June 30, 2024. 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Readings: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; 2 Cor. 8:7,9, 13-15; Mk 5:21-43.

Take my Hand! 

Last Sunday, we read about Job and his ordeal. We noticed that God did not give Job any justification for his suffering. Instead, Job was invited to see that suffering was within the mysterious design of the universe, where losses, setbacks, sickness, brokenness, pains, and disappointments had their place. The Book of Job addresses the problem of evil in the world created by a loving God. In today’s first reading, we hear that “God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living…For God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him. But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who belong to his company experience it.” When we choose to do our will over and above the will of God, the source of our happiness, we choose death rather than life. Death is a way of life without God.

 

On the other hand, John’s gospel shows us that Jesus is the Lord of life. He tells us, “I came so that they might have life and have it abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). He told Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live” (Jn 11:25). Jesus is always in the business of saving life. We are told that Jesus “Went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil.” (Acts 10:38). He restored sight to the blind, made the lame walk, raised the dead, fed the hungry, and drove away demons and initiated a kingdom of love, justice, and peace.

 

The gospel portrays Jesus’ generosity in healing the afflicted and the willingness of the sick to seek his help. Because God will not do what we can do for ourselves, it is important to reach out for help when we need it. Jairus, despite being a synagogue official, humbly knelt before Jesus, pleading for his sick daughter. Another person in the crowd was a woman who, due to her social, economic, and religious status, was considered unfit to be in the company of Jesus or in public. This woman had spent all her money on doctors. She was ceremonially unclean due to her continuous flow of blood, making her unable to enter any synagogue. She had to come into personal contact with the healer to be healed, but doing so would defile him and nullify his healing power. She was too afraid to ask Jesus for help, so she mustered the courage to touch his garment, hoping she would be made clean. Her prayer was answered, and she was instantly healed.

 

But then Jesus knew about the healing and demanded who the beneficiary was. With fear and trembling, she confessed what she had done. Jesus did not shame her but praised her courage and extolled her faith. The Psalmist tells us to “call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Ps.50:15). This reminds me of a story about the power of Jesus to save. According to an old legend, a man became lost in his travels and wandered into a bed of quicksand. Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, saw the man’s predicament and said, “It is evident that men should stay out of places such as these.” Brahma, one of the major gods of Hinduism, came on the scene and said, “You suffer because of your sins.” Next, Buddha observed the situation and said, “Let that man’s plight be a lesson to the rest of the world.” Then Mohammad came by and said to the sinking man, “Alas! It is the will of God.” Finally, Jesus appeared. “Take my hand, brother,” He said, “and I will save you.” The mercy of Jesus is always there for us if we will only take his hand and allow him to heal us. For He has come “to seek and to save what was lost.” (Lk. 19:10).

 

Saint Paul reminds us that Jesus’s generosity should inspire us to be generous. In the second reading, Paul appeals for help for the suffering poor in Jerusalem. He encourages us to be gracious to others, following Christ’s example of selfless giving, who sacrificed his life for the salvation of all. Yet, Paul emphasizes that individual disciples should give as they feel moved to, without compulsion. Jesus generously gives us everything, even himself, and invites us to seek him in all our troubles. As we sing, “Abide with me, fast falls the eventide, the darkness deepens Lord, with me abide, when other helpers fail, and comforts flee, the help of the helpless, oh abide with me.” May the Lord meet us in our times of need, take our hands, and raise us, just as he did with Jairus’ daughter. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

June 23, 2024; 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Readings: Job 38:1,8-11; 2 Cor. 5:14-17; Mk 4:35-41. 

The Beautiful Sleep of Jesus

Today, as we delve into the gospel, we find Jesus and his disciples on the Lake of Galilee, facing a violent storm. Just as they were, we too are often gripped by fear in the face of life’s storms. Jesus, in his reassuring presence, asks us, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mk. 4:41). The storm-tossed boat is not just an image of the Church’s universal sailing through the ages, but also a reflection of our journey. Jesus, always present with the Church, is deeply concerned for our well-being even when his care is not immediately perceived.

 

In the first reading, Job experiences the storm of his life. Job questioned God about his affliction. God did not give him any justification for his pains and suffering. Instead, God invited Job to believe that suffering was within the mysterious design of his universe; he “laid the foundation of the earth” (Job 38:4). Within God’s design for the world there is a place for losses, setbacks, storms, brokenness, pains, disappointments, and disasters. It was in God’s hands to set limits to the seas, to say, “Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stopped.” (Job 38:11). God has control over nature, and everything he has created, as Jesus possesses the divine power over the forces of nature.

 

Today, we find ourselves amid a tempest, politically and emotionally. We are not just experiencing storms, but violent storms and gun storms, election storms and medical storms, moral storms, spiritual storms, education storms, and sickness and death storms. We are not just facing a humanitarian storm and an immigration storm, but we are inundated, shaken, sharpened, and shaped by these unimaginable storms. Through it all, Jesus seems unperturbed, sleeping peacefully. Why should he be sleeping while we are in the midst of such a perilous storm?

 

A storm rocked the world of John Newton, the captain of a slave boat, and brought about his conversion. He prayed like the disciples in today’s gospel. “God, if you will only save us, I promise to be your slave forever.” Jesus heard his prayer and saved his ship from destruction. From that storm came conversion, a change of heart, and a new song. “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. I have already come through many dangers, toils, and snare; Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” The psalmist tells us what to do when confronted by a storm: “In their trouble, they called to the Lord, and he saved them. He calmed the raging storm, and the waves became quiet.” (Ps. 107: 6, 29).

Regardless of the intensity of your storm, remember that you are not alone. We will never avoid all the storms that threaten us. But as Napoleon Hill wisely said, “The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and the rains and the scorching sun.” Just like David, who was once in a political and moral tsunami, we can find a way out of our storms through our unwavering faith in God. A strong prayer life and unshakeable faith in God will always guide us out of the storm of life. And so, “Be still and know that I am God!” (Ps.46:11). “Because when the just cry out, the Lord hears and rescues them from all distress.” (Ps. 34:18).

 

The storms in our lives should make us strong rather than put us down. It is all in the way we handle them. In the life journey, the question is not “Will storms arise? Rather, “When will the next storm arise?” And even more important than that question is, “What type of person will I be when the next storm arises?” During Christ’s time, the Lake of Galilee was notorious for its storms. And despite its destructive effects, Christ never attempted to abolish them but just stopped them momentarily. In our storm, we must hold on to Jesus. Though he may seem to be sleeping, he is still mighty. If you have faith, you will see that though Christ may be asleep, he is active and always at work for your good. Because “All things work for good for those who love God.” (Rom. 8:28). The storm of life may seem to overpower us, and we may think we are alone in our struggle, but Christ is there seemingly sleeping. In that sleep, there is power. As soon as he is up, the squall will calm down, and there will be peace. But he will question you, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

June 16, 2024; 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Readings: Ex. 17:22-24; 2 Cor. 5:6-10; Mk 4:26-34.

We walk by Faith, not by Sight

1.     In today’s gospel, Jesus tells some parables concerning the kingdom of God. He compares the kingdom’s growth to seeds planted in the fields. Parables are short stories from everyday life that offer a surprising turn or reversal of expectations. A parable is defined as an earthly teaching with a heavenly meaning. The unusual twist in the story provokes reflection, inviting one to make decisions about how one might live in light of the truth hidden in the parable. We are told, “With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them.” (Mk. 4:33-34). These parables invite us to grasp that God’s kingdom germinates, grows, and matures without enhancement from visible external causes.

 

2.     Like a farmer who plants his seeds on a cultivated farm, we must be patient for the seeds to grow to maturity. We may not see the growth of the seed, but God will always give us a bountiful harvest. Because embedded in every seed is an imprint of the creator and, therefore, carries the future of a generation. Every egg carries the future offspring of its kind. A mango seed carries thousands of mango fruits to feed thousands and more. In the same way, every baby born today is a future father or mother; as the saying goes, a child is the father of a man. Therefore, we must raise our children with patience, care, and love so that they may become the people we will be proud of tomorrow. These stories invite us to believe in a hidden mystery at work in the universe.

  

3.      The parable did not tell us much about the time between seeding and harvesting. However, growth is taking place all the while, the harvest time – the consummation of God’s reign – must be near. As St. Paul tells us in the second reading, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Cor. 5:10). The seed of the kingdom was planted in our hearts on the day of Baptism. It was nurtured with the bread of life – the Body of Christ. We are to constantly water that seed with God’s word and good deeds while we wait patiently on God. Because we received the Word of God and enjoyed a life of grace, we must spread the word and bring others to God. Conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit, but we must do our part as missionary disciples, to preach the good news of salvation to everyone. Do not be disappointed that the fruit of your mission may not be immediately realized. Be patient, courageous, and hopeful! If things in your life do not go as planned, do not give up hope. Better days are around the corner. For “We walk by faith and not by sight.” God is with us we plan and he will give success to the work of our hands. Let us pray with the psalmist: “Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.”

 

4.     The readings remind me of the story of the Chinese Bamboo by Joel Weldon. According to Weldon, the strangest seed in the world is the seed of the Chinese bamboo tree. It lies buried in the soil for five years before any seedling or sprout appears above ground. Think about it! Five years! During these five years, the seed must be cultivated, watered, and fertilized regularly. Now comes the big surprise. When the bamboo seedling finally emerges from the ground, it grows to a height of 90 feet in just six weeks. Why does the seedling take so long to appear? Why does it grow so fast once it emerges? Plant experts say that the bamboo seed is busy building an elaborate root system during its first five years in the soil. This root system enables it to grow 90 feet in six weeks. This story teaches us lessons about patience, faith, perseverance, growth, development, and, most importantly, human potential. J.K. Rowling, Jeff Bezos, and Henry Ford did not become mega-successful entrepreneurs until their 40s. In his book, Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, Jim C. Collins writes, “The only truly reliable source of stability is a strong inner core and the willingness to change and adapt everything except that core.” Have faith in your dream. You might make mistakes, get frustrated, feel discouraged, and want to quit along the way, but remember what’s driving you. Believing in yourself helps others believe in you too. The seed of God’s kingdom is like the seed of the bamboo tree. It, too, takes a long time to emerge. The seed of God’s kingdom is building an elaborate root system inside us. And eventually, from this root system, something beautiful will grow.

 

5.     There are a few lessons for us today. Do not be afraid to plant your seeds, whatever they may be. Dream big dreams and work towards the actualization of those dreams. Be patient and wait. Be realistic about your dreams. Don’t ever give up, and do not quit. Do the daily things that will push you towards your dreams. Ignore those who try to discourage you and tell you that you will not succeed. Avoid such people; they are a hindrance to your success. Learn to conquer your fears and doubts. Have faith in yourself and have faith in God. Be willing to be a trailblazer and teach others to do the impossible. Keep at your dreams no matter how long they may take. Do not compare yourself to others; don’t be intimidated by your past mistakes and failures. You are a work in progress. God is not done with you yet. Be thankful for the blessings received and be hopeful for better days. Always believe that your tomorrow will be better than yesterday or today. Be Blessed!

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP. 

June 09, 2024; 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Year (B)

                                     Gen. 3:9-15,2; 2 Cor. 4:13-5:1; Mk. 3:20-35. 

How much power do we give to the Devil?

1.     “Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.” (Eph. 6:10-12). Do you believe that the Devil exists? Do you attribute some of your behaviors to the Devil? No one can make you do anything you don't want to do. You do what you do because of the apparent good you see in doing them. When you get caught, you do not take the blame and be responsible for your actions.  But find an easy target. The Devil made you do it. That is the story of the Fall of Adam and Eve in today's first reading. When the Lord asked Adam, “You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!" He replied, “The woman who you put here with me – she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” The Lord God said to the woman, “Why did you do such a thing.? The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” We do not take responsibility for our actions but blame everyone but ourselves for the mess we have created.

2.     Today's Gospel confronts Jesus with three scenarios: Jesus was accused of being in league with the Devil: “Beelzebul possesses him,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.”  Jesus rejects the charge that he casts out demons by the power of the prince of demons. Jesus pointed out that if Satan had risen against himself and was divided, he could not stand. With that, Jesus proves that his work is against the powers of the Devil. He came into the world to overthrow the kingdom of the Devil. How could he possibly be working with the Devil?

3.     Unfortunately, we often engage in activities demonstrating that we belong to the kingdom of darkness. Jesus told the Jews, “You belong to your father, the Devil, and you willingly carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks in character because he is a liar and the father of lies.” (Jn. 8:44-45). When we lie, cheat, are deceitful, look down on people, and are condescending, we do not behave as sons and daughters of God, who created us in his image and likeness. When we make people feel bad and put them down as if we are better than them, we are clearly in league with the Devil. And so, we must take a stand. Are we for God or the Devil? Christ is the father of light. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light life.” (Jn. 8:12). In John 3:21, Jesus said, “Whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.” What, then, should we do? Micah has the answer: “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.” (Micah 6:8).

4.     The second issue Christ dealt with is the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us in the parable of the lost sheep, “It is not the will of your heavenly father that one of these little ones be lost.” (Mt. 18:14). “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” (Lk. 19:10). Throughout the scriptures God’s Spirit is presented as that divine power at work in created reality bringing about salvation. God’s Spirit is his saving power, reconciling man to God. Therefore, the sin against the Holy Spirit is to deny that the Spirit is at work and that God intends to save, thereby placing humanity outside of the pale of salvation. God is always willing to forgive us our sins. But we must trust in his mercy and love. When we doubt God’s mercy and refuse to repent, we sin against the Holy Spirit.

5.     Finally, Jesus is told that his mother and brothers seek him outside. “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” Jesus was not rude to his mother by his answer but stressed that his real family are those who do the will of God. The true disciples of Jesus must go beyond blood relationships. In Jesus, the water of baptism is stronger than the blood relationship. No, Christ did not reject his earthly relatives. Instead, he forcefully asserts a more profound bond among the common acceptance of Father’s creation and saving will. Any other bond of unity is secondary to this. Once we recognize God’s power radically at work in the world, we are more radically related to that world and all who are in it. Blood relationships cannot transcend physical nature. Accepting God’s reign makes it possible to transcend all nature.

6.     We pray that we may accept our faults and repent, for God is full of mercy and redemption. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

June 02, 2024; Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Year B)

                         Readings: Ex. 24:3-8; Heb. 9:11-15; Mk 14:12-16, 22-26. 

Examine Yourself before you Eat the Bread and Drink the Cup

1.     A will is a legal declaration of a person’s wishes regarding the disposal of their property or estate after death. With a legal will, we avoid tension, hatred, jealousy, and rivalry among siblings and family members; therefore, it is a good practice for people to make a will, notarize it, and have a lawyer witness it. The will can be reviewed and updated from time to time. On the other hand, advance directives are oral and written instructions about future medical decisions (for example, when one is unconscious or too ill to communicate). Everyone should have advanced medical directives and inform the medical team when one is admitted to the hospital.

2.     When we look at the institution of the Holy Eucharist, it seems that Jesus Christ, who knew that his life on earth was ending, communicated his wishes to his apostles. Today’s gospel detailed how Jesus prepared his apostles for his death. “While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” (Mk. 14:22-26). He told them, “Do this in memory of me.” (Lk. 22:19).

3.     Dear friends, we gather here today to do what Christ commanded: celebrate his love. We know how important it is to obey and carry out the death wishes of our parents. The celebration of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ reminds us that Christ is with us in the bread and wine we offer in sacrifice to God to become his body and blood through transubstantiation. The Eucharist is the food for our spirit and soul. “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you.” (Jn. 6:53). The shedding of his blood on the cross sealed the covenant Christ made with us. Christ is the sacrificial “Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.” (Jn 1:29). In the first reading, Moses sealed the covenant with the blood of an animal, “Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord had made with you in accordance with all these words of his.” (Ex.24:8). The sacrifice of Moses prefigured Christ’s sacrifice of the new covenant sealed by his blood. He died so that we may have life. He left us a memorial of his passion and death and urged us to eat his body and drink his blood. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” (Jn. 6:54-56).

4.     Christ prepared a meal for us, but we sometimes prefer to be on a diet. By not receiving the Eucharist, we demonstrate how ungrateful we are to Christ, who loves us dearly. What would prevent us from partaking in the Eucharist? Could it be sins? Confession is available to those not in a state of grace. Christ is ready to forgive and reconcile us to God and one another. Therefore, St. Paul tells us to examine ourselves before approaching the Lord in the Eucharist. It is a sacrilege to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in a state of mortal sin. Paul was emphatic when he said, “Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread, and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.” (1Cor. 11:27-29).

5.     We examine ourselves by praying and preparing to receive the Lord in the Eucharist. We should come to Church on time, examine our conscience, and be ready to receive the Lord Jesus. We must participate conscientiously at Mass. Going through the readings beforehand puts us in spiritual readiness for the Eucharist. Spend some time in prayer before and after the reception of Holy Communion. When you have communion with the Lord, remember to also have communion with your brothers and sisters. Forgive those who sinned against you if you want God to forgive your sins. At the end of Mass, we are dismissed to carry Christ to everyone we meet. Do not neglect people with low income and those who are in need. Schedule to spend some time with the Lord before the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon. Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. May he who waits for us give us the grace to love him in return, now and always. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP.

May 26, 2024; Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Readings: Deut. 4:32-34, 39-40; Rom. 8:14-17; Matt 28:16-20. 

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations!

1.     Last Sunday, we reflected on speaking our native language. We concluded that we must learn this language in our families from birth. We must see, feel, experience, practice, and then speak it. The family that speaks this language is the family of God and God’s people. The Trinity speaks the language of love. Love was also the native tongue of the Holy Family. All of God’s people must speak the same language. The Acts of the Apostles remind us that the “Community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.” (Acts. 4:32). That was their language. The disciples were called Christians because of how they loved themselves. Christ tells us, “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love” (Jn.16:11). He gave us a new commandment, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (Jn. 13:34-35). We must speak the language of the Trinity, both as a community and individually. The God of love abides where there is charity and love.

2.     Today, we reflect on the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. We worship the God who manifests himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These are not three Gods but three Persons in one God. The Father is the Creator, the Son is the Savior, and the Holy Spirit is the Sanctifier. Though the three Persons have different responsibilities, the responsibility of one Person is the responsibility of all Persons of the Trinity. The Father is not older or younger than the Son or the Holy Spirit; the three Persons are the same in every way. God himself reveals this mystery. We do not seek to understand it as a mathematical equation or calculation but must believe it as a revealed truth. And this is what we profess in the Nicene Creed, “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified.” The children of Israel believed in one God; hence, Moses pleaded with them to avoid worshipping the Canaanite gods. The Lord of heaven and earth who created heaven and earth and sustains the world in being is more powerful than any created things or the gods of other nations, which are the work of human hands. 

3.     Little wonder why Moses asked the children of Israel, “Did any god venture to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, with his strong hand and outstretched arm, and by great terrors, all of which the Lord, your God, did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?” (Deut. 4:34). We cannot compare God to other gods. For they are, like the Psalmist says, “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths but speak not; they have eyes but see not; they have ears but hear not, and no breath is in their mouths. Their makers shall be like them, all who trust in them.” (Ps. 135:15-18). 

4.     Today, as always, we acknowledge the God who reaches out to us through the Holy Spirit. Hence, St. Paul reminds us, “Those who the Spirit of God leads are sons of God. For you did not receive a Spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” (Rom. 8:14). Due to the Spirit poured into our hearts by the Father and the Son, we can call God daddy, Father. It was unheard of to address God as a son would his Father. God is indeed our Father; he and the Son dwell in us through His Spirit.  

5.     Our mission as Christians is to make the God who manifests himself as Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit known and loved. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Baptism, in the name of the Trinity, is the manifestation of our faith. Our prayer is Trinitarian. We begin and end every prayer by blessing ourselves in the name of the Trinity. We offer prayers to God the Father, through the Son, and in the Spirit. And so, we must teach all nations about the God who loves us and seeks to create a loving relationship with us. May we experience the loving relationship the Trinity enjoys, a relationship of communion, unity, and respect. 

6.     Let us pray that we may speak the language of the Trinity, the language of love, communion, understanding, peace, and unity. May the Triune God who initiates a relationship and communion with us assist us so that we may live in peace and love with one another. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

May 19, 2024. Solemnity of Pentecost (Year B)

Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Gal. 5:16-25; John 20:19-23 

Speaking Our Native (Tongue) Language

1.     Today is the birthday of the Church. We often think that the Holy Spirit came into existence on the day of Pentecost. That is far from the truth. God is eternally Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and manifests Himself as such. But on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit became the dominant reality in the life of the early Church. It was the source of all guidance. It was the source of courage and power, the counselor, the comforter, and solace in times of difficulties.

2.     There were three great Jewish festivals to which every male Jew living within twenty miles of Jerusalem was legally bound to attend – the Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Pentecost means “The Fiftieth,” or “The Feast of Weeks,” so called because it fell on the fiftieth day, a week after the feast of the Passover. At least as many came to the Feast of Pentecost as to the Feast of Passover. That explains the number of countries mentioned in this chapter; never was there a more international crowd in Jerusalem than at the time of Pentecost.” Pentecost commemorated the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. So, it was a holiday for all, and the crowds on the streets would be greater than ever. It was on that day the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. The disciples experienced the power of the Spirit flooding their beings in a way they never had before. “All filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” (Act 2:4). 

3.     In verse 11, we read, “Yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.” With the coming of the Spirit, the crowd heard the apostles, for the first time, speaking out openly about the mighty acts of God. They were now ready to take the gospel to the ends of the earth and witness Christ’s resurrection. The Spirit empowered the apostles to preach the Word of God in a way that struck straight to their hearts in a way that the crowd could understand. It gave the apostles a message that penetrated every heart. It broke their chains of fear and intimidation and enabled them to move freely and courageously among Jews and Gentiles alike, armed with the Word to set the captives free and heal the brokenhearted.

4.     The disciples being understood by all is indicative that the ancient tragedy of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9) is now reversed. The people at Babel had arrogantly tried to “make a name” for themselves by building a tower to the heavens – symbolizing the human attempt to see power, wealth, and security without God. Consequently, God confounded the universal human language into many different languages, making it impossible for them to complete that tower. At Pentecost, the Spirit-given ability of Jesus’s disciples to speak in various languages signifies that God is beginning to overcome human divisions. We received the Spirit at baptism which gave us the power to speak words of wisdom that should be understood by all who hear us. The Spirit empowered us to break the bonds of sin and division and initiate unity, peace, and love in our communities. Has our Spirit grown dull and lukewarm? Why has the Spirit not burned the bad habits of our lives and sowed the seed of love instead?

5.     Instead of spreading gossip that stops us from speaking our native language of love, we ask the Spirit to help us become preachers of God’s marvels. Instead of proclaiming falsehood, may the Spirit assist us in speaking words of truth and honesty. For those who harbor strife, vengeful thoughts, and hatred, may the Spirit enable them to love God and their neighbors. We can only speak the language of love if we learn it from birth. Our parents must have taught us not so much by what they say but by what they do. They must speak the language of love first at home with us through social interactions and relationships. We must see, feel, practice, and then speak it.       

6.     Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will come to us with his gifts of “Wisdom and understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.” (Is. 11: 2-3). May the Spirit give us his fruit of “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal.5:22-23). May the Spirit help us to conquer the indifference in our world so that we may fight the internal battles of “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). And so, we pray: “Come O Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of the faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love, send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.” Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP.

May 12, 2024; 7th Sunday of Easter - Ascension of the Lord.

                        Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Mk. 16:15-20 

Stop Staring, Get Back to Work!

1.    William Shakespeare understood life as we see it today. In Merchant of Venice, Antonio tells Gratiano, “I hold the world but as the world, a stage where every man must play a part.” (Act 1 Scene 1). And so, it is for everyone; we step into the scene from birth and play our part till death. The feast of Ascension reminds us that Christ, who died, rose from the dead, and appeared to his Apostles for 40 (43) days, now ascends into heaven, while the Apostles must continue the work of evangelization. The apostles were prepared for this task from the day Christ began his public ministry until now. He told them, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mk. 1:15). And at the end of his ministry, he commissioned them to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mk. 16:15). We Christians must believe in Christ and witness to him. To be a faithful Christian is to be a missionary disciple. 

2.    As Christ was being lifted, the Apostles looked intently at the sky, wondering what to do next. Angels had to intervene to bring them back to reality. “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” (Acts 1:11). With that the Apostles recalled the words of Christ. “You will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). They must prepare themselves for their mission. So, back in Jerusalem, they returned and devoted themselves to prayer while waiting for the Holy Spirit. Aren’t we like that most of the time? Thoreau was right when he said, “We live merely like ants, and our lives are frittered away by details.” We often get caught up in problems and are weighed down by difficulties. We tend to lose direction and find it difficult to see things from the correct perspective. At times like these, we need to recall the vision faith gives us regarding the goals and meaning of our lives. Why are we here? What is the purpose of our lives? Christianity is not standing around waiting for something to happen; it is about making something happen. We make it happen by witnessing the Good News of Jesus Christ through word and deed.   

3.    The feast of Ascension gives us hope, strengthens our mission, and empowers us to bring the gospel of salvation to others. It reminded us of our Baptism when the word of God was placed on our lips by the minister as he said, “The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May he soon touch your ears to receive his word, and your mouth to proclaim his faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father.” (The Rite of Baptism). Jesus also received his mandate at his Baptism. It was then that his mission was revealed. Hence, he said, “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, and let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” (Lk. 4:18-19). The letter to the Hebrews told us, “For this reason, when he came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; Behold, I come to do you will, O God.’” (Heb. 10:5-7). This, too, is our mission: to do the will of God and bear witness to him.

4.    Ascension is about endings and beginnings. Christ’s ministry on earth ended, but the operation of the Holy Spirit in his followers to continue his ministry began. It is now time for us to step up and play our part in the mission of Christ. As he commissioned the disciples, we are now commissioned to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of age.” (Mt. 28:19-20). Now, the time for preparing his apostles for the mission to build his Church was over, but the time for participation in the expansion of that Church began. We must start witnessing to Christ and carry on his mission to the ends of the earth. But we know that we are not alone. He is with us always in and through His Spirit.

5.    To bear witness to Christ, we must be men and women of prayer. We come to Church to praise God, to hear his word, and to break the bread of his body with our brothers and sisters. But we don’t stand by staring up to heaven. We have places to go and things to do. So, we must stop staring and get back to work! We must leave the Church with fire to preach the word and bear witness to him. Christ has no one else except you and me to continue this mission of love. He has no body but ours, no hands and feet, no eyes and ears, no means to show compassion and love, to show mercy and offer forgiveness, to preach the word and baptize but ours. Our hands must be his hands, our mouth must be his mouth, and we must do the good he must do. If anyone is to die again for others, it must not be Christ but us since we are called to bear witness to him. And so, we pray that we may witness to Christ by celebrating His Ascension into glory and hope to join Christ one day to enjoy life in full communion with God and all the saints. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP.

May 05, 2024; 6th Sunday of Easter (Year B)

                                 Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48; 1 Jn. 4:7-10; John 15:9-17 

Love beyond all Frontiers.

1.      In the first reading, we see Peter, a Jew, in the house of Cornelius, a Gentile. Jews had nothing in common with the Gentiles. The Gentiles were not considered fit to be admitted into any place of importance, not to mention the kingdom of heaven. Peter’s presence in the house of Cornelius was, therefore, considered taboo, scandalizing, and very offensive indeed to the Jews. To that point, Peter said, “You know that it is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a Gentile, but God has shown me that I should not call any person profane or unclean. And that is why I came without objection when sent for.” (Acts 10:28-29). Peter continued: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is accepted to him.” (Acts 10:34-35). While Peter was preaching “The Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit would have been poured out on the Gentiles also, for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God.” (Acts. 10: 44-47). Peter then asked, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?” (Act. 10:47). Cornelius and his household were baptized.

2.      The division, hatred, and barriers in our world are caused by man’s inhumanity to man and our inability to keep the commandment of love. By placing limitations on love, we create hatred among people. The fact that many people think they are better, more intelligent, talented, richer, and better endowed than others, doesn’t make them right. This way of thinking can foster violence and bloodshed among brothers and sisters. The belief that one race is better than or superior to others makes it hard, if not impossible, to love. Hence, St. Paul exhorts us, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28). And Christ admonishes: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love.” (Jn. 15:12). While John pleads: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.” (I Jn. 4:7-8).

3.      God’s love transforms and redeems us. He loves us sacrificially through his Son, who gave up his life for our sake. He reminds us: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (Jn. 15:13). There is so much misunderstanding and mistrust in our society because we have not kept the commandment of love. Christ demonstrated this to his apostles when he said: “You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” (Jn. 13:12-15). The disciple must walk in the master’s footsteps; hence, the Apostles were so convinced of their discipleship and the teaching of their master that they were not afraid to die for others as their master did. No mountain was high enough for them to climb, and no barrier could prevent them from bringing the gospel of Christ to the ends of the world. Hence, Peter went to Cornelius’s house, a Gentile, to preach the gospel of salvation to him and his household. God took the initiative and proved to them that salvation was open to all, regardless of race, origin, and tribe. All are welcome in God’s house.

4.      John tells us that God is love; to love is to communicate with God. This love goes beyond every frontier and binds us together. St Paul urges, “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Rom. 13:8). At the end of our life on earth, we will be judged on love!

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

April 28, 2024; 5th Sunday of Easter; Year (B)

Readings: Acts 9:26-31; 1 Jn. 3:18-24; Jn. 15:1-8 

A Hard Man is good to find.

1.     In today’s gospel, Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit because without me you can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:5). Christian life must be rooted in Christ and directed by the relationship shared in and with Him. Therefore, Christians must live in such a way as to say with St. Paul, “I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20). To grow and live with and in Christ demands compatibility of character. The risk in organ transplants is the rejection of the foreign body by the donor body, which is called incompatibility. If husband and wife are not compatible, that marriage has no future. Hence, without compatibility of character between Jesus and His disciples, no growth or intimacy is possible. As sinful people, we need the pruning, purification, and cleansing effect of the Holy Spirit to make us compatible with sinless Jesus. We must align our priorities with Christ to function and bear fruit as his disciples.

2. In today’s first reading, Saul, the persecutor who had tried to destroy the Church and dragged men and women to prison, was converted on his way to Damascus. He is now preaching the Christ that he was against. In Jerusalem, Paul’s new religion and his enthusiasm to preach Christ as the Lord face stiff opposition, suspicion, and doubts. This was Paul who gave permission for Stephen to be stoned to death. How can he be trusted? He was snubbed and avoided. “When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.” (Acts. 9:26). How lonely Paul must have felt. Did he make a mistake? Did Christ really speak to him on that road? These thoughts must have gone through his mind. Then, Barnabas, also called Joseph, came to his rescue. He was a Levite, a Cypriot by birth. The Apostles named him Barnabas, meaning ‘Son of Encouragement’. He was “a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.” (Acts 11:23).

3.     Barnabas epitomized early Christians’ lives. He was a branch that sprung from the divine vine - Jesus. For he knew that to bear fruit, he had to align his values, ethics, identity, personality, and priorities with Christ. He took charge of Paul and vouched for him as his spokesperson. One wonders how life would have been for Paul but for Barnabas. We need people like Barnabas to support, encourage, and believe in us. We need people who see potential in us and will not judge us for the one mistake we may have made in the past. Barnabas showed himself an honest Christian in the way he treated Paul. He saw that Paul was made in the image and likeness of God; therefore, he should be redeemed and not condemned. He believed in the best in others. While others saw Paul as a spy, Barnabas saw him as an asset, an instrument to bring the Gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. How wonderful would our world be if we had more people like Barnabas? Those who are not afraid of people are not suspicious and cynical but who see themselves in everyone and try to help others succeed. These Hard Men are good to find.

4.     William Barclay tells us that, “The world is largely divided into those who think the best of others and those who think the worst; and it is one of the curious facts of life that ordinarily we see our reflection in others and make them what we believe them to be. If we insist on regarding a man with suspicion, we will end by making him do suspicious things. If we insist on believing in a man, we will end by compelling him to justify that belief.” We must be like Jesus in treating others, especially those who do not look, think, and talk like us. Barnabas was that man. Like Jesus, he did not allow someone’s past to influence his judgment against him. A person should not be condemned forever just because he once made a mistake. In a baseball game, the rule is three strikes, and you are out. We can apply the same rule to how we treat those who have wronged us, knowing that Christ tells us to make it up to seventy-seven times. (Matt. 18:22). For “If you, O Lord, should make our guilt, Lord, who would survive.” (Ps. 130:3). Never condemn someone because he had committed an offense once. There is still room for change if we allow him to do so.

5.     The early Christian community that produced a man of character like Barnabas “Were of one heart and mine, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.” (Acts. 4:36-37). Their faith was rooted in Christ. Christ is the vine, and every Christian is a branch. We must be one with Christ and must grow in Him. If we do not, we become a withered, rejected branch that is dead and is suitable for nothing. When we are together in Christ, we bear fruit. St. John made this point in the second reading. When we get together and are united in Christ and with one another, we live a life of truth, love, and peace. God relates with us in love, and with love, we must “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.” (Eph. 4:32). Let us pray that we may be Barnabas to one another. With people like Barnabas, our world will be a better place. In this place, no one will be suspicious of others, where violence and hatred will give way to forgiveness, tolerance, and love, where we will see the image of God in one another and so treat them as we would Christ, in love. May we treat others as we would want them to treat us! For a hard man, it is good indeed to find. God knows we need those hard men in our lives today more than ever. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP