DATE : 30/4/2021
EVENT : Friday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide
COLOUR: White
READINGS : Acts 13:26-33;
Resp. Psalm 2:6-11; John 14:1-6.
THEME: RELAX: THERE IS SPACE FOR EVERYONE
Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this thirtieth day of April, which is the fifth day of the fourth week of Eastertide, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Relax: There Is Space For Everyone". Beloved in Christ, one of the lecturers during my years in the seminary, Fr. James Yakubu, MSP, would often say: 'How much land does a person really need in this world'? At the end of all our futile efforts to grab wealth, to buy a big piece of land, to occupy the best position, to build the finest duplex and to have an obese bank account, there are only about three equal things which we all will be entitled to. A single size coffin, a suit or gown for women and a sizeable ground of six feets deep. All the land spaces you have fought for, the duplex, the overfilled wardrobe, the hidden obese account, the position or opportunity you usurped, and the foodstuff pilled and expiring in your kitchen store will be happily transferred to another. But the spiritual bouquet and charitable deeds you did, will be your gate pass to the promised home land with God the father. Try to have your gate pass please, else...... Hmmm
In the Gospel reading of today, taken from John 14:1-6, Jesus assures us that, he is going to prepare a special place for each of us, and that every one who believes and follows him faithfully, will have a space kept safe for him. Dearests, we already know that the Gospel of John is exceptional from the synoptics (Matt. Mark and Luke). John wrote to communicate the comforting and reassuring words of Jesus to his beloved children, the Church of Christ. And according to theological hermeneutics and exegesis, today's pericope John 14:1-6, which fell under the wider context of John chapters 14-16, called, 'the Last Supper discourse', is the "seed bed" or if you like the quiddity of the entire text, because it relates our final aspirations and Jesus' ultimate plan for us. John's Gospel narration is highly theological and strives to portray the divinity of Jesus Christ, far more than his humanity. Thus, the Gospel contain what in theological studies is called 'High Christology', in contrast to the synoptics, with 'Low Christology'. This explains why, unlike the synoptics, John omitted the infancy narrative and began with the preexistence of Christ as God. So, reading today's text, we could understand why John categorically assured us his beloved children, that Jesus Christ, is God, and has the power to prepare a place for us in paradise. However, unlike the earthly city, where there is a frenzied grab of the resources meant for for all, heaven is a place of comfort, orderliness, love, compassion, sharing and peace. No body can usurp anyone's opportunity to access heaven's goodies, or amass more riches than others. There would be enough space to peacefully accommodate all.
My fellow heirs and potential stakeholders to the heavenly mansions, let us try to live lives which will guarantee us a space in heaven. Remember that Scriptures had warned that, 'what shall it profit you, if you gain all the spaces in this perishable and passing world, and forfeit even the tiniest space in heaven'. Listen to me, do not brag about anything you possess in this life. Do not drag anything too vehemently in this life. Do not place too much confidence in the pleasures of this world. Do not fight like an unbeliever for a piece of land in this world. Do not usurp anybody rightful position, opportunity or privileged. Do not store too much money in the bank, instead, use it to influence and affect the lives of people. Do not ignore God in any of your endeavours. Let all your heart, thinking, deeds and yearning be on how to make heaven and secure a room in the heavenly mansions which last forever and where we shall live eternally. See ba..just do your best with the best intentions, and leave the rest to God.
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 earnestly seek to secure a room in your heavenly mansions....
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. ⛪
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