Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Thursday Easter Week 6 - May 13, 2021 - Ascension

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Acts 1:1-11

Ephesians 1:17-23

Matthew 28:16-20

I AM GOING TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU.

It is already 40 days since the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. According to St Luke the writer of the gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus continued to appear to his Apostles and others and remained on earth for 40 days after his resurrection before he ascended into heaven. Before his ascension to heaven, he had series of discussions with his Apostles. Just like a father who is about to travel calls his children together and advise them to behave well while he is away, Jesus in the gospel reading of today before ascending to his father, commanded his Apostles and all of us to embark on a mission of making him known to others by taking the gospel to them. Jesus also knew that it would not be easy for the Apostles, this is why he told them to remain in Jerusalem until they have received the Holy Spirit who he will send from the father before starting the mission.

It is therefore a thing of joy and hope for all of us today, to know that Jesus who took our  human flesh and lived among us has glorified our human nature in heaven. He has assured us that he has gone to prepare a place for us. We have to follow his steps if we want to also one day ascend to the father with our glorified bodies. He is the way to the father, thus he can lead us there.

We therefore have to like the Apostles, prepare ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit. Ten days from now we shall be celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, and we we also receive the Holy Spirit too in a special way if we prepare adequately for his coming. We shall now begin the novena to the Holy Spirit and end on the vigil of the Pentecost. We all need the Spirit of God to scale through the hurdles of this life. This is the prayer of St Paul in the second reading of today. Life is futile without the Spirit of God in us. God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast. The trumpet will sound again when he comes to take us back to the father. How are you preparing for that day?

Fr Michael Osatofoh

Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Thursday Easter Week 6 - May 13, 2021- Ascension

DATE : 13/5/2021

 EVENT : The Ascension of the Lord (Solemnity), Holy day of Obligation

 COLOUR: White

 READINGS : Acts 1:1-11;  

  Resp. Psalm 46:2-3,6-9; Ephesians 4:1-13; Mark 16:15-20.

 THEME:  WILL YOU ASCEND ALSO?

         Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this thirteenth day of May, which is the solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord into heaven, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Will You Ascend Also?" Beloved in Christ, even without been told or mincing words, I can confidently say that the final dream of all men and women is to ascend to heaven on the last day, when rapture will take place. Scripture tells us that on the day of rapture, two women will be grinding at the meal, one will ascend to heaven and the other left. Two men will be at the mines, one taken and the other left. Two friends will be interacting, one will be taken up, and one will be left. A congregation will be praying in the Church, some will be ascending and others will be watching in bewilderment. The question that is begging for answers is these: who will be the raptured one? Who and who will join in ascending to heaven? When will rapture take place?

    Dearest, it is already forty days, since Jesus defeated death, conquered sin and rose from the grave. According to the account of the Bible, after His resurrection, Jesus stayed with his disciples and followers for many days. Now, during this period, he frequently appeared to his followers, strengthening their faith in everything he had thought them. He also gave them further teachings and instructions about how to execute his salvivic mission, from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. When he has certified that his followers have been adequately fortified and prepared, and seeing that his mission on earth has come to a close, he gathered his disciples at Bethany, and from there he was taken up into the heavens until he vanished from their sights. Thus, sequel to these antecedents, the Church celebrates today, the glorious ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ into heaven from whence he descended. So, every year, the Church celebrates the Ascension of the Lord, forty days from Easter Sunday, which is usually a Thursday.

       In the various readings of today, we get a hint of evidences, affirming the doctrine of Ascension. However, the Doctrine of Ascension was narrated by only two Gospels, Mark 16:19-20; and Luke 24:50-53, and Acts 1:1-11, from which we took the first reading of today. Furthermore, the Psalmist exclaimed, 'God goes up with shout of joy, the lord ascends with trumpet blast'. Indeed, the Ascension of Jesus is a great joy for us, for where our master has gone, we too shall follow in the same light. But to follow Him, we need to purify our tunics and sanctify our hearts from all dirts of sin and wickedness. Interestingly, the second and the Gospel readings of today, tell of the wonderful gifts, blessings and graces which the Holy Spirit from Jesus, would bestow on those who will wash their robes in the blood of the lamb. The readings continue and said, while they will act as prophets, teachers, pastors, Apostles, and evangelists; they will heal the sick, preach fearlessly, love truly, give generously, prayer unceasingly, raise the dead, pick up snakes and remain alive when they eat deadly poison.

 

   Child of God, it is often said that, 'repetition strengthens the memory, and continuous instructions, build the mind and conscience'. Thus, as we annually celebrate these sacred rites as religious persons, I which to warn you that, the tendency for many of us is merely to follow the rituals and fulfil all righteousness according to the laws of the Church regarding holy days of obligation. We often do not ponder on the mysteries we celebrate. Most of us do not give a serious consideration and thought to the various salvivic events that we celebrate yearly. Listen to me, there are many people, who celebrated last year's Ascension Thursday, but are not around to celebrate this one. Now, you have the opportunity to witness this year's Ascension, next year's is not assured to anybody. So, why not live your life as one, hoping to Ascend to Heaven when rapture would take place. Why not consider being a little bit more prayerful, moral and spiritual. Finally, having ascended to heaven, Christ is waiting anxiously to welcome and receive us into his home. I hope you will ascend also? 

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, help me to be conscious of my actions. And grant me the grace to be among your elect that shall Ascend with rapture.....

The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ....Amen

 HAPPY ASCENSION THURSDAY BELOVED FRIENDS

  @ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Tuesday Easter Week 6 - May 11, 2021

DATE : 11/5/2021

 EVENT : Tuesday of the sixth Week of Easter

 COLOUR: White

 READINGS : Acts 16:22-34;  

  Resp. Psalm 137:1-3,7-8; John 16:5-11.  

 THEME:  DEEP SORROW PRODUCES POWERFUL SONGS

         Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this eleventh day of May, which is the second day of the sixth week of Easter, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Deep Sorrow Produces Powerful Songs". Beloved, while growing up as a child, I often heard my Mum singing very sorrowful songs with very deep and touching meanings. Sometimes, she would wrap me in her arms while singing with tears in her eyes. And I could tell that those songs put into words the contents of her heart, which no one seems to understand. Hmmm. I also know that most of the Psalms contained in the Bible and many of the other deeply theological hymns and songs of the Church, were composed at a time when their authors were either, bereaved, depressed, sorrowing or emotionally disturbed. According to an ancient saying, "song is the language of the soul".  A good song is uplifting, consoling, and edifying. Sincere Songs put into words, the contents of our heart, it confirms the words of Scripture in Romans 8:26: 'Likewise, the spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words..." Let's turn to the song of Paul and Silas in today's reading. 👇🏽

      In today's first reading, we are told that on account of their missionary work in Philippi, Paul and Silas were arrested, insulted, persecuted, stripped naked, flogged, starved and finally thrown into the dark dungeon of the Philippian prisons; and guards were put in place to keep an eye on them. Now, instead of allowing their despicable and degrading situations to have the better of them, they chose the road less travelled, and started singing praises to God amidst tears, since words have eluded  them. It was while they were singing, that the heavens were provoked and the power of God, caused the earth to quake and the prison bars to be broken. But as obedient citizens, who knew better, they remained inside the open prisons, rather than to be charged of jail break, thereby giving their opponents the opportunity to accuse and sentence them justly (Cf. Titus 2:1-8). There is a great lesson for us to learn from this attitude of Paul and Silas today. Music has wondrous powers. It it the only thing that remains when prayers give out. Music has a way of reaching and piercing the heavens. A sincere song of sorrow and pain, comes directly to the altars of grace on high. A sincere song, borne from a deeply sorrowing heart, attracts the spirit of God, and communicates with the divine spirit, in ways unimaginable. A sincere song of sorrow brings down answers to prayers  speedily.

       Child of God, do not be too ashamed to cry to God with songs. When you are in deep trouble, when the world seems not to be making sense to you anymore. When your husband is frustrating you, when your wife is a nag, when your children are causing you great pain. When your lover abandons or breaks your heart, when you failed that interview again, when the test result shows that the sickness is still there, when as an expectation mother, you see your period again after a month of prayers and anticipation. When your financial status keeps dropping, when your business keeps crashing and your health keep deteriorating. When you do not seem to be finding joy or fulfilment in your life or with your religious vocation as a Rev. Sr. Rev. Bro. or priest. Do not give up, do not resign to date, do not become irritable, do not become forlorn, do not run from one house of prayer to another, and do allow yourself to fall into depression. Just take it to God in tears and let songs of thankfulness and praise of God never depart from your lips.

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus,

The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ....Amen

 @ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Tuesday Easter Week 6 - May 11, 2021

TUESDAY 11TH MAY 2021

SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 16:22-34

John 16:5-11

I recently heard one of the new generation preachers on television, emphasising that real children of God can never suffer. In essence, one cannot serve God and suffer or be poor. After 5 minutes I could not make sense of what he was trying to communicate to his audience. I finally got pissed off when he said that he cannot suffer as a servant of God. Many of us Christians also have this mentality. This is very contrary to the teachings of Jesus that all who serve him should be ready to suffer for his sake.

This is very evident in the first reading of today. We hear how Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned by the people in the course of their preaching. Despite this, they still trusted in God even while in prison. How many people still trust and believe in God in times of trials and tribulations? Some even forget to pray.

The Holy Spirit who we are expecting from the Father will lead our hearts and minds to navigate moments of tribulations. Difficulties are part of our Christian calling. What we need is to trust God and be focused on him.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Saturday Easter Week 5 - May 8, 2021

 SATURDAY 8TH MAY 2021

FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 16:1-10

John 15:18-21

GOD IS WITH US ON THE JOURNEY

Every human person in one way or the other experiences some form of persecution. It is even worse when you are doing what is right. When you seem to be the one standing on the way of those whose ways are questionable, be ready to be persecuted. This is why Jesus tells us in the gospel reading of today, that if you have not started experiencing tough times especially with the godless, it means that you have not started living a life worthy of your calling as a Christian. Jesus was hated and persecuted not for doing evil, but for doing good. He was practically hated for doing nothing. He therefore assures us not to get discouraged when the world hates us. This is because the world hated him who is our master also. If Jesus our master could be humiliated, who are we his servants to resist persecution?

This is very clear in the minds of Paul and Barnabas as they continued to undergo persecution in their missionary works. What Jesus needs from us is to endure our persecution with trust in him, because we are not alone on the journey. Jesus is journeying with us.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

 

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Saturday Easter Week 4 - May 8, 2021

DATE : 8/5/2021

 EVENT : Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter

 COLOUR: White

 READINGS : Acts 16:1-10;  

  Resp. Psalm 99:1-3,5; John 15:18-21.

 THEME:  TO EVERY RULE, THERE IS AN EXCEPTION

         Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this eight day of May, which is the sixth day of the fifth week of Easter, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " To Every Rule, There Is An Exception". Beloved in Christ, as human beings, we are besieged by rules on every side. As Christians, we have ecclesiastical laws guiding our conducts; as civil citizens, we have the state's laws, which prescribe the limits to our freedom, actions and inactions; as members of a village community, we have our native customs which direct our lives. As students, we have school rules and regulations to keep. As married persons, we are bound by the rules of marriage and the vows we take. As civil servants, workers and traders, we have a given ethics of conduct, guiding our dealings and transactions. There is hardly any part of our life that is not governed by rules. There is hardly any stage in life in which we are not bound by a rule or code of conduct. However, the most interesting thing is that, some of us are often times among the harbingers of these rules, or we are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that they are strictly followed. Now, the questions we must always place behind our back are these: what is the purpose of having rules? Are the rules above man or is man above the rules? Is the law made for man or is man made for the law? If I am found guilty, would I want the full blunt of the law to fall on me, or would I appreciate a little understanding and consideration? Lastly, must the law be always and every where upheld, or are there exceptional cases?

          In the first reading of today, Acts 16:1-10, we are told of how St. Paul met young Timothy, and circumcised him, before allowing him to be his missionary companion. Recall that throughout this week, the issue of circumcision has preoccupied the readings at Mass, and St. Paul, has been a strong voice against imposing it as a general rule on every convert. Until the matter was settled by the apostles, at the Jerusalem's council presided by James. Today, we see this same Paul, being the one to impose circumcision on Timothy, before taking him along. However, we must understand that to every rule, there is an exception, and that wisdom, which is profitable to direct, is needed to know when to bend the rule and when to be firm on it. St. Paul knew that Timothy had dual identity; his mother being a Jewess and his father a Greek. So, it would compromise the Gospel, if Timothy was seen to be a half-breed, especially among the Jewish community. So, Paul knew better that to completely remove all form obstacles on the way of the Gospel and for pastoral reasons, it was best for Timothy to be circumcised. Though, the circumcision was not for conversion or salvation, but mere ritual to fulfill all righteousness and requirement. Paul had to go against the Apostolic mandate and do this for the good of Timothy.

      Child of God, see ehh, every rule has an exception. And it is wisdom to know when to enforce the rule and when to relax a little, and let certain things pass by. It is true that rules are meant to correct and direct, and not necessarily to punish, deter or restrict us. In fact any rule that is geared towards punishment is ipso facto  malevolent. Furthermore, every rule is supposed to be guide, leading to a better life. So, in applying a given rule, we should look at the bigger picture, and rather than focusing on the guilt or shortcomings of the individual, we should seek their good and overall well-being. Oftentimes, when we apply a rule without considering the good of the person involved, we may end of destroying the small goodness that is left in the individual instead of helping them to be better. The venerable Fulton J. Sheen would often say: there is no difference between you (a sinner) and me. The only difference is that you have been caught, and I am yet to be caught.  Please beloved, be lenient in applying the rule to others, so that you too may survive when God will mark your guilt...

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, give me the grace to know and seek the good of each individual whenever I have the opportunity to do so.....

The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ....Amen

 HAPPY WEEKEND BELOVED FRIENDS

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Friday Easter Week 4 - May 7, 2021

DATE : 7/5/2021

 EVENT : Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

 COLOUR: White

 READINGS : Acts 15: 22-31;  

  Resp. Psalm 56:8-12; John 15:12-17.

THEME:  LET YOUR LOVE BE EXCEPTIONAL

         Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this seventh day of May, which is the fifth day of the fifth week of Easter, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Let Your Love Be Exceptional ". Beloved, do you know that our hearts are made for love; and that whatever that is contrary to love, poisons the heart. See ehh!!! God is love, as Scriptures tells us (1John 4:8). So, out of the abundance of his love, God created us. It was for love that he continues to sustain our life. It was for love that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us. It was still for love that he forgives our sins whenever we ask for his pardon. And as a follow up, we are told that before departing from this world, Jesus gave his followers a new commandment - love. A new way of love that goes beyond giving only what is required or what we think others might deserve. What is the essence of Jesus' new commandment of love? It is a love to the death, a purifying love that can overcome selfishness, fear, and pride. It is a total giving of oneself for the sake of others. It is a selfless and self-giving love that is oriented towards putting the welfare of others ahead of myself. Let see what the Gospel tells us about this Christly love. 👇🏽         

        In the Gospel reading of today, John 15:12-17, we are told that Jesus called his disciples and said to them, "a man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends..." (vv. 13). By this statement, Jesus meant that there is no greater proof in love than the sacrifice of one's life for the sake of another. Thus, as a good teacher and leader, Jesus proved the genuity of his selfless love by giving his life for us on the cross. More so, through the shedding of his blood, our sins are not only washed clean, but new life is poured out on us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, as faithful stewards, we can prove our love for God and for one another by the way we embrace the various crosses that come our way in life. Hence, the question we need to ask is this: what is the cross/crosses in my life? Unfortunately, we live in a hedonistic world, bedeviled by selfishness, individualism, greed and contempt. The concept of Love has been bastardised and robbed of its divine meaning and origin. Nowadays, love has lost its power in the heart of people. People are no longer ready to make the least sacrifice for the good of their neighbours. Everyone seems to be busy, minding their business and the well-being of a friend or brother is sacrificed on the altar of booty and self gain.

       Child of God, it is the will of God that we should learn to love one another just as he has loved us, wholeheartedly, without reserve, and full of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness. His love fills our hearts and transforms our minds and frees us to give ourselves in loving service to others. If we open our hearts to his love and obey his command to love our neighbour, then we will know his love more fully and we will bear much fruit, especially the fruit of peace, joy, patience, kindness, selflessness and goodness. These are the kind of fruit that lasts for eternity and that would guarantee us a place in paradise. So, do you wish to be fruitful and to abound in the love of God? Do you wish to be exceptional in the love that you show? Then, trust and obey God sincerely and he will fill you with his overflowing love. For he is the fount of genuine love.

 

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, help me to love my neighbour sincerely and not to count the cost.

The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ....Amen

 HAPPY WEEKEND BELOVED FRIENDS

  @ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪