GOD IS WITH US

HOMILY FOR THE 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR (A)

 RI: Isaiah 7:10-14

R/Psalm: Psalm 24:1-2.3-4ab.5-6 (Resp. cf. 7c.10c)

R 2: Romans 1:1-7

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

Theme: GOD IS WITH US

The love of God for humanity is at the centre of the salvation history of man. That is why the fourth Sunday of Advent revolves around the theme “love.”  God right from time immemorial placed man above other creatures, even when man must have derailed from the right path, His love and faithfulness was still intact. In order to redeem man from total damnation after the great fall (cf. Genesis 3:1ff.) He chose His only begotten Son as a ransom to reconcile humanity with Divinity (cf. John 3:16). Thus, the central theme of our homily on this second Sunday of Advent (Cycle A), “God is with us.”

The first reading being an extract from the first Isaiah gave us an account of how Ahaz out of fear refused asking God for a sign, despite God’s invitation to Him to ask for a sign (cf. Isaiah 7:10-14) To an extent it could be seen as doubting the possibility of God.  In order to calm his fear, God then said: “Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel (meaning God is with us).” The sign was strange to Ahaz, while thinking of the possibility of the virgin girl to conceive and then give birth.

St. Paul in the second reading spoke of himself as the harbinger of the good news about Christ (cf. Romans 1:1-7). The gospel pericope according to Evangelist Matthew pays attention to how the birth of Jesus come to pass, being the fulfillment of the prophecies of the old (cf. Matthew 1:18-24). Here Evangelist Matthew bares his mind on how Joseph tempered justice with mercy out of love which Christ Himself expressed.

However, juxtaposing these readings we have come to the understanding of the unfathomable love of Christ among His children. On this last Sunday of the advent season, the Church invites us to reflect on the theme “love”, which is fully expressed in God through Christ Jesus our Lord having witnessed what God has done in the past. Why then do we allow fear to grip us or to becloud our senses?  Ahaz found himself in the web of doubt while encountering God, the situation that most of us sometimes found ourselves.

As we are getting closer to the solemnity of the nativity of our Lord - Emmanuel whose birth brought about hope and comfort; we need to come to terms with the reality of the salfivic mystery Christ has brought. 

Moreover, for the past three weeks, the Church has prepared us for this anticipated moment, where we will share the joy of the birth of the Word incarnate; an event which brings about infusion of humanity into divinity. 

However, it has been the desire of God to be closer to us, but most often we close our hearts against Him. As He has given us His only begotten Son as a ransom for sins, let us open up our hearts and welcome Him in our thoughts, words and actions. Let us be compelled by the love of Christ Jesus, and then give it out to others as witnesses of the good news which St. Paul in the second reading testified. 

Finally, as we are waiting in joyful hope for the coming of the Son of God into our world which heralds a new age; let us be hopeful that as far as God is with us, He will make everything anew for us (cf. Revelation 21:5). Peace, be with you! 

  By Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THE JOY OF THE LORD’S COMING

REFLECTION FOR 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT - A

THEME: THE JOY OF THE LORD’S COMING*

R1: Isaiah 35: 1 - 6. 10

R2: James 5: 7 -10

Gospel: Mt 11:2-11

Dear friends, today is called Gaudete Sunday.  Gaudete is the Latin  word for “Rejoice.”  Today is celebrated with pink or rose color instead of the purple color of the rest of Advent. Today also the pink candle is lit to symbolize joy. That is why the first reading of today begins with an invitation to the people of Israel to rejoice.

This invitation by the prophet Isaiah, to rejoice came within the worst time of the existence of Israel. The city has been captured and taken into exile in Babylon. The temple was destroyed. Noble men and women were seized and taken away and what was left in Israel was only the old, the sick and children. There was no more music and singing from the temple. Israel was full of sadness, yet, the prophet invites the people to rejoice. This invitation to rejoice is because the Lord is near.

This message of Isaiah goes to all of us Christians today. Many of us have experienced many troubling times while serving God. Like John the Baptist, many of us have been persecuted and abused just because we are Christians. Many people laugh at us and think we are stupid for being Christ followers. For all these and many more, I say to you, rejoice. Very soon the Lord will be here and will wipe away our sorrows. 

Before the Lord’s arrival, James advises that we must cultivate the virtue of patience, avoiding complaints  so as to avoid being exposed to the dangers of falling away. Hence, just like a farmer who planted a seed, our faith must be watered always with prayers and alms-giving. That means, we should keep on with the good work of God while we await the Lord coming. This is the only thing that will assure us of a rich harvest in the kingdom of God when He arrives.

This means, we are messengers of God in different capacities, hence, we should not recline from dispensing God’s messages by our lives and actions all times. This may not be a pleasurable experience and just like John the Baptist we may be thrown into prison and may sometimes we may doubt. However, let us not forget that our endurance and patience will win us salvation. Therefore, we join the psalmist to pray that the Lord may come quickly and save us, Amen.

*Rev Fr Chukwuemeka Vincent Livinus, SMMM.*

Repent And be Converted.

HOMILY FOR 2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR (A)

R1: Isaiah 11:1-10

R/Psalm 72:1-2;7-8;12-13;17 (Resp. cf. v. 7)

R2: Rom 15 : 4-9

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

Theme: Repent and be converted.

On this second Sunday of Advent in the Liturgical Year (A), our attention is being directed to the second theme of the season “Peace”; the virtue that has eluded many minds and hearts in our society. Also the lighting of the second candle (purple) – the Bethlehem candle which represents peace calls to mind the journey of Our Mother Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.

From the table of the Word, Prophet Isaiah in the first reading (Isaiah 11) prophesied the coming of the Messiah with the Spirit ofr Wisdom and understanding, whose reign will bring about peace and justice.

The second reading presents St. Paul in his epistle to the Roman Church which reechoed once again the virtue of peace. Here he reiterates with a prayer that God of steadfastness and encouragement may grant us the grace to live in harmony with one another (cf. Rom 15:4-9).

Meanwhile the gospel pericope according to the Evangelist Matthew invites us to repentance and conversion through the preaching of John the Baptist - the desert prophet (cf. Matthew 3:1-12).

Thus the season of Advent offers us the opportunity to review our life and conduct and make necessary amendments in order to prepare ourselves for Our Lord’s coming. And for us to receive the new born king – the King of Peace we ought to be at peace with one another. The Messianic prophecy and the divine promise of God in the readings of today set us ahead of this season of preparation. As the Scripture says: “The baby shall by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair...” (Isaiah 11:8). What a beautiful scenario with a lesson for humanity. Why then do we envy others? Why do we castigate one another or bear grudges?

We need repentance and conversion so as to create room for the new born King.

However, God does not wish to impose Himself on us. He wants us to freely accept His Son, that is why through the Church He affords us this moment to discern and choose our path on earth whether to live for God or not.

It was in the light of this, that God sent His prophets to redirect humanity towards the true path that leads to salvation. As John the Baptist called for repentance and conversion to authentic Christian life.

Finally, as we continue to reflect within this moment of joyful waiting for the commemoration of the coming of the Word incarnate and the great Parousia (the second coming), let us not be carried away with worries and troubles of this life. Let us make sincere effort to be at peace with one another and live out the gospel.  Peace be with you!

  By Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM