December 01, 2024; First Sunday of Advent (Year C)

Readings: Jer. 33:14-16; 1 Thess 3:12-4:2; Lk. 21:25-28, 34-36

Christ will Come Again to Take us Home!

1.     Advent is a time of spiritual preparation for the second coming of Christ. “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth, nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” This reading reminds us that amidst the chaos, uncertainty, signs, and cosmic upheaval, we should not be distracted but prepare for Christ’s second coming.

2.     Much is happening in the world that causes us to be afraid and frustrated. There is so much violence, anger, greed, hatred, corruption, and complete disregard for human life. We are perplexed by the revolutions, insurrections, religious conflicts, persecution, and the reckless killing of Christians in different parts of the world. It makes us wonder if the end is near. The unrest in the Middle East, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and the constant bombardment and launching of missiles between Israel and Palestinians, the killing of Hezbollah and Israelis are becoming worrisome, inflicting fear and anxiety on mankind. We watch with anticipation how foodstuff prices continue to go up, the gas pump price is constantly increasing, and we wonder what the future will look like. We worry about our children and what the future holds for them. We wonder if God is still with us.

3.     Let us not forget that the Jews lived through a period not entirely different from our own. They, too, had their share of suffering, pain, persecution, destruction, and intimidation during the Babylonian exile. It was the worst time of their lives. Jeremiah lived and preached during this period, too; he witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the sacred temple, their pride, and the sign of God’s presence for them. He saw that horrendous period, but his hope was undaunted. He prophesied that God “Will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days, Judah shall be safe, and Jerusalem shall dwell secure.” As God was with his people in the past, he would indeed protect his people now. Therefore, there is no reason to be afraid. Christians should be alert, hold their heads high, and welcome the Lord whenever he comes to take them home. 

 

4.     Advent is a time of waiting with hopeful anticipation for the coming of the Messiah at his birth. During the four weeks of Advent, we hope, not fear, for the Lord comes to rule the earth and render justice to those unjustly oppressed. At Advent, the Church also anticipates the second coming of Christ when he comes to judge the world with righteousness. St Peter tells us what to do while we wait. “Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.” (2 Peter 3:14). We must be prepared to meet the Lord. “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.” (Lk 12:37).

5.     The weeks of Advent are penitential days that should aid us in preparing for the Lord. We are not to worry about material preparation for the birth of Christ, as important as that may be. The Lord comes for our hearts and wants to dwell in our souls. Let us be men and women of prayer. We cannot profess to be Christians if we do not have a healthy prayer life. Be sure to keep the divine appointment with the Lord. Pray with your family. Has your child found you praying alone during the day? Have you taught them to pray independently, apart from praying together? Pray the rosary as a family. Teach them the importance of praying the rosary and make it desirable for them to pray with you or on their own. What about your sacramental life? We should go to confession at least twice a year, if not frequently. Advent and Lent are the best times to purify our hearts through the sacrament of reconciliation.

6.     Advent also reminds us to be engaged in sporadic acts of kindness. It reminds us to love one another with sincere Christian love. St. Peter says it better: “The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be serious and sober for prayers. Above all, let your love for one another be intense because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1Peter 4:7-10). Do not forget to give in charity since Advent anticipates the outpouring of God’s love for humanity. Christ is God’s love for us. We must show the world that we belong to God by the way we love. Spend time and listen to God speak to you through the Bible. Read John’s Gospel, a chapter each day of Advent. May God bless and guide us as we begin this new liturgical year of God’s blessings on humanity. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP.

November 24, 2024; Last Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Readings: Dan 7:13-14; Rev. 1:5-8; Jn. 18:33-37

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Testifying To the Truth! 

1.     In the opening prayer at today’s Mass, the Church reminds us that it is the will of God to restore all things in Christ, the King of the universe. It is God’s will for all to share in his kingdom and for the whole creation to be set free from slavery, render Him service, and ceaselessly proclaim His praise. In the Preface, we pray, “For you anointed your Only Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, with the oil of gladness as eternal Priest and King of all creation, so that, by offering Himself on the altar of the Cross as a spotless sacrifice to bring us peace, he might accomplish the mysteries of human redemption and, making all created things subject to his rule, he might present to the immensity of your majesty an eternal and universal kingdom, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.” Christ was born to establish the kingdom of God on earth and bring all people, regardless of tribe, race, creed, color, or nationality, to God. All are welcome in his kingdom. He was born for this; he testifies to it, lived for it, and died for it. Those who listen to him are members of his kingdom, but those who do not would be left out.

2.     When Pilate asked Christ, “So you are a king?” He answered, “You say I am a king. For this, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Christ came for the truth and died for the truth, just like John the Baptist, who was killed in defense of the truth. John told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” (Mk.6:18). Not long afterward, Herod beheaded John. John died for the Truth. Jesus was always on the side of truth. He cured the sick on the Sabbath; and saved the life of a woman caught in the act of committing adultery by indirectly accusing her accusers. (Jn. 8) He drove away those who were selling and changing money in the temple. (Jn. 2:16). Christ knew that these actions would bring him face to face with the authority. But he was undaunted in the face of death. He was born to bear witness to the Truth.

3.     As we celebrate the universal kingship of Jesus today, let us reflect on the sermon on the mount. The Beatitudes describe the quality of the children of the kingdom. They are peacemakers, the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. They must love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. They must bear no grudge and seek no revenge. They must share their possessions with others and assist those in need. (cf. Mt. 5, 6, 7, 18, 25). These men and women stand for the Truth. They know that Christ’s “Kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.”

4.     We sometimes find distinguishing between objective, subjective, and absolute truth difficult. But is it that complicated? Is there an alternate truth or personal truth? Lies and corruption are common in high places, and we are sometimes confused about facts. What are we living for? What are we prepared to die for? Is it worth living a life of honesty and integrity anymore? What is the role of a Christian in a confusing world like ours?  Vima Dasan, SJ, in ‘His Word Lives’ States, “Sharing in the kingship of Christ is glorious but precarious, for it is demanding. As Christ bore witness to the truth, lived by it, and died for it, we, too, by virtue of the gift of truth received in our hearts at baptism, are called to speak only the truth unattended by a bodyguard of lies and of course to spread the truth from pole to pole. Since the truth we have received is not just in our minds but in our hearts, we must speak it and do it in justice and love.” Are we prepared to face the consequences of living the truth? It will isolate us and make us stand alone as Christ did before Pilate. It will take away our friends and give us names. Christ warned: “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” (Lk. 12:51). Our identification with Christ and standing for kingdom values will cause division in our lives and in our families. Are we ready for that?

5.     Let us be men and women who, like Christ, live by the truth and are prepared to die for the truth. Because “Truth is like a surgery; it hurts but heals. A lie is like a painkiller. It gives instant relief but has side effects forever.”

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

November 17, 2024; 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Readings: Dan 12:1-3; Heb. 10:11-14, 18; Mk. 13:24-32

You Never Lived Well If You Are Afraid of Death

1.     As the year comes to an end, the Church turns our minds to the end of time, the eschatology, the four last things – death, judgment, heaven, or hell. Everyone must face three of these realities at the end. But we do not know when the end will come. So, we predict, despite all odds, when we think the end will come. And the fear of our demise sometimes overwhelms us. William Shakespeare captured our fear of death in his drama, Julius Caesar, “Cowards die many times before their death; The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard. It seems most strange that men should fear, Seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.” Yet there are others, knowing the end is inevitable, live like it will never happen to them. Today’s readings leave no one in doubt about the inevitability of the end.

 

2.     The Book of Daniel is one of the apocalyptic books of the bible. These books reveal what will happen at the end of time. They were written when the children of Israel were undergoing great persecution, stress, and trauma. The first reading predicted that the Syrians would try to destroy the faith of the Jewish people and persecute and kill those who were faithful to their religion and God. Daniel predicted: “It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time.” It will be so severe that Michael, the archangel, will arise to guard the people. Daniel encouraged the people to remain faithful and committed to their faith. Their perseverance will win them the crown of glory, and those who died will awake to face judgment. The virtuous will live forever and shine like the stars, while the unfaithful will face everlasting horror and disgrace. James exhorts: “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance…for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him.” (James 1:1,12). The Psalmist prays to God to be his inheritance.

 

3.     Today’s gospel, on the other hand, talks about the great tribulations that will affect everything under the sun, including nature and the elements. “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” Though this will be a terrible time that will inflict fear in people’s hearts, it will usher in the Son of man and the establishment of God’s kingdom. “And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.” The virtuous will reign with Jesus in his glory forever. “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son but only the Father.” As Christians we must be prepared for the second coming of Christ. “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open, immediately when he comes and knocks.” (Lk. 12:35-40). There is no need to be worried about the end. Only those who did not live well should fear death and dying. And unless the poor people are happy life is not worth living and we will be unsure where our final destination will be. Living for others is a way of preparing for our homeward journey to Heaven.

 

4.     So what legacy are we leaving behind? How does your life impact others? Have you prepared a will for your loved ones? Do you have a durable power of attorney? Did you have an advance directive filed in the hospital during your last visit? Are you communicating with all members of your family? Do you find it difficult to forgive them? Is there anyone you cannot forgive? These are good points to ponder when faced with the inevitability of death and dying. Our spiritual life must be in line with the teachings of Christ. When did you go to confession last? Do you have an active prayer life? Do you read your bible regularly and pray the rosary daily? Listen to Prophet Micah as he addresses us: “You have been told, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (6:8). Being a Christian is not what we say, it is what we do. Let us begin to love and forgive all, even our enemies.

 

5.     According to St. Paul, “None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.” (Rm. 14:7). Since our lives have a bearing on others, we must think actively about those in our society whom we must assist. Because in the end, we will be judged on love and how we helped others in their needs. Those we assisted will lead us to Christ when he appears in his glory. Then He will admit us into the kingdom prepared for us since the foundation of the world. May it be so now and always. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP.

November 10, 2024; 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Readings: 1 Kings 17:10-16; Heb. 9:24-28; Mk. 12:38-44

Juliana On Halloween Night

1.     Juliana, a six-year-old girl, went trick-or-treating with her mother. At one stop, a lady came out to offer Juliana a treat. Juliana spotted a special candy she liked and asked if she could have more. The woman replied, “No, you can only take one.” Upon hearing this, Juliana returned the single candy she had taken. She reached into her candy bag, scooped out two handfuls of the candy she had received, and dropped them into the woman’s candy jar. Juliana said, “Here, have more candy so you have enough to offer other children when they knock at your door. Don’t worry about me; I have plenty of candy at home.” Juliana’s selfless act of giving, at such a tender age, serves as a powerful inspiration for us all. It is a testament to the fact that kindness is best demonstrated through actions, not just words. Her act of generosity echoes the age-old wisdom that actions speak louder than words.

 

2.     We often hear people talk about giving their widow’s mite to mean giving all they have for a cause. Though they refer to widow’s mite, it doesn’t always mean the givers are widows. Jesus distinguished two sets of people in today’s gospel. The scribes who have it all and the widow who had nothing. They have positions, recognition, authority, prestige, and money. They “go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers.” They abdicated their roles as shepherds for the positions of corrupt and oppressive leaders. Those who contributed to the treasury were rich people. They put in a large sum of money while making a big show. On the other hand, the widow had nothing and no one to rely on but God. She almost got lost in the crowd. They may have seen her as an embarrassment to the rich people in the synagogue. But the widow knew why she was there. She was there to worship God and give God all she had - her heart, love, and all. No one would stop or drive her away from God’s house. She believed that God would reward her. She gave sacrificially to the one who gave all to her. Not giving was not an option. She may have thought that no one would notice her gift or that her two small coins would be an insignificant donation. But Jesus Christ saw and pointed it out to the apostles: “This poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”

 

3.     There are four types of givers. (a) Sporadic givers: These give, now and then, at irregular intervals. They may give once a month or whenever they remember, so give a dollar today or two in three months. Giving is not part of their life. (b) Spontaneous givers: These give without premeditation. They don’t plan their giving. But since there is some money with them, they may throw it in. Sometimes, they give because the pastor appeals to a particular need, so they support it. They hate to give and do not like being asked to do so, either of their time, talent, or treasure. Spontaneous givers give grudgingly and with resentment. (c) Duty givers: They give because they feel an inner compulsion. They also give reluctantly but with a sense of obligation. Their giving is not love-driven or with a sense of appreciation to God, who is the giver of all.

 

4.     The Sacrificial Givers: Sacrificial giving is a scriptural principle put in place by God himself. God revealed himself to believers as a sacrificial giver. God gave us his only Begotten Son so that He could bring the whole world to Himself. Sacrificial givers give with thanksgiving in their hearts. They plan their giving and give regularly: they receive their envelopes or give online. They give because they know that all they have and are come from God. Their giving is not just monetary but also time and talent. To sacrificial givers, “The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry.” (First reading). The God who sees their hearts will open for them the floodgates of heaven and pour down blessings upon them without measure. For their sake, God will forbid the locust to destroy their crop, and the vine in their field will not be barren. (Malachi 3:11). To this group belongs the widow in today’s reading and Juliana in the story above. The pig takes its rightful place among sacrificial givers, making a total commitment by dying so that those who attend the charity potluck may enjoy a healthy breakfast. Jesus Christ sacrificed his life, making a total commitment so that we may have eternal life. This underscores the significance of sacrificial giving and the impact it can have on others, inspiring us to give with a similar spirit of sacrifice.

 

5.     Today’s readings call us to reflect on the type of givers we are. They make us think of how we support the many just causes, be it our church or the many charities that stare us in the face every day. This reflection is not just a mere exercise, but a profound journey into our hearts and souls. How do we give? As a hen, a rich person, a pig, a widow, or Jesus Christ, who died so that we may have eternal life. Please take a moment to reflect on your giving habits. Are you giving with a spirit of sacrifice and love, like the widow and Juliana, or are you giving out of duty or convenience? Let us pray that we may give our hearts in love to God and learn to share our time, talent, and treasure to appreciate God’s love as we build the body of Christ, the Church. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

November 03, 2024; 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

                                     Readings: Dt. 6:2-6; Heb. 7:23-28; Mk. 12:28-34

My Love for God is seen in my Love for others!

1.     Fr. George Anderson served as a chaplain at the maximum-security prison at Riker’s Island, New York. He started a prayer discussion group among some of the prisoners. The group would read a passage from Scripture, like the parable of the prodigal son. Then, they would ponder the passage in silence and end by discussing how it applied to their everyday lives. One evening, a prisoner named Richard, from a section for the mentally disturbed, was with the group for the first time. Fr. Anderson describes the episode this way: “It was a windy evening in March. There was little heat in the room. An inmate sitting opposite Richard, having come with his T-shirt and trousers, was shivering. Richard had come with his shoulders wrapped in two blankets. Then, while we were discussing the idea of helping each other, Richard suddenly got up, walked to the other inmate, and put one of his blankets around him.”

 

2.     What Richard did is called practical spirituality. Richard, ‘the good prisoner,’ preached a sermon by his action, a living testament to the interconnectedness of our love for God and our love for others. He put the answer Jesus gave to the question: “Which is the first of all the commandments?” into action. The scribe wanted to be justified by the keeping of the commandments. But Jesus wanted him to see the commandments in practical terms. Jesus reduced the Ten Commandments to just one with two prongs – the love of God and the love of neighbor. We cannot be so in love with God while out of love with our neighbor. Hence, St. John opined, “If someone says he loves God but hates his brother, he is a liar, for he cannot love God, whom he has not seen if he does not love his brother, whom he has seen. The command that Christ has given us is this: whoever loves God must love his brother also.” (1 John 4:20). Vima Dasan, SJ put it better: “Without the love of God, our love of neighbor would become shallow and formalistic; but without the love of neighbor, our love of God can become self-centered and individualistic, thus separating religion from life. Hence, however hard it may be, we must be constantly moving our religion from our throats to our muscles.” If we profess to love God but at the same time be always critical and spiteful of others, there is something wrong with that type of love. God cannot be loved in isolation.

 

3.     It is impossible to love anyone else if I am not in love with myself. If I do not love my family, I doubt if I will be capable of loving my neighbor. Loving God is very easy and simple if I don’t have to love anyone else. Like the husband who told his wife, I love God with all my heart; I have no problem with God. But I have issues with you asking for money to buy stuff, asking for school fees for the kids, and talking back at me. You disturb me while watching football on Sunday, make noise while I listen to the news, and you talk about others all the time. God doesn’t do any of that. Oh, I love God dearly, but not human beings. We must remember that self-love is not selfishness, but a necessary foundation for loving others.

 

4.     We have often done harmful things to ourselves. We destroy our bodies by turning them into canvas for the arts. We eat, drink, and smoke things that ruin our internal organs. We abuse ourselves with the company we keep. We despise our tongues by what we say and how we use them to destroy others. We fill our minds and hearts with all sorts of things that make it impossible to concentrate on God during prayers or on items that impact our lives positively. We often transfer these attitudes to the way we treat others. We abuse people behind their backs and curse them if they make us unhappy. Our children are usually not spared. There is so much hatred and disregard for our brothers and sisters in the same family that it makes it hard to see eye to eye with them. Often, siblings do not talk to each other due to past hurts and transgressions. Reconciliation is easier in the United Nations conflict resolution meetings than in our families. How can we love God so entirely in isolation from those around us? Yes, our family members may be a pain in the rear end, but Christ instructs us to love them as we love ourselves. Isn’t it true that we love God in the same measure that we can love one another? That is what Christ tells us in today’s gospel. We must love God with all our hearts and our neighbors as we love ourselves.

 

5.     Spending time in prayer, going to confession, receiving Jesus Christ faithfully in the Eucharist, keeping the commandments of God and the Church, contributing to supporting the Church, and being active in ministries are essential and wonderfully significant, but they are not enough. We must do these and more. Our Christianity must be practical, not just a set of rituals, but a way of life that we live every day. We are to be the homily seen as rooted in the homily we heard. Let us plan to go to heaven, not as individuals, though we will go as individuals, but with all those dear to us, by being the gospel they see since so many of them will not be able to read any other bible given to them.

 

6.     Today’s readings invite us to ask ourselves some profound and meaningful questions. Have I identified my love for God with the love I have for my family? Have I expressed my love for God in the way I love those who do not belong to my group? Let us pray for an understanding of God’s love and so love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

October 27, 2024; 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

                                     Readings: Jer. 31:7-9; Heb. 5:1-6; Mk. 10:46-52 

Be not Intimidated, but Be Courageous!

1.     Today’s Gospel presents us with Bartimaeus, the blind beggar. As he sat by the roadside begging, he couldn’t see what was going on but could feel the pulse around him; he sensed the changes in people’s behavior as they passed by. He was blind but not hopeless; blind but not deaf. He may have been in need and somewhat handicapped, but he was not helpless. Bartimaeus may have heard about Jesus and the many miracles he performed. He heard that Jesus was a good man who cared for the poor, the sick, the oppressed, the marginalized, and the forgotten. Bartimaeus believed that he would be fortunate to meet Jesus one day, so he anxiously awaited the movements that would signal the presence of Jesus. No one would stop him from asking Jesus to have his sight back. He waited! And God answered his prayers. He knew from the crowd and the commotion that Christ was around. He must strike while the iron was hot. He cried out, Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me. 

2.     This story has many nuances. First, Bartimaeus was not an ordinary beggar. He was a beggar with a purpose. He did not want to be defined by his blindness. He had expectations, faith, and hope that were unwavering. He knew he would improve his life once he got in touch with Christ. Bartimaeus knew that when Jesus heard his voice in distress, he would never turn his back on him. He made the words of the Psalm his own: “In my misfortune, I called, the Lord heard and saved me from all distress. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirit is crushed.” (Psalm 34:7, 19).

3.     His cry for help was his prayer, through which he directed his concerns to God and God alone. Though the crowd tried to stop him, telling him to be silent, he kept calling out the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” According to Fr. John Pichappily, “Everybody has some type of obstacle, some type of disadvantage, some type of hindrance that stands in their way (physical and spiritual). God does not always remove the handicap, whether spiritual or physical; He does, however, give us the ability to overcome them. He gives us the ability to rise above our handicaps!” But we must learn to overcome the negative influences, especially those discouraging us from reaching our goals. Public opinion will always try to put us down. Still, we must be courageous enough to stand up to it by tapping into our inner strength and convictions, believing that we are stronger and more resilient than whatever anyone thinks about us. When the crowd rebuked Bartimaeus, they defined him by his blindness. They felt that he was good for nothing, that no good could ever come from him. They put him down and counted him out as unworthy of Jesus’s time. But they were truly blind, blind to his potential, capability, faith, strength, and trust in God. God would never count him out. He came to his rescue, put a new song into his mouth, and changed his mourning into rejoicing. When the Lord stopped and said, “Call him.” They told him, “Take courage, get up; Jesus is calling you.” Jesus will turn those against you to begin to praise your names. Yes, “If God is for us, who can be against us.” (Rom. 8:31). 

4.     For Bartimaeus, that was the time he was waiting for. He jumped and went to Jesus. He wanted to see again, and the Lord gave him his sight. Instead of going back to beg, he followed Jesus. Today’s Psalm captured Bartimaeus’s feelings. “When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.” The Lord’s marvelous work in reversing his people’s misfortune is proclaimed in the first reading. “I will gather them from the ends of the world with the blind and the lame in their midst, the mothers and those with child; they shall return as an immense throng.” The first reading finds its fulfillment in Jesus in the Gospel. Jesus is the “High Priest who is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness, and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people.” (Heb. 5:1-6). The opening of the eyes of the blind is the fulfillment of the mission of Christ: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” (Lk. 4:18-19).

5.     The story of Bartimaeus teaches us to put our trust in the Lord, knowing that he will never forget us. It encourages us to wait patiently for the Lord’s visitation and to strike the iron while it is hot. Do not miss the opportunity given to you no matter what. The blind man did not allow the crowd to intimidate and stop him from calling on the Lord for help. If you need help from the Lord, pray and do not give up. Like Bartimaeus, be sure of what you need from God. Asking God for too many things can be confusing, even to yourself. The Blind man wanted only one thing: to see, and he got his sight back. He knew what to do with his sight: follow the Lord and be a blessing to others. What do you do when your request is granted? Do not behave like the crowd. When you see someone in need do whatever you can to help and not put anyone down.  Even if you do not know how to help someone succeed, it is sufficient to wish him well. Like Jesus, we are called to open the eyes of the blind, counter public opinions, and be missionary disciples in our world. 

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP.

October 20, 2024; 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

                                 Readings: Is. 53:10-11; Heb. 4:14-16; Mk. 10:35-45 

Love conquers all things!

The first reading concerns the suffering servant who took the people’s sins upon himself. St. Paul says of Christ, “For our sake, God made him to be sin, and who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Cor. 5:21). “Christ died to gather into one the dispersed children of God.” (Jn. 11:52). Christ is the suffering servant who came not to condemn the world but so that the world might be saved through him. He did not conquer the world by might, power, or authority but by serving others with love. “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Napoleon once said: “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force! Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love, and millions of men would die for him at this hour. He has won the hearts of men, a task a conqueror cannot do.” Love conquers all things!

Christ’s love for us was not without pain, suffering, and death. “The Lord was pleased to crush him in infirmity. If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the Lord shall be accomplished through him.” (Is. 53:10). Chastisement, punishment, and suffering are part of life. No one enjoys suffering and pain. Christ cried out to his Father on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps. 22:1-2). The purpose of suffering is always discovered at the end. It was after his crucifixion that Christ enjoyed his resurrection. Mark Link reminds us, “The crucifixion is a dramatic sign of Jesus’ love for us.” It is in suffering that we gain eternal life. As humans, we aspire to a life of greatness while doing everything we can to avoid suffering. But Christ’s suffering shows us that there is hope and transformation even in the darkest moments.

In the gospel, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, are demanding high positions in the kingdom of God. “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask of you for us. Grant that in your glory, we may sit at your right hand and the other at your left.” What would you call these two brothers? Selfish, inconsiderate, ambitious, and egocentric? And you would be correct, but are we different from them? There is something of James and John in all of us. We do not always consider what others think or how they feel so long as we satisfy our ego. We want to lead the parade, be in charge, and give instructions to others. Though we don’t always like to serve, we don’t mind being served. As I have said before, authority in the church means service. We must be available to serve others because we are called to be servant leaders. This struggle with ego is a universal human experience, and it’s important to recognize it in ourselves and others.

Christ exhorted them to be different in answer to James, John, and the apostles. “You know, among the pagans, their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt; this is not to happen among you. Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk. 10:43-45). As disciples of Jesus, we must follow Christ in his love for all God’s children and shun the ways of the world. We must love and serve even the unapproachable managers, the angry teachers, the authoritarian principals, and the power-hungry politicians. Let us learn the true meaning of power and authority - to serve in love and charity.

The followers of Christ are called to avoid the disordered path to greatness. Christ invited the brothers to think of greatness in terms of suffering. “Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” Christ referred them to his imminent death. If they want to be leaders, they must be prepared to suffer martyrdom. The reward of greatness is given by God alone, and the disciples must work hard to deserve it. The James and John in us push us to be lords and kings, while Jesus calls us to be servant leaders. We pray that we may not shy away from suffering that comes from God in our service of love. “For the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights” (Prov. 3:11-12). Let us remember our call to be servant leaders, and let it empower and motivate us in our daily lives. 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP.

From the Pastor’s Desk 

“Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet.”

Today is World Mission Sunday, a yearly commemoration that underscores the vital role of missionary organizations and mission-oriented individuals in sharing the Good News of God’s kingdom. Our missionary mandate calls us to cooperate with God to make his kingdom more visible in our world today. We remember and support the work of the mission worldwide, enshrined in the Code of Canon Law that supports the Church’s outreach in over 1,150 mission territories. The theme of this year’s celebration, chosen by Pope Francis, is: “Go and invite everyone to the banquet,” inspired by the parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22:9. This theme calls us to reach out and welcome all to the feast of God’s love, echoing the inclusivity and urgency of the king’s invitation. Our mission is to reflect this divine hospitality, bringing joy, compassion, and hope to everyone we encounter, especially in territories where the Gospel has not yet been received, has been only recently embraced, or is courageously upheld in the face of persecution.

A Catholic can assist the missionary effort in three ways, and missionaries constantly remind us of them. This is within everyone’s capacity.

Prayer is a powerful tool in supporting missionary work. We pray that God may grant the missions His merciful aid, knowing that this kind of prayer cannot fail, especially in this cause. For no cause is dearer or more pleasing to God than this one. Just as Moses implored God’s aid for his people while they fought their battle with Amalek, we, too, must support the teachers of the Gospel in the Lord’s vineyard with our prayers. It is our duty as the faithful to follow the example of Moses and grant them the support of our prayers.

Fostering vocations is a crucial aspect of supporting missionary work. As Jesus reminds us, “The harvest is large, but there are few workers to gather it in. Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest” (Matt. 9:37-38). This is not a task to be delayed or taken lightly. It is a responsibility that we all share, and we must pray for an increase of vocation in the Church with a sense of urgency and commitment. The mission is now, and we are all called to act.

Economic Help. Every Catholic must give to support mission work.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP.

October 13, 2024; 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Readings: Wis. 7:7-11; Heb. 4:12-13; Mk. 10:17-30 

Go, Sell What You Have, and Give to the Poor!

1.    Solomon encountered the Lord in the first book of Kings, who said, “Ask something of me, and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered and said give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people and to govern this vast people of yours.” (1 Kings 3:5-10). Solomon asked for the gift of wisdom. He recognized that he was a mere youth, not knowing how to act.  He wanted to learn how to govern the people of God, ruling them with equity, justice, and love. He wanted to know the difference between good and evil and what mattered in life. He desired the greater good rather than scanty victories with no proper judgment. His answer pleased God, who then said to him, “Because you have asked for this – not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right – I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you, there will come no one to equal you. In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that there is not your like among kings.” (1 Kings 3:10-14).

2.    Today’s first reading praises the significance of wisdom, a transformative force everyone should strive for. It’s not just a gift but a catalyst for spiritual growth. It’s the first and highest gift of the Holy Spirit, the perfection of faith, enabling us to correctly value what we believe in through faith. “Wisdom is a spiritual gift which enables one to know the purpose and plan of God.” (CCC 1831).

3.    Christ is the wisdom of God, the hidden treasure a man finds and sells everything to buy. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He knows the way to the kingdom of God. St James tells us that “Wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.” (3:17). Christ, therefore, is what the rich young man in today’s gospel wanted; he is the answer to his yearning and the aspiration of his life. The rich young man is poor indeed, without Christ. He lacks one thing and, therefore, must go, sell “What you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, then come, follow me.” This detachment is not a loss but a liberation, freeing us from the shackles of materialism and self-centeredness.

4.    But the rich young man was too blind to see that the answer to his prayer was right before him. His story serves as a cautionary tale for us all. He asked Eternal Life what he was to do to get eternal life. All he needed was to open his eyes and be detached from the clutches and shackles that hindered him. But the young man was comfortably hiding under the cloak of the law. “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” He did nothing wrong by keeping the law; he did not hurt anyone, but what else did he do? Nothing! Apart from keeping the law, Christ wanted him to dirty his hands by helping others. Go and sell what you have and give it to the poor. Christ invited him to be detached from the law to be free to love. But no, he would rather die than seek the wisdom he so badly needed. His love for wealth and riches robbed him of heaven. He loved the law more than people. He did nothing wrong, but he did nothing more. He offended no one, but he sinned against Lady Charity. Give to the poor to gain heaven and eternal life. He would instead go to hell than allow a penny of his to fall into the hands of those immigrants, those poor people, those beggars, those sick people, the displaced and homeless people. After all, he was not responsible for their condition. He worked hard for his money, so why should he help them? So, better die and go to hell than help those people. Better hold on to the law and doctrines than bend down to see the needs of others.

5.    Christianity must be practical, not just a set of rules we follow. We must be Christians in word and in deed, with charity being the cornerstone of our actions. A Christian who is rich in keeping the law but lacking in charity is a dead Christian.  We must listen to the Word and allow ourselves to be affected by it. The second reading reminds us that “The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.”  We often leave the church sad because the pastor said something we do not like or agree with. Remember the rich young man? He went away sad because he did not like what Christ asked him to do. The Word and the Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus himself, invites us to dig deep and throw our nets into the deep water for a catch; are we ready to listen to him? You may say you are not rich; you have no wealth or money. You may even say Christ was not talking about you because you do not have those things. But wait a minute. What about your attachment to things, anger, hurt, aggression, and your way of life? If we do not detach from what hinders us from seeing Christ, our way to the Father, we will be sad and miss the kingdom. Let us pray for the gift of wisdom and, most importantly, for the wisdom of God. May we see in our poor the pathway to eternal life. If today, you listen to his voice harden, not your heart! Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

 

October 06, 2024; 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

                                 Readings: Gen. 2:18-24; Heb. 2:9-11; Mk. 10:2-16

Only a Human Being can Solve a Human Problem.

1.    Vima Dasan, SJ, in his book ‘His Word Lives,’ writes, “Questioning the children before Confirmation, the Bishop asked one nervous little girl, “What is matrimony?” She answered, “A place where souls suffer for a time for their sins!” “No, no,” said the parish priest, “that is purgatory.” “Let her alone,” said the Bishop, “She might be right; what do you and I know about it?” It is obvious that priests, apart from what they read and hear during counseling and marriage preparation, do not know much about the actual life of married couples. Some may have some idea, good or bad, based on the married lives of their parents. That is about all they know. Today’s readings present us with, first, the intention of God concerning man and woman, and second, the causes for divorce.

2.    The first reading tells us how God felt about man after creation. God felt pity for man’s loneliness. “It is not good for the man to be alone.” God then worked hard to fix that problem. “I will make a suitable partner for him.” Animals and things could not fix man’s loneliness. Only a human being can solve a human problem. When a woman was brought to a man, his problem was solved. “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called ‘woman’ for out of ‘her man,’ this one has been taken.” Case closed! Right? Not so fast. A woman was taken from a man’s side not to lord it over him but to be his friend, partner, companion, helper, and wife. On the other hand, the man is not to lord it over his wife or be her master. He, too, is to be a friend, a helper, a companion, and a partner to his wife. The marriage bond between a man and a woman will endure if these conditions are met.

3.    The Church sees marriage as “a covenant by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of their whole life and which of its own very nature is ordered to the well-being of the spouses and to the procreation and upbringing of children” (Cannon 1055). Therefore, any person who wants to enter into a marital covenant must be free to consent to a life-long commitment to the other. “If their free consent is missing or seriously flawed, there is no marriage. In such cases, marriage tribunals may issue a declaration of nullity (an annulment). An annulment does not make a marriage invalid; it simply declares that it always was invalid, despite appearances to the contrary.” (Archbishop Terrence Prendergast SJ, ‘Living God’s Word’). Therefore, any marriage validly entered into with consent freely given and accepted cannot be dissolved. It is in perpetuity till death. It is binding and enduring and remains so for the good of the spouses and the well-being of children. Compatibility and communication, finances, trust, commitment, fidelity, patience, and endurance should be painstakingly discussed and stressed during marriage preparation. When these issues are not adequately treated before the celebration of the sacrament of matrimony, spouses may look for an easy way out by way of divorce, with the excuse that they were not well informed before they gave their consent. 

4.    Jesus addresses the question of divorce in today’s gospel. They asked him, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” He asked them, “What did Moses command you?” They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts, he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.” Married life is not a bed of roses. It is a covenant between two individuals, with their personalities intact, who try to live a life of happiness and bliss together. It can only be possible through tolerance and endurance. St. Paul tells us how marital bliss can be achieved. “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. Husbands love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church and handed himself over to her to sanctify her. So husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the Church.” (Eph. 4:21-32).

5.    If husbands and wives must live together in love, peace, and harmony and avoid divorce and the resultant harm and hardships on the children, they must create a conducive environment for love and peace to reign in their family. Since marriage is a sacrament, God will always supply the graces needed for them to thrive. But they must ask for it. Only God will make couples feel hopeful and supported in their marriage. Prayer, the sacrament of reconciliation, and the faithful reception of the Eucharist at Mass must be cultivated. The family that prays together stays together. Selfishness must be avoided by all means, and the ‘I’ and ‘me’ must be substituted for ‘us’ and ‘we.’ Husbands and wives must respect themselves and approach their challenges with calmness, trust, and an abiding love for each other. They must avoid external influences that may corrupt peace and harmony in their homes. They must take their problems to God first before their neighbors. This will ensure a lasting and peaceful coexistence between them. St. Peter has a few words for husbands and wives: “Be of one mind, sympathetic, loving towards one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because of this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing.” (1Peter 3:8-9).

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP