Blessing Your Children

Tuesday, 17 December 2024. Readings: Genesis 49:2,8-10, Ps. 72:1-4,7-8,17, Matthew 1:1-17

“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” (Genesis 49:10)

- There is nothing God respects as much as parents’ blessings over their children. If you truly love your children, use kind words with them. You may not have all the money in the world to spend on them, but one thing you have in abundance is the power of your words.

- Wish your children well even when they offend you or fail to meet your expectations. Pray for them like Saint Monica, who prayed relentlessly for her son Augustine. Pray for them as Jacob did over his twelve sons, as seen in today’s first reading.

- The good news is that you don’t have to wait until you are old before blessing your children. Start praying for them from the very day they are born. Begin by giving them meaningful names. Let it be that whenever your child is called, they are blessed by mentioning the name. This is where our traditional African names excel.

- One thing we notice in today’s first reading is that among the twelve sons of Jacob, Judah received the greatest blessing, even though he was not the eldest. Judah’s blessing even included a line saying his brothers would bow and sing his praises.

- This blessing materializes in our Gospel passage this morning. The genealogy of Jesus shows one striking detail: Jesus Christ is a descendant of the line of Judah. You see, the blessing you impact on your children may not even be for them per se, but it could follow their bloodline and manifest years later. Be gracious with your blessing.

Our Gospel passage today contains many names, including Judah’s ancestral lines. Not everyone in this genealogy was outstanding; some were terrible sinners who did unthinkable things.

- What does this tell us? That God can work through anybody. Stop looking down on yourself. Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. Say yes to God today, and let your past pass.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to know that our actions today can determine what will happen to our future generation. 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. (December 17. Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Genesis 49:2,8-10, Ps. 72:1-4,7-8,17, Matthew 1:1-17).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Prophecy, Authority and Authenticity

Monday, 16 December 2024. Readings: Numbers 24:2-7,15-17, Ps. 25:4-6,7a-9, Matthew 21:23-27

“And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, from heaven, he will say to us, why then did you not believe him? But if we say, from men, we are afraid of the multitude; for all hold that John was a prophet.’” (Matthew 21:25-26)

- The chief priests and elders of the people approached Jesus, demanding to know who gave him the authority to carry out the work he was doing. They wanted to know who sent him, who gave him the power to work miracles, and who taught him how to preach and touch people’s hearts.

- In response to them, Jesus asked, “Where did John the Baptist get his baptism from? From man or God?” They could not answer because they knew that John the Baptist came from God, but saying this would mean that Jesus is the Messiah, a truth they did not want to accept.

- Like these Pharisees, there are times when we know the truth, but instead of just embracing it, we try everything possible to discredit it by questioning its source. The fact that you doubt something does not make it false.

- As far back as the book of Numbers, Balaam had already prophesied about Jesus Christ. “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh: a star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.” (Numbers 24:17)

- Indeed, as Moses said: “When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously, you need not be afraid of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:22).

- A prophecy may take time to materialise, but it must happen as long as it comes from God and not merely from one’s imagination.

- Sadly, we live in an age of fake prophets—prophets who see visions according to the size of people’s pockets, prophets merely committed to making people feel good at all costs. Let us avoid becoming such false prophets.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, as we prepare for your Son’s birth, may our lives be transformed and renewed in 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 the 3rd week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Numbers 24:2-7,15-17, Ps. 25:4-6,7a-9, Matthew 21:23-27).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Capturing the Joy of Christmas

Sunday, 15 December 2024. Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:10-18

“Teacher, what shall we do? … Collect no more than is appointed you… Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:12-14)

Today is the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday. One word that captures today’s liturgy is Joy. Our readings today not only demand our happiness but also outline the reasons why we must be happy. Zephaniah says, “Sing aloud… shout… rejoice and exult with all your heart… (because) the Lord is in your midst, you shall fear no more.”

Our Responsorial Psalm says, “Shout and sing for joy, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul says, “Rejoice always… (because)… the Lord is at hand.” In our Gospel passage, St. Luke tells us that John the Baptist preached “Good News to the people.” Let us now consider the lessons contained in today’s readings.

1. Christmas is a Happy Time because Jesus is Incarnated in Many
Most people remember the happiest Christmas they had as children. This was primarily due to the love and care they received through gifts such as new clothes or shoes or even the fact that their parents were there to spend time with them, take them out, or take them to places they had never been.

What makes Christmas pleasant for children is that they receive more than they give, which is only possible because parents go the extra mile to make sacrifices for them. Christmas is a happy time not because it is Jesus’ birthday but because people celebrate it by becoming Jesus through acts of sacrifice and generosity.

The joy of Christmas is God giving away his only son, Jesus, to save mankind. When we give gifts to others during Christmas or even make time to be with others, regardless of what it costs us, we incarnate Jesus. No wonder in today’s Gospel passage, we hear John the Baptist saying: “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”

The time to be happy is now, the place to be happy is here, and the way to be happy is to make others happy. We will have a little heaven down here. Don’t just celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus; become Jesus by giving your time, energy, and money to others, and you will be happy.

2. Sin Takes Away Our Joy
Nothing brings as much pain as the death of a loved one, especially during a season like this. Because, as St. Paul puts it, the wages of sin is death, we cannot but conclude that every time we sin, we bring death to ourselves and to all who become victims of our sinful actions.

John the Baptist says to tax collectors, “Collect no more than is appointed.” To soldiers, he says, “Rob no one by violence or false accusation, be content with your pay.” If John the Baptist were here today, he would say something similar to those who cheat others, indulge in criminal activities, and carry out acts of man’s inhumanity to man. You can never be happy by depriving others of their happiness. All sin is death.

3. The Magic of Christmas is Contentment
Christmas lets us cool off our ever-anxious minds and notice the beauty of God’s creation and life. This is exactly the point St. Paul seeks to drive home in today’s second reading when he says, “Have no anxiety about anything… and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Do you wish every day was Christmas? Then follow St. Paul’s advice: constantly free your mind from anxiety and practice contentment. Learn to submit your worries to God in prayer. Take time to notice or admire the beauty of the creation.

4. No Place Like Home
Indeed, without family, there is no Christmas, and family here goes beyond one’s siblings. It includes all those with whom we feel a strong connection, even childhood friends, distant relations, and those with whom we are not on talking terms. The reunion and togetherness Christmas affords are like medicine for humanity. The best and happiest place to be during Christmas is with family or amongst one’s roots.

Create time for family, remembering that you belong to a special family where God is addressed as “Our Father.” Do not be so glued to social media; spend time with real human beings, mend broken fences, and forgive past hurts. The peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, make us instruments of joy to the world this Christmas. 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. (3rd Sunday of Advent Liturgical Colour: Rose or Violet. Bible Study: Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:10-18).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

John the Baptist: A Return of Elijah

Saturday, 14 December 2024. Readings: Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4,9-12, Ps. 80:2-3,15-16,18-19, Matthew 17:10-13

“I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they pleased..” (Matthew 17:12)

- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus refers to John the Baptist as the Elijah that is to come. However, the book of Hebrews says: “It is appointed for mortals to die once and after that, the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27). Even the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “When the single course of our earthly life is completed, we shall not return to other earthly lives. There is no reincarnation after death.” (CCC No. 1013).

- Why, then, did Jesus say that John the Baptist is Elijah that is to come? 1) To show that the prophecy about the return of Elijah has come to pass. This implies that Jesus is truly the Messiah. 2) To emphasise (praise) John the Baptist’s excellence. Note that Jesus’s words, at this point, were a funeral oration for John the Baptist, who had just been beheaded. 3) To teach us that we remain alive as long as people continue our good works. Elijah died, yet he was alive in John the Baptist.

- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus does not discuss reincarnation, which is not a Christian teaching. As we have seen above, “It is appointed for mortals to die once and after that, the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). John the Baptist did not reincarnate Elijah. They are two different persons. However, John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of Elijah’s return by behaving like Elijah.

- Another lesson today is this: “Live a good life and make your death count.” Today’s first reading pays a glowing tribute to Elijah. Not many people have such beautiful tributes. I once read a quote: “Live a good life so that no one will be forced to lie about you during your funeral.” Like John the Baptist, we are all called to become Elijah today.

Some virtues we learn from Prophet Elijah include 1) Faithfulness. He stood by his convictions even when they were difficult or unpopular. He alone was left among the prophets of God when others deserted the faith. 2) Courage. Elijah spoke truth to power. He boldly confronted King Ahab and Quen Jezebel.

- 3) Obedience. Elijah always followed God’s instructions. 4) Humility. In all his achievements, Elijah recognised his limitations. 5) Prayerfulness. Elijah was a man of prayer and exercised great faith in God when he prayed. Elijah challenged the 450 prophets of Baal to a contest and came out victorious because he trusted God.

- Today, we remember St. John of the Cross. Born Juan de Yepes y Alvarez in 1542 in Fontiveros, Avila, Spain, John faced early hardship with the death of his father and brother. Despite poverty, his mother’s weaving provided for the family. John’s religious education began at a boarding school for poor children, leading him to serve as an acolyte and later pursue religious studies. In 1563, John joined the Carmelite Order and took the name 'John of St. Matthias.' His scholarly endeavours in theology and philosophy at the University of Salamanca earned him a reputation as a Bible expert.

- Ordained in 1567, John considered the Carthusian Order but was instead inspired by Theresa of Avila to join her reform of the Carmelites, known for their devotion to prayer and austerity. They became the Discalced Carmelites, and on Nov. 28, 1568, he took the name John of the Cross. John's reform efforts led to conflict within the Carmelite Order. Despite Papal approval, tensions peaked in 1577 when he was kidnapped and imprisoned by opposing Carmelites. During his nine-month captivity, he composed influential poetry.

- Beatified in 1675 and canonised in 1726, St. John of the Cross is honoured as the patron of contemplatives, mystics, and Spanish poets, with his feast day on December 14.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase our faith and trust in you and help us live out our purpose on earth like Elijah, John the Baptist and John of the Cross. 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 of the Cross, Priest, Doctor Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4,9-12, Ps. 80:2-3,15-16,18-19, Matthew 17:10-13).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Oh, that You had Listened to God’s Commandments

Friday, 13 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 48:17-19, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Matthew 11:16-19

“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. O that you had hearkened to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river.” (Isaiah 48:17-18)

- There is a saying that you always have an excuse for not doing what you never wanted to do in the first place. Think of it this way: If you want to do something, you won’t find any justifiable excuse for not doing it. If you catch yourself piling up excuses, it is because that particular activity is unimportant to you or you do not believe there is anything to gain from it.

- One common excuse for not keeping God's commandments is that they are too difficult. Let us honestly ask ourselves: Is there anything easy in this life? Why do we want the easy way out when it comes to the things of God? Consider the hours, months, and even years of painstaking sacrifice we put in to acquire certain basic life skills such as walking, speaking, driving, cooking, etc. How come we never gave up?

- In today’s first reading, God addresses the nation of Israel: “If only you had paid attention to my commandments, your prosperity would have been like a river?” Do I sincerely believe there are benefits to gain from keeping God’s commandments? If yes, why do I keep disobeying these commandments?

- Why do I have many excuses for God when He has provided a shortcut for me to achieve all my desires? Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you” (Matthew 6:33). Do you believe that seeking God’s kingdom is profitable? Do you believe obedience to God brings peace like a river?

- God’s commandments (righteous living) were never intended to punish us. These commandments are for our happiness and prosperity. To think that there is something to gain from going against God’s instruction is to believe the devil’s lies. What did Adam and Eve gain from their disobedience?

- Many have argued that the story of Adam and Eve is fictional without realising that this story continues today. The devil is a liar who never stops his deceptive tricks. Every sin represents our decision to eat the fruit like Eve, and every scandal we cause represents our decision to give it to others. Every time we do something bad just because others are doing it represents our decision to behave like Adam. Adam saw that Eve was still alive after eating the fruit, so he ate. Why must you do evil? Is it because you see evil people succeeding? Think twice. There is nothing to gain from evil.

- Our world continues to suffer the consequences of individual and collective sinfulness. Today, the devil tries to make us believe God’s commandments are archaic, oppressive or impossible to follow. Don’t believe these lies. It is always for your good to keep God’s commandments. Societal values may have changed, but God’s words can never change. A sin remains a sin regardless of how society paints it. The peace and happiness you seek can only come by obeying God. The devil has nothing good to offer.

- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus compares his audience to the children in a marketplace. We are not too different from the people Jesus was referring to. We do not exactly know what we want. John the Baptist came, neither eating nor drinking, and he was heavily criticised. Jesus freely ate and drank, yet he wasn’t spared their harsh criticism.

- Avoid following the crowd. It is not about what people think. Do what is right. Seek to please God. As for human praise or admiration, forget it. People must talk; you can never do anything to satisfy them. Trust God, and obey His commandments. This is the only recipe for happiness.

- Today, we remember St. Lucy, also known as “Lucia of Syracuse.” She lived in the early fourth century and was martyred during the persecution of Christians. Although much of her life remains shrouded in legend, her courage and faith have made her a beloved figure in the Catholic Church. Lucy's veneration spread quickly, and by the sixth century, she was recognised throughout the Church for her bravery. One enduring legend tells of a young Christian woman who vowed to dedicate her life to Christ. Her mother, hoping to arrange a marriage for her with a pagan, could not be swayed by Lucy’s vow. Lucy prayed at the tomb of St. Agatha, who appeared to her in a dream and promised that her mother’s illness would be cured through faith. This miracle convinced her mother to allow Lucy to donate her dowry to the poor and commit her life to God.

- However, the spurned suitor betrayed Lucy to the governor, Paschasius. Attempts to force Lucy into defilement failed as she became immovable even when hitched to oxen. Unable to burn her, the guards eventually resorted to executing her by the sword. Despite the uncertain details of her life, Lucy's story reflects the hardships Christians faced under Diocletian's reign. Legends about her include a miraculous restoration of her eyes, which were either gouged out by the governor or removed by Lucy herself to deter a suitor. Her remains, initially kept in Sicily, were transferred multiple times and now lie in several locations across Europe. Lucy, whose name means ‘light’ or ‘lucid,’ is the patron saint of the blind. She is often depicted holding a plate with her eyes and a palm branch, symbolising victory over evil.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our trust in keeping your commandments. 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 Lucy, Virgin, Martyr Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Isaiah 48:17-19, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Matthew 11:16-19).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Fear Not, Only Believe. God Will Help You

Thursday, 12 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 41:13-20, Ps. 145:1,9-13a, Matthew 11:11-15

“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; I say to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you, says the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 41:13-14)

Somehow, every one of us is afraid of something. There are large-scale and small-scale fears, good and bad fears, fears that protect us from danger, and fears that destroy us from within, preventing us from speaking the truth or walking in the light.

- For example, you wouldn’t want to start dancing on top of a high mountain or the edge of a skyscraper. This is a good fear. Another example of a good fear is the fear of God. As the Bible says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10 and Sirach 1:12). This was not the kind of fear God was referring to in today’s first reading when He said: “Fear Not, I will help you.”

- It is normal to fear something you can see. However, it is a bad fear when you are afraid of something that only exists in your imagination. This is the fear of something that might happen but has not yet happened. Such fears indicate that we are not in charge of the universe. They remind us of our powerlessness and dependence on God.

- The best remedy for bad fear is prayer. Yesterday, we heard the prophet Isaiah say, “That those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary.” Today, God assures us: “Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge… I will open rivers on the bare heights and fountains amid valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water…”

In other words, God assures us that we need not fear anything because, for our sake, He is ready to do the impossible. Has there ever been a pool amid a wilderness? Yes, this is exactly what God did during Christmas. God made a virgin conceive so that He might take our human flesh.

By remembering the incarnation, we also remind ourselves that even now, God can still do the impossible for our sake. So, when your fears appear to be getting the better of you, sit down for a moment and imagine the best outcome. Tell yourself that God specialises in the impossible. Let your faith counter your fears.

- In today’s Gospel passage, we hear Jesus praise John the Baptist as the greatest of all humans born of a woman. Jesus praises John for his courage in speaking the truth without compromise. Was John the Baptist afraid of Herod while preaching against his adultery? Yes. However, he continued preaching because he would not let his fears overcome his faith. He wouldn’t allow his fears to chain his spirit. Even in prison, he continues preaching the truth.

- Are you being threatened with death for doing the right thing? Reflect on God’s words in today’s First reading: “Fear not, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13). Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who said to the king: “Even if our God does not save us, we will not bow to your statue.” Yes, even if God decides not to prevent your death (as in the case of John the Baptist), be assured of a better life in heaven. Kick out your bad fears.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, you fight our battles for us. Help us deepen our trust in you so that we can find peace despite our afflictions. 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 the 2nd week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 41:13-20, Ps. 145:1,9-13a, Matthew 11:11-15).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

God Never Fails

Wednesday, 11 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 40:25-31, Ps. 103:1-4,8,10, Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

When describing something entirely new to someone, we use comparisons so that the person can use what they know to imagine what they are being told. God tells Isaiah, “To whom will you compare me, that I should be like him?”

- “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary… He gives power to the faint… Even youths shall faint and be weary, young men shall fall exhausted, but they who wait for the Lord shall… run and never be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

- Only God deserves our complete trust. If God is for us, nothing can harm us. God’s power can never be reduced; his strength is everlasting. If we place our trust in God and wait on Him, we shall be like eagles, we shall be victorious, and we shall have the last laugh.

- This fact is exactly what Jesus re-echoes in today’s Gospel passage: “Come to me all you who labour and heavily laden, and I will give you rest… for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

- If we trust in God and cast all our fears, worries, and troubles (heavy burdens) on Him, we shall mount wings like eagles. We shall run and never be tired, walk and never grow faint. We shall be victorious; we shall have the last laugh.

- What is your burden? Jesus is saying to us today, “Come to Me.” How would you feel if an influential person (one who has enough wealth to change your life) gave you an appointment to see them? Happy and hopeful, right? Jesus, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, invites you today: “Come to Me.” Why are you still troubled?

Recently, I heard the song “Koseunti” by a Gospel artist, Sunmisola Agbebi, in which she said, “We should believe in God. Yes. He has never lost a battle. He has never lost a war. He has never lost a fight nor forsaken me.” These words are truly powerful. Even when your prayers are not answered, and things do not go as you expected, remember that God has not lost the battle and has not forsaken you.

- God has never lost a battle. Even now, God is still winning. Those who wait on God (who never give up on prayer) will run and never be weary. They walk and never faint. Do not interpret your present circumstances as a weakness on the part of God. He knows what He is doing. For instance, it may be difficult to believe that failing that exam was God’s gift for you. What if that failure was the fuel you needed to sharpen your skills and motivate you to discover your true potential?

- God never fails. Let us sing: “What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear! What a privilege to carry. Give everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our trust in 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. (Wednesday of the 2nd week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 40:25-31, Ps. 103:1-4,8,10, Matthew 11:28-30).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Rethinking Our Attitude Toward Sinners

Tuesday, 10 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11, Ps. 96:1-3,10-13, Matthew 18:12-14

“So, it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:14)

Today’s first reading is a Christmas message of glad tidings: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” (Isaiah 40:1-2)

- Isaiah was writing when Israel faced serious political and civil unrest. Much of Isaiah’s prophecies centred on repentance from sin to avert incoming doom. However, in today’s passage, Isaiah speaks of comfort. He speaks of a time that God will come with might to gather the lambs in His arms and gently lead them to green pasture.

- In today’s Gospel passage, we hear Jesus describe Himself as a shepherd who abandons the ninety-nine in search of the lost sheep. Even though the sheep deserves to be punished for going astray, the shepherd’s attitude depicts pity, care, and concern. In other words, by taking our human flesh, Jesus brings to pass the prophecy of Isaiah.

- Like the lost sheep, “all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” (Romans 3:23). We all deserve to be punished or even abandoned. We deserve to be left at the mercy of wild animals. However, we celebrate God (the Good Shepherd) coming to rescue us at Christmas.

- Left to human logic, it wouldn’t be wise to leave the ninety-nine in search of the one. Yet, this is the risk God has taken for us. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

- As if it wasn’t bad enough to risk the ninety-nine in search of the lost sheep, most of us reject the shepherd who has left everything to look for us. By persisting in our sins, we say to Jesus: “I know you sacrificed so much to save me from eternal death and damnation, but leave me alone. I prefer to remain here. I just want to “enjoy” my life to the full. My body belongs to me; allow me to do what I like.” Imagine risking your life to pull out your pet from a ditch to prevent it from drowning, but your pet refuses to leave and even bites you.

- God’s attempt to save the sinner does not endorse sin. As much as God told us in Ezekiel 18 that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Verse 23 & 32), He also mentions in that same Ezekiel 18 that if a man does abominable things, “he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself.” (Ezek. 18:2-13). Jesus speaks of a shepherd rejoicing at the return of a lost sheep. Still, he doesn’t fail to warn us that “the Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:41-42).

- Like Jesus the Good Shepherd who came all the way to save us even though we deserve to die, we must learn to be more sympathetic towards sinners (those who hurt us). Jesus said: “Be perfect as your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:48). Christian perfection imitates God, who leaves the ninety-nine in search of the one. Instead of spending time only with your friends (those who love you), Jesus wants us to reach out to those who hurt us.

- Treat your offenders as sick patients needing recovery rather than as less-than-human creatures to be avoided. Pray for them. Leave the door open to receive them when they attempt to reconcile with you. Like the Prodigal Son’s father, who graciously accepted his son, we must give second chances to sinners. This way, we can save some and return them to the light.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, as we celebrate Christ’s birthday, help us to understand that He came to save us from sin. Help us to hate sin and follow Christ’s footsteps in saving 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. (Tuesday of the 2nd week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 40:1-11, Ps. 96:1-3,10-13, Matthew 18:12-14).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Mary’s Immaculate Conception

Monday, 9 December 2024. Readings: Genesis 3:9-15,20, Ps. 98:1-4, Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12, Luke 1:26-38

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

By Immaculate Conception, we mean that Mary was conceived in the womb of her mother without sin. Long before the Word became flesh in her womb, God had already prepared grounds by preserving Mary from Original Sin.

- How did we know that Mary was exempt from original sin? In today’s Gospel passage, we read about the annunciation where the Angel Gabriel addressed Mary in these words: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28). Sin is always a lack of grace, but Mary, being full of grace, had no space for sin. God did this to prepare her to be His Mother.

- Since Advent is a time to prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus, our celebration of the Immaculate Conception reminds us that we serve a God who prepares. One of the best preparations for Christmas is abstaining from sin.

- Even in our local context, our forefathers had a tradition of abstinence from intercourse (or other pleasurable activities) for days or months leading up to certain ritual ceremonies. They understood the importance of ritual purity. The feast of the Immaculate Conception challenges us to purify not just our bodies but our hearts as we prepare to receive Jesus.

- Even after preparing Mary, God still allowed her to accept or reject His plan. Hence, He sent the Angel Gabriel to seek her consent by announcing that she would be His Mother. The fact that God has showered certain gifts and blessings on us does not remove our free will. God called you before you were born but would not force you to say “Yes” to His call. God, who made you without your cooperation, will not save you without your cooperation.

- While Mary said “Yes” (let it be done to me according to your will), Adam and Eve, in today’s first reading, said “No.” They chose to eat the forbidden fruit. God wants to do great things in your life (things greater than you can imagine now). However, none will be realised unless you say “Yes” to God.

- How do we say “Yes” to God? St. Paul tells us in today’s second reading: “to be holy and blameless before him in love.” (Ephesians 1:3-4). Our “Yes” to God is our decision to live holy and blameless lives. It is our willingness to be the world's salt and light. Is it easy to say “Yes” to God? No. Nevertheless, if Mary said “Yes”, you too can say “Yes.”

- What happens when we allow God’s will to be done in our lives? The Angel Gabriel answers: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (Luke 1:35). Truly, great things happen when God mixes with men.

- Whenever we celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary, non-Catholics tend to become agitated because, for them, we are doing too much. However, it all boils down to Jesus Christ. Do you believe that Jesus was a man who later became God? Or do you believe that Jesus is God who became man when he took flesh in Mary’s womb? If Jesus was a man who later became God, then Mary is just an ordinary woman, but this is not Christianity. Jesus was already God before He was born. Mary gave birth to God; therefore, she isn’t ordinary.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may we always find favour in your sight. Work in and through us to bring Christ to 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. (The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Solemnity Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Genesis 3:9-15,20, Ps. 98:1-4, Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12, Luke 1:26-38).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Prepare the Way for Jesus

Sunday, 8 December 2024. Readings: Baruch 5:1-9, Ps. 126, Philippians 1:4-6,8-11, Luke 3:1-6

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (Luke 3:4-6)

Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. The church today presents us with the character of John the Baptist, who became the voice crying out in the desert as Baruch prophesied hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Today, we shall spend some time reflecting deeper into the content and message of this great voice, which heralded the coming of the Messiah among men.

1. Prepare the Way of the Lord, Make His Paths Straight.
The first point we grasp from this statement is that Jesus will not force His way on anyone; we must actively clear the way for Him. Secondly, it shows that there are things that can prevent God from coming to us. Think of this: Are there books, movies, pictures, or magazines in your house, in your bedroom, or on your smartphone that are preventing you from focusing on Jesus?

Remember, Jesus himself said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Do you still gather as a family to pray? Or could the absence of prayer from your home be the stumbling block you must remove to allow Jesus to take centre stage in your family life?

Nothing attracts God as much as love. Where there is true love, there is God because God is love. Is bitterness, anger, hatred, envy, and sadness in your home or among your colleagues at work/school? Have you taken the time to forgive those who hurt you this year? Remember, Christ cannot live in a ruthless heart, a heart that never forgives, recants past deeds, or constantly seeks revenge.

2. Fill up the Valleys.
Our valleys are like dangerous pot-holes in our character that people do not easily sight from afar until they get close to us. Valleys represent our lack, dark sides, bad habits, and hidden faults; they are character flaws that we often struggle to admit. Jesus pointed to Nicodemus: “And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19).

We know where our valleys are located. We know those things we like to do secretly that are completely against our conscience. Today, we are called to fill up our valleys. As St. Paul prays for us in today’s second reading, may we use this period of Advent to “approve what is excellent, to become be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, and be filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:10-11)

3. Bring Low every Mountain.
While valleys may represent our hidden secrets, mountains and hills represent those we like to show. One example of a mountain in our lives is pride. Do you see yourself as better than others for any reason whatsoever? As the book of Proverbs teaches: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18).

Another example of a mountain is our love for material riches. In his explanation of the parable of the sower, Jesus makes clear the fact that the materially-minded Christian is like a seed sown among thorns, “This is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22). Is your quest for material riches preventing you from keeping God’s commandments?

4. Make Straight the Crooked and Smoothen the Rough Ways.
The crooked (rough) ways in our lives are deception and lies, our refusal to be straightforward and sincere. Jesus hates lies because He is the Prince of Truth. Every lie we tell aligns our heart to satan, the father of lies. Jesus tells us the devil “was a murderer from the beginning and has nothing to do with the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44).

5. Finally, Rejoice and Be Happy.
Today, our responsorial Psalm says we should “rejoice and be glad.” The natural outcome of proper preparation for Christmas following these four steps above is joy. Try it out and see. Prepare a way for Jesus in your heart, cover the valleys, bring down the mountains, and straighten the crooked lines. There is no way you will not be happy. Only a heart that truly receives Christ understands what it means to be happy.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us spiritually prepare our hearts to receive you this Christmas. 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. (2nd Sunday of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Baruch 5:1-9, Ps. 126, Philippians 1:4-6,8-11, Luke 3:1-6).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

God Cares; He Makes A Way Where There’s None

Saturday, 7 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26, Ps. 147:1-6, Matthew 9:35-10:1,5,6-8

“You shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher.” (Isaiah 30:19-20)

In today’s Gospel passage, Matthew tells us: “When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36).

- Compassion is a fusion of two Latin words, com (with) and passio (passion; suffer). To be compassionate is to suffer with someone, that is, to be able to feel the pain that person is experiencing. As our people would say, compassion is “taking medicine for another person’s headache.”

- In truth, there is nothing wrong with taking medicine for another person; this is exactly what God did for us by taking our flesh. This is the joy of Christmas. We serve a God who is compassionate, a God who suffers with us, a God who can never forget us. “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15).

- It is one thing to feel pained over someone’s plight, but a different thing to lift your hand to solve the person’s problem. Most of us stop at the point of compassion. We feel sorry for the person; we even cry, but we fail to help.

- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus goes beyond compassion. He saw they suffered from the darkness of ignorance, so He preached to them. Jesus saw they were sick and possessed by all kinds of demons, so He went about healing them.

- Jesus saw that He alone could not minister to millions worldwide, so He started a worldwide movement by calling and commissioning the twelve. One excuse we give for not helping people is feeling overwhelmed by the number of people suffering or needing our help.

- We often ask ourselves, “Where do I start? What impact will I even make?” Jesus came to save the whole world, and He had only thirty-three years to live on earth, thirty of which were spent in preparation. Today, the work Jesus began is still changing lives.

- The good you begin today, no matter how small, could snowball into something great; it might even outlive you. Know that even if it is only one person you help, it will mean the whole world to them. Search your heart; you can hear God calling you. Just as Jesus appointed the twelve, He wants to do something through you.

- God does not work in a vacuum; He works through people. Don’t underestimate yourself. You are not too young, not too old, not too rich or not too poor. In your unique circumstances, you have a part to play.

- Coincidentally, today, we remember St Ambrose of Milan (340 - 397). His life is an example of one who became an instrument in God’s vineyard in the most unlikely manner. Ambrose was born to a Roman family in Trier (now in Germany). His father was the praetorian prefect of Gaul. In about 372, he was made prefect of Liguria and Emilia, whose capital was Milan.

- In 374, the diocese of Milan became vacant. When Ambrose tried to pacify the conflict between the Catholics and Arians over appointing a new bishop, the people turned on him and demanded that he become the bishop himself. He was a layman and not yet baptised (at this time, it was common for baptism to be delayed and for people to remain for years as catechumens), but that was no defence. Coerced by the people and the emperor, he was baptised, ordained, and installed as bishop within a week, on 7 December 374.

- He immediately gave his money to the poor and his land to the Church and started learning theology. He had the advantage of knowing Greek, which few people did then, so he could read the Eastern theologians and philosophers and those of the West. He was diligent in carrying out his office, acting with charity to all—a true shepherd and teacher of the faithful.

- Ambrose was unimpressed by status, and when Emperor Theodosius ordered the massacre of 7,000 people in Thessalonica, Ambrose forced him to do public penance. He defended the rights of the Church and attacked the Arian heresy with learning, firmness, and gentleness. He also wrote several hymns that are still in use today.

- Ambrose was a key figure in St Augustine's conversion to Catholicism. His intelligence and scholarship impressed Augustine (hitherto unimpressed by the Catholics he had met). He died on Holy Saturday, 4 April 397.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our faith in your love and care for us. May our prayers never be in vain. 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 Ambrose, Bishop, Doctor Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26, Ps. 147:1-6, Matthew 9:35-10:1,5,6-8).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

According to Your Faith

Friday, 6 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 29:17-24, Ps. 27:1,4,13-14, Matthew 9:27-31

“Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then he touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith, be it done to you.’ And their eyes were opened.” (Matthew 9:28-30)

Isaiah speaks of a time when the deaf shall hear, and out of their gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. This prophecy of Isaiah is concretely fulfilled in our Gospel passage. Interestingly, all the prophecies concerning Jesus Christ were eventually fulfilled in his life, including those about his death.

- We can place all our trust in Jesus because He is truly the Son of God, the Saviour of the World, the One who was born to take away our blindness, cure our sickness, feed our hungry stomachs, and protect us from oppressors and danger.

- Two blind men cried out loudly to Jesus, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” Jesus did not respond to them until he entered a house, and the two men followed him into the house. Even when it seems God doesn’t care about your predicament, do not stop praying, calling out to Jesus, visiting the Blessed Sacrament, or reading your Bible. Pray until something happens, and keep praying after something happens. (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

- Be careful; not everything that glitters is gold, and not every building on which “church” is written is a church. Be careful of those who claim to offer quicker solutions to your problems. Avoid getting into the devil’s den because God has not solved your problem. The devil has nothing to offer; whatever you take from him, be ready to pay a more valuable price. If God hasn’t answered you yet, He knows why.

- Jesus asked the two blind men: “Do you believe I can do this?” Whenever you go on your knees to pray, picture God asking you this question, and please answer it sincerely. Was this question necessary? Jesus needed to ask them because the truth is that not all those who cry and shout in prayer have faith. Not all those who say “Lord, Lord” will enter God’s kingdom.

- The two blind men answered yes. Jesus said, “According to your faith, let it be done to you.” This is huge. Jesus seems to place their healing on the power of their faith. Their eyes would have remained closed if they had lied about their faith.

- According to your faith. If your faith is weak, you can’t get much. This is a principle of life. You can’t achieve anything without first believing it is possible. Today is “the tomorrow” you expected yesterday, and your tomorrow is exactly what you believe today. You cannot achieve anything physically without first achieving it in your mind.

- Life is hard, and nothing good comes easily. Bad things happen without warning. Life will always give you reasons to complain. Problems are never exhausted. But how are we to stay alive and win? Faith! Believe and keep believing. Prayer works. God cares.

- Jesus warned them not to publicise this healing, but the two blind men could not keep it to themselves. Jesus wants us to love him, worship him as God and not approach him like a magician. Faith is not just about receiving from God but also about remaining steadfast when things are rough.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our faith in you. May our prayers never be in vain. 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 the 1st week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 29:17-24, Ps. 27:1,4,13-14, Matthew 9:27-31).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Put Your Trust in God

Thursday, 5 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 26:1-6, Ps. 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27, Matthew 7:21,24-27

“Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace – in peace because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

Advent is a time of expectation. Without trust, there can be no expectation. Isaiah says anyone whose mind is stayed on God will be kept in perfect peace. To trust is to be at peace. If you are restless and not at peace, it is a sign that you have yet to surrender your affairs entirely to God, or perhaps you do not trust God.

- At Christmas, we celebrate that God took our human nature and became flesh to show us the extent He is willing to go to solve our problems. If God could do this, why do we still struggle to trust Him completely?

- Bear this in mind: human beings will always disappoint you because they cannot do things only God can do. No matter how a person tries to avoid betraying your trust, they will fail because they are not God. Hence, our responsorial psalm today says: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man; it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9).

- Many trust in their wealth, intelligence, or social networks. As much as we cannot avoid trusting people, remember that only God deserves our complete trust. People will disappoint us, but as we reflected yesterday, God never fails. Put your trust in God, not even the “man of God.” No matter how good a person is, they cannot take God’s place; limitations and weaknesses will always exist.

- Many of us claim to trust God, but our actions betray this trust. Actions speak louder than words. If we trust God, our actions will show it. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus told us: “It is not those who say ‘Lord, Lord’ who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

- If we trust God, we will obey Him. For instance, God says: “Do not steal.” (Seventh Commandment). To obey this commandment and avoid stealing, you must trust that God will provide your needs.

- While Isaiah uses the word “rock” to describe God's unshakable nature, Jesus uses the word “rock” to illustrate how unshakable we become when we obey His word. There is a correlation between trusting in God (the everlasting Rock) and having peace of mind (becoming like a Rock).

- Jesus says, “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock.” Your trust in God helps you to build your fortunes on a solid foundation. It is said: “Every day for the thief, one day for the owner.” Those who think they are building fortunes today by stealing will soon realise they have built on the sand when the truth is exposed.

- To build on rock is to withstand the trials and difficulties of life; it is to remain unshaken no matter how bad things appear. To build on rock is to live above fear. Hence, the Psalmist says: “In God alone be at rest my soul for my hope is in him.” (Psalm 62:1 & 5).

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us trust you and nothing else. 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 the 1st week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 26:1-6, Ps. 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27, Matthew 7:21,24-27).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

God Never Fails

Wednesday, 4 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 25:6-10, Ps. 23, Matthew 15:29-37

“And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the throng wondered when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:30-31)

In Isaiah's time, the people who listened to him could only imagine what he was talking about. Nonetheless, as we see in the Gospel passage, the prophecy of Isaiah became a reality in the feeding of the multitude. Dear friends, the message for us today is very simple: Everything God has revealed in the Bible must surely come to pass. God never fails. He is Faithful. He never fails.

- Christmas, the celebration of God becoming man for our sake, is a time to remind ourselves that God is a promise-keeper. As all the prophets spoke about, so it came to pass. One beautiful song puts it this way: “The Steadfast Love of the Lord never ceaseth, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, new every morning; great is thy faithfulness, O Lord, great is thy faithfulness.”

- Today, our Responsorial Psalm describes God as a shepherd who never lets his sheep down. A shepherd who gives his sheep repose along fresh and green pastures; a shepherd who guides the sheep along the right path; a shepherd who never abandons his sheep even when they walk through the shadow of death, and a shepherd who prepares a table for the sheep even in the presence of the enemies.

- Things may appear very tough for you right now; you may have felt disappointed in God, the Church or its ministers in the past for not meeting your expectations. Nevertheless, know that God has not changed; He is still Faithful and has not failed you yet. Christmas is a reminder that God is yet to give up on humankind.

- Another song says, “God is not a man. His words will surely come to pass. He would never fail. His word will come to pass.” Whenever I am tempted to ask God, “Why is this? Why is that?” I remind myself of St. Paul’s admonition: “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him” (Romans 8:28).

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our faith and conviction in your word. 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 the 1st week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 25:6-10, Ps. 23, Matthew 15:29-37).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

How Blessed Are the Humble

Tuesday, 3 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17, Luke 10:21-24

“Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Luke 10:23-24)

In our Gospel passage today, we hear Jesus thanking God for hiding certain things from the wise and revealing them to mere infants. On this occasion, Jesus was addressing His disciples who had just returned from the mission of evangelisation with joy because even the demons were subject to them.

- If Jesus referred to the disciples as infants, who are the “wise” in this context? Those who are so full of themselves think they know it all, those who were challenging Jesus and looking for an opportunity to catch Him with tricky questions. Jesus’ opponents were wise by human standards, but this “wisdom” prevented them from recognising God in their midst.

- During this season of Advent, we must continuously ask ourselves: How willing am I to humble myself and come to terms with my nothingness? Am I ready to let go of my pride? Yesterday, we were presented with the example of the Roman Centurion who confessed his unworthiness in having Jesus under his roof. Today, we are again reminded of the importance of humility.

- At Christmas, we celebrate a God who humbled Himself to the point of assuming the nature of one of His creatures: man. As St. Paul would say: “Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8).

- Pride is blindness. Yesterday, we noted that humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking big of God. Pride, on the other hand, is the inability to see and acknowledge God, having become blinded by one’s greatness. Somehow, you begin to think you are God.

- In today’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the time that shall come when the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. What does Isaiah mean by a little child assuming leadership of an unthinkable combination of animals who we know are natural enemies? This is what humility entails.

- An African proverb says that if a child washes his hands very well, he will be invited to sit at the table and eat with the elders. In other words, if we are humble, regardless of our size and status, we will be granted access to high places. Humility will put people under us, like the child leading the lion, the leopard, the wolf, and the lamb.

- This prophecy of Isaiah also points directly to the baby Jesus. As a baby, Jesus could not lift his hand, not to mention hold a broomstick, but Herod and his entire household trembled with fear. Kings came from across the world to pay homage to Jesus. Angels sang to the shepherds who kept watch at night. The whole world stood still for this baby, this little child born to change history.

- Today, we remember St. Francis Xavier. Francis, born April 7, 1506, in Navarre, was a pivotal figure in Christian missionary history. Amidst his noble upbringing, he encountered the turbulence of war before pursuing studies at the University of Paris. There, he befriended Peter Favre and was profoundly influenced by Ignatius of Loyola, leading to his priestly vocation. On August 15, 1534, Xavier, Favre, and companions took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, intending to evangelise in the Holy Land. Unable to proceed due to conflict, they formed the Society of Jesus, later known as the Jesuits, receiving approval from Pope Paul III in 1540. With the Portuguese expansion into India, Xavier embarked on a mission to revive Christian values among settlers, departing on his 35th birthday in 1541.

- Arriving in Goa in 1542, Xavier ministered to the sick and children. Later, he extended his efforts to the Pearl Fishery Coast, establishing 40 churches despite challenges from Portuguese misconduct. His mission expanded to Malacca and the Maluku Islands and, in 1549, to Japan, where he adapted his approach to accommodate cultural differences and met with resistance from traditional beliefs. Xavier's final venture aimed at China, but confrontations in Malacca and illness thwarted his plans. He died on December 3, 1552, and was buried on an island off the Chinese coast. His body was later moved to Goa, where it remains, save for relics dispersed to Rome and Macau.

- Beatified in 1619 and canonised alongside Ignatius of Loyola in 1622, St. Francis Xavier is celebrated as the patron of Catholic missions, with his feast day on December 3. His legacy reflects a life dedicated to spreading faith across diverse cultures, marked by resilience and adaptability in adversity.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may we grow in humility. 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 Francis Xavier, Priest Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Isaiah 11:1-10, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17, Luke 10:21-24).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

Advent: A Time to Seek Jesus Like the Centurion

Monday, 2 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5, Ps. 122:1-2,4-5,6-9, Matthew 8:5-11

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” (Isaiah 2:3)

Come, Lord Jesus. The light is dying, and the night keeps crying: Come, Lord Jesus. Christ, come quickly; there’s danger at the door, poverty aplenty, hearts gone wild with war, hunger in the city, and famine on the plain. Come, Lord Jesus.

- Advent is a moment to call on Jesus, like the Centurion, who cried to Jesus: “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralysed, in terrible distress” (Matthew 8:6). In seeking Jesus, the Centurion displayed three great virtues: humility, faith, and love. He not only got Jesus’ attention but also obtained healing for his servant.

- The Centurion would not let Jesus come to His house because he felt he was too small to play host to the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He understood the hierarchy of command in the military. He oversaw a hundred soldiers and had superiors to whom he reported. The Centurion figured that Jesus was the “ogakpatakpata-of-them-all”, the one in charge of everybody.

- Note that humility is not thinking less of ourselves; it is thinking big of God. Let us strive to adopt this beautiful mindset this Advent season. We are preparing to celebrate the birth of God, who humbled himself by taking our human nature. We, too, must learn to humble ourselves before God and our fellow human beings.

- The Centurion was not a Jew, yet his faith in Jesus was unshakable. He said: “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” He recognised the power of the spoken word, the power by which the whole world was made. There are very few persons Jesus praised for having great faith. The Centurion was one of them.

- Jesus said: “Not even in Isreal have I found such faith.” This brings to mind the danger of over-familiarity. Do not become so used to God to the extent that you now take God for granted. It will be a shame if unbelievers exercise more faith in God than we who pride ourselves as baptised Christians.

- The Centurion was in charge of a hundred soldiers, yet he found time to come looking for Jesus because of one servant, not even his son or a soldier. This reminds us of Jesus’ words to the rich Pharisee who invited him for dinner: “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen or rich neighbours, lest they also invite you in return, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:12-14)

- By showing such concern to a servant, the Centurion teaches us what it means to love our neighbour as ourselves. Love is the care you give to those who cannot repay you. It is never about trade-by-barter. As we prepare to welcome Jesus this Christmas, let us see Jesus in our workers. Let us see Jesus in the poor around us.

- “The King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me, I was naked, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me.” (Matthew 25:34-36). If we fail to love as the Centurion, our Christmas celebration is deprived of Christ.

- Finally, this encounter between Jesus and the Centurion fulfils God’s promises in today’s First Reading from the Book of Isaiah. The centurion, who was not a Jew, symbolises the many nations and people who would come to the Lord’s Mountain to feast on the rich food God has prepared. Upon seeing the Centurion’s faith, Jesus concluded: “Many will come from east and west and sit at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 8:11)

- The Good News for us today is that Jesus is present with us, and we can obtain his healing mercies for ourselves and those dear to us with humility, faith, and love.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, bring us healing and teach us to trust you like the Centurion. 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 the 1st week of Advent. Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 2:1-5, Ps. 122:1-2,4-5,6-9, Matthew 8:5-11).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu