July 03, 2022; 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

 

Readings: Isaiah 66:10-14; Gal. 6:14-18; Lk. 10:1-12, 17-20

 

The Kingdom of God is at Hand

1.    Jesus said to the 72 on their return from the mission, “Behold, I have given you the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy, and nothing will harm you.”(Lk. 10:20). He reminded them that the power to succeed was given to them from above. They should rejoice not because of their accomplishments but because it pleased the Father to count them among his chosen ones. Whoever we are and whatever we have archived is a gift from God. Jesus, therefore, reminds us that we are called to share his power. He entrusted us the power to give peace to the world, “Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.’” (Lk.10:8). Amid woes and uncertainties, Christ empowers us to bring peace, harmony, sympathy, and empathy to the world. We have the power to bring goodness to the world, offer forgiveness to our enemies, bring the bread of life to the weak, food to the hungry, words of consolation to the weary, and healing to the sick.

 

2.    We are so empowered, and yet we feel so powerless. How can we be entrusted with so much while we feel so helpless? We are easily intimidated by the known and unknown forces around us because we do not know and find it challenging to recognize our power. Do we doubt the source of our energy? The Sacrament of Baptism empowers us to become God's children and his ambassadors. The Holy Eucharist empowers us to feed the hungry with the bread of life. The Sacrament of Confirmation confers on us the right to be God's messengers of truth and defenders of the faith to the point of shedding our blood. In the Sacrament of Penance, we are given the power to share in the forgiving power of God, to acknowledge our sins, confess them and receive God's mercy and forgiveness. “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.” (Jn. 20:23). The Sacrament of Holy Orders confers on the ministerial priesthood the power to change ordinary bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. Through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, couples are empowered and invited to taste the union and bliss of the Blessed Trinity and bring forth a family of love, justice, and peace. Finally, the Sacrament of the Sick prepares us to have a recovery and wholistic healing from sickness or be admitted into the presence of God our Father to behold his beatific vision. “Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:14-15). We have the power to preach the Word, “Even the devils are subject to us because of your name.” (Lk. 10:17). There is power in the name of Jesus.

 

3.    The power Christ gives us is not military power wrought by the brute force of a gun. It is not political power achieved through campaigns and demagoguery, lies, and false promises to garner votes and be elected to office. It is not the power of dominance or divide-and-rule strategy seeking to dominate and suppress our collective will but the power of love, humility, and service. It is the power that embraces poverty for the sake of the kingdom. Missionary disciples must give-up worldly things in pursuit of the kingdom of God. “Behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.” (Lk. 10:3). The power that Christ gives us does not tolerate delays and encumbrances with material acquisitions. Material things are hindrances to the spread of the Gospel. To be empowered by the Spirit of Christ means dying to self to become a new creature. (Gal. 6:15). Our power, so to speak, comes from the freedom of the Spirit in union with Christ. By dying to ourselves, we can fight our demons, conquer the desire for power, and fight our personal enemies like greed, ambition, envy, anger, and pride. We have the promise of Jesus to accomplish this: “I have given you the power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy.” (Lk.10:19-20). We must not be afraid to use the power given us by Christ to dominate the kingdom of Satan. 

 

4.    On their return, the disciples were delighted at their success. Still, Jesus counsels them to rejoice rather that their names were written in heaven. Celebrating our successes is indicative of personal glory and achievements. Even Jesus tells us, “By myself I can do nothing…” (Jn. 5:30), and Paul, writing to Timothy, reminds him, “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” (Philippians 4:13). The first reading encourages us to rejoice because of God's actions in and through us. May we respond to Christ's call to build the kingdom of peace and justice, for “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” (Lk.4:18-19). This is our mission. And so, we rejoice and celebrate because “He considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry.” (I Tim. 1:12). Let us “Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, sing praise to the glory of his name; proclaim his glorious praise. Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”” (Psalm 66).   

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

June 26, 2022, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Readings: 1 Kings 19:16, 19-21; Gal. 5:1, 13-18; Lk. 9:51-62

 

A Call to Discipleship is Urgent and Immediate

1.    The call to follow Christ must be answered with immediate urgency; no excuse is necessary. In the first reading, Elijah threw his cloak over Elisha, indicating that he was called to a higher office to take over from Elijah as a prophet. Elisha was not asked if he wanted to be a prophet. After all, he was a rich man who was contented with his means of livelihood. Nevertheless, Elisha saw the urgency of the call and only requested that he be allowed to settle his hired hands before reporting to his duty post. He broke from his past, left his wealth and family behind, and followed Elijah. Time was of the essence. In the Gospel, we see Jesus, who was determined to answer the ultimate call of his life. Christ did not waste time on frivolities or personal comfort, nor would he be distracted by social or inter-tribal sentiments. He was committed to his father's will. He journeyed to Jerusalem, where he would "lay down his life for his friends." While on the journey, Christ encountered four kinds of people who could have been his disciples but for their excuses. Their excuses prevented them from answering the call to discipleship. "He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else." Aren't we all like that? We give excuses for everything instead of reasons to do what we should do!

 

2.    The Samaritans allowed their hatred for the Jews to prevent Jesus from going through their village. They were blinded by past hurts, prejudices, and tribal and nationalistic inclinations. They found it difficult to forgive and let go of the past. We are not different from them, after all. We hold on to grudges and would rather die than forgive those who hurt us. We allow pettiness to dwarf our collective vision for humanity. Answering Christ's call should free us from all attachments and addictions. We must learn to let go so that God may transform us from within.

 

3.    The sons of Zebedee, James, and John were offended because the Samaritans refused to grant them access to their town. They wanted Christ to call down fire from heaven on them (Lk. 9:54). No wonder Christ called them "Boanerges" or "Sons of Thunder." Jesus had no time for unrestrained anger that would have distracted him from his mission. How do we react when we do not have our way? Do we throw tantrums and threaten fire and brimstone on the object of our aggression? Do we refuse to listen to reason and insist on our way or the highway? Jesus shows us that there is always another way to solve problems. We don't have to resort to war or violence. He came to bring us peace and love, and love conquers a multitude of sins. Do not allow anger to distract you from your calling. 

 

4.    To the second group, Christ warned that his followers must depend solely on God. "Foxes have holes, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." Financial security should not prevent us from answering the call to discipleship. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33). The third group wanted to bury his father first before following Christ. Observing the fourth commandment, "honor your father and mother," is noteworthy. Still, it should not prevent us from following Christ. We cannot save discipleship till retirement, a deathbed conversion, or a plan we have down the road after the kids are grown. If we don't follow Jesus at the time of the invitation, we are not worthy of Him. How many of our excuses are really valid? If we do not make time for God, God's time will pass us by. Finally, the last would-be follower wanted to say goodbye to his family first. To him, Jesus answered, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." (Lk. 9:62). The call of Christ should always supersede family ties. "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of me." (Matt. 10:37).

 

5. Today's readings teach us not to place conditions on following Christ. We must find time for and be committed to him. Our readiness to follow Christ must be borne by absolute freedom from attachments. This inner freedom is the focus of our second reading. This freedom must be seen in all vocations in life. Christ freely undertook the journey to Jerusalem to save us from damnation. We must follow Christ in honesty and sincerity at all times. Christ will be first in our life or nothing. Let us pray with the Psalmist: "You are my inheritance, O Lord."

 

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

June 19, 2022; The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Year C)

 

Readings: Gen. 14:18-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; Lk. 9:11-17

 

Food for the Journey and for Life

1.      Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist is for the soul what food is for the body. Jesus tells us, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (Jn. 6:51). In the Eucharist, Christ is offered and received; through him, the Church continues to live and grow. The Eucharist proclaims the memorial of the death and resurrection of Christ; in it, the sacrifice of the cross is forever perpetuated. This is the summit and the source of all worship and Christian life. Through the Eucharist, the unity of God’s people is signified and brought about, and in it the building up of the body of Christ is perfected. Since priests are ordained to offer the sacrifice of the Mass, it is our duty, therefore, to teach the faithful the importance of fruitful participation at Mass. According to Canon 898, “Christ’s faithful are to hold the blessed Eucharist in highest honor. They should take an active part in the celebration of the most august sacrifice of the Mass; they should receive the sacrament with great devotion and frequently and should reverence it with the greatest adoration. In explaining the doctrine of this sacrament, pastors of souls are assiduously to instruct the faithful about their obligation in this regard.” On Thursday, June 23, 2022, I will celebrate 32 years in the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ. I was ordained to offer Mass for the salvation of the world. You, my parishioners, have been a part of my story. Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor and your priest.

 

2.      In the first reading Melchizedek, the king of Salem exchanged bread with Abram, and fellowship is formed between them. In the Gospel, Jesus feeds the hungry with five loaves and a few fish through his divine power. And in the second reading, Jesus gives himself to us as food and drink and makes himself available in a perpetual sacrifice for the nourishment of our souls. The readings demonstrate that the eucharist is to the soul what food is for the body. Hence, after teaching them extensively, Jesus fed the five thousand with five loaves and a few fish. He fed them with his word before providing them food for the journey back to their destinations. We are Christians because of the resurrection of Christ but Catholics because of the Eucharist. Food is an absolute necessity for the growth of our bodies. And so is the Eucharist for our spiritual nourishment and growth. We need this food to strengthen us on our pilgrim journey to the kingdom of God. Jesus reminds us: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.” (Jn. 6:54). 

 

3.      The teaching of the Church on the Eucharist is that Our Lord is truly, really, and substantially present in the Holy Eucharist. To the disciples, Christ stressed, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven.” (Jn. 6:57-58). When some of his disciples stopped following him, Christ did not beg them to stay. Instead, he asked his apostles: “Do you also want to leave?” (Jn. 6:67). According to Pope John Paul ll, this teaching “is at the heart of the Church, the secret of her vigor; she must keep watch with jealous care over this mystery and affirm it in its fullness.” We should, therefore, prepare ourselves for fruitful participation at Mass. By eating the Body of Christ, we become the living Christ, and we are enabled to discover our own closeness and blessedness, acknowledge our brokenness, and live our life for others. Thus we, like Jesus Himself, become food for the world. We become what we eat. When we receive and eat the body of Christ and drink his blood, we become members of the body of Christ – we become Christ himself. We become bread to be broken and blood to be poured for the salvation of the world. 

 

4.      As we receive the body and blood of Christ, we are encouraged to identify our pains and joys with that of Christ. We must believe that he who is in us, whom we have received in the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, is above and beyond, far greater, and more powerful than he that is in the world. Christ in us is greater than the devil that seeks to destroy us. If we truly believe in what we receive, he will change us; He will make us holy, forgiving, loving, merciful, compassionate, devoted, caring, charitable, more human, and humane. We are not changed by the body and blood of Christ because we do not know who we are and whose we are. Eating the food of angels should make us act like angels. By eating the food of angels, we say with St. Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ, yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20). 

 

5.      To participate at Mass faithfully and fruitfully, it is recommended that we go through, beforehand, the readings, examine our consciences for any mortal sins we did not confess, and, if we plan to receive holy communion, confess them and be ready to receive the Eucharist timely and devotedly. After receiving Holy Communion, our Lord is present in us as long as the species remain. This can be as long as 8 to 10 minutes. According to the Sacred Congregation for the sacraments and divine worship, “The faithful are to be recommended not to omit to make a proper thanksgiving after communion. They may do this during the celebration with a period of silence, with a hymn, psalm, or other song of praise, or also after the celebration, if possible, by staying behind to pray for a suitable time.”

 

6.      After Mass, the priest dismisses the people to “Go forth, the Mass is ended, or Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord or Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” We are, therefore, to take the Christ that we have received in the Eucharist to all and sundry. We must share Christ, the bread of life, with the poor, the homeless, the sick, the saints, and sinners alike. We are to make the body of Christ, broken and received, available at all times to add flavor to the lives of people around us. Let us pray that we may offer Christ’s body in us to those who need healing for their broken bodies; to public sinners, may we offer forgiveness, companionship to the lonely, conversion for those who hunger for Christ, and reconciliation for those who are on the streets. May we derive strength and nourishment from the bread of life so that we may live forever with our Lord now and always. Amen.

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

June 12, 2022; The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (Year C)

Readings: Prov. 8:22-31; Rom. 5:1-5; Jn. 16:12-15

 

The Trinity Teaches Us Love

1.    Today is the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. “Christians are baptized “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Before receiving the sacrament, they respond to a three-part question when asked to confess the Father, the Son, and the Spirit: “I do.” The Faith of all Christians rests on the Trinity.” (CCC 232). We, therefore, worship God who manifests himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons in one God: God the Father, creator of the world, God the Son, Savior of the world, and God the Holy Spirit, the sanctifier of the world. The Catechism states again, “The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself. It is, therefore, the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the “hierarchy of the truths of faith.” The whole history of salvation is identical to the history of the way and how the one true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men “and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin.” (CCC 234). In the Trinity, we celebrate the revelation of God in his theology and in his economy. His theology reveals the mystery of God’s inner life within the Blessed Trinity. In contrast, in his economy, we see all the works by which God reveals himself and communicates his life. In life, a person discloses himself in his actions, and the better we know him, the better we understand his actions, so it is with the Trinity. God manifests himself in his actions; the more we know Him, the better we understand God’s actions.

 

2.    The Trinity is a mystery that shows us a God of closeness, communion, and intimacy. The three persons in the Trinity live in community, communication, and love. As William J. Bausch would say, “This is an initiating God, an outgoing God, a creative, life-giving God who stamps his communal life on us. We are in a relationship because God is in a relationship. We are made in his image and likeness.” There is absolute love, respect, and understanding within the Trinity. The unity of mind and purpose is enjoyed and expressed in the Trinity. “God loves the world so much that he gave his son to redeem the world.” (Jn 3:16). The Father gave himself in giving his Son because the Father and the Son are in perfect communion. They are one in Spirit. The Spirit is the origin of the mutual relationship and expression of love of the Father and the Son.

 

3.    The intimate relationship is transparent and visible between the persons of the Trinity. Therefore, none of the three persons keeps anything as his own, and no one takes particular pride in individual achievements. The success of one is enjoyed by all; everything is shared, communicated, given, and received; none is taken for granted. The love of the Trinity is not jealous, arrogant, or boastful; it is reciprocal. The love of the Trinity offers humanity redemption from decadence and despair.

 

4.    How can we make the Trinity a part of everyday life? First of all, we should be serious and intentional as we begin and end every prayer by calling on the Trinity to be the beginning and the end of all we do and say and to guide our steps aright. We call on the Trinity to dwell in us and help us live good and saintly lives. This is so because the life of a Christian is characterized by the Triune God dwelling in us. When we die, our coffin and grave will be blessed and marked by the sign of the Cross. Secondly, we should have a devotion to the persons of the Trinity. We can devote our day to the Trinity as follows: morning prayer to the father, afternoon to the son, and evening to the Spirit. Parents must play their part in teaching their children devotion to the Trinity, by assisting them to turn the sign of the cross into prayer. It is the invitation of the indwelling of the Trinity into their young lives. Finally, all the prayers that relate to the Trinity should be observed with devotion and love. Our families should reflect the love, compassion, understanding, and generosity of the Trinity. And since the Trinity teaches us to love, may we demonstrate the love of the Trinity in our dealings with one another, our community, and the Church. Let us conclude this reflection with “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”  Amen.

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

June 05, 2022; Pentecost Sunday (Year C)

 

Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Rom. 8:8-17; Jn. 14:15-16, 23-26

 

Not The Church of Pentecost

 

1.      On the solemnity of Pentecost, we celebrate the Church's birthday. Today the Holy Spirit came down on the Apostles like flames of fire. “When the day of Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire which spread out and touched each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.”(Acts 2:1-4). Pentecost completes the saving work of Christ and enables the Apostles to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit set them on fire to preach without fear of intimidation and transformed them into martyrs of the faith. Peter’s pedagogy on the day of Pentecost was so electrifying that those who heard him “Were deeply troubled and said, "what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Many “Believed his message and were baptized, and about three thousand people were added to their group that day.” (Acts 2:41).

 

2.      The apostles needed the Holy Spirit to shake them up and transform them into warriors for the faith. Christ is present in his apostles through his Spirit. But Our Church does not resemble the Church of the day of Pentecost. Why is the Church on fire, and we are not consumed? Maybe we have too much money and no fire of the Spirit to effect changes in our people. Could it be that we spend our time chasing after material things and fewer minutes talking about spiritual things? This, for sure, will take away the power of the Spirit from the Church. To the lame beggar, Peter said: “I have no money at all, but I give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I order you to get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6).

 

3.      We need the fire of the Holy Spirit for tolerance. We need constructive fire to build the community of God's people. The Holy Spirit has no time for pettiness, apathy, and jealousy. It drives out bigotry and hatred. It doesn't burn to destroy, nor is it fire for mistrust and misunderstanding. No, its fire of love will recreate the face of the earth. “Come Holy Spirit and fill the hearts of the faithful and renew the face of the earth.” Come and conquer the indifference in the world, fight the battles of our hearts, the internal conflicts of the flesh such as: “Immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies and the like.” (Gal. 5:19-21).

 

4.      Send us the fire of the Spirit to plant in our hearts the fruit of the Spirit such as: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Gal.5:22-23). May the Holy Spirit give us its gifts of “Wisdom and understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.” (Is. 11: 2-3). This is the fire we need, and until we have it, the Church will be ineffective; the oxygen will be withdrawn from her lukewarm fire, and it will be blown away. Instead of heat, we feel coldness; in place of warmth, we feel weak, empty, miserable, sad, unhappy, lifeless, and dead. We do not want a sad and lifeless church, a church where everyone is withdrawn. That is why churches are empty. 

 

5.      People no longer go to Church because it offers nothing. Such Churches preach a gospel devoid of good news, where the sermon is without content and so poorly delivered, that people are put to sleep. This type of preaching does not set fire to people’s stomachs for action. The fire of love is not in our hearts because the joy of the Gospel is not on our faces. Churchgoers are no more burning with zeal, and fire, the type that was blazing on the day of Pentecost. When the apostles received the Holy Spirit, they preached the Word, living the life of the Spirit and bearing the fruit of love. People saw how they lived and the hope they preached; they followed the Lord and were converted to the faith because they saw the joy of the Gospel in their lives and hope in their eyes. They were filled with joy at all times. They heard the apostles as they spoke in tongues and realized that they were telling the language of love in praise of God. That is what we need in our Church today, without which our Church cannot and will not be on fire.

 

6.      Let us pray that we may be filled with the fire of the Spirit and be transformed into people of faith, courageous preachers, lovers of God, and lovers of God's people. Oh, Holy Spirit, come and fill our hearts, teach us to love and serve in humility and love. Help us to make a difference in the world. Amen!

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP