December 08, 2024; 2nd Sunday of Advent (Year C)

                                     Readings: Baruch 5:1-9; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk. 3:1-6

Let us meet the Lord in the Desert!

1.     Last week, Jeremiah encouraged us to be hopeful because God “Will raise up for David a just shoot.” Today, his secretary, Baruch, continued that message of hope and restoration for the Babylonian exiles: “Jerusalem, take off your mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God forever: wrapped in the cloak of justice from God, bear on your head the miter that displays the glory of the eternal name.” Baruch prophesied that God would visit his people and bring them home again with glory. “Led away on foot by their enemies, they left you: but God will bring them back to you borne aloft in glory as on royal thrones.” But they must go through the desert where John the Baptist awaits, calling them to a life of repentance.

2.     The desert, a place of profound spiritual growth, has been a significant part of the journey for many. It is a place where transformation is not just possible but inevitable. “Behold I will allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart.” (Hosea 2:16). John was not the first prophet to make the inward journey through the desert. Many prophets before him and after found God by way of the desert. Moses discovered God in the desert. (Ex. 3:2-5).  The Israelites were taught obedience and submission in the desert, where they wandered for 40 days and 40 nights. (Joshua 5:6). David fled his son Absalom into the desert and sought God’s protection. (2 Sam 15:23; Ps. 3). After his conversion, St. Paul went into the desert to seek clarification for his newfound faith and discovered his mission. (Gal. 1:17). Mohammed encountered Allah in the desert. Many monks and hermits spent a life of penitence and prayer in the desert. John the Baptist lived, prayed, and preached there as well. He urged people to repent and prepare the way for the Messiah. Christ, St. Luke reports, was led by the Spirit into the desert, where he encountered God in preparation for his mission. These men took refuge in the desert away from the distraction and noise of everyday life. They did not run away from the world but went into the desert to better prepare to face the world.

 

3.     The desert is dry and unforgiving; it exposes everyone to the elements in their raw form. William Bausch states, “You are as close to the edge of life and death as you could possibly be. No excess, no luxury, no illusions in the desert, just a total, vast, harsh emptiness. You live in total dependence, from hand to mouth, from day to day. There are no distractions, no television sets, no microwaves, no cars, no nothing. Everything becomes intensely focused on the bare facts of existence, of yourself, and of God. There is just you – your utter, complete self and the vast emptiness of the desert. And the challenge the desert offers is this: what will you find there? Will you find God? If not there, then nowhere else.” It is fitting that John calls us to prepare for the coming of the Messiah by way of the desert. Here, we will be humbled by the desert experience and find God. Then we would say with the Psalmist, “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” We must be ready to do a few things right. We must embrace the simplicity and humility that the desert teaches us, grounding us in our connection to God and each other. In the simplicity of the desert, we find the richness of our faith. In the humility of the desert, we find the strength of our connection to God and each other.

4.     The voice crying in the wilderness exhorts us to “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” We have many mountains in life to either climb or bring low. We must bring down the hill of laziness in prayer or other religious activities. Let us work on our mountain of pride and arrogance. We must fill in the valley of cluttering by learning to do with less and giving away the extra. There is nothing to distract us in the desert, so we should do more with less and grow rich spiritually. Let go of too much, give them away, and you will find joy. Our winding roads must be made straight. Dishonesty, lies, gossip, hateful and malicious speech, name-calling in high places, and uncharitable behaviors are some of the crooked paths we must make straight. We need proper tools to make the winding road straight for the Messiah. Prayer and wonderful sacramental life, sprinkled with ample water of charitable acts, coated with the bitumen of forgiveness, mercy, and compassion, are the machinery needed. These would help us build a reconstructed road for the Messiah to pass into our hearts. Hence, John the Baptist calls us to repent, to change our hearts, adopt a new way of doing things, and see things differently. Repentance is not a one-time act but a continuous commitment to spiritual growth and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. In this journey of repentance and spiritual growth, we find the joy that fills our hearts and souls bringing us closer to the Messiah.

 

5.     The call to repentance is a constant theme in our spiritual journey. I pray with St. Paul: “That your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.” Amen. Let us heed the call to repentance and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah.

 Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

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