Celebrating the Great Multitude of Saints in Heaven

Friday, 1 November 2024. Readings: Bible Study: Apocalypse 7:2-4,9-14, Ps. 24:1-6, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12a

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven… Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:3-8)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, as we remember the saints today, grant that we may walk in your light to be counted among the redeemed in heaven. 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. (All Saints - Solemnity. Bible Study: Apocalypse 7:2-4,9-14, Ps. 24:1-6, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12a).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

We are Soldiers!

Thursday, 31 October 2024. Readings: Bible Study: Ephesians 6:10-20, Ps. 144:1-2,9-10, Luke 13:31-35

“For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:12-13)

Today, St. Paul explains that as Christians, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. We fight against that thief who “comes only to steal, to kill and to destroy.” (John 10:10). In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus refers to Herod as a fox after being told that Herod was planning his assassination.

- No matter how good we are, we would have enemies who would hate us not for the good we do but because they have been won over by the thief – the deceiver whose only goal is to destroy. After killing John the Baptist for preaching the truth, Herod was hungry again for the head of Jesus. What did Jesus do to Herod?

- Believe it or not, your goodness is a threat to principalities and powers who sometimes operate through persons around us. For instance, when Jesus addressed Peter as Satan, it wasn’t an insult to Peter but a direct attack on the source of Peter’s statement. When these forces take hold of people, they manifest all kinds of negativity. If we hate humans, we would be fighting the wrong battle. Human beings are not our enemies; they are spiritual forces that we should contend with.

- Some Pharisees told Jesus to run away from Jerusalem to protect himself from Herod. Recall that as a child, God sent an Angel to warn Joseph in a dream to take Jesus and Mary and flee to Egypt. Jesus did not flee from Herod again because He knew His time had come. On the other hand, Jesus did not need to run because He knew Herod wasn’t the one to kill Him.

- What does this teach us? There is no need to panic, but at the same time, we must not put ourselves in danger unnecessarily. St. Paul tells us that in this battle, we must be fully dressed for action, and our attire should consist of the following:

1. THE BELT OF TRUTH. Honesty, sincerity, and integrity are powerful weapons. The devil fears those who would never compromise or bear false witness.

2. THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Another powerful weapon is living above sin. Jesus told us to be perfect as God in heaven is perfect. Living a holy life is not a burden but something that gives us an edge over the kingdom of darkness

3. SHOES OF EVANGELISM. Jesus said that those who are not for him are against him. (Matthew 9:38, Luke 9:49). If you are not consciously and deliberately spreading God’s kingdom, you are working for the devil. Talking to people about Jesus is a weapon.

4. THE SHIELD OF FAITH. Trials (negative circumstances) are part of life. Faith is a weapon, one that is needed to conquer the devil during trials. You should say, “O devil, I will not bow to you; even though I am walking through a valley of darkness right now, I know God is with me; even though I can’t see anything now, I will not follow you.”

5. THE HELMET OF SALVATION. Another great weapon is the sacraments. Have you been anointed with the oil of salvation in Baptism, Confirmation, or Holy Order? Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb in Holy Communion? Do you frequent the fountain of God’s mercy (sacrament of penance)? Are you living with a spouse without the proper blessing of Holy Matrimony? Many Christians do not know that each of these sacraments carries specific blessings capable of dealing with the devil.

6. The SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, the WORD OF GOD. The word of God is a sword you use to defend yourself and fight in the spiritual realm. Pray the Bible. Speak God’s word over whatever situation or condition you are going through, and you will emerge victorious.

7. PRAY IN THE SPIRIT AT ALL TIMES. Prayer is a weapon that makes other weapons effective. Sure, a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, by your almighty power, grant us victory over the enemy. 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 30 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 6:10-20, Ps. 144:1-2,9-10, Luke 13:31-35).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Narrow is the Door that Leads to Salvation

Wednesday, 30 October 2024. Readings: Bible Study: Ephesians 6:1-9, Ps. 145:10-14, Luke 13:22-30

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right… Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4)

Jesus was asked if there would be only a few who would attain eternal life. He did not answer that question; rather, he told us how to attain eternal life. Whether there would be few of us in heaven is unimportant. What matters is for you to make it to heaven.

- What must we do to make heaven? Jesus says: “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24). We can draw three things from Jesus’ statement. 1) Heaven demands toiling. You must “strive” to enter it. Jesus has given us salvation free of charge, but entering eternal life requires effort. You must desire heaven and be intentional in your thoughts, words and actions.

- 2) The door is narrow (not common or popular). Also, it demands reducing one’s weight or shedding off attachments to worldly riches and pleasures. From the encounter with the rich man who asked Jesus about eternal life, we learn that heaven requires keeping God’s commandments (such as “Honour your Father and Mother”, which St. Paul mentions in today’s First Reading) and being charitable to the poor. “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21).

- 3) Many will “try” to enter but will not make it. Many Christians today assume they are on the right track to heaven, but they will be disappointed on the Last Day. Many of us, Christians and pastors, are not sincere. We are two-faced. Jesus said: “Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!’” (Luke 13:26-27). We are familiar with God but refuse to let go of iniquity.

- The price of heaven is righteousness. It is not tithes, offerings or donations. It is not according to the number of times you attend church or which church you attend. Jesus said: “Many will come from east and west, and north and south, and sit at the table in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:29). Even though the door is narrow, it will accept many people. Some of those you have written off now (because they don’t attend your church or do not pretend like you) will enter heaven. Jesus said: “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:31)

- In today’s first reading, St. Paul explains the benefits of obeying the fourth commandment: 1) That it may be well with you, and 2) That you may live long on the earth. (Ephesians 6:3). You are blessed when you honour your parents. In our society today, parents go through hardship to secure their children’s future. Do not turn your back on your parents when they are old when they need you.

- St. Paul had a way of balancing everything up. For instance, he said, “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord”, then he added, “Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and offered himself for her.” Today, while encouraging children to honour their parents, St. Paul also adds: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger. Masters, act with forbearance, show no partiality.” Recently, I heard the story of a child who died in a public school while serving corporal punishment. Do not provoke your children in the name of discipline. Bear with them and teach them if they fail to meet your expectations. Be a guild to them rather than a terrorist.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us be good children and parents. 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 30 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 6:1-9, Ps. 145:10-14, Luke 13:22-30).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Power of Love and Respect

Tuesday, 29 October 2024. Readings: Ephesians 5:21-33, Ps. 128:1-5, Luke 13:18-21

“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. As the church is subject to Christ, wives are also subject to everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:22-25)

In St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians today, we see two vital ingredients in marriage: love and respect. Love and respect are not separate entities; as love is not complete without respect, respect is nothing without love.

- The kind of words we use with our spouses determines the direction of their lives. Are you the wife or the husband who never stops insulting your spouse? Repent! In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a grain of mustard seed, which starts very small but soon grows to become a thousand times bigger than the seed.

- Quarrels and fights in marriage are like grains of mustard seed. When these fights are not forgiven, they become like pieces of debris we fail to remove.

- Little quarrels pile up in our memories, and before we know it, they affect the quality of our love for our spouse. The person we once trusted with all our hearts becomes someone else in our eyes. Once that trust is gone, little mistakes become magnified; we become blind to the good aspects of our spouse, and what was once love becomes hate.

- Love is a fire; if it is not properly fed with fuel, it quenches. Rather than trying to win that fight or that argument, focus more on pouring fuel into the fire of your love. One lesson the story of “Beauty and the Beast” teaches us is that love brings out the best in people. Every “Beast” needs “Beauty”. Love your spouse not because they deserve it but because you are beautiful.

- It always backfires whenever you consciously do something to hurt your spouse. On your marriage day, you were no longer two people but one person. Treat your spouse with all the love and respect you can muster, just as you would treat your wounded leg or hand.

- You don’t cut off a hand or leg because it is injured; you treat it. Surely, it might not heal immediately (humans are naturally difficult), but you have to apply patience. As Jesus explains in today’s Gospel passage, little drops of love would grow into a big tree (a changed person) daily.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, we commit our marriages and families to you. Restore love and respect in our homes. 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 30 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 5:21-33, Ps. 128:1-5, Luke 13:18-21).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Celebrating Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

Monday, 28 October 2024. Readings: Ephesians 2:19-22, Ps. 19:2-5, Luke 6:12-19

“So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:19-20)

As we celebrate the Feast of two out of the twelve great apostles, Simon and Jude, our readings challenge us to reflect on the concept of our election and choice before God.

- First and foremost, we must understand that nothing happens to us by chance. There is no such thing as mere luck or “random selection” We are products of a God who is purposeful, a God who prepares things beforehand, a God of whom Jeremiah spoke about as saying: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). Jesus did not do guesswork in his choice of the apostles. He didn’t select them according to their good looks or profession. He spent a whole night in prayer, consulting with God, who has plans, before making his choice.

- Like every good parent, God has plans for us, his children. In this light, St. Paul tells us in today’s first reading that we are not just strangers or foreigners to God; we are his children, citizens of God’s household. God wills the best for us, but there are times when our own will runs contrary to the will of God. Sometimes, we tell God: “I know what you want for me, but God, let my own will be done instead.” Every sin is a deliberate attempt on our part to reject the will of God for us. And you know what? God does not force his way on us.

- That is why we should not be surprised that having spent a whole night in prayer, Jesus, being God, in all his wisdom, still chose Judas Iscariot, who would betray him. Today, we remember Saints Simon and Jude because they cooperated with God. They were chosen but also worked hard to proclaim the Gospel to millions.

- Simon is eleventh in the list of the twelve Apostles. He is known as Simon the Zealot, but nothing else is known about him. His other name, “Simon Cananaeus”, adapts another Hebrew word for “zeal” and has nothing to do with the town of Cana.

Jude, also called Thaddaeus, is the apostle who, at the Last Supper, asked the Lord why he showed himself only to the disciples and not to the world. For many centuries, he was scarcely venerated because people confused him with Judas Iscariot. He is the patron Saint of lost and desperate causes.

After many years of evangelising after Jesus’ death and Resurrection, these men are said to have suffered martyrdom together after going as missionaries to Suanis, a city in Persia. Because of this, they are honoured on the same day. (October 28).

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to fulfil your plans for our lives. 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 Simon and Jude, Apostles - Feast. Bible Study: Ephesians 2:19-22, Ps. 19:2-5, Luke 6:12-19).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Seeing is Not Always Believing, but Believing is Seeing

Sunday, 27 October 2024. Readings: Jeremiah 31:7-9, Ps. 126, Hebrews 5:1-6, Mark 10:46-52

“And the blind man said to him, ‘Master, let me receive my sight.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.” (Mark 10:51-52)

At first glance, the story of Blind Bartimaeus looks like one ordinary episode of healing by Jesus Christ. But then, as with every miracle Jesus performed, there is more to what meets the eye. Today, the church calls us to place ourselves in that powerful healing account scenario so that we may learn certain lessons and grow in our faith.

1. Do You Recognise the Presence of Jesus?
Ironically, while a blind man did not have trouble recognising Jesus as the Son of David (the promised Messiah), many who could see clearly with both eyes had trouble believing that this “son of a carpenter” was the Son of God. How many Catholics can “see” Jesus present, soul and divinity, in the Holy Eucharist? Bartimaeus was blind, but deep inside him, he could see God present in the person of Jesus. This inner sight eventually brought about his physical sight. The book of Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Unless we can see Jesus from within, we cannot see him externally.

2. Seeing is NOT always Believing
One of the twelve disciples was absent when Jesus appeared after his resurrection, and when he was told that Jesus had risen, he said: “Unless I place my hands in the holes made by the nails and feel his pierced side, I refuse to believe.” (John 20:24-28). For many people today, seeing is believing. Now, let’s assume that after Thomas said these words, something entered his eyes, and he became blind. Would he have been able to believe? Many of us are like Thomas; our faith in God is limited to what we can see, and this explains why there are miracle centres everywhere with huge displays of miracles, most of which are fake. Opening a church has become a lucrative business for many, and some employ diabolic means to pull crowds and keep them from leaving. Even when miracles are displayed, the moral life of our society continues to go down. Signs and wonders, instead of drawing us closer to God, now serve as mere entertainment in our churches.

3. Do not Allow Anyone to Discourage You
It is very sad that while Bartimaeus was trying to get Jesus’ attention, some people following Jesus told him to keep quiet. As Fr. Amadasun Idahosa once said: “Sometimes the disciples of Christ are often the greatest obstacles for people to encounter Christ.” However, do not let anyone discourage you from praying. Be like Bartimaeus, ignore their voices and continue calling out to Jesus. Those close to Jesus may also prevent us from coming to Him through their scandalous behaviour. When we see and hear things done by high-ranking church officials as well as those who belong to respectable church societies, we feel like giving up on the Christian faith itself. However, by so doing, we cheat ourselves. Imagine if Bartimaeus had kept quiet because of the scandalous attitude of Jesus’ followers. Would he get his miracle?

4. Do not allow your Possessions to act as Obstacles
A few Sundays ago, we read about the rich young man who walked away from Jesus, sad because he could not let go of his riches and become a disciple of Jesus. In today’s Gospel passage, we are told that when Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was calling him, he sprang to his feet, threw off his cloak, and came to Jesus. The throwing off of his cloak is quite significant here. Could my love for riches be preventing me from deepening my spiritual life? What are those things standing between me and God? What are those things I need to drop to become a prayerful Christian? What are those things preventing me from going to Church?

5. Prayer is not Just a Matter of Words
When Bartimaeus came to Jesus, Jesus asked him: “What do you want me to do for you?” This is Jesus’ attitude when we drop down on our knees to pray, come to church, or visit the Blessed Sacrament. After asking that question, Jesus looks into our hearts; he listens to our words and measures our faith level. Bartimaeus responded: “Master, let me receive my sight.” Jesus said: “Go, your faith has made you well.” It is not enough to tell Jesus our problem; we must do so with faith. Our first reading today assures us that God cares about our well-being. God does not like to see us cry, as Jeremiah assures us: “With weeping, they shall come, and with consolations, I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble” (Jeremiah 31:9). If you must cry in prayer, let not your tears lead you to desperation or hopelessness, believe that God sees and will surely respond. Let the eyes weep, but make sure the heart is firm with faith.

Conclusion: Faith is like a pair of glasses for the visually impaired. It enables us to see things that our ordinary eyes cannot. Faith is believing things that are not yet, and the reward of faith is seeing what we believe.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, open our eyes to see and believe in you more deeply. 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. (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Jeremiah 31:7-9, Ps. 126, Hebrews 5:1-6, Mark 10:46-52).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

The Gravity of Sin

Saturday, 26 October 2024. Readings: Ephesians 4:7-16, Ps. 122:1-5, Luke 13:1-9

“Do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:4-5)

Nothing is as bad as trivialising our sins, not to mention bragging about our sinfulness. Sin, any sin at all, be it mortal or venial, should never be taken lightly.

- A report came to Jesus about how Pilate murdered some Galileans and mixed their blood with the sacrifices. The popular opinion in the minds of many at that time was that God punished these Galileans because of their sins. And this was the impression Jesus wanted to correct.

- God does not use calamity to punish us for our sins. Rather, He gives us ample opportunities to repent. Jesus asks, “Do you suppose they were worse sinners? I tell you, No!” Calamity in our lives is not calculated according to the degree of our sins. Calamities can happen to anyone at any time.

- Think about this. If all suffering in our lives is a result of our sins, what is the sin of those babies in the womb whose parents abort? However, Jesus added: “… But, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” This means that what these Galileans suffered is nothing compared to the suffering of hell – the eternal separation of the soul from God.

- The word “sin” literally translates as “missing the mark.” It means going out of line, and there is no way we can justify it or escape its consequences. Recently, I was watching a football match, and I noticed a player who had the chance to score a goal. He wasn’t offside but had succeeded in dribbling the goalkeeper. He was with the ball and a wide empty goal post, but he “missed the mark.” He kicked the ball so high that it went above the goalpost.

- The match ended one goal to nothing. His team lost the game, and I saw him crying furiously at the end of the match. Jesus wants us to perceive the smell of sin, to see it for what it is. We do not avoid sin to please God or because we fear the consequences; we avoid sin because we want to enjoy the best of everything God has put in place for us. If that player had scored that goal, imagine the joy that would have enveloped him and his teammates. That would have given them the morale to win the game.

- God wants us to win in the game of life, to bear fruits, and to fulfil our calling. A football player who doesn’t play well (passes the ball to the opponent and takes joy in scoring “own” goals) will soon be replaced. A cook who consistently misses the mark in the kitchen will produce food he cannot even eat. If we cannot afford to miss the mark in every other aspect of our lives, we should avoid missing the mark when it comes to our relationship with our creator.

- In our first reading today, St. Paul explains that some are called to be “apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and some teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” The question is: Am I fulfilling my calling? Am I scoring goals for God as an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, etc.? Or am I missing the mark – pushing people further away from God?

- Jesus told a parable to conclude today’s Gospel passage. A man planted a fig tree, but the tree only used up space on the ground instead of bearing fruits. It consistently missed the mark. It failed to meet the expectations of its owner. Since it wasn’t bearing fruits, the owner decided to cut it down (so its wood could be used for something else), but the vinedresser pleaded for one more year. The best time to repent is today. You never can tell if today is your last chance.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, open our eyes to see the gravity of sin so that we may live sinless lives. 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 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 4:7-16, Ps. 122:1-5, Luke 13:1-9).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism

Friday, 25 October 2024. Readings: Ephesians 4:1-6, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 12:54-59

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)

As Christians, we should have an essential unity. How can we achieve this unity? Today’s First Reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and the Gospel passage gives us some insights:

- Bear with one another in love. People are not perfect. Learn to be understanding and sympathetic. Help others to grow rather than condemn them. St. Paul says, “Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:1-2). Throw out the bath water, but don’t throw away the baby.

- Do not let the sun set on your quarrel. Jesus tells us: “As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drags you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison.” (Luke 12:58). The earlier you forgive and settle the case, the better. St. Paul writes: “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” (Ephesians 4:26). The best time to quench a fire is when there is only a spark. The more it burns, the more difficult it becomes to quench.

- Towards the end of His public ministry, Jesus prayed: “That they may be one even as we are one. I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and loved them even as thou hast loved me.” (John 17:22-23). It is not to the glory of God that Christians fight or drag each other to court. It is more shameful when unbelievers settle our court cases. (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:6-7).

- Read the signs. Although Jesus told us always to be ready to account for our lives, the truth is that God, in His mercy, will never act without sending us warning signs. The problem is that we take these signs for granted or fail to understand them. Jesus said: “You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” (Luke 12:56).

- Learn to create time for meditation; sit down to examine everything happening in your life. Can you tell what God is saying to you now? Step back before you start a fight and think: Is it even worth it? What if God is calling my attention to something deeper? What if I am at fault and I should be the one to apologise?

- One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Remember that heaven has no branches. Some Christians behave as if churches compete with each other. News Flash: There is no such thing as Catholic Heaven, Pentecostal Heaven, or Protesters Heaven. We may not agree on doctrinal issues, but we are still brothers and sisters. Do not develop hatred for someone just because they do not attend your church or you do not like how they pray or how they honour Jesus’ mother.

- On the Last Day, God will not ask which church we attended. He will ask if we loved others as He loved us. Speaking to the Samaritan woman, Jesus said: “The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24).

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, keep us united with you and our fellow brothers and sisters. 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 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 4:1-6, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 12:54-59).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Jesus’ Sacred Fire of Division

Thursday, 24 October 2024. Readings: Ephesians 3:14-21, Ps. 33:1-2,4-5,11-12,18-19, Luke 12:49-53

“Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; for henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.” (Luke 12:51-52)

Going through today’s Gospel passage, one might become confused about what Jesus meant when he said he had come to cast fire on the earth and bring division rather than peace.

- In John 14:27, Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; the peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Is it possible to bring peace and division simultaneously? If a house is divided, three against two, how can they enjoy supernatural peace?

- For us to understand the division Jesus is referring to, let us return to what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; you should lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; you should lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5:29-30).

- The division Jesus brings is not the division of hatred, malice, unforgiveness, and quarrels between family members. Rather, Jesus is talking about the division of light from darkness. Just as we must cut off our eyes, hands, or legs to avoid sin, Jesus wants us to separate ourselves from whoever is bent on leading us to sin.

- Certain persons will suddenly withdraw from you when you are passionate about God and live according to his precepts. You automatically become an enemy to your friends who prefer darkness to light. Today, many Christians experience stunted spiritual growth (find it difficult to obey God’s commandments) because they are trapped in unhealthy relationships.

- I know of persons disowned by their family members for choosing to become Christians. Some had to flee for their lives because their family members sentenced them to death. A lady once shared how she was driven from home because she refused to obey her mother’s instruction to go into prostitution. I know of persons who ended their relationships after deciding to take their Christian faith seriously. To enjoy Christ's peace, you cannot be at peace with the world; everybody cannot be friends.

- The peace that Christ brings is not the same as that of the world. When you cut off everybody (and everything) that causes you to sin, you will experience true peace. This is the peace of knowing Christ and living according to his commands. It is the peace of knowing that whenever God calls you, your conscience is clean, and you are ready to give account like that faithful steward set over the Master’s household.

- That is the joy that St. Paul is referring to in today’s first reading: “I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.” (Ephesians 3:16-17)

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free us of whatever would keep us away from you. 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 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 3:14-21, Ps. 33:1-2,4-5,11-12,18-19, Luke 12:49-53).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected

Wednesday, 23 October 2024. Readings: Ephesians 3:2-12, Isaiah 12, Luke 12:39-48

“Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more.” (Luke 12:48)

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus continued his sermon on the need to be prepared for the day of reckoning. Be the best version of yourself today. Death can happen at any time.

- In the parable of the steward, Jesus teaches us that we do not own our lives. We are stewards entrusted with a treasure – life. At the end of our lives, we must render an account to the owner – God. Peter asked Jesus: “Lord, do you intend this parable for us or the people?” And Jesus responded: “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

- Church administrators and leaders will face a more severe judgment because we have “keys” to God’s kingdom. People listen to us, and they treat us like gods. We have the power to save and to destroy others. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42).

- “If that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the unfaithful.” (Luke 12:45-46).

- It is shocking that amongst those of us doing “God’s work”, there are many who do not believe in God. On the Last Day, many of us who serve on God’s altar will be rejected from heaven. “You will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us.’ He will answer, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!’ (cf. Luke 13:25-27).

- “And that servant who knew his master’s will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know and did what deserved a beating shall receive a light beating.” (Luke 12:47-48). Knowledge is responsibility. Our punishment will be tough if we continue sinning despite our knowledge of theology and access to many spiritual treasures.

- If a stranger insults you, it is easy to let go, but it is more painful when such insults come from the one you love. Jesus was disappointed with the religious leaders because they knew the truth but were misleading the people. “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” (Luke 11:52).

- When God entrusts us with much, and we fail to meet His expectations, He turns to others. John the Baptist said: “Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise children to Abraham.” (Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8). For rejecting Jesus Christ (despite being the chosen children of God), God extended salvation to the Gentiles. This is what St. Paul proclaims in today’s first reading. “The Gentiles are now fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6)

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, make us more than mere signboards for your kingdom. 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 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 3:2-12, Isaiah 12, Luke 12:39-48).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Be Ready: Death Can Happen Anytime

Tuesday, 22 October 2024. Readings: Ephesians 2:12-22, Ps. 85:9-14, Luke 12:35-38

“Be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast, so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks.” (Luke 12:36)

When a man asked Jesus to help settle an inheritance dispute, Jesus told the parable of the rich fool who stored treasures for himself, not knowing he was to die that night. If only this man knew the day or the hour, he would have made better decisions. Is it even possible to know how much time we have left? In other words, we could all end up like the rich fool if we fail to learn from his mistakes.

- The only way to defeat death is to prepare for it. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus uses a parable to illustrate the importance of being prepared for death. The day you were born, you gave a loud cry, and the world celebrated joyfully; live so that when you die, the world will wail while you rejoice.

- Accept the fact that you cannot live forever. No matter how careful, wealthy, or holy we are, we cannot postpone our death. When your time comes, anything can take you. Jesus asked: “And which of you, by being anxious, can add one cubit to his life span?” (Matthew 6:27).

- When you come to terms with your mortality, you realise it is impossible to waste time (time is eternal) but to waste your life. Time is unlimited, but your life is limited. Time is an opportunity; like a river, it never flows backwards. Avoid procrastination. Never leave until tomorrow, which you can do today. If what takes your time daily is not helping you achieve the purpose of your existence, you are wasting your life.

- How do we prepare for death? Jesus says, “Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35). 1) “Let your loins be girded” is another way of saying: “Zip up.” Avoid sins of the flesh. “Shun immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

- 2) “… And your lamps, burning.” In other words, live an exemplary life. Like the wise virgins, carry extra oil to keep your lamps burning. (cf. Matthew 25:2-13) “For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.” (John 3:20-21). In the Sermon of the Mount, Jesus said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

- “How blessed are those servants the master finds awake.” The highest blessing anyone can dream of is to die in grace. This is the kind of death we should all pray for. Before leaving your house today, say: “Lord, thank you for the gift of this day. I will live this day as if it is my last. I will strive to be better than I was yesterday. I will live a saintly life. I will love my neighbour as myself. So, help me, God.”

- In today’s First Reading, St. Paul reminds the Ephesians of how they once walked in darkness but have become co-heirs of the commonwealth of Israel by the blood of Christ. Jesus Christ tore down the wall of hostility that separated us from the children of God by dying on the cross. We are no longer strangers or sojourners but fellow citizens with the saints in God’s kingdom of light. What happens when we continue living in sin (practising the works of darkness)? Are we trying to send Jesus to the Cross of Calvary again?

- Child of God, “Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning.” In a few hundred years from today, the only thing that would matter is where we are spending eternity. Whether we made the Forbes List of the world’s richest people or barely managed to eat one meal daily would not matter.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace to live in purity of mind and actions so that when you call, we will be ready. 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 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 2:12-22, Ps. 85:9-14, Luke 12:35-38).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Beware of all Covetousness

Monday, 21 October 2024. Readings: Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 100, Luke 12:13-21

“Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

To be covetous is to live in a special world of I, me, and myself, where I care only for one person – me. To be covetous is to refuse to give others their due, as in the case of the man whose brother had to run to Jesus because he did not give him a share of his father’s inheritance.

- To be covetous is to be like the rich man in the parable Jesus gave us in today’s Gospel passage. The man said: “What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops? … I will pull down my barns and build larger ones…” This man thought his life was secured by the goods he stored. He never knew his time to leave the world had come. No one knows when their time will be.

- It is never a sin to be rich, but it is a sin to worship wealth – to live as if there is no God (ignore God’s commandments). It is a sin to bow to the devil in exchange for earthly kingdoms (Mathew 4:8-10). Today, many youths are involved in money rituals (yahoo-plus). Some have exchanged the lives of their loved ones for money. Jesus would ask, “What does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:36).

- What does it mean to be rich toward God? It is to “seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). To be rich toward God is to remember that you belong to God. In today’s First Reading, St. Paul says: “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Ephesians 2:10). Today’s Responsorial Psalm adds: “Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us; we belong to him. We are his people, the sheep of his flock.”

- Jesus called this man a fool. What would he have done if he were wise? 1) He would have thanked God for blessing him with such abundance. Instead of praying to God, the man prayed to his soul. “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for you…” He forgot that his prosperity was God’s gift and not merely the product of his hard work.

- 2) If he were wise, he would have realised he was blessed to bless others. He would have factored others into his plan. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20).

- Why did Jesus tell this parable to the man who had come to ask for Jesus’s intervention over an inheritance dispute? To assure him that even though he had been cheated, he could still live a very long and happy life. Meanwhile, his greedy brother is like the rich man whose lands yielded abundantly but refused to consider others in his enjoyment plan. If God calls this greedy brother tonight, what becomes of the inheritance he has gathered?

- Today begins a brand-new working week. As you go out to labour for your daily bread, remember that no matter how much you gather, it will not stop you from dying when your time comes. “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Money will give you access to the best hospitals and doctors, but your life is in God’s hands. Also, remember that even if you fail to meet your targets or things do not go as planned, thank God; your life is more valuable than earthly riches.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our love for you. 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 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 100, Luke 12:13-21).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Heaven is Not Cheap: Are You Willing to Pay the Price?

Sunday, 20 October 2024. Readings: Isaiah 53:10-11, Ps. 33:4-5,18-20,22, Hebrews 4:14-16, Mark 10:35-45

“You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptised with the baptism with which I am baptised?” (Mark 10:38)

Once upon a time, a popular musician sang: “We all want to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.” It is good to desire heaven, but the question is: “How many of us are willing to pay the price?” Last Sunday, a rich man approached Jesus with this same desire for heaven. He asked: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” He wanted to know what he would do once and for all so that heaven would be allotted to him as an inheritance at the end of his life. Jesus began by telling him of the commandments, which the rich man said: “All these I have observed since my youth.” This man knew that keeping God’s commandments alone did not guarantee heaven.

Jesus looked at him with love and said: “You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21). It was at this point that the man walked away sorrowfully. Jesus said, “Those who love and trust in their earthly riches will find it extremely difficult to enter heaven.” Peter asked Jesus: “What about us who have left everything to follow you?” Jesus said: “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time … and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30).

James and John, like the rich man who wanted to know how to inherit eternal life, came to Jesus seeking double assurance. Knowing that Jesus is God who never promises and fails, James and John wanted Jesus to promise them not just heaven but also the greatest seats in heaven, at the left and right of Jesus. This brings us to our lessons for today:

1. Heaven is Not Cheap: It is only for those willing to pay the Price
Once upon a time, Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a “treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then, in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Jesus repeated: “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:44-46). Heaven is a great treasure; it is not cheap. It comes at a price that may demand letting go of everything we have. When James and John brought their request to Jesus, Jesus did not rebuke them for making such a bold request; rather, Jesus asked: Can you drink the cup that I drink?

2. What is the Price of Heaven?
The Price of heaven is simple: Keep God’s commandments. This was Jesus’ instruction to the rich man Last Sunday. We would only enter heaven if we keep God’s commandments. We cannot dwell eternally with God, whom we have rebelled against by disobedience on earth. James and John, like the rich man, had faithfully kept God’s commandments.

The second step is detachment. The entrance into heaven is like the “Eye of a Needle.” We cannot pass through this gate with our luggage. We must drop everything behind and sacrifice our love for the world to enter heaven. While the rich man walked away sorrowfully, James and John left their father, Zebedee, and their lucrative fishing business behind when Jesus called them. (Matthew 4:21-22). They did what that rich man was not willing to do.

Today, Jesus mentions a third step – the sacrifice of one’s very life for the good of others. Jesus asked James and John, “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or to be baptised with the baptism with which I am baptised?” (Mark 10:38). For us to get a clear picture of what Jesus was talking about, let us listen to what Isaiah says in today’s first reading: “It was the will of the Lord to bruise him; he has put him to grief; when he makes himself an offering for sin.” (Isaiah 53:10) In other words, Jesus was asking them, “Are you willing to be bruised, to be put to grief, and suffer just like me?”

Dear friends, let us place ourselves in the shoes of James and John and listen to Jesus asking us the same question. No wonder Jesus would say: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel’s will save it.” (Mark 8:34-35).

3. Since Jesus Suffered and Died for Me, Why Must I Suffer?
Jesus knew He would pay the ultimate Price for our salvation. Why did he ask James and John if they would drink the cup? The fact that Jesus suffered and died for us does not eliminate suffering in our lives. Do not be deceived by the Gospel of Prosperity; the Gospel of relax, enjoy your life, reject any suffering and throw away the cross. Jesus knew what he was saying when he told us that anyone who wants to follow his steps must deny himself and take up his cross.

Jesus never said that we would not suffer; rather, Jesus said that if we suffered for His sake, we would gain eternal life. “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).

By dying on the cross, Jesus did not take away our suffering. Instead, He taught us how to suffer, forgive those who sin against us, love our neighbours as ourselves, and not give up even when we fall under the weight of the cross. This is what our second reading today from the book of Hebrews teaches us. “We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15).

On the night of His Last Supper, after Jesus had washed the feet of the Apostles, He said to them: “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, you should also do as I have done to you.” (John 13:13-15). By asking if James and John were willing to drink the cup, Jesus asked if they would imitate Him in serving others. We suffer not to replace Jesus’s sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary but to follow His good example in living our lives for the benefit of others.

4. The Key to Greatness is to Serve
When Jesus asked James and John if they would drink the cup and be baptised with His baptism, they quickly responded: “We are able.” James and John assumed heaven was like the Roman Empire, and such seats translated to superiority over the other disciples. James and John desired to outsmart the other ten disciples. A few Sundays ago, we read how Jesus prophesied that He would be killed but rise again on the third day. Mark tells us that the disciples did not understand what Jesus was saying and were too afraid to ask Him. (Mark 9:32). They were too afraid to ask Him because earlier on, Peter tried only for Jesus to say to him: “Get behind me, Satan” (Mark 8:33). Since no one was willing to challenge Jesus anymore, they started arguing among themselves who was the greatest.

Jesus knew they were arguing but kept quiet till they got home. Then He said to them: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35). Jesus even took a child and put him in the midst of them, saying: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” (Mark 9:37) Unfortunately, the disciples continued to argue about who was the greatest among them.

The move by James and John to ask for those seats was a clever way to win the argument and prove to others that they were superior. This is why the other disciples were indignant of James and John. When Jesus understood what was going on, He realised there was a need to remind the disciples of what He had earlier taught them: “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:43-44).

Dear friends, what is your idea of greatness? Do you dream of becoming a lord over others so you can oppress them, treat people like they are nothing, deny them their basic human rights, or make them worship you? It means you have yet to learn from Christ. To be great is to serve others just like Christ, who came not to be served but to give His life as a ransom for many. Greatness is not about superiority.

5. 2024 World Mission Sunday
Today, we celebrate World Mission Sunday. Pope Francis’ theme for this Sunday is: “Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet.” (Matthew 22:9). Mission Sunday reminds us that the Church is ‘missionary’ and we are called to be missionaries worldwide. The Church’s evangelising mission is announcing God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. As the master instructed the servants to invite everyone they could find to the son’s wedding, we are called today to invite everyone to the Lord’s banquet. How do we invite people to this banquet? 1) by spreading the Word of God by word of mouth or through social media, 2) By living an exemplary and transparent Christian life, and 3) by financial support. It is often said: “Some give to the Mission by going, but others go to the Mission by giving”.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to choose you above the world. 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. (29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Isaiah 53:10-11, Ps. 33:4-5,18-20,22, Hebrews 4:14-16, Mark 10:35-45).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Our Relationship with the Holy Spirit

Saturday, 19 October 2024. Readings: Ephesians 1:15-23, Ps. 8:2-7, Luke 12:8-12

“The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:12)

At the heart of today’s Gospel message is Jesus’s teaching about the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is God, the third person of the Trinity, the promised gift of Jesus to the Church upon his ascension, which eventually descended upon the Apostles on Pentecost day, bringing about the birth of the Church.

- In today’s First reading, St. Paul continues his greetings to the Church at Ephesus. He also prays that God will give them “a spirit of wisdom and revelation” so that with the eyes of their hearts enlightened, they will know the hope to which God has called them. (Ephesians 1:17-18). This spirit of wisdom and revelation, which St. Paul prays for, is the Holy Spirit. He alone is capable of enlightening the eyes of our minds.

- Do you know that without the Holy Spirit, no one can say “Jesus is Lord?” (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:3). We can only witness Jesus before our fellow brothers and sisters when we have the Holy Spirit in us. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus said: “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” (Luke 12:8-9).

- There are several ways we deny Jesus before men. We do this by compromising our moral values, hiding or disguising our faith to avoid persecution or ridicule, and prioritising worldly interests over spiritual values. We also deny Jesus through hypocrisy (failing to practice what we preach), being ashamed of dressing as a Christian, and compromise (conforming to worldly standards, watering down Jesus’s teachings, tolerating sin or injustice).

- We deny Jesus Christ before others by remaining silent about our faith when we have the opportunity to talk about Jesus, downplaying Jesus’ divinity or authority, speaking negatively about Christianity, or using profanity or blaspheming. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus warns against the sin of blaspheming. “Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of man will be forgiven, but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” (Luke 12:10).

- What is blasphemy? Blasphemy is a term used to describe speech or actions that show disrespect, contempt, or irreverence toward God, sacred things or religious beliefs. For instance, cursing God, mocking God’s existence, spreading false teachings about God, desecrating sacred spaces, objects or texts, engaging in sinful or obscene acts, damaging religious symbols or property, etc. To blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is to attribute the works of the Holy Spirit to Satan. As Jesus warns, anyone who commits such a sin will not be forgiven. Do not joke with the Holy Spirit.

- The Holy Spirit is the most reliable friend you will ever have. When in trouble, those you call your friends now will show their true colours, but the Holy Spirit will defend you. When trials come your way, Jesus says: “The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Learn to call on the Holy Spirit by thinking of Him as the air you breathe. You cannot see it, but you can feel it. You don’t think about it, but you know it is there. Just as no one can survive without air, you cannot do without the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, make us conscious of the Holy Spirit in 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. (Saturday of week 28 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 1:15-23, Ps. 8:2-7, Luke 12:8-12).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Who is St. Luke, the Evangelist?

Readings: 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Ps. 145:10-13a,17-18, Luke 10:1-9

“But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the message fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it.” (2 Timothy 4:17)

Behind every successful star (hero, inventor, leader, etc.) are unknown heroes, background workers, unsung assistants, etc. Behind the success of St. Paul as a Preacher and a great evangelizer was a man called Luke, the author of the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

- This man, Luke, was a great writer and a trained physician. As St. Paul himself testifies in today’s first reading, Luke was right there with him in prison, looking after his physical health needs and assisting him in the mission. From the statement, “Luke alone is with me,” Luke must have also assisted with writing some of Paul’s letters.

- Luke was converted to the faith by St. Paul. This conversion occurred while Luke was treating Paul during an illness during his second missionary journey. According to St. Jerome and St. John Chrysostom, the Gospel of Luke may also be described as St. Paul’s.

- Of all the four Gospels, Luke is a winner when it comes to powerful storytelling skills. In particular, Luke emphasises Christian purity, poverty, and joyfulness. Luke employs detailed graphic descriptions in presenting the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Birth, and the early Life of Jesus.

- Only a person who had the privilege of having one-on-one contact with Mary herself could have been so graphic. Luke is said to have interviewed Mary in the course of his composition. Luke is credited to have painted a portrait of Mary.

- “Luke alone is with me!” This sentence is a powerful testimonial of Luke’s personality and importance regarding the mission. I ask myself: Will anyone speak well of me like this? Or will I be remembered for harming others (for instance, in the case of Alexander the Coppersmith)?

- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus said: “The harvest is rich, but the labourers are few…” Today, the harvest is richer, but there are fewer labourers. In this part of the world, the emphasis is no longer on soul-winning but on prosperity (by hook or crook). Rather than join in pointing fingers at God’s ministers or making jokes about the bad eggs amongst us, Jesus is calling you today to join. The number seventy is symbolic of large and complete. You, too, are needed.

- Luke heard the call, and he responded. As a doctor, he treated people and cured their diseases. As an Evangelist, he fed their souls with God’s word. As an academic, he wrote a brilliant Gospel after researching and interviewing eyewitnesses. Luke’s Gospel is both historical and revolutionary (concerning the issue of gender equality). Today’s evangelists are not just those wearing cassocks, suits or white garments. Today’s greatest evangelists touch lives right where they are: doctors, lawyers, engineers, information technology experts, businessmen, etc. You, too, are needed here.

- Are you a convert to the Faith? Do not get scandalised by your fellow Christians. Let your light shine! We all are labourers for God.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, work in and through us to improve our world. 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 Luke, Evangelist - Feast. Bible Study: 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Ps. 145:10-13a,17-18, Luke 10:1-9).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

We are Chosen for Holiness, Destined for Heaven

Thursday, 17 October 2024. Readings: Ephesians 1:1-10, Ps. 98:1-6, Luke 11:47-54

“He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” (Ephesians 1:4)

Who is a Christian? This is how St. Paul answers in today’s first reading: A person blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places; chosen in Christ to be holy and blameless; destined in love to be united to God in the fullness of time.

- A Christian is different; that is, not like everybody else. A Christian is chosen for holiness, to shine a light – to give the world an example. As Jesus says: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide… If you were of the world, the world would love its own, … you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world…” (John 15:16-19). To be holy is to be set apart from the world.

- Since you have the Spirit of God living inside you, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and you have what it takes to live a blameless life. You have power over your flesh and its desires. You only need to believe that you are not powerless against the urgings of your flesh and that you are blessed beyond measure.

- To say holiness is impossible or that it is not easy to live differently from the world is to act like the proverbial beggar sitting on a stool of pure gold, yet asking for crumbs from passers-by.

- The truth is that once you say something is not easy to do, you have already accepted defeat. By your mindset, you have paralysed yourself as far as that task is concerned. Have you tried to explore all your spiritual potential? What if you stop focusing on your weakness and explore the rich depth of goodness within you?

- St. Paul tells us that in Christ, we have been redeemed, forgiven of our trespasses, and destined to be united with God forever. Stop looking down on yourself because of your past. Today is a new day. Repent and start afresh again.

- Jesus is unhappy with the Pharisees and lawyers because instead of leading people to God, they did the opposite. Jesus’ stern condemnation of these religious leaders calls for a serious examination of conscience on our part. Am I a light for the world or just part of the darkness? Is my life inspiring people to do good or to do evil? Am I a good leader?

- The Pharisees adorned the tombs of the prophets who were martyred for speaking the truth but hated Jesus for calling out their evil deeds. Jesus told them they were about to repeat the mistakes of their ancestors, but nevertheless, the blood of the martyrs would be avenged. Jesus also condemned the lawyers because they knew the truth but refused to practice it, preventing others from entering heaven.

- After Jesus said these things to them, “the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard, and to provoke him to speak of many things, lying in wait for him, to catch at something he might say.” (Luke 11:53-54). Rather than look inward to repent, they were determined to kill Jesus for daring to tell them the truth. Truth always sounds like an insult when we are guilty, but we can only grow if we accept it and work towards changing our ways.

- Today, remember St. Ignatius of Antioch. He was the third bishop of Antioch. He was arrested, condemned to death, and transported to Rome to be thrown into the wild beasts in the arena. In one of his letters, he describes the soldiers escorting him as “ten leopards, who when they are kindly treated only behave worse.” During his journey, he wrote seven letters to various churches, in which he dealt wisely and deeply with Christ, the Church's organisation, and the Christian life. They are important documents for the early history of the Church, and they also reveal a deeply holy man who accepts his fate and begs the Christians in Rome not to try to deprive him of the crown of martyrdom. He was martyred in 107, and his feast was celebrated on this day in fourth-century Antioch.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, cleanse us from the inside out that we may live by the Spirit and not by the impulses of our flesh. 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 Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop, Martyr. Bible Study: Ephesians 1:1-10, Ps. 98:1-6, Luke 11:47-54).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Crucify Your Flesh Before It Destroys You

Wednesday, 16 October 2024. Readings: Galatians 5:18-25, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Luke 11:42-46

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24-25)

To belong to Christ is not simply a question of attending Sunday services; to belong to Christ, as St. Paul tells the Galatians, is to crucify one’s flesh with its passions and desires. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. These holier-than-thou leaders were so concerned with maintaining public respect that they forgot about cleansing the inside of the cup—that is, they forgot to cleanse their hearts.

- Jesus calls them “unmarked graves, on which people walk over without realising it” (Luke 11:44). What makes a person an unmarked grave? St. Paul answers this question in today’s first reading by listing these characteristics: “fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like.” (Galatians 5:19-21). By ending with “and the like”, St. Paul indicates that this list is not exhaustive.

- St. Paul summarises these evils as “works of the flesh” because they represent our natural human tendencies. We do not need to struggle to do them. Like eating and talking, they are part of us. The works of the flesh are part of the broad, easy and wide way, and those who enter by it end up in destruction. (cf. Matthew 7:13).

- An adage goes thus: “The insect that destroys the leaf lives inside the leaf.” In other words, we take out the insect (crucify the flesh and its passions) or allow it to destroy the plant. We either cleanse the inside of the cup (discipline ourselves to live by the Spirit) or pretend like the Pharisees, making everyone believe we are good while allowing the insect to destroy us from within.

- Let us illustrate with the sin of fornication. Today, our society considers it normal for every consenting adult. It has many beautiful names (such as knack, wipe, chop, etc). For many, it is a business (a billion-dollar industry). There is hardly any post today on social media that doesn’t insinuate viewers to have sex by any means possible.

- You might not like to hear this, but the truth is that having sex with anybody who is not your wife or husband destroys you physically and spiritually. It feels pleasurable, but it is a slow poison. Your body is not yours but a temple of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul says: “I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:21).

- Is it easy to crucify the flesh? No. While attempting to grow spiritually, you will face all kinds of temptations and discouragement from your friends, family members and the larger society. You may fear that your abstinence will kill you. Jesus told us that those who desire to follow Him must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow his steps. (Cf. Matthew 16:24). Forming new habits (breaking old cycles) is not easy, but know this: You will never succeed if you give up. If you put their hands on the plough, never look back; keep trying until you receive the crown of glory. (cf. Luke 9:62). Do not attempt to live a double life; it is not about looking good. Be good.

- Starve your flesh and feed your spirit. As St. Paul says, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2). Surround yourself with good books, holy pictures, videos and other sound materials. Filter your social media consumption. Partake in spiritual activities, spend more time in prayer, bible study, and daily meditation. Fast from whatever leads you away from God. You will know when you are progressing if your life radiates these virtues: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23).

- Are there any benefits to crucifying the flesh and its desires? Today’s responsorial psalm answers this question: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so but are like chaff which the wind drives away.” (Psalm 1:1-4)

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, cleanse us from the inside out that we may live by the Spirit and not by the impulses of our flesh. 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 28 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Galatians 5:18-25, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Luke 11:42-46).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu