18-25, Ps. 126, Luke 13:18-21).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Do not live According to the Flesh

Monday, 30 October 2023. Read Romans 8:12-17, Ps. 68:2,4,6-7,20-21, Luke 13:10-17

“If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live.” (Romans 8:13)

To live according to the flesh is to behave as if God’s commandments do not apply to your life. It is living as if there is no God. It is to be solely concerned about the gratification of the flesh. “Now the works of the flesh are plain: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like.” (Galatians 5:19-21).

St. Paul says, “If you live according to the flesh, you will die.” This was the same warning God gave to Adam and Eve, but the devil convinced them that they would not die. Many Christians still do not believe they would die if they gratify the desires of their flesh at the expense of obeying God.

Just as Adam and Eve died when thrown out of the Garden of Eden, we die when we live according to the flesh. Someone once asked me: “Why did God create the human genitals if He doesn’t want us to use them whenever the occasion demands?” My response was, “God also created the spiritual aspect of our being to help us control and properly use our genitals.” We are not just physical bodies; we are also spiritual creatures.

If we fail to build our spiritual selves, we will become no different from lower animals. God did not give us commandments to punish us but to help us live our lives to the fullest. Embrace self-discipline. Consider the millions of people who perish today because they completely ignore God in their pursuit of bodily pleasure.

Always put God first. The desires of the flesh are strong; however, they can be controlled. As a human being, Joseph was aroused at the sight of the naked body of Potiphar’s wife when she seduced him. However, Joseph resisted because he feared God. This is why the scriptures say that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Your body may be craving for pleasure; don’t think about the immediate satisfaction but consider the long-term consequences. You will find the strength to resist.

In today’s Gospel passage, we see a practical demonstration of the great commandment. When Jesus was asked which commandment is the greatest, His response was: “To love God and our neighbour as ourselves.” We cannot claim to love God if we don’t love our neighbours – especially those suffering around us.

In the synagogue, there was a woman who was bent over. She had suffered like this for eighteen years. When Jesus saw her, he had compassion for her and healed her. This did not go down well with the ruler of the temple because, for him, this healing was a breach of the Sabbath law. Jesus was shocked at his hypocrisy. If he can save his donkey from dying on a Sabbath day, why does he think God will be angry for freeing a human being from pain on a Sabbath day? If you can see God in others, it will be easy to love them without necessarily offending God in the process.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me to conquer my flesh. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of week 30 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 8:12-17, Ps. 68:2,4,6-7,20-21, Luke 13:10-17).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Let the Poor Breathe

Sunday, 29 October 2023. Read Exodus 22:20-26, Ps. 18:2-4,47,51, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10, Matthew 22:34-40

“If you do afflict them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn.” (Exodus 22:23-24)

Last Sunday, we saw how Jesus silenced the disciples of the Pharisees who came in the company of the Herodians to test Jesus and catch him in his words. The Sadducees also came to try their luck, and Jesus showed them how wrong they were in understanding the resurrection. It was at this point that a lawyer approached Jesus to ask him which was the greatest of all the commandments of God. In other words, the lawyer wanted to find out the basic requirements of God for our lives.

1. The Great Commandment is Love
In response to the lawyer’s question, Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39). While the lawyer asked for the one great commandment, Jesus provided two. So, which of these two is the greatest and most important commandment?

St. John beautifully answered this question when he wrote: “Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate their brothers or sisters are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.” (1 John 4:20). In other words, to love God is to love our neighbours and it is only in loving our neighbours that we love God. If we say we know God, we should be able to see God in our neighbours. By the way, “Who is my neighbour?”

2. My Neighbour is Anyone who is Suffering
From the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, Jesus makes it very clear that “neighbour” is not the people who live close to us, nor is it those who speak our language nor attend the same Church with us. A “neighbour” is a human being in need. A neighbour is anyone who has no food, no water, no clothes, or no place to lay their head. A neighbour is anyone who is sick, poor, oppressed, brutalised or affected by the injustice in our land.

Jesus says: “Give to everyone who begs from you, and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:30-31). The rich man never imagined himself in the shoes of Lazarus. He saw Lazarus every day, but he pretended that Lazarus did not exist. The sad part is that the rich man had more than enough to waste; he was accustomed to throwing parties daily in his house but remained blind to Lazarus.

If that rich man were a Nigerian, he would be driving the latest car to church, not minding that even the headlights of his car alone can feed ten families in one month. In a country where many are dropping out of school because they cannot afford school fees, lawmakers purchase brand-new exotic cars from abroad at even twice their selling price. Even if they want cars, why not patronise local manufacturers to reduce the rate of unemployment? The same politician who campaigned with the slogan: “Let the Poor Breathe” suddenly became a tyrant ruling by the principle of “Let the Poor Die.”

To love our neighbours as ourselves is to imagine that we are the ones suffering; it is putting ourselves in their shoes so that we can help them just as we would wish to be helped. In other words, we must love ourselves first. One who does not love himself cannot love others.

3. Failure to Love Your Neighbour is Hatred towards God
On the day of judgement, we shall not only be punished for the sins we have committed but we shall also be punished for our refusal to help the poor and suffering. This is where our first reading today comes in. God warns us in severe terms of the gravity of being unjust and oppressive to those who are disadvantaged, those who have no one to care for them.

“If you do afflict them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry; and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.” (Exodus 22:23-24). The book of Proverbs further drives home the point when it says: “He who closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be heard.” (Proverbs 21:13).

Meanwhile, the Psalmist declares: “Blessed is he who considers the poor! The Lord delivers him in the day of trouble; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; thou dost not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness, thou healest all his infirmities.” (Psalm 41:1-3)

4. God Allows Suffering in Our Lives to teach us Compassion
In today’s first reading, God instructs the people: “You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 22:21). This statement answers the question: “Where is God when bad things happen?” God does not cease to be God when we experience pain, suffering and sorrow. God allowed the children of Israel to suffer slavery in the land of Egypt to teach them how not to treat their fellow human beings.

If you have ever suffered from something, it is not because God hates you. Rather, it is for the sake of others. You have suffered so that others will not suffer. You have suffered to teach others not to repeat the same mistakes you made. You have suffered to show others how to come out of that situation. Unite your pain with that of Jesus Christ on the Cross; this way, it becomes redemptive.

It will be very bad if, after you have suffered from something, you say that others must suffer as well. Recall that a few weeks ago, Jesus gave us a parable of a man who owed his master money, and because he could not pay, his master pardoned him, but this same man put his fellow servant in prison for a small debt. Many of us are like this man; we know we did not like what was done to us, yet we do worse to others. We are meant to be wounded healers and not the other way around.

If, after suffering from something, your heart is full of bitterness towards your oppressors, then you have become an oppressor yourself. After spending twenty-seven long years in Prison, Nelson Mandela wrote: “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”

5. Your Enemy is Also Your Neighbour
When Jesus says we are to love our neighbours as ourselves, he didn’t leave out our enemies. It is easy to love those who love you, but it is not so easy to love those who hate you. Yet, as St. John teaches us, as long as we hate, we cannot claim to love God. Jesus said: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

“For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Matthew 5:44-47). Is there someone you are planning to hurt? Perhaps they deserve the pain you want to inflict upon them, but then, why not have a rethink? Why not show them kindness instead? The book of Proverbs teaches us that the best revenge for an enemy is kindness: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (Proverbs 25:21-22)

Conclusion: Open Your Eyes
We dare not claim that we love God if we do not love our neighbours. Visit the hospitals around you, visit the prisons, visit the orphanage homes – open your eyes – and you will agree that even if you don’t have all you wish for, there are many praying to be in your position. Wastefulness is a sin. Be a wounded healer. You have suffered, but ask yourself, “If I could turn back the hand of the clock, what would I have done better?” Some people are easy to love, but we must love even those who hate us – this is what it means to love God.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach me to love you by loving my neighbours. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Exodus 22:20-26, Ps. 18:2-4,47,51, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10, Matthew 22:34-40).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

St. Simon the Zealot and St. Jude Thaddeus

Saturday, 28 October 2023. Read Ephesians 2:19-22, Ps. 19:2-5, Luke 6:12-16

“So, then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19)

Today, we celebrate the Feast of two great apostles, Saints Simon and Jude. Writing in the Ephesians, St. Paul describes Christians as citizens with the saints in the household of God with the apostles and prophets as its foundation. We are not strangers or sojourners but stakeholders in this special building that is held together by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

In celebrating Saints Simon and Jude, we remind ourselves that, as Christians, we have a history. We are part of a people specially called by God to walk in the light - to be living examples of good conduct to the world. Saints Simon and Jude are foundation members of this special assembly. They remain for us role models as well as intercessors.

St. Simon is also known as Simon the Zealot. The Zealots were a Jewish sect that represented extreme Jewish nationalism. They were committed to the realisation of the freedom of the Jews from Roman authorities. The Zealots are the spiritual heirs of the Maccabees. Jesus gave the name ‘Simon’ to Peter when He made him the head of the apostles in Caesarea Philippi.

Not much is known about St. Jude except that his name is mentioned in the list of the twelve apostles. Matthew and Mark call him Thaddeus. St. Jude Thaddeus is the patron of impossible cases. Have you ever experienced a very difficult situation, and you want God’s intervention? Ask St. Jude, and be sure to find answers.

In today’s Gospel passage, Luke narrates how Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before selecting the twelve apostles. This teaches us the importance of prayer as a consultation with God before making any major decision. Prayer is the master key. Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer. A Christian who does not spend time in prayer will hardly hear from God. Prayer is consultation; we talk to God and listen to Him.

Saints Simon and Jude were not randomly selected; it was not by chance that they became apostles. God chose them for a reason. In Jeremiah, we read: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord; plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Even though we are chosen according to God’s plan, we have a choice whether to cooperate with God or be like Judas Iscariot. We celebrate Simon and Jude today not just because they were chosen but because they played their parts towards the growth of the Christian faith.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me to fulfil your plans for my life. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles – Feast. Bible Study: Ephesians 2:19-22, Ps. 19:2-5, Luke 6:12-16).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Power of God’s Grace

Friday, 27 October 2023. Read Romans 7:18-25, Ps. 119:66,68,76-77,93-94, Luke 12:54-59

“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24)

By talking about the flesh as weak, useless, and captive, St. Paul drives home the point that we cannot depend on our strength as far as avoiding sin is concerned. To win the war against sin, we must keep running to Jesus repeatedly. Left to ourselves, we are such wretched creatures, but thanks to Jesus Christ, by the power of His Grace, we can live above sin. Jesus acknowledged this fact by saying: “Cut off from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

In his book, Introduction to Devout Life, St. Francis De Sales explains: “As soon as you find yourself in any temptations, do as little children do when they see a wolf or a bear in the country; for straightway, they run to the arms of their father or of their mother, or at all events they call them to their help and assistance. Have recourse in like matter to God, imploring His mercy and His assistance.” In other words, make every temptation an occasion for prayer. Do not trust in your flesh.

During our catechism classes, we were taught to make the sign of the Cross and say a short prayer whenever we mistakenly see or hear something sinful. Prayer, no matter how short, imparts grace, and grace is to the soul what air is to the body.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says, “As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drags you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer and the officer put you in prison.” (Luke 12:57-58). The key phrase here is: “Make an effort.”

As much as asking for God’s grace in fighting temptations is important, we must never forget that grace builds on nature. God wants you to make an effort; that is, try to avoid danger and be wise. Your accuser is the devil; to conquer him, you must be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give me the wisdom and grace to avoid sin in moments of temptation. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 7:18-25, Ps. 119:66,68,76-77,93-94, Luke 12:54-59).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

For the Wages of Sin is Death

Thursday, 26 October 2023. Read Romans 6:19-23, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Luke 12:49-53

“So what advantage did you then get from the things you now are ashamed of? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is sanctification. The end is eternal life.” (Romans 6:21-22)

In today’s first reading, St. Paul tells us that the reward of sin is death. Knowing this is key to overcoming temptations. We struggle with sin because we do not believe it is wrong. We do not resist temptations because we are not horrified. As long as we define a sinful act as “fun” or “enjoyment”, we will keep struggling with it.

St. Paul questions the Romans, “What advantage did you get from the things you are now ashamed of?” This is a question we must ask. What exactly do I gain from doing this? Does it make me a better person? If it doesn’t, why am I doing it? Sin is not just an offence against God; it is an offence against myself. As long as I do not live by God’s instructions, I can never become all that God desires for me.

When a doctor tells you to choose between your favourite meal and death, I bet you will start hating that meal. To live above sin, we must hate sin. If our hatred for sin is not strong, we may abstain for a while only to return.

Some young persons were invited to give reasons why they text while driving. It was fun for them until a lady involved in a ghastly motor accident was brought into the room. This lady is now crippled and lost her parents in the accident. What caused that accident? A teenager was texting while driving. If we see the damage we cause ourselves and others by disobeying God, we will be more careful to avoid temptation.

Jesus says in today’s Gospel passage that he did not come to bring peace on earth but division. In our struggle against sin, we must remember we cannot afford to be friends with everyone. If we decide to follow in the footsteps of Christ, we will make a lot of enemies. Even our family members may not like us. Do not bow to peer pressure. Do not succumb to evil in the name of friendship. Trust God to reward and protect you.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me serve you above anything else. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of week 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 6:19-23, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Luke 12:49-53).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Do not become a Slave to Sin

Wednesday, 25 October 2023. Read Romans 6:12-18, Ps. 124, Luke 12:39-48

“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16)

According to Pope St. John Paul II, “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” To be free is to make the right choices at any point. In today’s first reading, St. Paul tells us we could be slaves to sin if we cannot say “No” to temptations. This kind of slavery is worse than physical slavery. You strongly desire to stop a sinful act but keep doing it.

St. Paul said: “I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do… Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Romans 7:18-24). Today's Responsorial Psalm answers this: “Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Like branches, we must remain connected to Jesus (the vine) to remain alive. (Cf. John 15:5)

In the Stations of the Cross, we learn that falling is not the problem; refusing to get up destroys us. Every time Jesus fell under the heavy weight of the cross, he struggled to pick up again. The battle against sin will not end until we draw our last breath. Do not give up the fight. The book of Hebrews says: “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Hebrews 12:3-5).

St. Paul tells us today: “Do not yield your members to sin as an instrument, but yield yourselves to God.” There is an extent to which a slave would give trouble that the master will have no choice but to let the slave go. You only become a slave when you stop resisting and give up the struggle.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus continues his sermon on the need for preparedness for eternal life. Peter asked Jesus: “Are you telling this parable to us (the disciples) or everyone?” Jesus said: “Who is the faithful and wise steward that his master finds at his duty when he arrives? Blessed is that steward…”

In other words, as leaders in the church, we are not exempt from obeying God’s commandments. We can be called upon at any time to give an account of ourselves and the souls put under our charge. If we fail to show a good example (if we give up the battle against sin), our punishment will be more severe.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant me freedom from the control of my flesh. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of week 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 6:12-18, Ps. 124, Luke 12:39-48).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Live For Others; Let Your Light Shine

Tuesday, 24 October 2023. Read Romans 5:12,15,17-21, Ps. 40:7-10,17, Luke 12:36-38

“As sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men.” (Romans 5:12)

An adage says: “When oil touches one finger, it spreads to the others.” In other words, the evil of one person is capable of destroying others. In the same way, the good deed of one person is capable of saving the world. This is what St. Paul explains in today’s reading: “Just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience, many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19).

Sin is like oil touching a finger; it spreads easily. When I sin, I don’t suffer alone; many also suffer directly and indirectly. This is why Jesus was warned: “Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.” (Luke 17:1-2).

Every sin in society today started with just one person. In the same way, our world would be better if we let our light shine if we play our role as salt of the earth. Just as only a little salt is enough to make food sweet, a handful of good people can transform our society. Be good, not just for your sake, but for others.

Do not say: “It is my life; I can do whatever I want.” Of course, you are free, but think of the ripple effects of your actions. Consider that many are looking up to you. They would say: “If so and so can do this, why am I even trying to be good?” It is good to be good.

Even if no one is watching you or is affected by your evil deed, consider that you can be called to give an account of your life at any time. Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel passage: “Be dressed for action and have your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35-37). In other words, “let your light shine at all times.” Live as if every day is your last.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, you gave your life for me, teach me to live not only for myself but for others. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of week 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 5:12,15,17-21, Ps. 40:7-10,17, Luke 12:36-38).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Danger of Covetousness

Monday, 23 October 2023. Read Romans 4:20-25, Luke 1, Luke 12:13-21

“But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:20-21)

To be covetous is to live in a world of “I”, “me”, and “myself”; a world where I care only for one person – me. To be covetous is to be like the rich man in the parable Jesus gave us in today’s Gospel passage, who thought only about himself in his plan to enjoy his riches.

The man said: “What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops? … I will pull down my barns and build larger ones…” He wanted to waste what he had stored already in his barns, forgetting that so many people could not even afford it. As the Psalmist says: "In his riches, man lacks wisdom; he is like the beasts that are destroyed." God called him a fool because he failed to be a channel of blessing for others.

What is the cure for covetousness? It is faith in God. Trust God to provide when you are kind to others. Remember that when you give to others, you are not losing anything but storing treasures in heaven. We need strong faith to know that no one ever became poor by giving to the needy. We need faith to recognise that there is a better home for us, more precious than this earthly dwelling.

This was the type of faith Abraham had, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. By preparing for heaven that no one has ever seen, by being kind and generous to the poor even when we are not expecting to get anything back from them, we are acting like Abraham, who kept waiting for the promise of a son even at his old age.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, you gave your life for me, teach me to live not only for myself but for others. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of week 29 in Ordinary Time, Bible Study: Romans 4:20-25, Luke 12:13-21).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Hearts on Fire: Feet On the Move

Sunday, 22 October 2023. Read Isaiah 60:1-6, Ps. 67:2-3.5,7-8, Romans 10:9-18, Luke 24:44-53

“Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead.’” (Luke 24:45-46)

Today, the Catholic Church celebrates World Mission Sunday. On this day, we are reminded that the Church is missionary by nature – the Church exists to evangelise the world following Christ’s mandate: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15). Although the task of evangelisation remains ongoing, the Church has carved out this Sunday for us to reflect on the spreading of God’s word to the ends of the earth. Let us now reflect on the lessons contained in today’s readings:

1. To Evangelize is to Let Your Light Shine
In today’s first reading, the Prophet Isaiah says to the city of Jerusalem: “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Having accepted Christ (the light of the world) and rejected the devil (sin, evil, darkness) in the sacrament of baptism, we Christians have become the New Jerusalem to the world.

Hence, Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the world's light. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16).

The best sermons are not preached with words. They live with actions. When we behave like Christ, words are no longer necessary. The scandal of Christianity today is that Christians no longer behave like those believers in Antioch who were first called Christians. In Antioch, the believers were of one heart and soul; love was the watchword.

The early group of believers quickly increased in number because their behaviour inspired the world. Today, apart from dressing up to attend Church on Sunday, there is not much difference between us and the rest of the world.

2. Our Hearts Are Cold: We Need Revival
How do you light a candle that no longer shines? You bring it close to another candle that is already shining. Our situation today is similar to that of the disciples in today’s Gospel passage. They were confused and troubled. They didn’t know whether to run away from Jerusalem or to stay. They had not yet gotten over the shock of the events of Jesus’s passion, death and resurrection. They still wondered: “If He truly is God, why did He suffer?”

Jesus revived the disciples by opening their minds to understand the scriptures. It is one thing to know what is written in the Bible but a different thing to understand its meaning. These disciples knew the scriptures but needed someone to explain them in a way that made sense. In his message for World Mission Sunday, 2023, Pope Francis tells us that when Jesus explained the scriptures to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus, they confessed: “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). After hearing Jesus explain the scriptures, their feet were set to move towards Jerusalem and no longer away from it.

Like the disciples of Jesus, many Christians today are disillusioned by the economic situation of our country, Nigeria. Life has become very hard. Many families are struggling to provide one square meal a day. The question on the minds of many is: “If God exists, why does He keep quiet and allow His children to suffer like this in this country?” At this point, we turn to God for revival. As the Psalmist today prays: “O God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth, and all nations learn your salvation.”

In our confusion and coldness, we ask Jesus to speak to us through our preachers. In today’s second reading, St. Paul says: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!” We pray for the grace of God to become preachers to our brothers and sisters everywhere.

Brief Reflection for 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A): The Tax Belongs To Caesar, but Caesar Belongs To God
Last Sunday, Jesus described heaven as a banquet to which special guests were invited, only for them to turn down the invitation at the last hour. While so many were entering God’s kingdom, the Jewish religious leaders (the special guests) sought how to bring Jesus down. They did not know that they were dealing with God before whom all human wisdom is dust. Jesus used the occasion to teach some important lessons:

1. Be Careful When You See Rivals Working Together. The Pharisees were against the payment of taxes because it was a sign of religious domination by the Romans. Meanwhile, the Herodians were entirely in support of the payment of taxes. If Jesus had answered “Yes” or “No”, he would have sparked off religious sentiments among the Pharisees or civil action by the Herodians. This is the extent to which people are willing to go to pull us down, but in such moments as this, let us remember to call on God for Divine assistance.

2. Avoid Persons who Flatter You. By praising Jesus, they hoped to relax him so he would speak without first thinking thoroughly. We must be cautious of those who come to us praising us. As the saying goes: “It is not all that glitters that is gold.”

3. Worshipping God Does Not Mean We Should Disrespect Civil Authorities. As Jesus puts it, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that belong to God”, meaning that as long as we render God the worship due to Him, it is not a sin to pay taxes. For Jesus, even though He had no business paying taxes as the Son of God, there was no need to offend. We learn from Jesus to obey civil authorities.

4. Even Caesar Himself Belongs to God. When we respect civil authorities, we are also giving respect to God by whose power these persons got into such positions. Isaiah describes Cyrus as God’s anointed. Writing to Timothy, St. Paul tells us: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions...” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me to choose you above the world. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (World Mission Sunday. Bible Study Isaiah 60:1-6, Ps. 67:2-3.5,7-8, Romans 10:9-18, Luke 24:44-53).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Acknowledge God in Your Everyday Life

Saturday, 21 October 2023. Read Romans 4:13,16-18, Ps. 105:6-9,42-43, Luke 12:8-12

“And I tell you, everyone, who acknowledges me before men, the Son of man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” (Luke 12:8-9)

What does it mean to acknowledge God before others? It is living in a way that one may easily mistake you for Jesus. It is loudly proclaiming your faith in God by your actions. Does my dress style acknowledge God? How godly is my everyday vocabulary? When offended, do my reactions acknowledge God? When put in charge of large sums of money, do I acknowledge God?

The examples may go on, but the point is clear: Stop living your life as if there is no God as if you will never give an account of your life before your creator. Someone once said Christians today are more concerned about their discomfort than their disobedience. How sad that we call on God when we need His blessings, but we forget Him quickly when he needs our obedience.

When your life proclaims God, you have nothing to fear, as Jesus promises us: “When they bring you before synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious how or what you are to answer or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12). God lives with and in those whose lives proclaim His existence.

In today’s first reading, St. Paul continues his exhortation on Faith. Abraham received the promise not because of anything he did but because of His steadfast faith in God. We are justified not by our good deeds but by our faith in God. However, this does not mean we are to sin freely. As St. James would say, “Show me your faith without any work, and I by my works will show you my faith” (James 2:18). Of course, how do we acknowledge God before men if we do not obey His words?

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me to choose you above the world. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 28 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 4:13,16-18, Ps. 105:6-9,42-43, Luke 12:8-12).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Do Not Be A Hypocrite

Friday, 20 October 2023. Read Romans 4:1-8, Ps. 32:1-2,5,11, Luke 12:1-7

“Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Luke 12:2)

The story is often told of a certain holy woman tempted to commit adultery by a sinful man. The holy woman agreed to do what he wanted, but she said: “Follow me, I will take you to a place where we can do it.” The man, filled with excitement, followed her eagerly. They walked from street to street until they got to a busy market. Right in the middle of the market, the woman said, “Now I am ready; let us do it here!” The man turned and ran away.

Why is it easy to exercise restraint when others are watching, yet when we are alone (or think no one is watching), we throw caution to the wind? This was the problem of scribes and Pharisees. Jesus told them: “Nothing is hidden that would not be uncovered… even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Are there things I do in secret that I am ashamed of?

Jesus wants us to know that even if you cannot see anyone looking at you, your deeds are seen by God, and they cannot be hidden forever. One comedian once said: “Live your life in a way that no one has to lie about your goodness after your death.” Avoid pretence. If you are too ashamed to do it or say it publicly, then don’t try it secretly. Do not keep skeletons in your cupboard. Do not be a hypocrite.

Jesus was not afraid to tell the scribes and Pharisees the truth. Jesus knew they would hate him for this, but He was ready to die. Hence, Jesus said: “Do not fear those who kill the body… fear God who alone can kill the body and also destroy the soul.” Do not be afraid of people. Do what is right, speak the truth, and avoid sin. God will protect you. Remember, “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” (Sirach 1:14 & 20).

St. Paul tells us today that we are justified by faith, just as Abraham was considered a righteous man long before God gave us the Ten Commandments. Although we are justified by faith, God expects us to keep his commandments in appreciation of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free me falsehood and hypocrisy. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 28 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 4:1-8, Ps. 32:1-2,5,11, Luke 12:1-7).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Not by Power but by Grace

Thursday, 19 October 2023. Read Romans 3:21-30, Ps. 130:1-6, Luke 11:47-54

“Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)

By saying that “all have sinned,” St. Paul is not saying we should glory in our sinfulness. He emphasises that we must avoid boasting, feeling superior to others, and looking down on others. “Are we any better off?” St. Paul asks, “No, not at all; for we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin.” (Romans 3:9).

If I can keep God’s commandments or overcome temptations, I must learn to thank God because, left to my power, I can do nothing. As Jesus would say: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit because apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). All this boils down to the fact that we must avoid passing judgment on others while boasting about our goodness.

Nevertheless, it is different when we correct others in love. This is what we see in today’s Gospel passage. Note that Jesus is telling them these things to their face. Correcting others requires courage. If you cannot tell someone their errors to their face, avoid passing judgment behind their backs.

Luke tells us that “the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak of many things, lying in wait for him, to catch at something he might say.” People do not like to be corrected. Rather than listening, they find ways to attack the person who corrects them. The best correction, they say, is “doing the right thing which you desire to see others do.”

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

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of week 28 in Ordinary Time, Priest. Bible Study: Romans 3:21-30, Ps. 130:1-6, Luke 11:47-54).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

St. Luke, the Evangelist

Wednesday, 18 October 2023. Read 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Ps. 145:10-13a,17-18, Luke 10:1-9

Demas … has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me.” (2 Timothy 4:10-11)

Behind every successful person is a team. St. Luke played a vital role in the success of St. Paul’s missionary work. Luke is the author of “The Gospel According To Luke” and “The Acts of the Apostles.” He was not only a great writer, but he was also a trained physician.

Luke was converted to the Christian faith by St. Paul, and this took place while Luke was treating Paul during an illness. The Gospel of Luke contains Paul's sermons during his missionary journeys for St. Jerome and St. John Chrysostom. In today’s first reading, St. Paul bears witness to the assistance provided by St. Luke when he said: “Luke alone is with me.”

Of all the four Gospels, Luke is a winner in storytelling. Luke’s Gospel emphasised Christian purity, poverty, and joyfulness. It provides graphic descriptions of the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Birth, and the early Life of Jesus. Only a person with the privilege of interviewing Mary could have been so detailed. Luke is credited to have painted a portrait of Mary.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus said: “The harvest is rich, but the labourers are few…” These words apply to Luke given that although he was not one of the twelve, he became a labourer in the Luke was just a convert who offered himself as a labourer in the Lord’s vineyard. Luke shows us that even though we are not ordained, we can still be effective labourers for God’s kingdom.

As a doctor, Luke cured their diseases and illnesses but was also concerned about their spiritual lives. As an Evangelist, he fed their souls with God’s word. As a writer, he left us a Gospel as well as the acts of the twelve apostles. Are you a convert to the Faith? Be inspired by St. Luke. Regardless of your profession, let your light shine!

The colour of the vestment today is red, indicating that St. Luke died a martyr. Like many early Christians, Luke bore testimony to Jesus by his blood. As we reflect on the life of St. Luke today, let us ask ourselves these questions: Am I living a saintly Christian life? What am I doing to spread the Christian faith today? Would I rather die than betray Jesus?

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, work in me and through me to improve our world. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Luke, Evangelist – Feast. Bible Study: 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Ps. 145:10-13a,17-18, Luke 10:1-9).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Only a Fool Thinks That There is no God.

Tuesday, 17 October 2023. Read Romans 1:16-25, Ps. 19:2-5 Luke 11:37-41)_

“What can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. Ever since the world's creation, his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been perceived in the things made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:19-20)

The Psalmist puts it quite plainly: “Fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.”’ (Psalm 14:1). The problem with anyone who thinks or behaves as if there is no God is that they always think they are wiser than everyone else. St. Paul says, “Claiming to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:22).

Immorality and evil in our world today directly reflect the fact that people no longer believe God exists. It is foolish to say God does not exist. It is even greater foolishness to disobey God’s commandments, to live as though there is no authority guiding your life.

No wonder St. Paul says: “Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity… Their women exchanged natural intercourse for unnatural, and in the same way, the men, giving up natural intercourse with women, were consumed with passion for one another. Men committed shameless acts with men.” (Romans 1:24-27)

Coming to our Gospel passage, we hear Jesus referring to the Pharisees as fools not because they didn’t believe that God exists but because they offered to God mere lip service (notice – me) while their hearts were far from God.

“Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?” (Luke 11:39-40).

Have I denied God’s existence by publicly displaying holiness only to fall back to evil secretly? Have I denied God’s existence by engaging in immoral behaviours like St. Paul describes in our first reading?

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free me from superficial faith. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop, Martyr. Bible Study: Romans 1:16-25, Ps. 19:2-5 Luke 11:37-41).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

It is Evil to Test God

Monday, 16 October 2023. Read Romans 1:1-7, Ps. 98:1-4, Luke 11:29-32

“For as Jonah became a sign to the men of Nineveh, so will the Son of man be to this generation.” (Luke 11:30)

Have you been in a situation where you prayed that if God spares your life, you will dedicate the rest of your life to Him? If yes, my question is: “Are you still keeping your promise?” Sometimes, God blesses us with certain life-changing experiences to let us know He truly exists. We make resolutions like Naaman, who, after his healing, vowed never to serve idols again. However, the problem is that it doesn’t take long before we return to where we started.

Miracles (signs and wonders) are good but don’t sustain our faith. Miracles are like electric shocks doctors administer to revive a sick person at the point of death. These shocks can bring a person back to life but are not meant to be administered continuously. Good times remind us that God exists and that He cares for us. However, God continues to exist even in bad times. God does not cease to be good even when we experience sad moments.

The crowd asked Jesus for a sign, but Jesus called them an evil generation. Why? It is evil to put God to the test. It is evil to ask God to prove Himself. If you trust God, you will not demand for signs. Jesus said: “For as Jonah became a sign to the men of Nineveh, so will the Son of man be to this generation.” (Luke 11:29-30). The death and resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate miracle. If this sign does not convince you, nothing else can convince us.

The people of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah, yet many who heard Jesus preach refused to repent. Can we say Jonah preached better than Jesus? No way. The problem is not Jesus but the listeners. If we decide to harden our hearts after hearing from God, we deserve our actions' consequences.

In today’s first reading, St. Paul tells us that as Christians, we are called to be saints. Sainthood, not miracles, should be our greatest desire. On the day of judgement, many would claim they worked miracles in the name of Jesus, but they would still be sent to hell. “On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.’” (Matthew 7:22-23)

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free me from superficial faith. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of week 28 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 1:1-7, Ps. 98:1-4, Luke 11:29-32).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Wedding Banquet Has Begun; Get Dressed

Sunday, 15 October 2023. Read Isaiah 25:6-10, Ps. 23, Philippians 4:12-14,19-20, Matthew 22:1-14

“And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.!” (Matthew 22:10)

Last Sunday, Jesus told us of the tenants who leased a vineyard but refused to give the vineyard's produce to the landowner when it was time for the harvest. They beat up the servants, injured some and killed others. When the landowner sent his son, they dragged him out and killed him. Something similar happens in today’s parable. A man invited his friends to his son’s wedding, and when it was time for the feast, he sent servants to them to remind the guests, only for them to give excuses, treat the servants shamefully and even kill them.

Why would tenants be bold enough to kill the servants sent to collect their rent? Why would guests turn around to kill the servants sent to remind them of the banquet? These parables highlight injustice and wickedness in people's hearts, yet Jesus is speaking directly to us in them because we are those tenants; we are the guests. This brings us to our lessons for today.

1. Only in God Can We Find Happiness
In today’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah says, “On this mountain, the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of fat things…” What does this tell us? Only in God can we find real and lasting happiness. As Jesus said to the Samaritan woman: “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14). All we need to do is to “taste and see that the Lord is good. Happy the man who seeks refuge in God.” (Psalm 34:8)

However, by living sinful lives, we behave like these guests in today’s Gospel passage who felt there were more important things to do than attending the banquet. The master told the servants: “Tell those who have been invited to come.” In other words, we already have God’s invitation cards. The problem is attending the banquet –doing what God desires of us. Why do we assume that God’s commandments restrict our happiness and fulfilment? Why do we think that there is something to gain from sin?

2. What Stops Us From Attending the Banquet?
Jesus said: “One went off to his farm, another to his business…” Since the wedding banquet would only last a few hours, couldn’t they have attended and returned to their farm or business? The point here is that we cannot serve two masters. Those who gave the excuse of not attending the banquet are like the seed planted among thorns. As Jesus noted: “The cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Mark 4:19)

Could my love for money be preventing me from giving God his due? Have I made money, a god? Is my job requiring me to tell lies, cheat my customers, steal or prostitute my body? Do I kill others to make money? Am I into cybercrime (Yahoo Plus)? Am I working for a kidnapper, a ritual killer or one whose ways are not pure?

In today’s second reading, St. Paul encourages the Philippians on contentment. He says: “In any circumstances, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want.” (Philippians 4:12). Be content with whatever you have. Trust in God and obey Him, and He will bless the works of your hands. Our Psalmist today says that if you obey God’s words, He will prepare a table for you, and your cup will run over. (Psalm 23:5-6). Jesus also assures us: “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all (money, success in business, comfort, luxury, etc.) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Matthew 6:32-33).

While some guests gave excuses, others went as far as seizing, maltreating and killing the messengers. There are many today who consider God as an enemy. They blame all our problems in this country on religion. I recently saw a viral video on social media. In the video, a woman stated that Japan became what it is today because one of its leaders, Tokyo, gathered and slaughtered all the religious leaders. To honour him, the Japanese changed the name of their capital from Edo to Tokyo. According to her, religion prevents us from using our brains.

My question for her is: “Is God responsible for the enshrinement of corruption in every aspect of our national life?” This woman’s reasoning is captured by St. James when he wrote: “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4)

3. The Wedding Banquet Has Begun; Repent Now or Never
When the invited guests refused to show up, the master said: “The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.” (Matthew 22:8-9). Jesus told this parable to the Jews, God's chosen people - the originally invited guests who rejected Him.

St. John explains: “He came to his own home, and his people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave the power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor the will of the flesh nor the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:11-13). God has sent out an open invitation today to us. The wedding banquet has begun. God will not let the food become cold or the drinks waste. There is no time. Do not procrastinate. Today is all you have to repent. If you harden your heart, what God had prepared for you may go to someone else.

Nigerians, let us come out of the darkness. Let us repent from the many evils bedevilling our society. Let us look inward and take out whatever is ungodly and unholy. Let us act like the Nenivites; let us fast and pray. Let us implore the mercy of God and resolve to walk as His children. Let us go beyond being the most prayerful nation on earth. Let us become doers of God’s Word. Let our worship of God not end with prayer; let it translate to daily living.

4. Avoid Over-Familiarity; do not take God for Granted
The king discovered that there was a guest without a wedding garment. It is possible that this man came in wearing his wedding garment (otherwise, he would have been turned back at the gate). Having begun well, he must have become so relaxed that he removed his wedding garment. Never take God for granted. Do not quench that lighted candle. Do not sink into sin.

On the other hand, it is also possible that this man did not have wedding garments. In this case, what stopped him from going to borrow before attending the banquet? Do not rely on your strength alone. To win the race set before us, we must be prayerful. We must always be fully dressed for action. (Cf. Ephesians 6:11-18).

Finally, for those who think that dressing doesn’t matter, this parable reminds us of the saying: “Dress as you like to be addressed.” The kind of clothes you wear at any time speaks volumes about you. Children of God, clothes are designed to cover your body and not to do the opposite. Avoid immoral or sexually provocative dressing.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, you are my shepherd; deepen my trust in your providing hand that I may not pursue only the things of this world. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Isaiah 25:6-10, Ps. 23, Philippians 4:12-14,19-20, Matthew 22:1-14).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

True Blessedness

Saturday, 14 October 2023. Read Joel 4:12-21, Ps. 97:1-2,5-6,11-12, Luke 11:27-28

“Blessed rather, are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28)

A woman met Jesus and, in deep admiration, said, “How blessed is the womb that bore you…” Recall that Mary prophesied in her song of thanksgiving when she said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.” (Luke 1:46-48).

Mary was still alive when a woman addressed her as “Blessed” for carrying Jesus in her womb. Indeed, it was a great privilege to give birth to the one who created you. The musical group Pentatonix captured this in their song “Mary, Did You Know?” How could she contain herself if Mary knew how great she had become by saying “Yes” to God’s plan?

When the woman in today’s Gospel passage praised Mary, Jesus did not refute her speech. It is absurd to imagine that God is jealous when we praise Mary. What kind of a child am I if I take offence at those who praise my mother? However, Jesus used the occasion to pass across a very important message: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28). Some translations put this statement in this way: “Still happier are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”

Do you understand what Jesus is saying in this passage? Mary is a blessed woman, but if we listen to God’s words and keep them, we are versions of Mary. Jesus was preaching in a certain place, and someone told him his mother and brothers were waiting to see him. What did Jesus say? “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” (Matthew 12:49). Jesus reminds us that anyone who hears and keeps His word is another Mary.

Does it mean we become Mary by obeying God’s words? Yes. After all, how did Mary qualify to be God’s mother? She heard and obeyed God’s words; she agreed to do what God requested. If we obey God’s instructions, we also become carriers of God, and the happiness of Mary comes to us as well. There is nothing wrong with singing the praises of Mary, but remember that if we obey God’s words, we are just as blessed as Mary.

Do you desire real happiness? Trust God and obey His Words. The happiness that comes from obeying God’s word is truly unquantifiable. As Joel puts it in today’s first reading: “And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine and the hills shall flow with milk and all the stream beds of Judah shall flow with water, and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord and water the valley of Shittim.” (Joel 3:18)

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me find joy in serving you wholeheartedly. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 27 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Joel 4:12-21, Ps. 97:1-2,5-6,11-12, Luke 11:27-28).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Put Your Trust in God; Don’t Be Scared of Demons

Friday, 13 October 2023. Read Joel 1:13-15,2:1-2, Ps. 9:2-3,6,16,8-9, Luke 11:15-26

“But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons!’” (Luke 11:15)

Someone once said: “There are only two days the whole world would speak well of you, the day you were born, and the day you will die. In between, you have to manage!” This saying is so true that it even applies to Jesus Christ himself. By accusing Jesus of operating by the power of demons, they insinuated that only demons can cast themselves out. Jesus asked: “Can a kingdom be divided against itself and still stand?”

Jesus’ critics knew He was more powerful than these evil spirits, but they wanted to give Him a bad name. Some people spread rumours about you not because you did wrong but simply because of jealousy. Jesus explained: “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overpowers him, he takes away his armour, which he trusted, and divides his plunder.” (Luke 11:21-22).

In other words, demons are like strong men fully armed, but God is stronger. Do not be deceived into thinking that demons do not exist. It is foolish to deny the power and workings of demons. However, there is no need to fear them when we know that “He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world.” (Cf. 1 John 4:4). To be scared of demons is to behave as one who does know God. Listen to what Jesus has to say to such persons: “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26)

After falsely accusing Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, they wanted Jesus to work a sign. Jesus refused to work any sign because this would mean falling into the temptation of using the power of God for vain glory (which is exactly what magicians do). This is why He refused to jump from the pinnacle of the temple.

Why were they trying to test Jesus after seeing that He had just healed a demon-possessed man? Even if Jesus had worked another sign, many would still doubt Him. When people speak ill of you, do not be in a rush to try to prove your innocence. Those who hate you will never be convinced, no matter what you say or do. Know that truth is powerful; it cannot be hidden forever.

Jesus also warned about leaving our hearts swept and tidy, giving room for evil spirits to attack. Strive each day to be close to God; do not accommodate evil thoughts in your mind. Joel warns in today’s first reading that neglecting God has dire consequences.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, I repent of my fears and falsehood. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 27 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Joel 1:13-15,2:1-2, Ps. 9:2-3,6,16,8-9, Luke 11:15-26).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu