Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Friday Easter Week 5 - May 7, 2021

FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 15:22-31

John 14:12-17

GOD DOES NOT DEMAND TOO MUCH

Sometimes in our lives, we spend so much energy doing what is wrong. We disregard what others say because we think we are doing what is right. What easily comes to my mind as I reflect on this, is the energy Paul had used to persecute the Church. Paul had thought that the Christian faith had come to disregard some Jewish practices and laws. After his conversion, Paul has now become a defender of what he had earlier condemned because he is now aware of the truth. This is what happens in our lives every day. We find ourselves defending what is wrong  with so much passion because we have no true knowledge of the opposition party. Paul is therefore being persecuted by his fellow Jews the same way he had persecuted Christians.

It becomes very pertinent therefore, that we try and listen to others when we are not sure of what we are doing or saying. We may spend the whole of our lives defending what is not true, until we hear the opinion of others as we see in the first reading of today. The saying goes that 'where you sit is where you stand'; It is  obvious that the Jews were thinking from a selfish perspective, they wanted Gentiles to become Jews before becoming Christians. After the Council of Jerusalem which  was guided by the Holy Spirit, it was noted that morality is universal but culture and norms differ. Thus we can serve God with our own individual differences. Let us therefore try and understand one another, only by doing this can we practice the life of love Jesus requires of us in the gospel reading of today. We cannot love one another if we are not ready to listen to and accept one another, lay down our opinions, claims, and prejudices about others. What Christ commands us today is to love one another.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Saturday Easter Week 4 - May 1, 2021

SATURDAY 1ST MAY 2021

ST JOSEPH THE WORKER

Acts 13:44-52

John 14:7-14

MAY THE LORD BLESS THE WORKS OF OUR HANDS

As we enter a new month today, the Church calls us to reflect on the personality of St Joseph the husband of Mary as a model for all workers. In 1889, pope Leo XIII had set Joseph as the model for all workers. Joseph as we know was a very hard working man as a carpenter. With his work, he was able to take care of Jesus and Mary. In most countries, including Nigeria  today is regarded as workers day and it is a public holiday.

We are called today to take whatever we do to earn a living very seriously because God blesses the works of our hands. It is a day to ask ourselves whether we are doing the right work and are exerting much energy into it. You cannot be doing what is wrong and expect God to bless it for you. It may seem good and enticing but at the long run it will be a disaster. Many people do not want to work but want to excel. St Paul tells us in 2 Thess 3:10, that those who do not work should not eat. This is to encourage everyone to try their best to work for what they eat. Nevertheless, we are also encouraged to assist others, especially those who either have no work or are unable to work becauseoftheirconditions. 

God has called us to become co-creators with him. Whether you build a mansion or a chair, whatever profession you embrace or the type of work you do, what matters is your conscience and zeal for the work.

As we enter the month of May today, let us also not forget that it is the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We should intensify our devotion to her this month, that God should bless the works of our hands. Amen

Happy new month.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Saturday Easter Week 4 - May 1, 2021

DATE : 1/5/2021

 EVENT : Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter/St. Joseph the worker

 COLOUR: White

 READINGS : Acts 13:44-52; 

  Resp. Psalm 97:1-4; John 14:7-14.

 THEME:  TO WORK IS A DIVINE MANDATE

         Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this first day of May, which is the sixth day of the fourth week of Eastertide, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " To Work Is A Divine Mandate". Beloved, I wish to welcome and congratulate you for making it with me into this new month. May, is the fifth month of the lunar calendar. I pray that this month which is dedicated to Mary will bring us God's blessings, protection and favours. In the same line, today is also the optional memorial of St. Joseph the worker. It is a day in which we take out time to celebrate all workers and labourers, to reflect on the dignity of work and to encourage our workers to continue delivering on their various jobs diligently. The work we do echoes the glorious work that God has done (Cf. Gen. 1:1-2:10). Thus, all forms of work, has a divine origin; so, it should not be wasted, abused; improperly paid, and directed to wrong or pointless ends. To do any of these things defames the divine origin of work. The joy of every economic system is when it is able to give so many persons, the chance to build and create something worthwhile for themselves. But, it becomes a shame when that does not happen: when people are coerced, by greed or by poverty, into being “lumps of labour.” Whether the labour is arduous or not makes no difference; whether it is richly paid or not, makes no difference (Cf. Catholic Universalis )

        In the Gospel reading of today, Jesus told his disciples that those who will believe in future, will do greater work than he did. Now, if we interpret this to mean spiritual works leading to salvation, let us not also forget that as Joseph the carpenter's son, Jesus must have learned and effectively worked as a carpenter, before beginning his ministry. So, the phrase, 'I tell you most solemnly, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, he will perform even greater works,

because I am going to the Father'. Could also mean greater Manuel works that can provide a descent living conditions for everyone. This goes s long way to add credence to the divine mandate of Gen. 1:27-28. Thus, whatever work we are engaged in, let us see it as a participation in the divine acts of continuing creation inorder to make the world a beautiful and better place.

      Child of Job, as we celebrate St. Joseph's the worker's day today, I enjoin on you to persist in your job, no matter how undignifying it may appear. If you are an employer of labour treat, your labourers with justice and equity so that God will be happy with you. If you are still searching for a work and means of supporting your self, I beckon on you to enter into a serious devotion to St. Joseph the worker and you will be shocked at what he will do in your life. Today's celebrations also forbids all forms of receiving income which is contrary to holiness, right action, legal prescription and unjustly rob others of their belongings.

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

 

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, following your divine mandate on work, I pray you to help me to be effectively engaged in both spiritual work and economically paying work.

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

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

 HAPPY WORKER'S DAY TO YOU MY BELOVED WORKERS

 @ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Friday Easter Week 4 - April 30, 2021

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. ⛪

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Friday Easter Week 4 - April 30, 2021

FRIDAY 30TH APRIL 2021

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF AFRICA

Acts 1:12-14

John 2:1-11

Today the Church once again calls our attention to our blessed mother. She is a mother who is concerned about the plight of her children. The Church in Africa today call on Mary our mother to continue to intercede for us. Our Lady is always praying and always wants the best for her children. She was united with the Apostles in prayer in the upper room in Jerusalem when they were afraid. She continued to console and comfort them. The popular story of the wedding in Cana as we see in the gospel reading, is an obvious proof that our Mother Mary wants the best for us even when we do not even ask her.

Together as Africans today, we acclaim her as our queen and mother and ask for her intercession as we fight against all the vices and wills around us.

Please endeavour to pray the rosary today and ask for her intercession.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Thursday Easter Week 4 - April 29, 2021

THURSDAY 29TH APRIL 2021

MEMORIAL OF ST CATHERINE OF SIENA

FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 13:13-25

John 13:16-20

GOD CAN MAKE USE OF ANYONE

Many of us may have seen a video that went viral last year, about a mad man who was preaching in the street, calling people to repent from their sins. When those listening to him offered him money, he refused it and told them to give it to the poor. It is obvious that not many people took him serious because of his mental state. It also happens in our society; some people may just suddenly repent from their sins and get converted to the faith, but we may not take them serious because of the life they had lived. How will you feel if a notorious armed robber or kidnapper or a terrorist suddenly enters the church or street and begins to preach? This was the image of Paul among the early Christians. Paul was very brutal to the Christian faith and wanted to eliminate it because he thought it was a deviation from the Jewish faith. I wonder how the people will be feeling today to hear him preaching, explaining the scriptures from the time of Abraham to that of Christ.

There are many people who we have written off in life and think that they are already doomed and are of no use. St Paul in his letter to the Romans, 2:11, tells us that God has no favourite. He can use anyone to accomplish his plans and goals. God has not given up on anyone just as he did not give up on Paul.

St Catherine whom we celebrate today, entered the third order of the Dominican order in her teenage years. She received a vision to leave her secluded life, and engage in more active life in 1370. She wrote many correspondences including to Pope Gregory XI, telling him to reform the church, the clergy and the papal states. She wrote many doctrinal and spiritual books. She died in 1380, and she was declared a doctor of the church in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Saturday Easter Week 3 - April 24, 2021

SATURDAY 24TH APRIL 2021

THIRD WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 9:31-42

John 6:60-69

TRUTH IS BITTER BUT BETTER

Nothing has divided the Christian faith in history more than differences in doctrines. We see different Christian bodies preaching different things and different interpretations about the same gospel of Christ. Some self acclaimed men of God even attack and insult others from their pulpit. The Catholic Church has received more of the attack and criticisms because of our traditional way of worship. A particular pastor of a church once uttered some words against the Pope, but the reaction that followed even from non-Catholics shows that he merely showed his ignorance of history and simple secular world events.

As the early Church imwas starting gradually, we see Peter in the  first reading of today, moving from one city to another to strengthen the faith of the people, and it is very important to him that the right teachings are taught. This is because once people learn an error, it is more difficult to correct it.

There are some things that do not need that words should be painted when they are taught. Many people do not like the Catholic Church because she does not always tell them what they want to hear, but truth that will challenge them to live a better life. This is why in the gospel reading of today, many people left Jesus when he preached to them because he told them the truth. Teaching the right thing is very important, even though it makes us hated and unpopular.

Let us pray today for our separated brethren, especially those who have been misled by wrong doctrines and have hated the Catholic Church for no reason, that they will re-trace their steps and come to know the truth. We also pray for ourselves, that we may be always ready like Jesus and St Peter to stand on the side of truth. Amen

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP