Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Blessed
Cyprian M.I. Tansi, Priest (20th January, 2016) on the Gospel and
the Feast)
Phil 2:1-11;
Is 12:2-6 (R. v.1);Matt 13:31.44-46.
Blessed
Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi was born in Aguleri, Anambra State, Nigeria
in September 1903. Ordained a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of
Onitsha, Nigeria on 19 December 1937. He worked in Nnewi, Dunukofia, Akpu, and
Aguleri. Blessed Cyprian was later a Cistercian Monk at Mount Saint Bernard
Monastery in England. He died in Leicester, England, 24 January 1964 and was
beatified by Pope John Paul II on 22 March 1998. Pope Saint John Paul II said,
“Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi is a prime example of the fruits of holiness
which have grown and matured in the Church in Nigeria since the Gospel was
first preached in this land. He received the gift of faith through the efforts
of the missionaries, and taking the Christian way of life as his own he made it
truly African and Nigerian”.[1]
Topic: After one’s heart desire.
Today’s gospel contains three short parables about the
kingdom of heaven. The first compares it with a mustard seed one sowed in his
field. In the second one, it is likened to a treasure hidden in the field for
which someone sold everything. And in the third, it is compared with a pearl of
great value found by a merchant who sold all he had just for that.
The person who sowed mustard seed in his field desired
something. Also those who sold all they had just to possess the treasure hidden
in the field and a pearl of great value were after what their hearts desired. They
were after something higher. Hence none counted his or her looses.
What one desires points to the direction one is going; “where
your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt 6:21; Lk 12:34). Blessed Cyprian we celebrate today is a
good example. He turned his back on everything for the kingdom of God.
We need to check from time to time to ensure that our desires
are in line with what we look for. This is because it is a very bad omen for
one to desire what contradicts who or what the person wants. There is need to
set priorities right always to avoid ending up where one never wants.
Bible Reading: Matt 6:19-23.
Thought for today: Go for the things that help you reach where you
are going.
Let us pray: May the good Lord give us the grace
to forfeit all for the kingdom of God – Amen.
Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi – Pray for us.
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