Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Blessed
Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, Priest (20th January, 2017) on the
Gospel
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 he/she 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.
You are free to share this reflection
with others if you consider it worthy.
For more homilies (reflections):
Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810
298 6313
To Contact
and/or to support this ministry:
Tel: +234 813 305 0302
+234 905
655 4466
May God bless you all+
Post a Comment
Post a Comment