Hail, Mary, full of grace

 

Hail, Mary, full of grace,

the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou amongst women

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death. 

Amen.

INVITING JESUS AND MARY INTO OUR LIFE'S JOURNEY

HOMILY FOR THE 2ND SUNDAY OF ORDINRY TIME, YEAR C 

(Is.62:1-5, Ps.95:1-3.7-10, 1Cor.12:4-11 & Jn. 2:1-11)

INVITING JESUS AND MARY INTO OUR LIFE'S JOURNEY 

In this Second Sunday of the Ordinary Time of the Liturgical Year, the Lord through his prophet Isaiah assures us in the First Reading, that he would neither be weary nor keep silent over the ugly situation of his people, until their integrity and vindication are restored (Is.62:1-5). 

In the light of this, today's Gospel reading from St John -Jn.2:1-11, presents us with the account of the very first public miracle (sign) of Jesus, which he performed at Cana in Galilee at a wedding ceremony to alleviate human predicament and restore their joy. In the theology and pedagogy of St John the beloved disciple, Miracles are signs to reveal Jesus glory of Son-ship and Messiah-ship which are meant to restore and elicit faith from us.

As the narrative has it, Mary the Mother of Jesus was there at the wedding ceremony and Jesus and his disciples were also invited. And in the course of the celebration, the wedding hosts ran out of wine while many guests were yet to be served. Bearing in mind that, in the Jewish culture wine used to be served in abundance during such wedding feasts even up to seven days. But here is this family in a helpless situation as their wine suddenly got finished amidst the wedding celebration. And when Mary noticed this embarrassing situation she was moved with compassion and she immediately took the initiative to plead with her son Jesus, telling him that, the couple had ran out of wine. Implying that Jesus should do 'something' to relieve the couple of the embarrassing situation. 

By this gesture, Mary teaches us what it means to be sensitivity to peoples' predicament'. Being sensitive to other peoples' predicament and responding to it, remains a noble Christian virtue. Sometimes we remain CULPABLY INSENSITIVE to the situation around us begging for help, and which only God knows that we are capable of doing something to help. In many families and communities today, for instance, members die silently in their needy situation because those who could do something to alleviate the situation choose to remain adamantly indifferent. Mary teaches us today to be pro-actively sensitive wherever we are. DVvv 4vA4gàh aà

On the surface, Jesus seemingly objected initially to Mary's plea by saying, "Woman, why turn to me? My hour has not yet come". Ordinarily, receiving this seemingly negative response from Jesus, Mary could have concluded that there is no hope, and that the case is closed. However, she was rather so optimistic that, even though Jesus seemly gave a negative response to her request, that come-what-may, he would surely reconsider the plea. That is why Mary wasted no time to approach the wedding stewards and instructed them to be watchful and to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. Mary's attitude here reveals her deep love and trust in Jesus. Though Jesus' hour to begin his miracle had not yet come, still Mary was not daunted but rather was quite optimistic of what Jesus could do.

Interestingly, shortly after, straightaway Jesus went and instructed the wedding stewards to fill some nearby six ablution stone jars with water and Jesus turned the water into wine , a very tasty kind of wine and thereby  brought great blessing and joy to the couple and their wedding guests.  

This very first miracle which Jesus performed in the course of his ministry owing to the loving compulsion of his Mother, highlights the POWERFUL INTERCESSION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY as well as THE GREAT LOVE AND REGARD WHICH JESUS HAS FOR HIS MOTHER - MARY. If Mary could be so sensitive to intercede with her Son for a desperate couple without their asking or even knowing about her plea, how much more would she not intercede for us, even with greater persistence when we ask for her intercession as a compassionate Mother, to whom Jesus himself entrusts us to her motherly care at the foot of the cross through the beloved disciple -John, at Calvary (Jn.19:26-27). 

Therefore, as the presence of Jesus and Mary brought succour and happiness to the marriage at Cana, so would any marriage or family today who invites Jesus and Mary to their family life experience Mary's intercession as well as Jesus' gracious miracle of grace. Yes, we may not literally run out of wine in our family or in our individual lives, but we may run out of the necessary and the abundance of the grace that would secure our happiness and lasting relationship with the Lord.

Therefore, today's Gospel passage, encourages us to invite Jesus and Mary to our individual lives and families. When we do, you will see that the miracle of grace will surely be flowing abundantly in your lives and families. You will certainly not run out of the ‘wine’ of fortitude, peace, love and happiness in your family and individual lives. That is why the Letter to the Hebrews encourages us to approach with confidence the THRONE OF GRACE, (Our Lord Jesus Christ) so that we will obtain mercy and grace to help us in our time of need, (Heb.4:16). 

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus the Saviour intercede for us. Always endeavour to give the Lord Jesus the first place in your life and allow His principles and values to determine and colour your daily lives, decisions and choices.

Reflection by 

Fr Damian Ikemefuna Ozokwere cssp

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS BAPTISM FOR US

HOMILY ON THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD, YEAR C 

(Is. 42:1-4, 6-7, Ps.28:1-4,9-10, Acts 10:34-38 & Lk.13:15-16.21-22)

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS BAPTISM FOR US

This Sunday the Church commemorates THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD. This Feast, liturgically marks the end of the Christmas season. And the celebration calls us to reflect how Jesus humbly presents himself before John the Baptist for baptism in the River Jordan. We see in Jesus, a man without sin accepting baptism on our behalf.

The big question one might ask here is, why would Jesus the sinless one submit himself to be baptized? Since as we know, Baptism is a Sacrament that washes away our sins, and Jesus himself as the Scripture says had no sin in himself. John the Baptist even questions why Jesus should come to him for Baptism. To this, Jesus simply says that it would be proper for him to fulfil all that righteousness demands.

Today's Gospel narrative (Lk.13:15-16.21-22) has it that, as soon as Jesus was baptised and he was at prayer, suddenly the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in bodily shape like a dove. And instantly a voice spoke from heaven saying, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.' This voice was surely, the voice of God the Father giving approval as well as inaugurating Jesus the Son, on his salvific mission with the anointing of Holy Spirit which descended upon Him in the likeness of a dove. 

Jesus' baptism, therefore, marks the acceptance and the beginning of his mission as God’s suffering Servant. So by his submission to baptism Jesus expresses his readiness to obey and accept the will of the Father who sends him on his redemptive mission. By so doing, Jesus leaves us an example to follow, as St Maximus of Turin remarks,' Christ is baptized, so that All Christians will follow after him with confidence'.

Again, Jesus' Baptism sanctifies and makes holy the waters of our own baptism. In the words of St Maximus of Turin, 'Christ is baptized, not to be made holy by the water, but to make the water of our baptism holy, and to purify the water which he touched'. 

In today's Second Reading from the Acts of the Apostles we are presented with a sermon which St Peter delivered in the house of a Roman Centurion, Cornelius, just before baptizing Cornelius and his household.  Cornelius was -the very first None Jewish Christian. Addressing Cornelius and his household, Peter said in his sermon: "Now I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him (Acts 10:34-35). 

In the OLD COVENANT, God chose the Jews, and once one is born a Jew, one belongs automatically to this covenant people of God. The criterion for belonging to God’s covenant people was natural birth. Hence, Non-Jews or Gentiles, were automatically excluded from that covenant. 

However, in the NEW COVENANT IN CHRIST, all that changes. Now, God has no preference for any nation over others. And that is the overwhelming truth which Peter had suddenly come to realize that, “God has no favourites, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him”. In Christian baptism therefore, we are all chosen to become PEOPLE OF THE NEW COVENANT, children of God who are, equally loved by God as were the covenant children of God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

Nevertheless, what happens after our baptism, whether we turn out to become saints or sinners, depends not on the presence or absence of God’s love for us but on how much we respond to God's love and do what is right as regards to our baptismal commitment. 

In the light of this, we are encouraged today to reflect on our own baptismal commitment and the mission God has assigned for each of us at baptism. With our Baptism we are meant to; LOVE GOD AND HOLD ONTO HIM WITH OUR WHOLE HEART AND ALSO TO REJECT SATAN. All of us are called to carry out this fundamental baptismal obligation in our respective status; as Parents, Youths, Teachers, Ministers of Religion, Medical personnel etc. The Catechism of the Catholic Church articulates this baptismal obligation as follows; i) To believe in Jesus and to make his teachings our guide, ii) To listen to the Holy Mother -the Church,  iii) To reject Satan and all his pomp.

In conclusion, Christ is baptized, so that All Christians will follow after him with confidence. And by our baptism, we are ALL commissioned to be members of Christ's Mystical Body, irrespective of our diverse nationalities. We are to be, Christ’s mouth speak in the world of today. What a special and challenging vocation that is! Obviously, the moment we begin to see our baptismal commitment as a call to follow Christ more closely and to embrace his mission, we will be very much moved to live our lives in loving obedience to Christ and to give Him the first place in our lives and allow His principles and values to determine and colour our daily lives, decisions and choices.

Reflection by 

Fr Damian Ikemefuna Ozokwere CSSp

LET US ADORE THE LORD

HOMILY FOR EPIPHANY SUNDAY YEAR C 

R1: Ecclesiasticus 24:1-2,12-16

R/P:Psalm 147:12-15,19-20

R2:Ephesians 1:3-6,15-18

Gospel: John 1:1-18

LET US ADORE THE LORD

The Epiphany of the Lord is the Feast day that we celebrate the Theophany, the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. The word “Epiphany” is taken from the Greek word (epiphanos) which means appearance or manifestation or showing forth. Epiphany then is the self - revelation of God and his Son to the world. This feast also celebrates the coming, the visit of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.

In the first reading Isaiah 60: 1 – 6 mention is made of the non- Jews bringing their gifts in homage to God of Israel. Also the passage celebrates the Divine light emanating from Jerusalem and foresees all the nations acknowledging that light.

 

In the second reading, St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians said he has been entrusted by God with grace and by a revelation he has been given the knowledge of the mystery. We Christians have been entrusted with the message of light of Christ and we have to let this light shine through us (Mtt. 5:14 – 16)

In the gospel, the Magi who were Persian Priests who served kings and have skills of interpreting dreams and watching movements of the stars came to worship the new born King. They came with the gift of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. The Gold representing His Kingship as well as His divinity, the Frankincense a symbol of His Priestly role; and Myrrh a prefiguration of His death and embalming. 

According to Fr. Anthony Kadavil, the Epiphany can be understood as a symbol for our pilgrimage through life to Christ. The Feast invites all to see in ourselves the image of the Magi, a people on a journey to Christ. Today’s Gospel also tells us the story of the Magi’s encounter with the evil King Herod. This encounter symbolizes three reactions to Jesus’ birth; hatred, indifference and adoration. 

According to Pope Francis, worship – adoration is the end and goal of the journey of the Magi. The focus of the Solemnity of Epiphany reminds us that once we lose the sense of worship, we lose our direction in Christian life, which is a journey towards the Lord, not towards ourselves. When we are filled with hatred like King Herod who wanted to kill the Child Jesus, we cannot worship the Lord. When we are indifference like the Chief Priests and Scribes, we are incapable of worship. 

Adoration according to Pope Francis means putting the Lord at the center not ourselves. Worshiping God frees us from slavery to the Idols of today, which must not be worshipped; such as, the god of money, the god of consumerism, the god of pleasure, the god of success, the god of self. Today we are therefore called to surrender ourselves and like the Magi worship God; those who fail to worship God either worship themselves or created thing. May God deliver us from every form of Idolatry and lead us into His divine light. Amen

Reflection by:

Rev. Fr. Henry Ogueri, SMMM

CHOSEN CHANNEL OF SALVATION

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR C

R1: MICAH 5:2 – 59

R2: HEBREWS 10:5 – 10

GOSPEL: LUKE 1:39 – 45

Theme: CHOSEN CHANNELS OF SALVATION

The Lord our God works in mysterious ways. His ways are not our ways and his thoughts are different from our thoughts. (Cf Isaiah 55:8) Often, God works through means and ways we least expect. His blessing blows to wherever it pleases, such that we can not claim autonomy of God providence.

Before the birth of Jesus, many people in Israel were waiting for a king that will come through mighty ways (probably from a wealthy family, a prestigious background, from the lineage of known warriors and kings) but God chose the lowly town of Bethlehem and the poor family of Mary and Joseph to bring forth the saviour of mankind.

God’s power can manifest itself through any means. It can be in our unbelief, weaknesses; as St. Paul rightly said, “For my power is greatest when you are weak” (2Corinthian 12:9). We have to dispose ourselves for the direction of God for the work of salvation as Virgin Mary did in the second Reading of today. We have to allow ourselves to be filled by Holy Spirit and in turn be channels of dispensing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, that his impact be felt in the lives of the people we meet. By so doing we become channels of salvation to others no matter how little or lowly we are.

Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit at the greeting of the Blessed Virgin Mary and that was why she was able to recognize our Lord Jesus in the womb of Blessed Virgin. When we allow God to take control of our lives, to fill us with his power, He can turn that which is weak in us to be strong, that which is sinful in us to be Holy. For God does not call the qualified but qualifies those He has called. (1 Corinthian 1:27:29).

As we continue to wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus, let us always open our hearts in readiness to welcome Him. Let us never be in doubt of his mercy and goodness towards us. Amen.

Peace be with you

Reflection by

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Nlebedum,SMMM

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVE?

HOMILY FOR THE 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT  YEAR C

THEME: WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

R1:Zephaniah 3:14-18

R/P:Isaiah 12

R2:Philippians 4:4-7

Gospel: Lk 3:10-18

The third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” This name is taken from the entrance antiphon for today's Sunday Mass, which is also echoed in today's second reading from St Paul's letter to the Philippians. Some people mark this Sunday by lighting salvific candle instead of a purple one on their Advent wreath. It is a reminder that the Advent season is a season of joy because our salvation is already at hand.

There is an invitation for us to rejoice and savour the imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the first reading of the day. A saviour was promised to Israel and the coming of this saviour is at hand. As we rejoice in anticipation of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are also invited to make ready our hearts to receive the Lord when He comes. In preparation for the parousia of the lorL, one has to have deep introspection into one's life with the question of the day. What must I do to be saved?

This question was reechoed in the gospel of the day. In the gospel, John the baptist teaches the path of repentance and announced Christ's imminent coming. He prepares the people of God and in proxy, he is preparing us to make smooth the rough paths of our lives so that the saviour might find a homely heart when He comes. The act of Christian preparedness is what this season of advent requires. The question " what shall I do to be saved" should sound in our minds as we prepare for the Lord's coming.

However, John the Baptist Challenged the crowds last week,to show evidence of their repentance. However, in today's gospel,the crowds ask John for specifics. What evidence of repentance is required? John replies by naming concrete actions: 

i. People should share their food and cloaks, ii. Just tax collections

iii. Soldiers should act fairly.

The concern for justice is the hallmark of Luke's Gospel.

When the crowd begins to wonder if John was the messiah, he was humble enough to interprete his baptism and makes it clear that his ministry was in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Such humility is needed in our churches and in our world today. We must understand the roles we are called to play in our salvific mission and excute them well. It is the great mystery of our salvation that God permits and even ask for human cooperation in His divine plans.

Let us therefore, ask the good Lord to accord us the humility to cooperate with His divine plans in our lives. We continue to ask for a credible fidelity that propels us to examine our lives so as to level all mountains and exult all valleys of our lives and meet the saviour of the world in good standing.

As we do all this, may the good Lords bless His words in our hearts through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Reflection by

Rev. Fr. Peter Claver Eze, SMMM

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD

HOMILY FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR (C)

Theme: PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD.

R1: Baruch 5:1-9

R/P: Psalm 125:1-6

R2: Philippians 1:4-6,8-11

Gospel: Luke 3:1-6

The season of Advent revolves around four major themes: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Each of these themes cuts across the four weeks of this intense preparation of receiving God the Son whom the Father out of love for man has made Him to share in our humanity.

 This week which has “peace” at the centre begins with an invitation from the desert prophet John the Baptist who invites us to preparate while making reference to the prophecy of Isaiah. (cf. Matthew 3:3). As we are joyfully waiting for the coming of the Child Jesus and for His great return (the Parousia) – the two arms of Advent season, we are being admonished to make our paths straight and fill every pothole that must have been dug in our hearts. These potholes are malice, hatred, envy, lies, and every other corrupted practices. 

Keeping in mind that every new wine needs a new wine skin, if not the new wine will burst the old wine skin and the wine is spilled (cf. Mark 2:22), the season of Advent is a moment of spiritual renewal, to let the past go and embrace the future with a new spirit. That is why the first reading reechoed the wish of God upon us saying: “Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory of God.” (Baruch 5:1). 

Here Baruch reiterates the prophecy of Isaiah, calling for a change of heart and renewal (Isaiah 52:1).  As the Jews of old looked forward with hope to that day when the Messiah will come, we with all eagerness look back to that day with joy when God Divinized Humanity. What a great love has He? As Evangelist John says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.” (John 3:16). That same love of His sustains us in difficult moments, it gives us comfort in distress and peace of mind beyond human telling. Let us not forget our sinfulness and short comings since the beginning of this year.

 Let us ask ourselves, how much time we have given to God in sincerity?  How have we used our offices and status to cheat or misguide others? These and many other similar questions should be considered as we continue to wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord. Peace! Be with you.

Reflection by:

Fr. PiusRalph Effiong, SMMM