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