Feast of Holy Innocents (28th December) (Octave of Christmas)

 

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Holy Innocents (28^th December)

(Octave of Christmas) on the Gospel and the Feast

1Jn 1:5–2:2;

Ps 123:2-5.7-8. (R. v. 7);

Matt 2:13-18.

The Feast of Holy Innocents commemorates the children Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed King of the Jews killed. He directed the Magi from the east who were searching for Jesus to Bethlehem, and requested them to let him know the newborn king when they found him. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod. Saint Joseph also took the child and his mother to Egypt as directed by an angel. And when Herod realized that he had been tricked by the Magi, he was furious, and gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old or under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. The number of the infants is not certain and some historians even doubt its authenticity. The Holy Innocents, although Jewish, have been claimed as martyrs for Christianity[1].

Topic: Herod’s anger.

In the gospel according to Saint Matthew, King Herod was frightened when he heard that a king was born, cf. Matt2:3. He saw him as a rival. As a result, he ordered for the massacre of every male child in and around Bethlehem who were 2 years old or under as we read in today’s gospel.

These Holy Innocents committed no offence. And in fact, no offence was committed. Yet they were killed in such gruesome manner without any atom of mercy.

May be you have suffered Herod’s anger in one way or another. And surely it was too painful because of the fact that you are innocent. Or even you may still be suffering or nursing such pains.

On the other hand, has anybody suffered Herod’s anger in your own hands? And what have you done about it or hope to achieve through that?

If you have suffered unjustly or still suffering like the Holy Innocents, look unto God. And if others have suffered or are still suffering in your hands, make amends today. It is very important. Remember, God is coming to reward all according to what each has done, cf. Rev 22:12.

Bible Reading: Eph 4:25 – 5:2.

Thought for today: Has anyone suffered unjustly in your hands?

Let us pray: May God help us bring healing to all those who suffer – Amen.

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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_the_Innocents

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (B)

 Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (B) (27^th December, 2020) on the Gospel and the Feast

Sir 3:2-6.12-14 or Gen 15:1-6.21:1-3;

Ps 127: 1-5. (R. cf. v. 1) or Ps 104:1-6.8-9. (R.vv. 7.8);

Col 3:12-21 or Heb 11:8.11-12.17-19;

Lk 2:22-40 or Lk 2:22.39-40.

Holy Family consists of Jesus, Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph. Veneration of the Holy Family formally began in the 17th century by Saint François de Laval, the first bishop of New France, who founded a Confraternity. The Feast of the Holy Family is a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church in honour of the trio. Since the 1969 revision of the General Roman Calendar, the feast is celebrated on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year's Day (both exclusive), or on December 30 when both Christmas Day and New Year's Day  are Sundays[1].

Topic: Model Christian family.

The feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph was developed in the 17th century and established for the universal church in 1921 to promote family life and devotion to the Holy Family. There is an Igbo adage: “ụzụ na-amaghị akpụ ogene, ya lee egbe anya n’ọdụdụ” literally meaning that a blacksmith who does not know how to make a metal gong should look at the tail of a kite. The Holy Family of Nazareth stands as a model for all families.

As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family, the gospel reading recounts how Jesus Christ was presented in the temple. It was in accordance with the law of the Lord (cf. Lk 2:22-24) as it is written in the book of Numbers: “... all the first-born are mine; on the day that I slew all the first-born in the land of Egypt, I consecrated for my own all the first-born in Israel, both of man and of beast; they shall be mine: I am the LORD” (Num 3:13).

The holy family offered Jesus all he needed as a man to grow properly – love, mutual understanding, care, respect, fidelity to God and to each other, among others. It is important to consider how many families today still provide enabling environment for their children’s growth. Sometimes, children see themselves in families where hatred, gross misunderstanding, callousness, disrespect, infidelity both to God, to themselves, and to their fellow human beings, among other vices are the order of the day.

By accepting to take flesh and become man, God sanctified and blessed family life. He also changed the human view of family. It was hitherto looked at as something mundane, earthly, even for some something sinful. However, both lay men and women can serve God even to the heroic degrees. The gospel reads further: “When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and become strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him” (Lk 2:39-40). Mary and Joseph returned with Jesus to their home where Jesus grew up. Do parents still take their children home or leave their children at the mercy of the maids?

About all Israelites we read, “You shall be holy to me; for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine” (Lev 20:26). Every Christian is dedicated to God. Hence, the first letter of Saint Peter reads: “But you are 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). Saint Paul in his letter to the Ephesians also wrote: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10).

As we celebrate the feast of the holy family therefore, it calls for sober reflection on our families. The family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph is holy because each and every one of them lived according to the will of God. Any Christian family that is not holy is a contradiction.

Bible Readings: Deut 10:12-22; Eph 2:1-10; 6:1-9; 1Pt 2:1-17.

Thought for today: How well do you live as one dedicated to God?

Let us pray: Lord, you established the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a model for every Christian family, help us to do our own parts in making our families holy – Amen.

May the peace and the love of the newborn King be with you now and forever + Amen.

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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Family

Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr (26th December)

 

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr (26^th December)

(Octave of Christmas) on the Gospel and the Feast

Acts 6:8-10. 7:54-59;

Ps 30:3-4.6.8.16-17. (R. v. 6);

Matt 10:17-22.

The primary source of information about Saint Stephen is the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen or Stephan, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, is the first Christian martyr.  He was a deacon, cf. Acts 7:54-59. Stephen is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as one of the Greek-speaking Hellenistic Jews selected to participate in a fairer distribution of welfare to the Greek-speaking widows, cf. Acts 6:5. He was accused of blasphemy and his martyrdom was witnessed by Saul of Tarsus (Saint Paul), a Pharisee who would later himself become a follower of Jesus, cf. Acts 8:1.[1]

Topic: Beware.

Just yesterday we popped champagnes among other things that the long-awaited saviour was born. And today, we celebrate the first person who died for Him. He warns us in today’s gospel: “Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles” (Matt 10:17-18).

This warning tells us among other things that to be a Christian is not all rosy. A call to be a Christian is a call to be a martyr no matter the circumstance one finds him/herself. At the face of every persecution that might come one’s way, one must bear witness to the new born king, cf. Lk 21:13. Again, for anybody to be saved, he or she must endure to the end, cf. Matt 10:22. Saint Stephen is a very good example.

So my dearest in the Lord, as we celebrate our saviour’s birthday we must also contemplate what it means to be Christ’s follower. Finally, anyone who wants to live an authentic Christian life must be ready for persecution even from those one least expects, cf. Matt 10:21; Mk 13:12.

Bible Reading: 1Pt 4:12-19.

Thought for today: Tighten your belt and lace your shoes for the race.

Let us pray: May the newborn King help us live out our call as Christians in every circumstance – Amen.

Saint Stephen – Pray for us.

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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen

Nativity of the Lord (Mass during the Day) (A, B, C)

 Homily (Reflection) for the Nativity of the Lord (Mass during the Day) (A, B, C) on the Gospel

Is 52:7-10;

Ps 97:1-6. (R.v. 3);

Heb 1:1-6;

Jn 1:1-18 or Jn 1:1-5.9-14.

Take a moment to reflect on how you will feel if on your birthday, one or some of your guests vow to make things go wrong. What they do and/or say testify that they are out just to ruin your day.

Topic: Your gift to the newborn Christ.

Birthday is one of the most common anniversaries we have. It is normally a great day for the celebrant, and probably family members and friends who normally invite people to celebrate with them. As the invitees make out time to honour the invitation they also consider the gift to offer to the celebrant. The celebrant normally receives varied gifts.

We celebrate today the Birthday of birthdays. We are celebrating today that the Word was made flesh for our salvation. Despite the fact that the hair has been made, different styles of clothing sewn, shoes bought, houses built, cars bought, and so on and on just for this period, we are also to prepare birthday gifts for Him who was born for us. All these things mentioned and many more are for ourselves not for Him. Gifts say so much about both the giver and how he or she values the receiver.

Today’s gospel pericope reads in part: “All things came into being through him, without him not one thing came into being…. From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (Jn. 1:3, 16). All we have are gifts from God, cf. 1Cor 4:7. So not even offering everything to him will make us think that we have done much. Hence, Jesus taught us: “… when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” (Lk 17:10). We are nothing before God, cf. Rom 4:2. According to St Ambrose, “Every soul who has believed both conceives and generates the Word of God and recognizes his works” just as Mary believed and conceived. We celebrate life which is light for all peoples, cf. Lk 2:32. And as we celebrate Christ’s birthday, he expects us to offer our lives which ought to be light for others, cf. Matt 5:14.

Just as John the Baptist came as a witness to Christ's first coming which we celebrate today, cf. Matt. 3:11; Mk 1:7; Lk 3:15-16; Jn 1:6-9, we ought to be witnesses that He has come, that He is with us, and that He will come again. We are called to witness to Christ until He comes again, cf. Mk 8:38; Lk 9:26. In this alone we shall find peace and joy. Nothing outside God can offer us anything good. Hence, we shall rejoice and boast only in the Lord, cf. Phil 4:4; Ps 34:2. Let us celebrate this Christmas as Christ’s witnesses. Through prophet Jeremiah God said: “but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says the LORD” (Jer 9:24). And the book of Ecclesiastes reads,

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment (Eccl 11:9).

The actual end of the Advent season is yet to come. Christmas is not the end. How one plan to celebrate Christmas says it all how much one understands the mystery we are celebrating, the Nativity of the Lord. Most often we see it just from the social point of view. One can either be a source of pride or of shame to Christ on this birthday. We can ask ourselves whether we present basket of flowers or of shame to Christ. What one does during this Christmas period and not just what one say says it all. We are all invited to Christ’s birthday. Every host regrets inviting one or those who will mar the event. Will Christ regret offering you this rare invitation? Prepare your own gift now if you have not. You still can prepare a better one if the one you prepared is not good enough for the newborn King.

Do not forget the poor out there as you look for Christ to present your gift/s. That man or woman or child out there in need of your help is the Christ we are celebrating his birthday. Do not look for another one, cf. Matt 25: 40, 45.

Bible Readings: Acts 17:28; Rev. 21:1-8; Matt 10: 32-33; Lk 17:7-10.

Thought for today: What do you have for Christ?

Let us pray: Newborn King, give us the grace to be good birthday gifts to you – Amen.

The Word became flesh – and lived among us! (Jn 1:14).

May the peace and the love of the newborn King be with you now and forever + Amen.

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Nativity of the Lord (Midnight Mass) A, B, C

 Homily for the Nativity of the Lord (Midnight Mass) A, B, C on the Gospel

Is 9:2-7;

Ps 96:1-3.11-13 (R. Lk 2:11)

Tit 2:11-14;

Lk 2:1-14.

Topic: “Glory to God in the highest heaven ….” (Lk 2:14).

The season of Advent has come to an end and with the Evening Prayer I of the Nativity of the Lord we entered the season of Christmas. We have every reason to thank God. These reasons include the gift of our Lord, Jesus Christ and that we are alive to celebrate this year’s memorial of his birth as a man. We also thank God because Christ has removed the fault of our first parents that shut the gates of heaven, cf. Gen 3. Through his birth, we have been made a kingdom of priests to God his Father and a holy nation, cf. Ex 19:6; 1Pt 2:9. To him be glory and dominion forever and ever, Amen (Rev 1:6, cf. Rev 5:10). For these among other innumerable reasons we sing with the multitude of the angles of God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!”

God who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see has been made man (mortal and visible), cf. 1Tim 6:16. The gospel according to Saint John reads: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father” (Jn 1:14). What no human mind could conceive has been made possible. To him be glory both now and forever, cf. Rom 11:36.

We also sing with the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders for the new born King:

You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth (Rev. 5:9-10).

As Christians, we have been buried with Him by baptism into death, so that we too may walk in the newness of life (Rom 6:4). Hence Saint Paul tells us that our bodies are members of Christ and should therefore not be defiled, cf. 1Cor 6:15.

During the transfiguration of Jesus, we see the responsibility attached to this unmerited gift of God. The voice of the Father was heard from the cloud: "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." (Mk 9:7, Matt 17:5, Lk 9:35). Saint Peter also cited Deut 18:15 in Acts of the Apostles: “The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you” (Acts 3:22). There is a warning attached to this call: “I shall put my words into his mouth and he will tell them everything I command him. Anyone who refuses to listen to my words, spoken by him in my name, will have to render an account to me” (Deut 18:19). In line with this prophesy, Jesus tells us: “He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day” (Jn 12:48). And in the gospel according to Luke we read: Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it (Lk 11:28). We can ask ourselves how far we are ready to do what Christ tells us.

Christmas season goes with euphoria that often takes our minds away from the other forms of the coming of Jesus Christ that we are also called to prepare for especially during the Advent season. So, as we celebrate the season of Christmas, the season of Advent is still on because we still prepare to receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist and secondly for when he will come again which will be either at our individual deaths or at the end of the world. May we therefore always imitate the crowd who readily welcomed Jesus because they waited for Him, cf. Lk 8:40, Jn 4:45. The new born King is telling us to wake from sleep and rise from the death of sin that He may give us light, (cf. Eph 5:14) because it is only those who fear God can praise him, cf. Ps 22:23. Saint Paul asks us to present our bodies as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship, cf. Rom 12:1.

Bible Reading: Gen 3; Rev 1:4-8; Eph 5:3-20.

Silent Prayer: How ready are you to glorify God for the gift of His Son?

Let us pray:

Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the birth of Christ your Son, may we always be found ready for His second coming – Amen!

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Weekday of Advent: 24th December

 Homily (Reflection) for Weekday of Advent: 24^th December on the Gospel

(Mass in the Morning)

 

2Sam 7:1-5.8-11.16;

Ps 88:2-5. 27.29. (R. cf. v. 2)

Lk 1:67-79.

Topic: Promise fulfilled.

Prophet Isaiah prophesied about the child to be born tonight: “... to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’” (Is 9:6). God has looked favourably on us and redeemed us by giving us a mighty saviour, cf. Lk 1:68-69a.

As we welcome our Saviour Jesus Christ, it is important to open our lives to Him. He is coming into this world to save me and you. How we welcome Him is very important. Although God made us and we belong to Him (cf. Ps 100:3), and also has power to do whatever He wants (cf. 2Chr 25:8; Matt 19:26), yet He does not force Himself into anybody. Hence, He stands at the door knocking, cf.  Rev 3:20.

Just as Zechariah blessed God in this prophesy, I pray that you will always have course to praise God all the days of your life. But remember to always wait on God and it shall come to pass that all who call upon the name of the LORD shall be delivered, cf. Joel 2:32. He will come at the appointed time. Nothing is too hard for the LORD, cf. Gen 18:14.

Bible Reading: Is 9:1-7.

Thought for today: It shall come to pass.

Let us pray: Lord, give us strong faith to always wait on you till you fulfil all your promises – Amen.

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Weekdays of Advent: 23rd December

 Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 23^rd December on the Gospel

 

Mal 3:1-4.23-24;

Ps 24:4-5.8-9.10.14. (R. Lk 21:28);

Lk 1:57-66.

Topic: Insist on God.

In today’s gospel, Elizabeth bore a son whom their neighbour with every good intention wanted to name Zechariah after his father but his mother insisted on John, a name given by God before he was conceived, cf. Jn 1:13. Her neighbours wondered why the choice of the name because none of their relatives go by that name. As a result, they resorted to Zechariah who was then unable to speak because of his doubt, cf. Lk 1:18-20. He requested for writing material and wrote “His name is John”. And immediately, his mouth opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak and to praise God.

Often we go against God just because of our quest for peoples’ support. We should remember that “With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes” (Ps 60:12; cf. Ps 108:13). We need God’s favour and not man’s, cf. Lk 1:30. And most importantly, deciding to go for the world is a decision to go against God who so much loves us and has also done everything good for us, cf. Jas 4:4; Jn 3:16; 1Jn 4:9.

Dear friends, insist on God always as Elizabeth and Zechariah did in today’s gospel. He has the best for all of us and loves us so much more than anybody. His steadfast love endures forever, cf. Ps 118:1. Hence, He assures us: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you” (Is 49:15).

Bible Reading: Jas 4:1-10.

Thought for today: Choose today whom to follow, cf. Josh 24:15.

Let us pray: May God help us to insist on Him alone all the days of our lives – Amen.

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Weekdays of Advent: 22nd December

 Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 22^nd December on the Gospel

 

1Sam 1:24-28;

1Sam 2:1.4-8. (R. v. 8);

Lk 1:46-56.

Topic: Mary’s Song of Praise (Magnificat).

God’s choice of Mary as the mother of Jesus is not a right but a privilege. And in today’s gospel, we see Mary glorifying God for this and for all other things He has done for her and for Israel in remembrance of His mercy. This is in accordance with the promise God made to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.

We are just few days away from the end of the year. Although it might be difficult for some to acknowledge that God did anything good this year but He has done all things well for everybody, cf. Mk 7:37. Yes, including you. Again, many people we know and those we do not even know have also done a lot for us.

So, this is not the time to calculate the things that did not go as one wanted them. Do not calculate only the bad things others did to us both those that are real and those we imagine. Remember the things that were better than you expected. God expects all of us to appreciate all He has been doing in our lives, cf. Ps 107:8, 15, 21, 31. It is now that we can thank God, cf. Is 38:17-18. Again, thank also all those who have been useful to you this year and all the days of your life.

Bible Reading: Lk 17:11-19.

Thought for today: How often do you remember to say thank you (to God and to others)?

Let us pray: Lord, help us to appreciate all you do for us and for our brothers and sisters – Amen.

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