Only Say Your Word

Monday, 16 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 11:17-26,33, Psalm 40:7-10,17, Luke 7:1-10

“Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore, I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.” (Luke 7:6-7)

Today, we reflect on the Centurion whose slave was cured from a distance. The Centurion would not let Jesus come to him because he considered his house unworthy to receive the commander–in–chief of the entire universe. “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof… but say the word and let my servant be healed.”

- The words of this Centurion are the very same words we utter before Holy Communion at every mass. When the priest says: “Behold, the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world, blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” Our response is: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you under my roof, but only say your word, and my soul shall be healed.”

- When I repeat the words of this Centurion at mass, do I approach Jesus with the same faith and disposition as the Centurion? Do I even consider myself worthy enough to receive Holy Communion, or do I come forward for communion to impress others?

- In our first reading today, St. Paul expresses his unhappiness with the Corinthian Church for its failure to grasp the meaning and essence of the Holy Eucharist. The Corinthian Church did not understand Holy Communion; they took it as a meal in which there was even survival of the fittest. Some were getting drunk in the church, while others did not even get a single piece.

- St. Paul’s teaching on the Eucharist remains a concrete catechesis even today. Celebrating the Eucharist is not a meal we use to entertain ourselves; it is the REAL BODY AND BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. What appears to the eyes as just bread and wine is the Flesh and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Now, there is a point where both our first reading and our Gospel passage today meet. For the people of Nazareth (Jesus’ hometown), Jesus was nothing more than the carpenter’s son. Meanwhile, some saw Jesus as the prince of Beelzebub. But this Centurion had the eyes to see that Jesus was God among men.

- The centurion’s faith won him Jesus’ commendation and ensured his servant’s instant cure. For some today, Holy Communion is just ordinary bread and wine; even amongst Catholics, there are some who, out of overfamiliarity, do not believe in the real presence of Jesus in Holy Communion; they despise Jesus just as his countrymen did.

- If only we could have the Centurion’s kind of faith, there would be no limit to the number of miracles we would experience. Let the words we recite at every mass remind us of how the Centurion’s slave was cured and assure us of our healing.

Pope Cornelius was made bishop of the church in Rome in 251. He fought against the Novatian schismatics and established his authority with Cyprian's aid. The emperor Gallus sent him into exile and died at Civitavecchia in June 253. He is buried in Rome.

- St Cyprian (210 - 258). He was born in Carthage and spent most of his life practising the law. He was converted to Christianity and was made bishop of Carthage in 249. He steered the church through troubled times, including the persecution of the emperor Decius, when he went into hiding to be able to continue looking after the church. In 258, the persecution of the emperor Valerian began. Cyprian was first exiled and then, on the 14th of September, executed after a trial notable for the calm and courtesy shown by both sides.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase our faith in your real presence in Holy Communion. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 11:17-26,33, Psalm 40:7-10,17, Luke 7:1-10).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Christianity is Not Milk and Honey: Beware of False Theologies

Sunday, 15 September 2024. Readings: Isaiah 50:5-9, Ps. 116:1-6,8-9, James 2:14-18, Mark 8:27-35

“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Whoever would save his life will lose it; whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:34-36)

We may have very good intentions to serve God, but as long as our theology is flawed, we may even hinder Christ or act as stumbling blocks against others on the path of salvation. In today’s liturgy, Peter was called Satan for his false theology.

St. James lambasts Christians who, due to their false theology, refuse to provide practical help to the poor and needy. Isaiah, prophesying about the Messiah, makes us understand that suffering is often a part of God’s ultimate plan for our good. Let us now examine our lessons for today in detail:

1. Always Examine Your Theology

Socrates said: “an unexamined life is not worth living.” If an unexamined life is not worth living, then an unexamined Christianity is not worth practising. Jesus taught us the importance of questioning our theology when he asked his disciples two vital questions in today’s Gospel passage: “Who do people say I am?” and “Who do you say I am?”

We must not only ask ourselves these questions but also answer them and ensure that our answers are correct! It is not enough to pray when others are praying or going to church because everybody is going to church. We should ask ourselves: “Who is Jesus for me?

Is He just a provider (of my needs) or one whom I should obey His words? Did He say I would never suffer for being His follower? Will He stop being God if my prayers are not answered or if I get to suffer?”

2. Our Theology Speaks for Itself
Just as the disciples provided false answers, many Christians today see Jesus as a Miracle Worker, a Bread Provider, a Security Man, a Charm, a Swear word, and so on. We see Jesus as something to be used rather than as God to be worshipped. Jesus, for many, is more of a service provider than a Father! And so, when our expectations are not met, we start looking for alternatives.

Still, on false theology, it is so easy for us to forget that this Jesus whom we pray to is present in our brothers and sisters who are poor, suffering, disadvantaged, and in need of our help. We think of Jesus as being up there, not knowing He is very much down here in our streets, in the remote and dirty villages.

In today’s Second reading, St. James says: “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” A theology that is lacking in charity is false theology.

In last Sunday’s second reading, St. James spoke of the evil of discrimination in our Christian assemblies whereby the rich are given pride of place and the poor are tossed aside. A theology that defines poverty as a curse is a false theology.

Many today with ill-gotten wealth have used their riches to buy positions of reverence in the church for themselves. The fact that a person displays riches does not mean God has blessed them; they may have bowed to Satan in exchange for the fleeting glories of the world.

On the other hand, the fact that you are poor does not mean God has not blessed you. There is more to life than riches.

3. A Cross-less Theology is a false Theology
Jesus tells us today, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34). Whether we like it or not, Christianity involves self-denial, self-discipline, suffering, embracing lack; giving away one’s life for Christ’s sake.

As powerful as the cross, so powerful are those pains, insults, ridicule, and shame we must put up with for the sake of our Christian Faith. Do not despise your sufferings; do not reduce your cross; do not abandon the narrow path; do not try to be like everyone else; do not get tired of doing good even when your goodness seems unrewarded and unappreciated.

Jesus never told us to expect only bliss. He never promised us a life of milk and honey on this earth. Jesus said: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:10-12).

In another passage, Jesus said: “Whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33). Peter had a cross-less theology like many Christians today. This theology says “God forbid” suffering. It desires glory but rejects self-discipline. It prefers the wide road of comfort and pleasure, but Jesus says, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, which leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

4. God Writes Straight on Crooked Lines
Have you ever had a very painful experience that eventually changed your entire life to the extent that you found yourself thanking God for letting you experience that painful situation in the first place? Dear friends, we serve a God who can bring out the best from the worst. St. Paul assures us that “all things” (including our tears and pains) “work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28).

St. Augustine added: “Since God is the highest good, he would not allow any evil to exist in his works unless his omnipotence and goodness were such as to bring good even out of evil.” The book of Hebrews puts it thus: “For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons.” (Hebrews 12:5-7)

Remember Joseph of the Old Testament, when eventually he reunited with his brothers, they were so scared Joseph would repay them for the evil they meted out on him, but Joseph said: “As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” (Genesis 50:20-21). When we read in Jeremiah 29:11 that God has plans for us, we must bear in mind that part of that plan is that, at some point, we will undergo some amount of suffering.

In today’s first reading, Isaiah prophesies the coming Messiah, saying, “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… I have set my face like a flint, knowing I shall not be put to shame.” (Isaiah 50:5-7).

This was exactly the mindset of Jesus Christ when he rebuked Peter in today’s Gospel passage. Jesus knew that no matter what He had to face, He would never be put to shame. This should be your mindset, too. Are you currently suffering? Do not think God has failed. Hold on, remain steadfast. Don’t give up on God. One day, you will look back and thank God for your present experiences.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us carry our daily crosses joyfully and save us from falsehood. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Isaiah 50:5-9, Ps. 116:1-6,8-9, James 2:14-18, Mark 8:27-35).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Son of Man Must Be Lifted

Saturday, 14 September 2024. Readings: Numbers 21:4-9, Ps. 78:1-2,34-38, John 3:13-17

“As Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15)

Today, we celebrate the Cross not as a crude element of murder but as the object of Christ’s victory over death. Just as a tree was the source of man’s downfall, it became necessary that when God restored man to Himself in Christ, correcting the error of the first man, a tree would again play a vital role. The object of sin becomes the object of redemption.

- As Jesus said in our Gospel passage today, what Moses did in the wilderness foreshadows the Cross of Calvary. When the Israelites sinned in the wilderness, God’s anger blazed upon them, and fiery serpents bit the people. They cried for mercy, and God instructed Moses to set up a bronze serpent so that anyone who looked at it would be healed. The bronze serpent symbolises the Cross upon which Jesus, the Son of Man, was lifted. When we look at the Cross with faith, we receive healing from the bites of the physical and spiritual fiery serpents around us.

- It is one thing to notice the presence of the Cross in a Church, on the wall, or in your home, but a different thing to look at it with devotion. Meditate on the Cross; recall the passion of Jesus Christ. Place yourself in the crowd standing at the Cross’s feet on Good Friday. Ask God for pardon for your sins. Beg Jesus to remember you like that thief who was crucified beside Jesus. When I sat down to look at the Crucifix, I noticed certain details:

- Firstly, the size of the Cross compared to the size of Christ hanging on it. It dawned on me that our crosses would always be bigger than us.

- Two, the look on Jesus’ face; he wasn’t frowning. I got the message that we can only carry our Cross with hearts free of bitterness. Not even those killing us deserve our anger.

- Three, the people at the foot of the Cross. While the crowd jeered and mocked, soldiers did their job, Jews supervised, and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was there supporting her son with a loving maternal gaze. It dawned on me that when we suffer, the crowd will never support us, but one person we can always trust to be on our side is Mary, the Mother of God.

- Today’s feast began with discovering the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ around where Jesus was crucified. In identifying this particular Cross, a sick man received instant healing when placed on it.

- Why is the Cross so powerful? 1. It symbolises the Trinity. 2. It is the object upon which Jesus Christ defeated the devil. 3. On the Cross, Jesus asked pardon for our sins. 4. On the Cross, Jesus said: “It is finished.”

- We celebrate the Cross of Jesus Christ today and the various crosses we bear as Christians. In the Beatitudes, Jesus told us to “rejoice and be glad” when we are persecuted, insulted, excluded, oppressed or denied our rights for His Sake. This is what we are doing today – rejoicing in our sufferings, knowing that for every pain we endure, a crown awaits us in heaven.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, we thank you for the healing power of your Cross. Teach us to value it and the crosses we bear daily for your sake. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Exaltation of the Holy Cross - Feast. Bible Study: Numbers 21:4-9, Ps. 78:1-2,34-38, John 3:13-17).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Can a Blind Man Lead a Blind Man?

Friday, 13 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-27, Ps. 84:3-6,12, Luke 6:39-42

“Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39)

The success of St. Paul as a great evangelizer came from the fact that he did not simply preach; he allowed his preaching to affect his own life. That is to say, he practised what he preached. He was not like the hypocrites Jesus strongly condemned.

- The best form of preaching is preaching that does not involve words. Jesus says, if you want to help your brother remove the speck in his eye, first remove the log in your eye so you can see clearly to help your brother. Good preaching begins with an examination of conscience. What good will it be to help others achieve heaven only to end up in hell yourself?

- St. Paul says: “If I preach the Gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting.” So, as I preach, I must exercise a great deal of self-control, like an athlete who disciplines himself to win the prize. I must ensure I do not fall into the same sins I preach about. As such, “I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)

- A blind man cannot lead a blind man. To be a good leader, one must be above his followers. You must have a vision, see the future you intend to create, and ensure your followers see it. You cannot be a good leader if you cannot see beyond your followers. Perhaps this explains our situation in this country. Why doesn’t it seem as though we are in a pit?

- A good leader should see beyond his followers, even spiritually. Do you know why Jesus made Peter the head of the apostles? When Jesus asked about His identity, only Peter heard from the Holy Spirit. Jesus said: “Flesh and blood have not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17). Do you head any organisation in the church? Don’t joke with your prayers lest, in your blindness, the devil makes you his instrument.

- Today, we remember St. John Chrysostom. He was born in Antioch. After a thorough education, he took up the ascetic life. He was ordained to the priesthood and became a fruitful and effective preacher. He was elected Patriarch of Constantinople in 397 and was energetic in reforming the ways of the clergy and the laity alike. His sermons and writings did much to explain the Catholic faith and to encourage the living of the Christian life: his eloquence earned him the surname “Chrysostom” (the Greek for “golden mouth”).

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, open our eyes to be better leaders. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop, Doctor. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-27, Ps. 84:3-6,12, Luke 6:39-42).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Love Your Enemies; Avoid Scandal and Idolatry

Thursday, 12 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 8:1-7,11-13, Ps. 139:1-3,13-14,23-24, Luke 6:27-38

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

Christianity is beautiful, but this beauty only shines when we practice Jesus’ difficult teachings. From denying oneself, carrying one’s cross, and forgiving others endlessly to loving God over and above earthly riches, Jesus seems to be asking the impossible from us. In yesterday’s Gospel passage (Luke 6:22-23), Jesus told us to consider it a blessing to suffer persecution because of Him. Today, Jesus says: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”

- Is it too much to love those who hate you? Jesus asked: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” In other words, what makes you different from others? Even devil worshippers love those who love them (Cf. Luke 6:33-34). A Christian is like God, who lets His rain fall on the good and the bad alike. (Cf. Matthew 5:45). A Christian loves his enemies. When we hate our enemies, we scandalise unbelievers.

- Jesus says: “Be merciful as your Father is merciful.” How can we be merciful like God? By refusing to conclude anyone (holding back negative judgment), We tend to judge people by what they do, but God judges us by the good we can do. Even if we are bad, God still expects the best from us. This is why God doesn’t strike us down immediately.

- Many claim to be Christians but do not love their enemies. They are always issuing curses and wishing evil against their enemies. If God were to grant everyone exactly what they ask in prayer, the human race would have become extinct by now. Do you know that wishing evil for others boomerangs in your life?

- Thank God for your enemies. Always wish them well. Enemies are blessings in disguise; they help to bring out the best in us. Enemies remind us to be careful and prayerful. Enemies serve as road signs, speed bumps, and other safety signals that prevent us from road accidents. Enemies are like hot water that helps to cook the food. Do you wish to get to the top or see your dreams come true? Pray to have enough enemies to challenge you.

- It is easy to help those who help us, but Jesus wants us to go the extra mile to help those who can never (or will never) repay you. Cultivate the habit of putting smiles on the faces of everyone you encounter, no matter who that person is. When you give, Jesus says, “Never expect repayment, but your reward will be great.” (Luke 6:35). Humans are naturally ungrateful, so don’t expect people to thank you. However, nothing escapes God’s watchful eyes; He will reward you in due time.

- Another source of scandal is idolatry. In today’s First Reading, St. Paul warns against giving scandals to those whose consciences are weak by participating (directly or indirectly) in idol worship. You cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24, Luke 6:13). As Jesus says, it would be better for a person to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around his neck than to lead a neophyte (catechumen) astray. (Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42 and Luke 17:2)

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to love our enemies, to wish them well, and to let go of hurtful memories. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 23 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 8:1-7,11-13, Ps. 139:1-3,13-14,23-24, Luke 6:27-38).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Do Not Love the World; It Is Passing Away

Wednesday, 11 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 7:25-31, Ps. 45:11-12,14-17, Luke 6:20-26

“Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven” (Luke 6:22-23)

Today’s Gospel passage is Luke’s version of the Beatitudes. Unlike Matthew’s, Luke presents blessings and curses (woes). However, one point of agreement between Luke and Matthew is that those who embrace suffering because of Jesus are Blessed.

- To be a Christian is to carry your cross; it is taking the narrow path, living in the world yet not being of the world. In today’s First Reading, St. Paul writes: “Let those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:30-31).

- Since the world is passing away, no amount of the world’s goods can satisfy us. The more we acquire, the emptier we feel inside. As St. Augustine explains it, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.”

- Luke’s Beatitudes contains three curses: “Woe to you that are rich… woe to you that are full now… woe to you when all men speak well of you.” We all desire these things, but if we bow to the devil to acquire them, they become curses.

- Concerning these three curses, St. John writes: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh (pleasure), the lust of the eyes (riches) and the pride of life (power) is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away.” (1 John 2:15-17).

- When detached from worldly riches, we will realise that suffering taunts, hatred, exclusion, ridicule and injustice is a blessing for Christ’s sake. It is a blessing to be attacked for doing good. You should be worried if you are not suffering anything for being a Christian. As the saying goes: “If the devil is not fighting you, it is probably because you are not a threat to him.”

- In other words, consider your trials as trophies. Do not give up on God. Like a farmer who waits patiently till the day of harvest, do not give up on your goodness. Continue shining your light. Treat your body as God’s temple. Be pure in heart. If unmarried, remain chaste; be faithful to your spouse if married. Rejoice and be glad when you are persecuted for upholding these moral values. Your reward is great in heaven.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen my love for heaven. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of Week 23 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 7:25-31, Ps. 45:11-12,14-17, Luke 6:20-26).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Better Be Wronged Than Bring the Case Before Unbelievers

Tuesday, 10 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, Ps. 149:1-6,9, Luke 6:12-19

“When one of you has a grievance against a brother, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?” (1 Corinthians 6:1)

I am always ashamed when I see Christians fighting dirty, especially in public (on social media). You cannot escape being wronged by others as long as you are alive. Someone must hurt you, but the question is: How do you react? The answer to this question is the litmus test of your Christian identity.

- In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Mathew 5:39). Jesus practised what he preached during His passion. When he was reviled, insulted, spat upon, and mocked, Jesus did not retaliate. Why is it difficult to imitate Jesus Christ today?

- In today’s First Reading, St. Paul tells the Corinthian church that as Christians, it is already a defeat on their part if they bring lawsuits before unbelievers. Isn’t it better to forgive than to become the object of laughter amongst unbelievers?

- What did Jesus tell us to do when a brother sins against us? Did he say we should write an article on social media or make a video post condemning the brother? Jesus said: “Meet him alone. If he refuses to listen, take one or two others with you. “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:17).

- Another cause for shame among Christians today is gross immorality, which St. Paul addresses in today’s First Reading. “Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor sexual perverts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). St. Paul mentions, “Do not be deceived,” indicating they had preachers (like today’s prosperity preachers) more concerned about earthly comfort than eternal salvation.

- In the previous chapter, St. Paul mentions the case of a member of the Corinthian church who was sleeping with his father’s wife. There wasn’t social media in those days. For Paul to have heard about this in his prison cell in Rome, it is clear that their leaders knew about it but swept it under the carpet. Do not be deceived. Truth is truth. It never ceases to be true, even if no one talks about it. What you do with your body can determine where you will spend eternity.

- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus spent all night in prayer alone. Jesus did this to set an example for us, his followers, on the importance of prayer. A person who does not pray (hates prayer, rushes prayers, distracts others from praying, or only prays when others are watching) is not yet a Christian. A Christian is a person who behaves like Christ, and since Christ prayed alone constantly, a Christian should love prayer. A Christian should enjoy spending time alone with God (without attracting the attention of others like the hypocrites do). How is your prayer life?

- Secondly, Jesus teaches us that before making any major decision, we must surrender to God in prayer. Jesus spent the night in prayer to select his closest allies: the twelve disciples. When recruiting employees, business partners, or close friends, do I pray over them?

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us understand what it means to be a Christian. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 23 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, Ps. 149:1-6,9, Luke 6:12-19).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Law of Love Supersedes All Other Laws

Monday, 9 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, Ps. 5:5-7,12, Luke 6:6-11

“I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9)

There is a story about a housemaid who mistakenly broke an expensive piece of art while cleaning the sitting room one day. She almost lost her job in the process, but for the timely intervention of her parents, who pleaded for a second chance. The house owner warned her never to touch anything in the sitting room again, and she was determined to keep this law.

- One day, the housemaid was home alone when she noticed the smell of smoke emanating from a faulty extension box beside the television in the sitting room. But instead of going there to disconnect it, she was bent on obeying the law given to her. She continued her duty in the kitchen while all the electronic devices in the sitting room caught fire. Could this be our attitude to the commandments of God?

- In today’s Gospel passage, we see how Jesus silenced his detractors bent on finding fault against him by all means. There was a man with a withered hand right there, and it was a Sabbath day. The law states: “Obey the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” But this law had been stretched over time to imply: “Do not work on the Sabbath Day, not even to cook your meal.”

- Jesus was well aware of the law and knew the implication of healing this man on the Sabbath day. Jesus also realised there was one law that the Pharisees were unaware of: the law of doing good or, better put, the Law of Love. So, Jesus asked them, “Is it lawful to do good or harm, to save life or to destroy it on Sabbath day?”

- Sometimes, in our hot pursuit of justice, we forget the law of love. We forget that as much as God would be pleased with our strict obedience to his laws, there is no law greater than loving our neighbour as ourselves. Like these Pharisees, sometimes we become interested in certain persons not because we like them but to find something we can use against them. Have you become an accuser of the brethren who accuses others day and night before God? (Cf. Revelations 12:10). Rather than point fingers, learn to look inwards.

- Jesus knew that the Pharisees were following him to find fault with him. He could have chosen the path of diplomacy, pretending he didn’t see the man with a withered hand. He could have signalled this man to meet him secretly, but Jesus chose to heal him publicly. Do not be afraid of what anyone would do to you. Only fear God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Cf. Matthew 10:28)

- In our first reading, St. Paul warns the Corinthian Church against the spread of immorality in their midst. He said: “Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?” Evil usually starts very small, in fact, with just one person. Evil spreads like a fire razing down a forest like a single strike of a matchstick on a hot afternoon. Our indifference to evil is equivalent to our promotion of evil.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to love our neighbour as ourselves. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 23 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, Ps. 5:5-7,12, Luke 6:6-11).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Healing Powers of the Seven Sacraments

Sunday, 8 September 2024. Readings: Isaiah 35:4-7, Ps. 146:7-10, James 2:1-5, Mark 7:31-37

“They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then, looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” (Mark 7:32-34)

Once upon a time, I went to visit a man who was very sick in his house to pray with him and give him Holy Communion. This man was visually impaired and lived in an uncompleted building. On this particular day, I sat down to discuss it with him, and he said: “I wish God gave you the power to heal. I am sure you would have cured me by now.” In response, I said: “If only you know the power in the Holy Communion that you have just received, you would have asked Jesus to cure you.”

Do we Catholics value what we have? How many of us believe in the healing power of the sacraments? Let us now consider the lessons in today’s readings.

1. God Always Rewards Our Faith
In Matthew 17:20, Jesus said: “For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” Only when we believe can we be sure to receive what we are asking for. There were millions of sick persons in Israel at the time of Jesus, but only those who went to him in faith, expecting to be healed, got healed.

When Jesus went to his hometown, Nazareth, his people looked down on him, just as many Catholics look down on the sacraments today. We are told that Jesus “COULD DO NO MIGHTY WORK there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them” (Mark 6:5).

Each time we attend the Sacraments, Jesus asks the question He asked the two blind men following him in Matthew 9:27-30, “Do you believe that I can do this?” If you believe Jesus can do it, you will receive your miracle. However, if you do not believe, you are no different from the people of Jesus’ hometown.

2. Jesus Instituted the Sacraments as Channels of Healing
What is a sacrament? The penny catechism says: “A sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace ordained by Jesus through which grace is given to our souls.” In today’s Gospel passage, did you notice the outward signs? The placing of fingers in his ears, the saliva, the touching of the man’s tongue, and the looking up to heaven? Do you also notice the inward grace? What words did Jesus use, such as ‘EPHPHATHA’? Do you realize that this is what we do during baptism?

When did you last attend the mass and meditate on every word? Does it occur to you that the priest acts IN THE PERSON OF CHRIST? Do we have the faith to look beyond the person we know and see Christ Himself performing these sacraments? Hear me: before you think of traveling to one campground or another, know that the Jesus you are looking for is here. There is no sickness, no disease, no family problem, and no financial condition that is beyond the power of Jesus.

Take the Priest as you would take Christ; believe that Christ acting in the priest can heal you when he performs the anointing of the sick. Believe that your sins are truly forgiven when Christ in the priest hears your confession. Believe that your marriage will last forever when Christ in the priest blesses you on your wedding day. Believe that you become a soldier when Christ in the priest (or bishop) anoints you with chrism oil. God has given us the power to heal, but do you believe this?

3. Why We Shouldn’t Announce Miracles
Every time Jesus healed someone or performed a great act of wonder, he always warned the person involved or the people around against publicity. While Jesus wanted the people to spread the Gospel freely to the ends of the earth, he cautioned them to maintain sealed lips regarding the miracles he performed. Why? Jesus wanted faith in him to be built not on miracles but on the Cross of Calvary. Hence, he said: “When I am lifted from the earth, I will draw all men to myself.” (John 12:32). By televising and announcing miracles and testimonies rather than God’s Words, we risk attracting people to ourselves to Christ, in whose person we function.

4. The Sacraments are to serve both the Rich and the Poor
This is where our second reading today comes in. St. James condemns a practice that has refused to stop in the church. “My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man with gold rings and in fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘Have a seat here, please,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘Stand there,’ or, ‘Sit at my feet.’ Have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:1-4).

We are all guilty of showing partiality, and we must repent of it. Whether rich or poor, everyone in the congregation can receive the Sacraments and sit wherever they wish.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our faith in the healing power of the sacrament and free us from discrimination. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Isaiah 35:4-7, Ps. 146:7-10, James 2:1-5, Mark 7:31-37).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Worship God in Spirit and Truth

Saturday, 7 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 4:6-15, Ps. 145:17-21, Luke 6:1-5

“When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this day. I am not writing to make you ashamed but to admonish you as my beloved children.” (1 Corinthians 4:12-14)

In Luke 5:33-39 (Yesterday’s Gospel Passage), the Scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus and his disciples of not fasting and praying. “John’s disciples, like the disciples of the Pharisees, frequently fast and pray, but your disciples eat and drink.” Jesus responded with three parables: “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” “No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment.” “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins.”

- Clearly, Jesus’ accusers neither understood nor reflected on the meaning of any of these parables because they had passed judgment on Jesus already. In today’s Gospel passage, they brought forward a similar accusation. One Sabbath, while Jesus was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?” (Luke 6:1-2).

- In his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul warned about the danger of passing premature judgment. When you reach a negative conclusion about someone, you suddenly become blind (or deaf) to anything good coming from that person. These scribes and Pharisees became disciples of Jesus (they followed him everywhere) to find fault in Jesus. Are there people you have come to hate to the extent that once you hear their name mentioned, you criticise them even before hearing what they have done? Examine your heart – do not become a Pharisee!

- In today’s first reading, St. Paul writes: “When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we speak kindly.” The hallmark of a true Christian is how he reacts under pressure (when insulted, persecuted or unjustly treated). Let us learn from Jesus’ calmness in responding to those who accused him falsely. Some of us behave worse than our accusers when provoked, revealing our spiritual emptiness.

- From Jesus’ response, we learn two important points. One, Jesus is God; He is the long-awaited bridegroom. He is the Lord of the Sabbath. Two, God wants us to worship Him in spirit and truth instead of merely observing rules (Cf. John 4:23). There is a difference between worshipping God and following the commandments. This is the difference between the new wineskins and the old wineskins.

- Although we cannot exclude obedience to God’s commandments from worshipping God, we risk not worshipping God at all if we are only concerned about obeying the commandments. For instance, in every household, there are rules. While children obey out of love for their parents, servants obey with bitterness in their hearts. Jesus wants us to have the child mentality rather than the slave mentality. He wants us to go beyond religion (the observance of rules) to spirituality (deep connection with God).

- The problem with the slave mentality is that it breeds what the Prophet Isaiah described in these words: “These people draw near with their mouths and honour me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their worship of me is a human commandment” (Isaiah 29:13). Jesus referenced this verse in Matthew 15:8 and Mark 7:6.

- By plucking heads of grain to eat on the Sabbath, Jesus and His disciples related to God as His children. They went beyond the Letter of the Law to the spirit. By the way, the third commandment only states that we worship God on the Sabbath. It did not forbid eating food when one is hungry. God created the Sabbath day for our health and well-being, not to punish us. It is a day to rest from work, recreate and pray.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to love and not hate, to forgive and not revenge, to build and not destroy. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of week 22 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 4:6-15, Ps. 145:17-21, Luke 6:1-5)

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Do not Pronounce Judgement before the Time.

Friday, 6 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Ps. 37:3-6,27-28,39-40, Luke 5:33-39

“Do not pronounce judgment before the Time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and disclose the purposes of the heart. Then, each one will receive commendation from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5)

A small girl held two apples, and her mother asked for one. The little girl chewed one apple with delight, then took the second apple and bit it. The mother felt embarrassed by her behaviour. The girl gave one of the apples to her mum and, with the purest innocence any child could muster, said: “Mummy, take this one; it is sweeter than the other one.”

- It is human nature to judge people as good or bad. Our judgment is mostly based on what we see, think we know about them, or who we are. St. Paul is teaching us today not to be too quick to pass judgment because only God can “bring to light the things now hidden in darkness…” St. Paul’s words are part of his response to the division in the Corinthian Church between those who were for Apollos and those for him.

- To those who were on Paul’s side, he said, “Who are you to declare me a saint?” and to those who were against Paul, he said, “Even though I am not aware of anything against myself (my conscience is clean), I am not thereby acquitted.” Paul’s overall intention here was to break division, to make the people refrain from taking sides, and to make them realise that both Paul and Apollos are imperfect yet powerful instruments in the hands of God.

- In his admonition to the Corinthians, Paul made no negative statement about Apollos, who had been made a rival to him by the people. This is very instructive. It is the devil’s delight to see church leaders quarrel and fight over what they say. Avoid taking sides when people bring gossip; they may be plotting the stage for you to fight with your brother.

- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus and his disciples become victims of premature judgment. The Scribes and Pharisees habitually displayed public piety to win people’s admiration, while their hearts were far from God. Jesus wanted true inner piety, which required going into your room, shutting the door to pray and not letting people know you were fasting. (Cf. Matthew 6:6 - Your Father, who sees everything done in secret, will reward you in secret).

- Without trying to find out if Jesus’ disciples were fasting secretly, they murmured against his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (Luke 5:30). There is danger in passing judgment before the Time; (before all the facts are exposed). Remember the warning of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment, you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.” (Matthew 7:1-2)

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace to grow deeper in the spirit. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of week 22 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Ps. 37:3-6, 27-28,39-40, Luke 5:33-39).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Worldly Wisdom is Foolishness Before God

Thursday, 5 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 5:1-11

"Do not deceive yourselves. If you think you are wise at this age, you should become foolish to become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness’ and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’” (1 Corinthians 3:18-20)

Today, St. Paul tells us that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” What does it mean to be wise in this age? Today’s Gospel passage provides a practical answer.

- Jesus asked Simon Peter to put his nets into the deep for a catch, and Peter responded, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!” Peter spoke with the wisdom of this age. Jesus must have laughed at Peter’s foolishness for assuming it would be futile to let down the nets then.

- How often have we missed our favours by disobeying God’s instructions because we were moved to act based on worldly wisdom? For instance, you are tempted to steal a huge sum of money. Worldly wisdom says: “Take it, things are difficult, the government has increased the fuel price, your children need it…” God says: “Thou shall not steal. Trust Me, I am Your Shephard.” Whose voice would you obey?

- Today’s Gospel passage happened quite early in Jesus’ ministry. As such, one would be safe to say Peter’s faith was not yet fully formed. However, considering that Peter brought Jesus to his home and that Jesus cured his mother-in-law and a host of others before his eyes, why did Peter hesitate to obey Jesus’ command?

- No matter how many years we spend with Jesus, we sometimes forget who He is. Sometimes, we operate based on the world’s wisdom; we underestimate the power of God. Peter’s faith experienced a constant rise and fall, and each time he fell, Jesus picked him up. For instance, Peter had the faith to walk on water but soon dropped to worldly wisdom; fear gripped him, and he almost drowned (Cf. Matthew 14:28-31).

- What kind of wisdom am I operating with right now? Will this decision I make be fuelled by faith or worldly wisdom? Perhaps Jesus is asking me to let down my nets for a catch, yet I procrastinate and give God excuses. Trust God and obey His commands. Forget what people around you are saying. Do what is right, and God will reward you with an abundant catch—more than you would have dreamt of if you had disobeyed.

- Quarrelling and fighting among Christians is a sign of worldly wisdom. It is foolish to forget that Paul and Apollos are instruments while God gives them growth. Paul’s ability to preach is not his making, and Apollos’s ability to work miracles is a gift. God can use anybody. Refrain from viewing the Church like a political organisation; there is more to reality than what meets the eye. Worldly wisdom cannot comprehend spiritual matters.

- After the great fish catch, Peter knelt before Jesus, saying: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” What sin was Peter confessing? The sin of doubt. To doubt God is to underestimate His power. It assumes your prayers are in vain or the situation is beyond God. We all need to beg God to forgive us for this sin.

- Jesus said to Peter: “Do not be afraid; henceforth, you will be catching men.” In other words, the miracle was only a pointer to a deeper reality. Like the miracle of the loaves, Jesus was leading Peter and his companions somewhere. Miracles are signs, not ends in themselves.

- Running after miracles is like clinging to the church signboard without understanding where it leads. Do you notice Peter and the other disciples left everything behind to follow Jesus? Why are Christians leaving Jesus behind to follow material riches? Why are we more interested in selling fish than catching men?

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace to grow deeper in the spirit. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 22 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 5:1-11).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Jealousy and Strife: Signs of the Flesh

Wednesday, 4 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Ps. 33:12-15,20-21, Luke 4:38-44

“For as long as there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations?” (1 Corinthians 3:3)

Once upon a time, a preacher told the story of a man who was given the privilege of going on an excursion to Hell and Heaven. According to him, the food in heaven and hell is the same. The only difference is that in heaven, each person feeds others until all have eaten to their satisfaction, but in hell, they all struggle and fight for food, and no one gets to eat anything.

- Today, St. Paul describes jealousy and strife as symptoms of persons who lack spiritual maturity, are unspiritual and ordinary men, and are still of the flesh. Let us search our hearts. Are there people I am quarrelling with right now? Why? How can I use this situation to allow my spirit to blossom?

- For the Corinthians, their problem was taking sides between Paul and Apollos, similar to when we began to form camps around our spiritual leaders. Paul was unhappy with them because they failed to see that Paul and Apollos were mere instruments while God was the real Chief Shepherd who made the growth happen.

- Having dealt with the demon-possessed man in the synagogue, Jesus went to the home of Peter, where He cured his mother-in-law of her fever. He also cured all those in the neighbourhood who were sick of all kinds of diseases and demonic possession. The people brought their sick ones to Jesus because they believed in his power.

- How often do I go to Jesus in faith for healing? Do I believe that Jesus, who is present in the Blessed Sacrament under the appearance of Bread and Wine, can cure me of all sicknesses, bad habits, and demonic possession?

- Did you notice that immediately after the healing and casting out of demons session, Jesus retreated to a quiet place to pray? This is an important lesson we must learn. Do not become prideful when you successfully fight Satan and destroy the forces of darkness. Prayer is one great cure for the vice of pride. When we don’t pray, we forget it is not by our power and begin to fall.

- We can never be too tired to pray. From synagogue to the house to healing crusade, Jesus still had to create time for personal prayer. What does this teach me? What excuse do I have for skipping prayer?

- Again, like Jesus, we must always remember that prayer is a matter of being one-on-one with God. Jesus prayed in the synagogue often with many others, but apart from these community prayers, Jesus maintained a personal prayer schedule. Prayer was Jesus’ favourite recreation. What is my preferred recreational activity?

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace to grow deeper in the spirit. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 22 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Ps. 33:12-15, 20-21, Luke 4:38-44).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Face to Face with Satan’s Anger

Tuesday, 3 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, Ps. 145:8-14, Luke 4:31-37

“And in the synagogue, there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out loudly, ‘Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’” (Luke 4:33-34)

“What have you to do with us?” meaning: “Why did you come here? What is your business with this place? Why not allow us to do our thing while you stay on your side?” The demon questioned Jesus for coming into the synagogue to disrupt its peace. This means it had completely taken over that space.

- What business has darkness with light? How can a demon take possession of the House of God to the extent that it is even angry with Jesus for coming into the place? Do you now understand how the house of prayer could become a den of robbers, and no one saw anything wrong with it? (cf. Mark 11:17ff). The fact that the chief priests were planning to destroy Jesus for daring to cleanse the temple reveals how blinded they had become to the presence of demons.

- Not all those who say “Lord, Lord” are in Church to worship God. There are wolves among the sheep; outwardly, they appear beautiful but full of filth on the inside. Do make the mistake of David. David felt he had soldiers he could rely on, not knowing that while they battled fiercely in the field, a spiritual battle raged in his house: the battle against sins of the flesh. The soldiers won theirs, but David lost him, almost costing him the kingdom.

- Revelation 12:17 reads: “Then the dragon was angry with the woman, and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and bear testimony to Jesus.” We are at war; the sooner we open our eyes, the better we are positioned for victory. Since demonic agents surround us (they are in our churches), what defence do we have against their power?

- One, develop your spiritual life. Do not be worldly-minded; do not dismiss the existence of the spirit world. In today’s first reading, St. Paul says: “The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man judges all things but is himself to be judged by no one.” (1 Corinthians 2:14-15).

- Two, be prayerful. Prayer is power. Jesus started with prayer, and all through His public ministry, Jesus never joked with prayer. He would rise early in the morning, go to a quiet place to pray (Luke 4:42), and at the end of the day, after dismissing the crowd, he would go again to a lonely place to pray. (Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46). He would even spend a whole night praying (Luke 6:12). When you are prayerful, a certain aura goes with you; you don’t need to shout or make noise. Your very presence in any space is already a threat to demons. Jesus did not break a sweat dealing with the demon-possessed man. As we often say: “power pass power.”

- Today, we remember Pope St. Gregory the Great. He was born in Rome and followed the usual public service career for the son of an aristocratic family. He finally became Prefect of the City of Rome, a post he held for years. He founded a monastery in Rome and some others in Sicily and became a monk. He was ordained a deacon and sent as an envoy to Constantinople on a five-year mission.

- He was elected Pope on 3 September 590, the first monk to be elected to this office. He reformed the administration of the Church’s estates and devoted the resulting surplus to assisting the poor and the ransoming of prisoners. He negotiated treaties with the Lombard tribes ravaging northern Italy, and by cultivating good relations with these and other barbarians, he could keep the Church’s position secure in areas where Roman rule had broken down. He wrote extensively on pastoral care, spirituality, and morals and designated himself a “servant of the servants of God.” He died on 12 March 604, but as this date always falls within Lent, his feast is celebrated on the date of his election as Pope.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, open our eyes to see the battles before us. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Gregory the Great, Pope, Doctor. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, Ps. 145:8-14, Luke 4:31-37).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Salvation is Not Hereditary

Monday, 2 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Ps. 119:97-102, Luke 4:16-30

“Doubtless, you will quote me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown what we have heard you did at Capernaum.’ And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown.’” (Luke 4:23-24)

In today’s Gospel passage, we see that what began as a happy reception for Jesus eventually turned into an attempt to kill him. Luke tells us that it was the custom of Jesus to go to the Synagogue in Nazareth.

- On this day, Jesus decided to step onto the podium to proclaim the message. He read a passage about him from the prophet Isaiah. As long as Jesus said beautiful things to them, they were happy with him.

- However, by giving examples of how Elijah ministered to the widow of Zarephath and how Elisha cured Naaman, the Syrian, Jesus made them understand that salvation was not hereditary. This was too hard to bear, a truth many still struggle with today.

- Instead of allowing the truth to cure their pride, they turned against Jesus, intending to throw Him off the cliff. Their action did not nullify the bitter truth. Salvation is not hereditary, nor is it automatic. Indeed, the fact that I am a Catholic does not qualify me for heaven; it is the way I live that counts.

- In Matthew 21:31, Jesus declared: “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots will go into the kingdom of God before you.” St. Paul adds: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12).

- Another important lesson in today’s Gospel passage is to never look down on what is your own. Jesus said a prophet has no honour in his country and among his people. Do you value your family members?

- Writing to the Corinthians, St. Paul reminded them how he came to preach the message of salvation using very simple terms and the common language of the people. He lived among them like any other person, in weakness, fear, and trembling.

- As ministers of God, we must make ourselves available as instruments, and God will do the rest. Indeed, none of us can boast or take credit for converting even a single soul.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace to accept the truth of your Word and live accordingly. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 22 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Ps. 119:97-102, Luke 4:16-30).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu