Fear Not; Go and Announce the Good News

Monday, 1 April 2024. Readings: Acts 2:14,22-33, Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-11, Matthew 28:8-15

“Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:10)

Dear brothers and sisters, we began preparing for Easter forty days ago. On Ash Wednesday, the church called us to “rend our hearts” through fasting, prayer and almsgiving. We have listened to passages of scripture that urged us to repent from our sins, draw close to God, and embrace a life of holiness. We have journeyed with Jesus along the Way of the Cross. Finally, Easter is here; it is time to receive our report cards – to harvest the fruits we have planted. How well did I imbibe the spirituality of Lent? Has anything changed (or improved) in my relationship with God? In keepi
ng with Jesus’ instruction, we have gathered here today as disciples of Jesus for our Galilee Day because we want to experience the Risen Jesus. How are we to live as resurrected Christians moving forward? This brings us to our lessons today:

1. Do Not Be Afraid: When Jesus appeared to the women in today’s Gospel passage, He said, “Do not be afraid.” This is exactly what Jesus is saying to us today. Fear makes a mockery of our faith, like the disciples who took to their heels at the garden of Gethsemane when Jesus was arrested. Fears paralyse us and keep us in our shells, like Peter, who could not defend Jesus publicly but denied Him three times. Fear makes us behave like people who do not know God. Can you compare Peter, who denied Jesus, with Peter, who stood fearlessly in addressing the men of Judea in today’s First Reading? Fear prevents us from achieving our potential as ministers and evangelists. Fear makes our enemies appear larger than God, and our problems seem impossible. Dear friends, listen again to the words of the Risen Jesus and allow these words to permeate the depths of your hearts. Do not be afraid.

2. Go and Tell My Brethren: Jesus told the women to go and tell his brothers that He is alive. He is no longer dead. The natural consequence of dying to our fears is witnessing. You will know you have overcome fear when telling everyone that Jesus has risen from the dead is no longer a problem. By keeping quiet, we disobey Jesus and prevent others from knowing the truth, letting them wallow in darkness. Apart from these women, the guards who kept watch at the tomb witnessed the resurrection, and they went to tell the chief priests exactly what had happened. The chief priests realised they had just killed the Son of God, but instead of admitting their fault, they tried to do damage control.

3. Say the Truth and Shame the Devil: Some of us Christians behave like these chief priests. We know the truth but prefer to spread lies to advance our agenda; we even pay others to keep quiet or change the narrative. By accepting money to spread lies, these guards behaved like Judas Iscariot, who worshipped money only to regret it. Dear friends, do not let anyone buy your conscience. It is better to die proclaiming the truth than to live the rest of your life worried about whether or not the truth will come to light. Never lie; otherwise, you will need a thousand more lies to defend it. How would guards who were trained to keep watch at night make the world believe that they slept and disciples stole the body of Jesus? What kind of sleep was that?

4. Jesus is waiting for us in Galilee: When I read today’s Gospel passage, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Why Galilee?” What was so special about Galilee? Why not Bethlehem, where Jesus was born? Why not Nazareth, where Jesus grew up? Then I remembered that Jesus was rejected in his hometown. Mark tells us that Jesus could do no mighty works there except to lay his hands on a few sick people. (Cf. Mark 6:5). Luke reports that Jesus was not only rejected in his hometown, but they also led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, intending to throw him down headlong. (Cf. Luke 4:23-30). Meanwhile, Jesus was always accepted in Galilee. John tells us that the Galileans welcomed Him. (John 4:45). Most of Jesus’ miracles happened in Galilee. Jesus worked his first miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding. There, Jesus healed the royal official’s son, the centurion’s servant, Peter’s mother-in-law, the ten lepers, the blind man, etc. In Galilee, Jesus walked on water, produced a coin from the mouth of fish, and drove out demons. I realised that Galilee was not merely a geographical circumscription but a symbol of faith.

When Jesus told the women to tell his brothers to go to Galilee, Jesus meant that his brothers should move from unbelief to faith. Dear friends, we do not need visas to go on a pilgrimage to this special Galilee. As long as we have hearts ready to welcome Jesus like the Galileans and truly believe, we will see Jesus. And not just that, we would receive our miracles. May our Galilee Day experience bear fruit in our lives today. May those who have come from far and wide join today’s feast and go home with testimonies. Amen.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free me from fear, hatred and love of money. Grant that I may fearlessly proclaim the truth through my words and actions. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Easter Monday. Bible Study: Acts 2:14,22-33, Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-11, Matthew 28:8-15).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Rise and Shine; Jesus is Alive

Saturday, 30 March 2024. Readings: Acts 10:34,37-43, Ps. 118:1-2,16-17,22-23, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-9

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)

Death is a great teacher, yet his students (all of us) are too scared or too busy to pay attention in his class. One day, I was at the funeral of someone I knew very well. It was an emotional ceremony; almost everyone looked teary. I noticed how people gradually trickled away while the body was lowered into the grave. They couldn’t wait for the grave to be completely covered before moving on. After the grave was covered, I went to the reception arena, and it felt like I was seeing a different crowd; there was no sign of mourning. People were eating, drinking and laughing as though it was a wedding ceremony. Is this how quickly the world would move on when I die? Will they even wait till my grave is covered before fighting over food and drinks? This is the reality of life.

That day, death taught me a lesson – no one cares about you the moment they realise they can no longer get anything from you. As one musician puts it: “When you dey hustle, you go dey all alone. When you succeed, they go call you their own, your name go dey touch ceiling, anything you do e go turn hailing” When you are successful, friends are uncountable, but the moment things change, you are on your own. See how quickly Peter denied knowing Jesus after His arrest. See how quickly everyone moved on after Jesus was nailed to the cross. In today’s Gospel passage, John tells us that even the disciples were not expecting Jesus to rise from the dead. They did not know the Scripture or believe what Jesus said about “raising the temple in three days” (Cf. John 2:19).

Lent is finally over. Am I also in haste to move on with my life? No more Stations of the Cross, no more fasting and abstinence. Am I going to return to my old habits and vices? Mary Magdalene refused to move on. Her actions proved she was a true friend of Jesus. She was among the Women of Jerusalem who wept for Jesus while the crowd cheered and mocked, but when others moved on, she went to the tomb early in the morning (She probably hadn’t slept deeply the previous night). For this, she became the first to see the Risen Jesus. What motivated Mary Magdalene’s actions? How can we become the Mary Magdalenes in our day?

1. Step One – Believe That Jesus Is Risen from the Dead
Faith in the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christianity. Anyone who does not believe that the same Jesus who died also rose to life is wasting their time in church. Without this solid foundation of Faith in the Resurrection Power, we cannot please God. (Cf. Hebrews 11:6). Let us face it: many of us do not believe that Jesus has risen from the dead. Why do I say this? We are still worried and brooding over our problems. We still think there are things that God cannot do. We still assume our case is impossible. We do not even look happy. By rising from the dead, Christ has shown us that there is light at the end of the tunnel, regardless of whatever may come our way. No matter how many Good Fridays come, Easter Sunday must come.

2. Step Two – Rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus
If you believe Jesus rose from the dead, you should be dancing and bubbling joyfully. Today's Psalmist sings: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.” Why are we not rejoicing? Why are we not glad? Why are we still scared? Why are we not expecting answers to our prayers? We have come before a God who conquered death; why do the threats of our enemies still move us? The third stanza of today’s psalm says: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty deeds. I shall not die; I shall live and recount the deeds of the Lord.” Tell your neighbour: “I shall not die; I shall live.” Sing: “If you are happy and you know, say Jesus (x3). If you are happy and you know, and you really want to show, shout: ‘Jesus is Risen!’” Yes, today is a day of happiness. It is a day of dancing and gladness because death has lost its sting; death has lost its victory. Death no longer has the final say. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:54-55).

3. Step Three – Rise With Jesus from the Grave of Sin
What do we mean when we say Jesus has risen to take away our sins? Some erroneously take this statement to mean that no matter how many sins they commit, the death of Jesus has taken care of it. By so doing, they make a mockery of the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Jesus died for our sins, but it doesn’t mean that we would no longer stand before the Judgment Throne of God to give an account of our lives. Jesus did not die to give us the licence to do whatever we wish (lose consciousness of sin). In today’s first reading, we heard St. Peter addressing the group of believers: “God raised him on the third day and made him manifest… And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead.” (Acts 10:40-42) Why would Jesus judge us? He took our flesh; He understands what it means to face temptation or to resist the devil. If Jesus were never human, we would say: “God, you don’t understand how weak the flesh can be.” Now, we have no excuse. Brothers and Sisters. Rise and Shine. Rise from sin and shine the light of God. Rise from evil and shine as the salt of the earth.

4. Step Four – Raise Your Thoughts from Earthly Things to Heavenly Realities
Sin does not happen in a vacuum. It always begins from somewhere – from the nature of our thoughts. To rise from the grave of sin, we must pay attention to the thoughts we accommodate. Jesus said: “From within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” (Mark 7:20-23). Knowing how powerful thoughts are, St. Paul, in today’s Second Reading, tells us: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2). St. Paul begins with “If”, indicating that not all of us have risen with Christ. Those who refuse to change their thought patterns are still in the grave.

5. Step Five – Become a Witness of Jesus’ Resurrection
What happens when we raise our thoughts to the things that are above? We suddenly realise that we can no longer keep silent. Hence, Peter says in today’s First Reading: “We are witnesses to all that Jesus did both in the country of the Jews and Jerusalem.” Witnessing Jesus is the natural consequence of experiencing something so precious as the resurrection. If I am still afraid of letting the world know that I am a disciple of Jesus, I am still like the Old Peter who denied Jesus before a maid. And worse still, if my actions contradict the values Jesus stood for, I am still like Judas Iscariot, who sold Jesus. As you leave this church today, imagine that everyone you meet does not believe that Jesus Christ truly rose from the dead. Approach them and try to convince them of the resurrection. Do this not just with words but with actions.

How do we make our proclamation of Christ’s resurrection concrete? a. Choose Jesus instead of Barabbas. b. Prioritise Jesus over money. (Do not sell Jesus for 30 silver coins). c. Defend your faith in public. Don’t keep quiet when people ask what you believe. d. Don’t hate or envy anyone like the Jews who wanted Jesus dead by all means. e. Don’t follow the crowd by Pilate; stand by your beliefs. f. Don’t build your faith on signs and wonders like the people who wanted Jesus to jump down from the cross so that they would believe. g. Forgive wrongs patiently, as Jesus said: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help me fix my mind on the things above and no longer or below. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Easter Sunday Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Acts 10:34,37-43, Ps. 118:1-2,16-17,22-23, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-9).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Oh, Holy Night: Retracing Our Salvation History

Saturday, 30 March 2024. Readings: Genesis 1:1-2:2, Ps. 104:1-2,5-6,10,12-14,24,35, Genesis 22:1-18, Ps. 16:5,8-11, Exodus 14:15-15:1, Exodus 15, Isaiah 54:5-14, Ps. 30:2,4-6,11-13, Isaiah 55:1-11, Isaiah 12, Baruch 3:9-15,32-4:4, Ps. 19:8-11, Ezekiel 36:16-17,18-28, Ps. 42:2-3,5,42:3-4, Romans 6:3-11, Ps. 118:1-2,16-17,22-23, Mark 16:1-8

“Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. So, you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:9-11)

My dear brothers and sisters, are you tired? Please wake someone up. It isn’t easy to stay awake after the day’s activities to listen to all the readings and musical psalms we have just heard. Have you ever wondered why there are so many readings on Easter Vigil? This brings us to our lessons for today:

1. Why Are There Many Readings? There is an adage: “Only a person who knows where he is coming from will know where he is going?” We have been on a journey since the beginning of the liturgical year, but tonight, we pause to peruse the map. Tonight, we gather around this special campfire (the Pascal Candle) to reflect on the essence of our journey. Who are we? Where did we come from? Where are we going? What is our business with God? What has God done for us? What does He want from us? These are the questions answered in today’s readings. From the first reading taken from the book of Genesis, which took us back to the story of creation, down to today’s Gospel passage, our readings have provided a candid summary of our salvation story. The next question now is: “Why this night?”

2. What is Special about This Night? The Easter Proclamation answers: “This is the night when God led our forebears, Israel’s children, from slavery in Egypt and made them pass dry-shod through the Red Sea. This is the night that God banished the darkness of sin with a pillar of fire. This is the night that, even now, throughout the world, sets Christian believers apart from worldly vices and the gloom of sin, leading them to grace and joining them with his holy ones. This is the night Christ broke the prison bars of death and rose victorious from the underworld… The sanctifying power of this night dispels wickedness, washes faults away, restores innocence to the fallen and joy to mourners, drives out hatred, fosters concord, brings down the mighty… O truly blessed night, when things of heaven are wed to those of earth and divine to the human.” Let someone give a clap offering to Jesus!!! Clap for Jesus! Clap for Jesus! This night is no ordinary; it is a night of victory, a night we walk from darkness to light, from captivity to freedom, from death to life. Does it mean we were dead before?

3. How Did We Get Here? In the beginning, when God created the world, everything was good. Humans were the greatest of all created things. God blessed us, making us masters of the universe. He was so pleased with us that He rested afterwards. (First Reading). However, as humans continued to multiply on earth, sin also multiplied. Desiring to save humanity, God chose Abraham and began a new race from him. This was only after Abraham had passed the test. What was this test? To sacrifice his only begotten son, Isaac, whom He loved so much. (Second Reading). Despite being in covenant with God, Abraham’s descendants (our forefathers in faith) found themselves in slavery in a foreign land. With Moses as their leader, God saved them by mighty works of valour. With their eyes, they saw their enemies defeated as the bodies of their pursuers littered on the seashore. (Third Reading).

4. What Went Wrong? Even though they were free from physical captivity, the Israelites, God’s chosen children, remained slaves to sin, but God never gave up. Prophet after prophet, God continued to send His messengers to them. We heard Isaiah, Baruch, and Ezekiel all pleading that they return to God. Nevertheless, they remained obstinate in sin. They behaved like an unfaithful wife while God remained the patient husband. (Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Reading).

5. What Is The Good News? At the fullness of time, God sent His Son Jesus Christ to reconcile not just the chosen people but the entire human race to God. In Jesus Christ, God has broken the chains of sin that have imprisoned us for ages. St. Paul explains in the eighth reading: “We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin, for he who has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe we shall live with him.” (Romans 6:6-8). This is where we are today. This is the Good News. This is what gives us joy. The chains have been broken; we are free of the curse of sin and evil.

6. What Must We Do Now? As we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, this is the time for us to rise with Him from everything that represents death and darkness. It is time to shine like this Pascal Candle. The chains have been broken. Get up and walk out. Do not behave like prisoners who remain in their cells after the gates have been flung open. It is time to rise and shine. The women came hoping to meet a dead body, but they met Angels who told them: “Go and tell his brothers, Jesus is Risen. Death couldn’t hold Him down.” Brothers and Sisters, what are we waiting for? Go and announce the Good News.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach me to die to sin each moment by the power of Christ’s resurrection. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Holy Saturday. Bible Study: Genesis 1:1-2:2, Ps. 104:1-2,5-6,10,12-14,24,35, Genesis 22:1-18, Ps. 16:5,8-11, Exodus 14:15-15:1, Exodus 15, Isaiah 54:5-14, Ps. 30:2,4-6,11-13, Isaiah 55:1-11, Isaiah 12, Baruch 3:9-15,32-4:4, Ps. 19:8-11, Ezekiel 36:16-17,18-28, Ps. 42:2-3,5,42:3-4, Romans 6:3-11, Ps. 118:1-2,16-17,22-23, Mark 16:1-8).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Goodness of Good Friday

Friday, 29 March 2024. Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Ps. 31:2,6,12-13,15-17,25, Hebrews 4:14-16,5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42

“When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall fall upon you to destroy you when I smite the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:13)

Some years ago, I saw a woman crying during the dramatised Stations of the Cross. She said: “Ha… you people are beating Jesus too much… it is just a drama.” I wondered how this woman would have felt if she were present amid that crowd that followed Jesus from Pilate’s Palace to Golgotha, where Jesus was beaten without mercy, his face became unrecognisable, and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross. That crowd that accompanied Jesus that day did not cry. They had fun watching Jesus suffer; they even cheered, danced and mocked Jesus. Some spat on him and insulted him. “Hail King of the Jews…. He saved others, he cannot even save himself…”

If today is a day we remember all that gory stuff, why do we call it a ‘Good’ Friday? What is good about crucifixion and death? What is good about hanging an innocent man and leaving him to die from fatal wounds while dragging a heavy cross? What is good about having a mother watch her only child die? What is good about God being reduced to such a state of powerlessness as to die like a worm? These questions are answered in today’s readings. Let us now explore the goodness of Good Friday based on the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ.

1. “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:33-34) - Divine Sympathy: Good Friday shows God understands our pains. He knows what it feels like to love and be rejected, to be betrayed, angry, hungry, insulted, dissatisfied, sick, weak, or sorrowful. Good Friday teaches us that Jesus once felt whatever you were going through today. In today’s Second Reading, the Book of Hebrews says: “For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). Fix your gaze on the Crucifix, you will hear Jesus saying: “I know what you are going through.”

2. “Amen, I say to you: This day, you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43) - Confidence in Prayer: Good Friday assures us that since God has felt our weaknesses and pains, He listens to our prayers, He makes excuses for us, and He is always ready to help us in our time of need. The book of Hebrews says: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). Are you going through an addiction? Do you feel overwhelmed by guilt from past sins? Look at Jesus in the Crucifix confidently and say: “Lord, help me. Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

3. “Woman, there is your Son… There is your mother” (John 19:25-27) - Meaning: Good Friday gives meaning to our sufferings, especially those inflicted upon us when we are innocent. Why should good people suffer? If God is powerful, why would He allow my enemies to succeed? Good Friday is the perfect answer to these questions. Jesus was completely sinless, yet He suffered. Mary was also sinless, but she suffered even more. “It is harder to watch the pains of those we love than to bear our pains.” The image of Christ on the Cross shows us that not all suffering is a punishment for our sins. Suffering could be redemptive; you could be going through pain on behalf of others like Jesus, who “bore the sins of many and made intercession for transgressors.” (Isaiah 52:12)

4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:33-34) - Hope: Good Friday teaches us that suffering doesn’t last forever. If we suffer for our faith in God, great glory awaits us. Only after we have suffered do we realise that God did not forsake us in the first place. In today’s First Reading, Isaiah prophesies: “As many were astonished at him -- his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the sons of men -- so shall he startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him.” (Isaiah 52:14-15) Good Friday gives us hope. Whenever you are confused, troubled and hurt by the ups and downs of life, look at the Crucifix and say: “This too shall pass.”

5. “I Thirst” (John 19:28-29) - Righteousness: Good Friday reminds us of the price of sin. This price was high, but Jesus paid it because he thirsted for our souls. Jesus continues to thirst for righteousness today. All the gory stuff that we have just re-enacted in the Stations of the Cross and the Passion Narrative is to show us that sin is never to be taken lightly. Sin is dangerous. Sin is expensive. When next you are tempted to sin, look at the Crucifix and remind yourself of the enormous sacrifice Jesus made because of the sins of mankind. Why must I add to Jesus’ pains on the cross? Why am I behaving like the crowd who mocked Jesus?

6. “It Is Finished” (John 19:29-30) - Healing: Good Friday is good because, on this day, mankind received healing and freedom from captivity. Isaiah says: “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes, we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4-5). Do you remember when God told Moses to erect the bronze serpent in the wilderness so that those bitten by fiery serpents would be healed? (Cf. Numbers 21:8). That bronze serpent was only a representation (a shadow) of Jesus on the Cross. It was not the bronze itself that healed the Israelites (otherwise, this would mean God-sanctioned idolatry) but Jesus who hung on it. Hence, Jesus said: “When I am lifted from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” (John 12:32). With Jesus, I know my pains are finished, and my struggles are ended. I may still be fighting, but I know I am victorious.

7. “Father, into your hands I commend my Spirit” (John 19:29-30) - Humility: The book of Hebrews says: “Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered...” (Hebrews 5:8). Consider the slap that Jesus received in today’s Passion Narrative. How many of us could hold ourselves like Jesus in a similar situation, especially when we know we have the power to fight back? Isaiah says: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7) Do you feel that pride has cost you to lose so much in the past? Gaze at the Crucifix today and pray: “Lord, teach me humility.”

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach me to sacrifice for the wellbeing of others and help me always to humble myself. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Good Friday Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Ps. 31:2,6,12-13,15-17,25, Hebrews 4:14-16,5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Celebrating Jesus, Our Passover Lamb

Thursday, 28 March 2024. Readings: Exodus 12:1-8,11-14, Ps. 116:12-13,15-18, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15

“When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall fall upon you to destroy you when I smite the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:13)

Today is Holy Thursday, and with our celebration of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we begin the Easter Triduum, the summit of our liturgical year. Easter Triduum (three days) consists of today’s Mass, the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion and the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord. During the Easter Triduum, we go beyond retelling the stories of salvation to “re-creating” these events to deepen our reflection of what happened during those last days of Christ walking the face of the earth. Hence, our celebrations are marked with a lot of symbolism and deep historical relevance. Fasten your seatbelts as we begin a journey of exploration into the meaning of the rich symbols in today’s celebration:

1. The Timing of Today’s Mass: Why are we celebrating this Mass in the evening and not in the morning or afternoon? Was it because we joined the Bishop at the Cathedral to celebrate Chrism Mass this morning? No. The answer lies in today’s first reading. Moses instructed the people: “Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old; you shall take it from the sheep or the goats… the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs in the evening.” (Exodus 12:5-6). Does this mean that in today’s Mass, we celebrate the same Passover of the Israelites? Yes. Today’s celebration is called the “Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.”

2. The Re-enactment of Passover: If we celebrate Passover this night, you may want to ask now: “Where are the lambs? Why aren’t we slaughtering them so we can apply their blood on our doorposts as Moses commanded?” This question takes us right to today’s second reading. When Jesus gathered with His disciples in the Large Upper Room prepared for Passover, something happened that would change the course of history forever—instead of slaughtering an animal without blemish as instructed by Moses, Jesus (being sinless and spotless) made himself The Lamb of Sacrifice. As St. Paul explains, Jesus took bread, “and when he gave thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, the cup, after supper, says, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood.’ (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). This is where the New Testament takes over from the Old Testament. In other words, we don’t have animals in the Church this evening because Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for us.

3. The Power of the Holy Eucharist: Going back to our first reading, let us find out why it was necessary to slaughter the lambs and sprinkle their blood on their doorposts. God said through Moses: “For I will pass through the Land of Egypt that night, and I will smite all the firstborn in Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you upon the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall fall upon you to destroy you.”(Exodus 12:12-13). Do you think it was the blood of those animals that saved the Israelites that night? No way! Those animals were only a symbolic representation of Christ, whose blood saved the Israelites from death.

4. Jesus Christ, Our High Priest: Reflecting on what happened this night (the night of the Lord’s Supper), the book of Hebrews says: “When Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” (Hebrews 9:11-14). In other words, when we eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ, we are smearing our lips with the blood that saved the Israelites from the Angel of Death that night. This is why we joyfully sing the Gloria in today’s Mass. The Gloria is a song of victory that tells the story of our salvation.

5. Do This in Memory of Me: When Jesus sacrificed Himself as our Passover Lamb, He made Himself physically available to us through the Priesthood when he said: “Do this in memory of me.” In other words, by instituting the Holy Eucharist, Jesus Christ also instituted the Priesthood. The Priesthood and the Holy Eucharist are so tied together that it is completely impossible to separate them. The Last Supper was the first Mass; it was also the first ordination ceremony – those who attended this Supper immediately understood that by Jesus’ words, they had received the power to transform bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. Tonight, we celebrate the anniversary of the priesthood. While we reflect on the great sacrifice of Christ, our Passover Lamb, let us pause for a while to reflect on the sacrifices of our priests who make Christ accessible and available to us daily.

6. Jesus’ Example of Humility: If by the words “do this in memory of me” priests are other Christs (capable of turning bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood and performing other sacraments), it means that priests are very powerful. Yes, priests have the power to bind and lose; they can forgive (or retain) sins. (Cf. John 20:21-23). Knowing immediately that this could lead to pride and abuse of power, Jesus did something that would make a lasting impression, an act we shall repeat during this Mass – Jesus bent down to wash His disciples' feet. “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15)

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach me to sacrifice for the wellbeing of others and help me always to humble myself. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Maundy Thursday - Evening Mass. Bible Study: Exodus 12:1-8,11-14, Ps. 116:12-13,15-18, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Spiritual Creativity; the Opposite of Betrayal

Wednesday, 27 March 2024. Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9, Ps. 69:8-10,21-22,31,33-34, Matthew 26:14-25

“So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified.’” (John 13:30-31)

On Monday of Holy Week, we reflected on the existence of two camps: the few on the side of Jesus and the majority who were against Jesus. On Tuesday of Holy Week, we examined the anatomy of betrayal, i.e., the various stages of progression from dissatisfaction with God to despair (or repentance). Judas and Peter were at some point dissatisfied with Jesus; they argued with Jesus or did not like what Jesus was doing. Judas felt Jesus was wasteful of resources, and Peter felt Jesus was crazy enough to have chosen the path of the Cross.

Judas and Peter eventually crossed over to the other side; they betrayed Jesus by collecting money to orchestrate His arrest (Judas) and publicly denying Him (Peter). In both cases, Jesus perfectly predicted what they would do beforehand, yet they openly denied it. They did not believe they could do such evils until after doing them. Also, they were, like many of us Christians, more concerned about having a good name before others than pleasing God. The Devil Can Use Anybody. We may be close to God and hold prestigious positions in the Church, yet if we are not careful, we can betray Jesus, act as enemies from within, and cause others to fall or become tools in the devil’s hands.

Today, Wednesday of Holy Week, we shall consider what it means not to betray Jesus. In other words, how do we stay on Jesus’ side when it seems everyone else is against Jesus? This brings us to spiritual creativity, i.e. doing something original (or sacrificial) to help Jesus. Examples of this include:

1. Making Plans for Jesus: Jesus’ disciples asked him about the plan for the coming Passover so they could prepare. This tiny yet important detail speaks volumes. We plan for everything in our lives but hardly make plans for or prepare for spiritual activities such as daily prayer, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, acts of charity, etc. You hardly do what you don’t plan for, and it isn’t easy to do well without proper preparation. Spiritual creativity begins with planning your days with Jesus. Ask Jesus what He wants you to accomplish today so He may reign through you.

2. Being Obedient to Jesus: Spiritual Creativity is obedience to that tiny voice of conscience within us. It is following God’s commandments regardless of what society thinks. It is doing God’s will without questioning or arguing. The fact that the disciples were asking shows they had not used this room before. They did not even know what to expect, but they obeyed. Obedience requires trust in God and faith; even if I don’t understand why God is asking me to do this and I don’t know what I would find, I would follow the instructions.

3. Being Generous to Jesus, allowing Him to Occupy Your Space: Matthew does not tell us about the person in whose house Jesus ate the Passover, but Mark and Luke provide more details: “He sent two of his disciples, and said to them, ‘Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the householder, The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I am to eat the Passover with my disciples? And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there, prepare for us.” (Mark 14:13-15 & Luke 22:10-12). This person was wealthy, but the good news is that you don’t have to be rich to allow Jesus to occupy at least one room (or one corner) in your house.

4. Working for Jesus: With social media today, Jesus might not need a large upper room for the Passover. Instead, Jesus would need your online space. Some of us have millions of followers, and our posts go viral in seconds, but Jesus is not welcome in our social media empire. We make a lot of money from posts unrelated to our faith or even by luring people into sin. We even condemn religion in the name of exposing the bad eggs, not knowing we are helping to popularise evil. How about your dress sense? Can people see you and immediately think about Jesus?

In conclusion, spiritual creativity is not a luxury; it is the essence of our faith. Either I am winning for Jesus or betraying (denying) him. I can only imagine Jesus's pain, knowing that those who shared the same plate with him would betray him. As Isaiah sings in today’s first reading, Jesus is silent; he does not turn backwards, but He gives His back to those who strike Him and His cheeks to those who pulled out the beard. He does not hide His face from shame and spitting. Nevertheless, Jesus said: “Woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen my sense of spiritual creativity. Help me to use my gifts, talents and resources to promote your kingdom on earth. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of Holy Week. Bible Study: Isaiah 50:4-9, Ps. 69:8-10,21-22,31,33-34, Matthew 26:14-25).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

An Anatomy of Betrayal: Exposing the Judas Iscariot in Me

Tuesday, 26 March 2024. Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6, Ps. 71:1-6,15,17, John 13:21-33,36-38

“So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified.’” (John 13:30-31)

The chief priests and Pharisees wanted Jesus dead, but there was one problem: they couldn’t arrest Jesus in the open. They sent the temple guards to arrest Jesus, but the guards returned to say: “No man has ever spoken like this.” On other occasions, they tried to arrest Jesus, but he escaped by slipping through the crowds. They were left with just one option: to get Jesus at night. The problem now was identifying Jesus amid the twelve under the cover of darkness. It would be a terrible mistake if one of the disciples were arrested instead of Jesus. To get Jesus, they needed an insider.

The chief priests must have been shocked when a disciple of Jesus came to them to say: “What will you give me if I deliver him to you?” Without wasting time, “they paid him thirty pieces of silver.” (Cf. Matthew 26:14-15). As Jesus would say, any kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. (Cf. Mark 3:24). The moment Judas aligned with the enemy, it was easy to penetrate the camp of the disciples. Jesus said: “He who is not with me is against me…” Judas Iscariot was not with Jesus, and his betrayal was never sudden. He went through several stages:

Stage One—Dissatisfaction with God: Judas's complaint that Mary was wasting the ointment shows that He did not value Jesus highly. Betrayal begins with disrespect for God, which leads to skipping prayers, taking spiritual exercises for granted, or criticising God’s commandments. Scriptures teach that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. When I am no longer afraid of God, I am already on the way to betrayal.

Stage Two – Talking to the Enemy: Dissatisfaction with God pushes us to negotiate with the enemy. This is the talking stage; we listen to the lies of the devil about God, and we start considering what the devil has to offer us. Before meeting the chief priests, Judas had already negotiated with the devil, who made him believe that Jesus could not give him the kind of money the chief priests would offer. At this talking stage, I find myself listening more to those who hate God, thereby gradually making room for the devil in my heart.

Stage Three – Pretending to Be Jesus’ Disciple: Judas Iscariot behaved as if all was well even after collecting money. When others were asking: “Is it I who will betray you?” Judas joined in the chorus. Judas did not realise Jesus was giving him a last chance to repent. At this third stage, we are still very active in church for fear of being labelled as an enemy, but religious activities no longer make sense. We even stop listening to God. Having negotiated with the devil, we start negotiating with our conscience. What matters to us now is what people say rather than what God thinks.

Stage Four – Decision to Surrender: Pretending forever is impossible. While sitting on the fence, we must fall eventually to one side. Either we surrender to God (repent and retrace our steps), or we surrender to the devil (proceed with evil intentions). The moment Judas took the bread from Jesus and ate (an act of love) that would have been the moment to return love to Jesus, but he didn’t. John tells us that Satan entered him, ie. Judas was no longer himself. A similar thing happened to Peter when he attempted to discourage Jesus from the Way of the Cross. Jesus addressed him as “Satan.” (Cf. Matthew 16:23, Mark 8:33).

Stage Five – Reconciliation Versus Despair: Having done the damage, having allowed ourselves to be used by the devil, having betrayed Jesus, the scales fall from our eyes. We realise what we have done, and we become ashamed of ourselves. It dawns on us that there was no value in the things we were pursuing and that the devil was lying to us. We feel empty and cannot look at Jesus in the face. Nevertheless, this is the point where we either beg for forgiveness or lose hope like Judas.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach me to re-write my destiny by making the right choices. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of Holy Week. Bible Study: Isaiah 49:1-6, Ps. 71:1-6,15,17, John 13:21-33,36-38).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Don’t Sit On the Fence, Choose Where You Belong

Monday, 25 March 2024. Readings: Isaiah 42:1-7, Ps. 27:1-3,13-14, John 12:1-11

“There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.” (John 12:2-3)

As we continue our faith journey through the Holy Week, we cannot but notice that at this point, there are two camps: the few on the side of Jesus and the majority plotting against Jesus. This is a moment of decision; we must know where we belong.

The chief priests were all out against Jesus. They were even plotting to eliminate Lazarus to destroy any evidence of Jesus’ power. Didn’t they know that one who has the power to raise the dead couldn’t be held down by death? Hatred makes us unreasonable; it pushes us into battles we know we can never win.

Mary and Martha were among the few still on Jesus’ side. They invited Him to their home to express their appreciation for raising Lazarus. Meanwhile, Judas Iscariot represents many Christians today who are sitting on the fence. Outwardly, we pretend to love Jesus, but deep within, we only care about our selfish interests. Where do I belong? This brings us to our lessons for today:

1. God Expects Our Thanksgiving: Giving thanks to God even for the smallest things we enjoy is very important. You might be wondering: “Does God need my thanksgiving?” Yes. It doesn’t add to Him, but it makes us more blessed. When only one leper returned to give thanks, Jesus asked: “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” Jesus told him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:17-19). Mary and Martha were not like the other nine lepers. They knew the importance of Thanksgiving.

2. Nothing is too great or too little for Thanksgiving: In the case of the leper, the best he could do was to say “Thank You”. God wants this from us: kneel and praise God. Mary and Martha went beyond words; they organised a Thanksgiving Dinner for Jesus and his disciples. While Martha served dishes, Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus, wiping his feet with her hair. This was her unique way of saying: “Thank you for bringing back my brother to life.” Judas protested that the oil was too expensive, but Jesus said: “Leave her alone” Learn to count your blessings and give thanks. What matters is not your thanksgiving's value but your heart's sincerity. If you can afford it, why not? God is not expecting you to pay for His blessings. He only desires to see your faith in action.

3. Bitterness Kills Our Faith: Mary and Martha must have felt betrayed when Lazarus died, and Jesus failed to show up to prevent this death. For many of us, this is the point at which we give up on God. We could become so bitter that we even shut our doors permanently to Jesus. We stop counting our blessings and start saying, "Prayers don’t work.” Can you imagine Mary and Martha driving Jesus away when he showed up four days after Lazarus’ burial? On the other hand, imagine Mary and Martha still angry with Jesus even after he raised Lazarus from the dead. When we are bitter with God, we don’t notice His blessings anymore because we are too focused on what we lack.

4. Watch Your Heart When You Criticize Others: Do you sometimes feel that some people are doing too much for God? Are you angry when someone spends long hours praying (takes their spirituality seriously)? Do you become agitated when someone donates an “unreasonable” amount to a church project? For Judas Iscariot, Mary was wasting this oil. “It could have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Meanwhile, he said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. Avoid criticising others. Let God be the judge. God knows when our religious activities are merely show-offs (like the scribes and Pharisees whom Jesus described as hypocrites) and when they are genuine.

5. Avoid Pretence: Stop publicly presenting yourself as one who cares for the poor (or is close to God) when you aren’t. Remember that God sees everything. It is better to be good than to pretend to be good. In today’s First Reading, God says: “I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations.” (Isaiah 42:6)

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach me to give thanks from my heart and grant that I may be a light to the nations, not a hypocrite. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of Holy Week. Bible Study: Isaiah 42:1-7, Ps. 27:1-3,13-14, John 12:1-11).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

My God, My God. Why Have You Forsaken Me

Sunday, 24 March 2024. Readings: Mark 11:1-10, Isaiah 50:4-7, Ps. 22:8-9,17-20,23-24, Philippians 2:6-11, Mark 14:1-15:47

“The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backwards. I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I hid not my face from shame and spitting.” (Isaiah 50:5-6)

Dear friends, I welcome you to Holy Week. This week is called holy because we shall be re-enacting the greatest event of history since the world's creation: the death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Last Week Sunday, we heard Jesus say: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24). During this week, we witness the fall of this grain of wheat. Next Sunday, we shall celebrate the rising to New Life of the grain of wheat.

Mark’s account of the Passion of Christ contains many interesting details. Someone once said that even if Jesus Christ came again, we would kill him a second time. This is because, despite changing times, human beings have always remained the same. As we reflect on the major characters in the Passion Narrative, let us observe how we mirror them so that we can subsequently make the needed changes.

1. The Passion is a Story of Betrayal. Our people say that the rat inside the house informs other rats outside that there is food. The enemy outside cannot succeed without the cooperation of the enemy inside. This boils down to the person of Judas Iscariot. Nevertheless, look inward: “Haven’t I betrayed my close friends in the past?” Dear friends, if it happened to Jesus, it can happen to you. Those you consider your best friends and trusted allies today can turn their backs on you. Trust only in God.

2. The Love of Money is the Root of All Evil (1 Timothy 6:10). What motivated Judas to sell Jesus? The greatest commandment is to love God and our neighbour as ourselves. (Mark 12:30-31). When our love for money becomes greater than our love for God and neighbour, we become worse than Judas Iscariot. Remember Job 1:21 – “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there.” All your efforts to grab, accumulate, and possess things will become useless if you lose your soul. (Matthew 16:26). Judas sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, an amount he never got to spend.

3. The Passion is a Story of Giving. The woman who anointed Jesus with her expensive ointment teaches us to give God our best. Am I using my talents for the glory of God? Or am I like Cain, who offered that which is only good for the dustbin? In the Passion, we find the greatest act of giving anyone could do – Jesus gave us his body and blood in the Holy Eucharist. In today’s first reading, Isaiah depicts the selfless nature of Jesus’ generosity: Isaiah 50:5-6 “I turned not backwards. I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I hid not my face from shame and spitting.” It is one thing to give, but our giving must spring from a willing heart; like a lamb being led to its slaughter, our giving should never be forced. At the beginning of Lent, we said the three pillars of this season are fasting, prayer and almsgiving. How well have I fared in terms of giving during this period? Remember, on the last day, we shall be judged based on how well we give or refuse to give. “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink; I was a stranger, and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” (Matthew 25:41-43).

4. The Passion Questions our Prayer Life. Jesus took the disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, but instead, they started sleeping. How deep and serious is my prayer life? Why can I watch a movie (or a football match) for over two hours but consider praying for one hour as punishment? How did Jesus pray? Did he try to command God? NO. He said: “Abba Father … remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what thou wilt.” (Mark 14:36). In my prayer, do I ask for God’s will to be done or my own will?

5. The Passion teaches us to Avoid Boasting. The disciples all promised to remain with Jesus. When they were eventually faced with Roman soldiers, they all took to their heels, including Peter, who boasted: “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and death!” (Luke 22:33). Am I like Peter, whose action betrayed his words when faced with danger? A Christian not ready to suffer for Christ’s sake is not yet a true follower of Christ. Jesus said: “Whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:38)

6. The Passion teaches us to please God rather than men. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent “for he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.” (Mark 15:10). Pilate, like Aaron, made a golden calf for the people, was more interested in appeasing the crowds than following his conscience. If I was Pilate, what would I have done differently? Many joined in shouting, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him” because others were doing so. Am I a crowd-pleaser?

7. The Passion teaches us Humility. In our Second Reading today, we heard Paul writing to the Philippians: “Though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-8). The Passion celebrates the deep-seated humility of Jesus.

In conclusion, the Passion Narrative teaches us a lot about ourselves. If today, I am still ruled by money, if I betray others like Judas Iscariot, if I am still stingy, if I am still proud, if I neglect my prayers, if I often act to please the crowd like Pilate, it means I haven’t grown at all during these forty days of Lent. May this holy week bring us to true repentance. Amen.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free me from the love of money and the desire to please people. Increase my love and devotion to you, especially during this holy week. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Palm Sunday. Year B. Mark 11:1-10, Isaiah 50:4-7, Ps. 22:8-9,17-20,23-24, Philippians 2:6-11, Mark 14:1-15:47).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Envy and Fear of the Jews

Saturday, 23 March 2024. Readings: Ezekiel 37:21-28, Jeremiah 31:10-13, John 11:45-56

“What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on thus, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation.” (John 11:47-48)

The chief priests and the Pharisees, with their scribes, were thrown into a panic when they heard that many people had come to believe in Jesus after seeing the signs that Jesus did. Initially, they doubted Jesus and asked for signs proving He was God. Having seen the signs, they suddenly became scared. For them, if Jesus were not killed, He would convert the entire nation (meaning that, as religious leaders, they would lose their power over the people).

The Jewish leaders also feared that by believing in Jesus, the people would make Jesus their king. Many Jews misunderstood the prophecies of the Messiah (such as that of Ezekiel in today’s First Reading). They thought the Messiah would fight wars and rule over Israel like David. This fear was concretely expressed in John 19:12: “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend; everyone who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar.” Little did they know that Jesus was not interested in political power but had come for something bigger. Let us now consider today’s lessons:

1. Envy Makes Us Act Irrationally: Like Herod, who killed all the male children born at the time for fear of a rival king, the chief priests and Pharisees couldn’t stomach the idea of Jesus replacing them. Jesus called them hypocrites, white-washed tombs who loved to be greeted obsequiously while praying in the marketplace; meanwhile, their hearts were full of iniquity. Jesus cleansed the temple, which they had practically turned into a business centre, thereby “removing food from their mouth.” Jesus healed many of their sicknesses and diseases; He even raised the dead, thereby highlighting the abysmal failure of the religious leaders who had become more concerned with following rubrics than seeing to the people’s wellbeing.

Are there people I wish dead because they are far better than me (in school, business, career, church work, etc.)? Do I feel threatened by others’ progress? How often do I tell lies against others or discuss their weaknesses to bring them down?

2. Fear Expects and Thereby Attracts the Worst: Fear is self-punishment. It attempts to solve problems beyond our power even before they occur. Ninety-nine per cent of our fears never come to pass, yet the decisions we make based on these fears (negative expectations) always produce negative repercussions. Fears are self-fulfilling prophecies; whatever you expect to happen eventually happens. The Jewish leaders feared that if Jesus was not killed, the Romans would destroy their city, but even after killing Jesus, this fear became a reality in AD 70. Have a positive mindset. Expect the best. The more you nurse your fears, the more you see them come to pass.

3. Jesus is Our Sacrificial Lamb Who Died to Save Humanity: Although the fear of the Jews was baseless, their actions brought about the fulfilment of God’s divine plan of salvation for mankind. Speaking prophetically as High Priest, Caiaphas noted: “It is expedient for one man to die than for a whole nation to perish.” Caiaphas was right. Jesus needed to die to fulfil God’s plan, but then, Jesus died not only for the Jewish nation but for the whole world. Caiaphas’ motives were wrong, yet his reasoning summed up the mission of Jesus Christ on earth – “The Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28).

Nothing good comes easy. Just as Jesus needed to die to save us, there are certain deaths we must go through to achieve our dreams and aspirations. Jesus withdrew to the city of Ephraim, where he maintained a low profile, knowing that a lot of people were plotting his death. Some wondered whether he would show up for the Feast of Passover. Tomorrow is Palm Sunday – Jesus shocked everyone; not only did he come for the Feast, He came triumphantly even though he knew what would happen.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach me to love others as you love me. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 5th week of Lent. Bible Study: Ezekiel 37:21-28, Jeremiah 31:10-13, John 11:45-56).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

How to Respond in Moments of Adversity

Friday, 22 March 2024. Readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13, Ps. 18:2-7, John 10:31-42

“The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of these do you stone me?’” (John 10:31-32)

As we get closer to Holy Week, our readings picture the pains that Jesus Christ faced in a bid to accomplish our eternal salvation. Just as Jesus was betrayed by a very close friend, Judas Iscariot, Jeremiah suffered persecution at the hands of familiar friends (that is, frenemies, people who pretend to be your friends but are not). Whether we like it or not, we would, at some point, be faced with such circumstances; what can we learn from the reactions of Jeremiah and Jesus?

1. No Matter How Good You Are, Expect Enemies: The fact that we are good and upright does not make us immune to the hatred of others. This is why Jesus said we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing when we give alms. We must avoid blowing our trumpet so that God alone would reward us. The truth is that no matter how good we are, people will still not appreciate us. Even more painful is that our greatest persecution often comes from the biggest beneficiaries of our goodness. If you are only concerned about gaining the applause of people, you would be disappointed. Be good, for God’s sake.

2. Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do: In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus asked the Jews who were about to stone him: “I have shown you many good works. For which of these are you stoning me?” Jesus asked this question to help the Jews see the irrationality of their actions. It was clear that they did not know what they were doing. After having their fill of bread and fish, enjoying Jesus’ life-changing sermons witnessed countless miracles, they still couldn’t read between the lines. They did not know that God visited them in human flesh. In the same way, remember that those persecuting you today do not know what they are doing.

3. Surrender Everything to God in Prayer: In today’s first reading, Jeremiah prayed a prayer of surrender. He asks God to fight on his behalf: “O Lord of hosts, who test the righteous, who see the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause” (Jeremiah 20:12). Why must we surrender to God instead of dealing with our enemies ourselves? God is a just judge – He alone knows how best to deal with everybody. On the other hand, some of those we consider enemies today may be blessings in disguise. God may have sent them to help us or tell us the truth.

4. Sing Praises to God Irrespective of Your Pain: Jeremiah said: “Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hand of evildoers” (Jeremiah 20:13). Jeremiah’s singing reminds me of Paul and Silas, who had the faith to sing praises to God rather than complain while in prison. In moments of adversity, learn to praise God, surrender your adversaries to God, and trust that God can handle the situation perfectly.

5. Shake Off the Dust From Your Feet and Move Ahead: Jesus had the power to call down fire to burn down those exchanging words with Him, but he “escaped from their hands and went away across the Jordan.” Jesus did not use the power he had to fight against his enemies. In moments of adversity, do not resort to the abuse of whatever power you hold. Jesus told us to pray for the conversion rather than the death of our enemies.

6. Count Your Blessings: Moments of adversity also come with positive benefits, such as discovering our true friends or learning to become more sympathetic to the plights of others. Only a person who has experienced a painful situation can fully understand or help those going through it. If the Jews loved Jesus, would he have fulfilled his mission on earth? God will not allow us to experience adversity for fun; there can be no crown without a cross.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, in my anguish, I call to you, save me lest I perish. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 5th week of Lent. Bible Study: Jeremiah 20:10-13, Ps. 18:2-7, John 10:31-42).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Life That Never Ends

Thursday, 21 March 2024. Readings: Genesis 17:3-9, Ps. 105:4-9, John 8:51-59

“I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant.” (Genesis 17:7)

One name that appears prominently in all our readings today is Abraham. In today’s First Reading, God made an everlasting covenant with Abraham even though he was childless at this time. The fact that Abraham did not doubt God remains a source of inspiration for us today. In our Gospel passage, the Jews picked up stones to throw at Jesus because He declared that He was older than Abraham. What lessons can we decipher from today’s readings?

1. There is Power in Our Names: Have you ever thought about the meaning of your name? Do you think there is a connection between your name and your destiny? Looking back at your life, has your name contributed positively or negatively to your current circumstances? The fact that God changed his name from Abram (meaning “like a father” or “honorary father”) to Abraham (meaning “father of multitude”) tells us that names are not merely means of identification. Don’t wait till everything is perfect before you start answering the name. The more they call you by a new name, the more your life reflects or attracts the meaning of your new name.

2. Our Baptismal Names Indicate Our Covenants with God: Just as God gave Abram a new name while entering into a covenant with him, we were all given new names on the day of our baptism to signify our rebirth. Like all other sacraments, baptism is a covenant with God; there are terms and conditions such that if we do our part, we need not worry about receiving the blessings attached. Today’s First Reading contains the blessings Abraham would enjoy from God, and towards the end of the reading, we hear God’s expectations. Am I still conscious of these expectations? Am I keeping my baptismal promises? What about my agreements with God?

3. Through Faith, We Are Abraham’s Descendants: The phrase “multitude of nations” occurs more than twice in today’s First Reading. Since Abraham had only one child, Isaac, after this promise was made, it is obvious that God was not referring to Abraham’s biological descendants. The multitude of nations are those who believe God’s Words without doubting and practice them. Jesus confronted the Jews with this ugly truth - although they were biological descendants of Abraham, they couldn’t lay claim to Abraham’s blessings because of their sinful behaviours.

4. The Ultimate End of Our Covenant with God is Eternal Life: In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus said: “If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” (John 8:51). In another passage, Jesus said something similar: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.” (John 6:51). In both instances, Jesus’ listeners assumed He was referring to earthly life. Today, many Christians still assume that the blessings of God are limited to this life. They worry and panic when they don’t have all the luxuries of life. They even feel God has failed them when they are not as comfortable as they wish. By ‘not tasting death’, Jesus referred to the life that never ends, the life beyond the grave.

5. Jesus is God Yesterday, Today, and Forever: Just as God revealed himself to Moses as “I AM” in Exodus 3:14, Jesus reveals His identity today as “I AM.” Jesus did not say, “Before Abraham was, I was” (past tense); rather, He said: “Before Abraham was, I AM”, meaning He always is and will be forever. This was too much for the Jews to understand. Thinking they were serving God, they picked stones to throw at Jesus. What an irony. How often do we pick stones to throw at those God has sent to help us?

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, bless me with the kind of faith Abraham had. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of the 5th week of Lent. Bible Study: Genesis 17:3-9, Ps. 105:4-9, John 8:51-59).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Don’t Be a Slave Because of Fear

Wednesday, 20 March 2024. Readings: Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25,28, Daniel 3:52-56, John 8:31-42

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to answer you. If so, the God we serve can deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)

Once again, we come across the beautiful story of three teenagers, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who, inspired by mature faith in God, defied the King’s orders, choosing death for life. In our Gospel passage, the Jews openly confront Jesus. The Jews were determined to kill Jesus (just as Nebuchadnezzar wanted to kill the boys), not knowing that death was not the end but only the beginning of a greater life. The three Hebrew boys entered the fire as slaves of the King, but when they came out of the fiery burning furnace, they became gods to the King. Jesus willingly embraced death on the cross, but when He came out of the fire of death, He shone brightly. In other words, what you fear the most can turn you into a star. This brings us to our lessons for today:

1. Like Rainfall and Sunshine, Trials Are Part of Life: Can you imagine life without trials (challenges, difficulties, puzzles, nightmares, etc.)? Even though we secretly wish for such an untroubled life, it doesn’t exist. Moreover, God will not be so unkind to give it to us. One who has never tasted something bitter will never appreciate sweet things. We must appreciate the Nebuchadnezzars around us; they make life tough, keep us on our toes, and help us exercise our spiritual muscles. Many go to the gym to “punish” themselves to keep fit. Trials are God’s way of sending us to the spiritual gym to prevent us from spiritual sicknesses. An untested faith is simply an imaginary faith.

2. Like Gold, Faith Shines When Tested by Fire: I once read the story of a Muslim who shouted: “Blood of Jesus”. The Flight Captain announced that the passengers should prepare for a crash. Everyone started saying their last prayers. That was when they noticed the Muslim man praying to Jesus. It is during a trial that you discover what you truly believe in. Unless you are tempted, you can never tell what your values are. Trials like those of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego help us assess where we stand with God. Don’t brag about your faith; mention the battles you have fought and won.

3. Trials Are Not For Us Alone: If Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had attempted to preach to Nebuchadnezzar (and all the people in whose land they dwelt as captives), it would have taken forever to convert him. With the burning furnace experience, it was automatic. Whatever you are going through now is not for you alone. Even your so-called enemies today will testify how God fights for you. The story of your perseverance will become therapy for others. You are suffering now, yet because of you, millions will not need to experience this pain anymore. Many Israelite captives who were scared of practising their faith in Babylon found the boldness to worship God again after the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

4. Remember God While You Are Still Young (Ecclesiastes 12:1): Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were teenagers, yet their uncommon courage and unshakable faith make them seem like old men. They had mature faith; they were ready to die even if God did not save them. Many adults today are yet to graduate into the stage of mature faith; they still operate on the level of childish faith – “God, if you do it for me, I will serve you. If you don’t do it, I will abandon you, stop talking to you or stop obeying your commands.” It takes time to grow a mature faith. That is why you must start now.

5. Fear is Slavery (Self-Imprisonment): Fear is normal. All humans, including Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, get scared often. The problem is when we reach conclusions or make decisions based on fear. Fear is like a slave-rider. The slave is stronger than the master yet worships the master because he thinks the master is more powerful. We consent to sin because we are scared of losing something (or dying). We know it isn't good, yet we keep doing it. We are like slaves who hate their master yet melt in his presence. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus said: “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples … (but) … everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:31&34). To overcome sin, we must be ready to face our fears head-on, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. If putting an end to this sin (mention your sins) will kill me, let me die; let me burn in the furnace. This is when God steps in as the fourth man in the furnace.

6. Fatherhood is Not Only by Biology: Jesus argued with the Jews in today’s Gospel passage because they claimed to be children of Abraham but were not behaving like Abraham. Your biological father/mother may be a saint, but if you don’t behave well, their prayers will not secure you an automatic ticket to heaven.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, let not my love for life enslave me to sin. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 5th week of Lent. Bible Study: Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25,28, Daniel 3:52-56, John 8:31-42).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

St. Joseph: Model of Fatherhood

Tuesday, 19 March 2024. Readings: 2 Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16, Ps. 89:2-5,27,29, Romans 4:13,16-18,22, Matthew 1:16,18-21,24

“Before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.” (Matthew 1:18-19)

Whenever we look at Saint Joseph, we soon realise that his role in the life of Jesus Christ cannot be taken for granted. To teach us that every child needs both a mother and a father, God did not allow Joseph to divorce Mary. Having been conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary could have raised Jesus all by herself, but from the beginning, it has always been God’s plan for children to have both parents raise them for proper development. Since Jesus was the greatest man ever, we must honour His earthly parents, Joseph and Mary, for doing such a perfect job. There are a lot of lessons to learn from this great man, Joseph, some of which we will now try to itemise:

1. St. Joseph Was A Just Man: The Bible describes Joseph as a just man. (Matthew 1:19). This means he was a man of integrity. He was well-respected in the community. He had a good name. He was a man of justice. He was not wayward and believed in always doing what was right. Can it be said about me that I am a just person? Do I practice selective integrity?

2. St. Joseph Did Not Take Joy in Seeing the Pain of Others: St. Joseph was unwilling to shame Mary despite learning of her pregnancy before they came together as husband and wife. When I suspect others of doing wrong, what is my immediate reaction? Do I keep things to myself or begin to gossip and announce to others?

3. St. Joseph was Obedient to God’s Instructions: We are told that when Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the Angel of the Lord had commanded him. He agreed to play the role of a foster father to the Son of God. This meant that he agreed to live as a celibate for the rest of his life for the sake of Jesus Christ. His form of celibacy would even be more demanding given that, unlike other celibates, he would have to live in the same house with Mary. Can I make a sacrifice for God?

4. St. Joseph was a Man of Faith: It takes great faith to agree to do what Joseph did for Jesus and Mary. Do you notice that God only spoke to him through dreams? It takes great faith to believe that what we see in our dreams is not simply a figment of our imagination. It takes Faith to believe that a young woman would conceive without knowing a man. Do I put a limit in my mind to what God can do? Do I believe that with God, all things are possible? Am I willing to act based on what God reveals to me daily through my study of the scriptures?

In today’s second reading, St. Paul reminds us of Abraham, a man of faith who hoped against hope that he would be the father of many nations and was not disappointed. St. Joseph, too, is a kind of Abraham; he believed the message of the Angel and agreed to be the earthly father of Jesus Christ, giving credence to the prophecy of Nathan, which we read about in today’s first reading—an offspring from the house of David whose house shall be established forever.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant that I may imbibe the virtues of Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Bible Study: 2 Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16, Ps. 89:2-5,27,29, Romans 4:13,16-18,22, Matthew 1:16,18-21,24).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu