Sunday, 31 January 2016

Go and tell your friends: Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (1st February, 2016).


Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (1st February, 2016) on the Gospel

 

2Sam 15:13-14.30; 16:5-13;
Ps 3:2-8 (R. v.8);
Mk 5:1-20.

Topic: Go and tell your friends.

On arriving at the other side of the sea, a man with an unclean spirit whom nobody could restrain met Jesus. The gospel reads,

“When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me” (Mk 5:6-7).

And at their plea Jesus allowed them to enter the swine numbering about two thousand that were feeding and they all rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and were all drowned.

When the news broke in the city, people came and saw Jesus and the demoniac clothed and in his right mind sitting there, they were afraid. They begged Jesus to leave their neighbourhood. Although the man who had been possessed by demons wanted to follow Jesus but He said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you” (Mk 5:19). The man went and did exactly what he was told and people were amazed.

Most often many understand an evangelizer as those who move from place to place, or one parish or station to another and so on probably putting on distinguishing dress (habit). And for some, an evangelizer is that man or woman who goes about with megaphone through the streets, houses, markets, among other places telling people to repent.

Surely these might be evangelizing but evangelizing does not necessarily involve these but primarily telling others about God and His goodness, cf. Jn 20:17. Hence Jesus asked the man to go and tell people what God has done for him.

As we thank God for a new day, a week, and a month, let us fulfil our obligation to evangelize by telling those around us in our families, schools, workplaces, and so on that the Lord is good. By doing this we will gather people with and for Christ, cf. Matt 12:30.

Bible Reading: Ps 21.

Thought for today: You are an evangelizer.

Let us pray: God, help us to make others know you better – Amen.

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Saturday, 30 January 2016

The prophet’s hometown: Homily (Reflection) for the Fourth Sunday of the Year (C) (31st January, 2016).


Homily (Reflection) for the Fourth Sunday of the Year (C) (31st January, 2016) on the Gospel

Jer 1:4-5,17-19;
Ps 70:1-6.15.17. (R. v. 15);
1Cor 12:31 – 13:13 or 1Cor 13:4-13;
Lk 4: 21-30.

One Head of Department (HOD) in his effort to ensure that students are scored without prejudice gave the projects of the final year students to a group of lecturers without names but carefully indentified each of them with codes. After the scoring, the lecturers gathered and worked out the final scores of the students.

Interestingly, a lecturer scored one project one hundred percent (100%). When asked why he said that the work was a perfect job. Because other lecturers also awarded high marks to the same project, the panel accepted the marks as he submitted them. That same project later emerged as the overall best.

The lecturers were eager to know the students especially the one whose project has been judged as the overall best. In their presence, the HOD brought out the names of the students with the codes on the projects. When the same lecturer who had scored and also defended the project that later emerged as the overall best one hundred percent realised the student, he openly moved to withdraw the mark. According to him although the student did a good job but he did not deserve such a position.

Topic: The prophet’s hometown.
Today’s gospel started with the last verse of last Sunday’s gospel (Lk 4:21). And it is the summary of Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue. The people who listened to Him were filled with mixed feelings and it reads, “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’” (Lk 4:22). Jesus told them the hard truth that no prophet had ever been welcomed in his hometown. The people became furious and wanted to hurl Him off the cliff but He went away.

Their refusal of Jesus sent Him away. The implication of this action is better seen in the gospel according to Matthew which reads, “And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief” (Matt 13:58).

Like the Jews who rejected their brother, Christians also reject their brothers and sisters for one reason or another. Some hang such on one useless tradition or another. Prophet Malachi questions, “Have we not all one father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?” (Mal 2:10). We ought to remember that before God “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28). It is disheartening that often the people rejected are better than those who reject them. Hence in his letter to the Romans Saint Paul also writes “What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all; for I have already charged that all men, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin” (Rom 3:9).

Dear child of God, no matter how okay one thinks he or she is there is still need for the other person including those sometimes regarded as useless. God who made us all wants us to complement each other not to reject each other, cf. Rom 15:1-6. Saint Paul admonishes us, “Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves” (Phil 2:3). God is the Father of us all and is not ashamed to be called our God, cf. Heb 11:16. We are not to condemn or approve something because of the person behind it like our dear lecturer. What is good is good irrespective of who did or said that. In the same vein, what is bad is bad. Again, the Jews who rejected Jesus Christ rejected the miracles He might have done among them. If we reject any we also reject all the benefits.

Bible Reading: Rom 13:8-10; 14:1-12; 15:1-6; Phil 2:1-18.

Thought for today: We are not better off.

Let us pray: God our Father, help us realise that we all are from you and for ourselves – Amen.

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Friday, 29 January 2016

Wake Him up: Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II) (B.V.M on Saturday, Opt Mem) (30th January, 2016).


Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II) (B.V.M on Saturday, Opt Mem) (30th January, 2016) on the Gospel

 

2Sam 12:1-7.10-17;
Ps 50:12-17 (R. v.12)
Mk 4:35-41.

Topic: Wake Him up.
In the psalm we read that God does neither sleep nor slumber, (cf. Ps 121:3, 4) unlike the watchmen of Israel whom the prophet describes as blind, and without knowledge; dumb dogs who cannot bark; dreamers who are lying down, and lovers of sleep, cf. Is 56:10. But in today’s gospel, while crossing to the other side in a boat with His disciples, “A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion ....” (Mk 4:37-38a). When they woke Him He calmed the wind and the sea and queried: “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mk 4:40). The controversy whether God sleeps or not will not be of any benefit to us in this homily.

At different points in one’s life it looks as if God is no longer aware of what is happening in the world or has suddenly become uninterested. Sometimes one might even be tempted to question whether He still exist and is still God.

Although things might have gone contrary to your expectations but do not turn to either right or left. What you really need is to wake Jesus up. When those in the boat with Jesus woke Him up they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” cf. Mk 4:41. So what are you waiting for? That trouble comes one’s way does not mean that God is far from him or her. Wake Him up. If you wake Him up through prayer you will certainly be filled with even greater awe.

Bible Reading: Ps 125; Eph 3:20-21.

Thought for today: It is still the same Jesus.

Let us pray: God, open our eyes to see your hand at work – Amen.

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Thursday, 28 January 2016

You are holding lots of keys: Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II) (29th January, 2016)


Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II) (29th January, 2016) on the Gospel

 

2Sam 11:1-10.13-17;
Ps 50:3-7.10-11 (R. cf. v.3);
Mk 4:26-34.

Topic: You are holding lots of keys.
Often we complain that things are not going the way they should. Many never thought of what they can do to get them go the right way. Even when one’s attention ever goes to that direction either on its own or through another person it is easily dropped thinking that such do not and might never count.

Today’s gospel has two parables. In the parable of the growing seed, Jesus compares the kingdom of God with the man who scattered the seed on the ground and without knowing how the seed would sprout and grow. The earth plays its part of making the seed produce grains the man will harvest. And in the second parable, He compares the kingdom of God with a mustard seed which is the smallest of all the seeds on earth but when sown it turns into the greatest of all shrubs. It ends up growing branches the birds can make nests in its shade.

It is unfortunate that many prefer to be defeatists contrary to the fact that we are made to be more than conquerors through him who loved us, cf. Rom 8:37. The seed would not have produced grains if the man did not scatter. In the same vein, the mustard seed would have remained the smallest of all the seeds on earth if not sown. The scattering of the seed and the sowing of the mustard seed were actually the keys that opened doors to greater things.

Dear child of God, as we are blessed with yet a new day, think of the seeds God has given to you. Do not neglect any. Put out your hand and sow/scatter them. That will certainly start a serious chain reaction. I therefore remind you and myself, we are holding lots of keys to unlock so many doors for the good of all.

Bible Reading: 1Cor 12:4-30.

Thought for today: God has given you enormous power for good.

Let us pray: Lord, help us bring the needed change in the world by doing our part – Amen.

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Wednesday, 27 January 2016

The lamp: Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, P.D. (28th January, 2016)


Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, P.D. (28th January, 2016) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 

2Sam 7:18-19.24-29;
Ps 131:1-5.11-14 (R. Lk 1:32);
Mk 4:21-25.

Tommaso d'Aquino (1225 – 7 March 1274) otherwise known as Saint Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Dominican friar and a Catholic priest who was an immensely influential philosopher, theologian and jurist in the tradition of scholasticism, within which he is also known as the "Doctor Angelicus" and "Doctor Communis". Unlike many currents in the Church of the time, Thomas embraced several ideas put forward by Aristotle—whom he called "the Philosopher"—and attempted to synthesize Aristotelian philosophy with the principles of Christianity. Saint Thomas best known works are the Summa Theologica and the Summa contra Gentiles. His commentaries on Sacred Scripture and on Aristotle also form an important part of his body of work. He is also distinguished for his eucharistic hymns, which form part of the Church's liturgy. Saint Thomas Aquinas is a Doctor of the Church[1].

 Topic: The lamp.
Jesus teaches us in today’s gospel that His teachings are not meant to be hidden. Using the allegory of a lamp, they are to be placed on the lamp-stand for others to see. He goes on to say that the standard one uses for others will be used for the person and even more. More will be given to the person who knows that he/she has because nobody is empty-handed, cf. 1Cor 12:7-11.

We celebrate Saint Thomas Aquinas today because he did not hide the lamp. He placed it on the stand for all to see. Saint Thomas touched and is still touching many aspects of human existence. Hence he is declared a Doctor of the Church. It is important to note that it was not rosy for him. He had his challenges especially from his noble family who even kidnapped him because they considered his way of life as a dirt on the image of the family.

God expects all of us in various ways we can to help others see the light of the gospel. He expects us to do to others exactly what and how we want others to do to us, cf. Matt 7:12; Lk 6:31. Our duty is to take the lamp, place it on the stand for others and using the right standard for others.

Bible Reading: 2Tim 4:1-8.

Thought for today: Use the measure you want to be measured for you for others.

Let us pray: God help us place the light of the gospel on the stand for others to see through Christ – Amen.

Saint Thomas Aquinas – Pray for us.

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Tuesday, 26 January 2016

Soil type predicts the harvest: Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II) (27th January, 2016)


Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II) (St. Angela Merici, V., Opt Mem) (27th January, 2016) on the Gospel

 
2Sam 7:4-17;
Ps 88:4-5.27-30 (R. v.29);
Mk 4:1-20.

Topic: Soil type predicts the harvest.
In today’s gospel, we see the parable of the sower, the purpose, and the meaning of the parables. While sowing the seed, some fell on the path, others on the rocky ground, some fell among the thorns, and others fell into good soil. Those that fell on the path were eaten up by the birds. And those on the rocky ground although they sprang up quickly but were scorched and withered before they could bear fruits, cf. Ps 129:6. The thorns grew up and choked the seed that fell among them. Finally, the seed that fell into the good soil “brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold”.

Jesus explains that the seed is the word of God. The seed that fell along the road refers to people Satan takes away the word of God immediately they hear it. Those on the rocky ground refers to those who receive the word with joy in whom it lasts just a while because they have no root. The word does not survive troubles and persecutions that arise on its account. And those who fell among the thorns refer to those in whom the word is choked by the cares of the world, the lure of wealth, and/or the desire for other things. Finally, those who fell into good soil refer to people the word bears fruits in.

Jesus tells us the purpose of choosing us, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you” (Jn 15:16). And in the letter of Saint James we also read, “rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls” (Jas 1:21).

If then anyone wants to bear fruits, he/she must prepare his/her soul for God’s word. If one fails to prepare for the word, it will certainly fall either on the path or on rocky ground or among the thorns. And we know that none of the seeds that fell on any of these places was able to bear fruit. Chose what you want and work towards that.

Bible Reading: Jas 1:19-27.

Thought for today: The word can only be fruitful in good soil.

Let us pray: Lord, we have been fallow for various reasons. We ask you to make us the best of soil for your word – Amen.

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Monday, 25 January 2016

Plenty harvest yet few workers: Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bps (26th January, 2016)


Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bps (26th January, 2016)
(Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II)) on the Gospel and the Memorial
 

2Tim 1:1-8 or Tit 1:1-5;
Ps 95:1-3.7-8.10 (R. v.3);
Lk 10:1-9 or Mk 3:31-35.

Timothy (c. AD 17 - c. AD 97) had a Greek father and a Jewish mother named Eunice as a result of which the Jews considered him illegitimate. His grandmother, Lois, was the first to be converted. Timothy was converted by Paul around the year 47 and he later joined him in his apostolic work. He proved himself one of Paul’s most faithful and trusted friends. Saint Paul sent him on difficult missions. Saint Timothy is the patron Saint of intestinal disorders, stomach diseases[1].

Titus (d. 96 or 107 AD) had the distinction of being a close friend and disciple of Paul as well as a fellow missionary. He was Greek, apparently from Antioch. Even though Titus was a Gentile, Paul would not let him be forced to undergo circumcision. Titus was seen as a peacemaker, administrator, and a great friend[2]. He is the patron saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps[3].

Topic: Plenty harvest yet few workers (cf. Lk 10:2).
Jesus sent seventy of his disciples in pairs on mission in today’s gospel (Lk 10:1-9). Before embarking on this mission, Jesus made them to understand among other things that the work is enormous and the need to pray to God for workers. Again, they were not going out as lords but lambs among wolves. These notwithstanding, they were to “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road” (Lk 10:4). They were to remain in one house eating and drinking whatever they were given. And they were to cure the sick and to announce the arrival of the kingdom of God.

There are a lot of things we can reflect on in today’s gospel. But we are to focus on the first thing Jesus made them to know: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few ....” Can this statement be true today considering the number of people already in the vineyard?

Judging by the number of churches we have today and the ministers each has, one can hastily conclude that this is no longer relevant. But it is important to note that there is great difference between people in the vineyard and labourers in the vineyard. Hence, Jesus warns

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? (Matt 7:21-22).

As we celebrate Saint Timothy and Saint Titus who collaborated with Saint Paul in the Lord’s vineyard we must pray more fervently for workers in the Lord’s vineyard. The number of people in the vineyard makes the work even more difficult because one needs to decipher first who are there to work and who are there for other purposes, cf. 1Tim 6:5.

We must tighten our belts and lace our shoes because the work is more tedious today and it is for all of us. There will be great reward for all who work in the Lord’s vineyard, cf. Matt 19:28-29. And at the same time, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth for those who neglect their work, cf. Lk 13:26-28. Let us work today for the great reward tomorrow.

Bible Reading: Matt 7:21-23; Lk 13:22-30.

Thought for today: You have your part in God’s vineyard.

Let us pray: Lord, help us to be good labourers in your vineyard – Amen.

Saints Timothy and Titus – Pray for us.

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Sunday, 24 January 2016

Your destiny is in your hands: Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul (25th January, 2016)


Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul (25th January, 2016) on the Gospel and the Feast)

 

Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22;
Ps 116:1-2 (R. Mk 16:15);
Mk 16:15-18.

Topic: Your destiny is in your hands.
In today’s gospel Jesus commissioned His disciples with these words: “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk 16:15-16). The gospel also tells us the signs that will accompany the believers.

We celebrate today the conversion of the apostle to the Gentiles, Saint Paul, cf. Rom 11:13; Eph 3:8; Gal 2:9. Before his conversion, Saint Paul persecuted the faith he later professed more than any other apostle, cf. Acts 11:23; 22:4; 1Cor 15:9; Gal 1:13. His dramatic conversion took place on his way to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to bring any follower of Christ he might see to Jerusalem for punishment, cf. Acts 9:1-2, 13-14; 22:4-5.

On his conversion he immediately inquired of what is expected of him in these words: “What shall I do, Lord?” (Acts 22:10). And in like manner, we ought to have asked and to be made known what to do when we were born-again, cf. Jn 3:5; Lk 3:10-14.

Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, cf. 2Tim 1:10. Many still refuse to come to Jesus to have life, cf. Jn 5:40. And there lies the condemnation. Hence Saint Paul writes in his second letter to the Thessalonians: “so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2Thess 2:12).

Dear friends, remember that you belong to “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1Pt 2:9). It is in your hands to be a saint or a sinner. You too can make it. Let us move.

Bible Reading: Lk 3:1-20.

Thought for today: Refusing to repent is a refusal to life.

Let us pray: Lord, help us to follow the example of Saint Paul in abandoning our old ways and live entirely for you – Amen.

Saint Paul – Pray for us.

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