In life there are times when we become resplendent with joy, which exudes in all ramification of our countenance because of the anticipation of a promise long awaited. Rejoice at the grant of freedom and liberation is equally a human way of acknowledging marvels of God in our lives. The emotional out burst of joy or rejoicing at the news of a future promise, is always a fascinating theme in the lives of the people of Israel and even among New Testament Christians.
For the prophet Zephaniah (3:14-18), he makes a hilarious call to all those who are largely in gloom, unhappiness and unexcited to wake to the “future fulfillment” of God’s restoration.
We ask ourselves this basic question, what is the root for this rejoicing. It stated that “the Lord has repealed your sentence”. The sentence in question here is the fact of the great fall of the human person in Adam and Eve. The consequence is the rape of original blessedness, justice, rapport and innocence with our God. The negation of these virtues in our lives leads to the social, political and moral insecurity that continues to plague our society at large.
The Christian basics for this REJOICE’, at this time is the grant of a “second chance”. An opportunity to redress the history and irregularities of the past times. This is only feasible in Christ, the promise of the ages. “a virgin is with child and she shall give birth to a son, whose name is EMMANUEL…… MEANING God with us” cf Is 7:14.
We must gladly note that the whole sense of our rejoicing is not in the here and now, but in anticipation of the future coming. The coming of Jesus we must try to hasten it, by our prayers, rectification of our lives and our Christian Vigil. Remember his coming is not to tolerate but vindicate the just and enthrone a kingdom of righteousness, peace, joy, love etc. In John 3:17-18, he states that “His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing-floor, and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out”.
Just as the breaking forth or dawn of a new child brings joy to the human family, in the same wise expectancy of this coming of Jesus Christ brings not only but the freedom, liberation and God’s design to bore-enacted in the perfection of the human family and society.
The holy one of Israel is in our midst He is Jesus Christ, “Emmanuel”, God with us. We know and affirm with the Psalmist, “that he that is with God is with majority” that Jesus lives and dwells with us in the rectification of the course of human history.
Therefore, our joy today must know no bounds since our “salvation is near at hand” May this proximity of our salvation, draw us closer and closer to the eternal focus, design and original state Jesus will brings us.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
WE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT........
In the three readings of this Sunday, we have the evidence of the acknowledgment of the Holy Spirit actively involved in the life, existence and decisions of the early or apocalyptic church. In the church of Antioch, we see a kind of problem that erupted which had the capacity to mar the growth and Christianization of the pagan territories. But what is the riddle that was able to put an end to this malaise.
In the Acts of the Apostles (15:23-29), the apostles gathered imploring the assistance of the Holy Spirit (the inexpressible gift) to assist them in the resolution of this mis-understanding, adaptation and form of generalization form that was almost imposed on the gentile Christian. The general council was held under the auspices of the Holy Spirit.
This accounts for the final decision in which the college of apostles under the leadership of St Peter, could stand to declare before the congregation and general audience “we and the Holy Spirit”, have unanimously decided.
By virtue of this singular fact the apostles show us how we are to interact and deal with the Herculean crisis that could arise in the Christian community. We can successfully resolve this difference by beginning and counting on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit bestows the wisdom for right judgment and decision.
In the same vein, it is obvious to say that the colleges of the consecrated elect “those in sacred orders” are divinely equipped for this great mission of reconciliation, conflict resolution and enhancing the unity of Gods people. We should not lose sight of this rare privilege of God in his ministers.
In our situations of today, how do we implore the intervention of God in the resolution of the common difference that continue to plaque our society. The table of dialogue and the wise counsel of God cannot be under estimated in the sure direction of lasting and true peace which our society of today is in dire need of at these material times.
In the apocalypse of John (21:10-23), the Holy Spirit guided John to the vision of heaven, such that this unique vision is a step towards realizing a form of enthusiasm for the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit to a large extent in this instance reveals the eternal goal of God to man and his vocation to dwell eternally with God.
The form of valedictory speeches of Jesus introduces us to his promise of the Holy Spirit. He says “I have said these things to you while still with you; but the advocate the Holy Spirit whom the father sends in my name will teach you everything”. Cf John 14:24-26.
Jesus makes the place of the Holy Spirit irreplaceable and indispensable in our lives. We cannot know, live and profess our faith in the mindset of God without the timely direction of the Holy Spirit. While we laud Jesus’ continues care for us, we must try as much as possible to seek the power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
We today can lay credence that the church is sustained not true the action of anyone’s goodness but through the action of Jesus in the Holy Spirit. I make bold to say that the Holy Spirit is the radiant glory of God that enlightens the church and guides it on its way through the world in its decision. What about our physical existence?
May the promise of the spirit, comes speedily and wake our inactivity to activity, resurrect us from our death to life in Jesus Christ. Amen
In the Acts of the Apostles (15:23-29), the apostles gathered imploring the assistance of the Holy Spirit (the inexpressible gift) to assist them in the resolution of this mis-understanding, adaptation and form of generalization form that was almost imposed on the gentile Christian. The general council was held under the auspices of the Holy Spirit.
This accounts for the final decision in which the college of apostles under the leadership of St Peter, could stand to declare before the congregation and general audience “we and the Holy Spirit”, have unanimously decided.
By virtue of this singular fact the apostles show us how we are to interact and deal with the Herculean crisis that could arise in the Christian community. We can successfully resolve this difference by beginning and counting on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit bestows the wisdom for right judgment and decision.
In the same vein, it is obvious to say that the colleges of the consecrated elect “those in sacred orders” are divinely equipped for this great mission of reconciliation, conflict resolution and enhancing the unity of Gods people. We should not lose sight of this rare privilege of God in his ministers.
In our situations of today, how do we implore the intervention of God in the resolution of the common difference that continue to plaque our society. The table of dialogue and the wise counsel of God cannot be under estimated in the sure direction of lasting and true peace which our society of today is in dire need of at these material times.
In the apocalypse of John (21:10-23), the Holy Spirit guided John to the vision of heaven, such that this unique vision is a step towards realizing a form of enthusiasm for the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit to a large extent in this instance reveals the eternal goal of God to man and his vocation to dwell eternally with God.
The form of valedictory speeches of Jesus introduces us to his promise of the Holy Spirit. He says “I have said these things to you while still with you; but the advocate the Holy Spirit whom the father sends in my name will teach you everything”. Cf John 14:24-26.
Jesus makes the place of the Holy Spirit irreplaceable and indispensable in our lives. We cannot know, live and profess our faith in the mindset of God without the timely direction of the Holy Spirit. While we laud Jesus’ continues care for us, we must try as much as possible to seek the power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
We today can lay credence that the church is sustained not true the action of anyone’s goodness but through the action of Jesus in the Holy Spirit. I make bold to say that the Holy Spirit is the radiant glory of God that enlightens the church and guides it on its way through the world in its decision. What about our physical existence?
May the promise of the spirit, comes speedily and wake our inactivity to activity, resurrect us from our death to life in Jesus Christ. Amen
SHOW A LITTLE COMPASSION.
Enemies are usually considered as clogs in the wheel of progress. An enemy is one who continues to be obstacle to our general well-being and success in life. This is why we can consider people who have this quality of enemy as thorns in our flesh. The enemy definitely has a mischievous motive for his or her actions. This motive is to deny us happiness, or what leads to our general satisfaction, joy or happiness.
What should occupy us is, the attitude we put up as a form of defence mechanism against the enemy; or do we rather conclude that as an enemy of our well-being we should subscribe to the natural law of “tooth for tooth, eye for eye”.
In the first book of Samuel 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 we experience the encounter between David and Saul. It is the case that Saul never wanted to see the the success of David and was all about to kill him personally and exterminate his name forever. This plan did not succeed as God had chosen him and with his holy oil anointed him.
The opportunity of David with Abishai over Saul’s encampment and army was a clear opportunity for David to avenge his enemy Saul. But David rejected this offer on the grounds of the sacredness of life and that it was contrary to the faith in God to raise ones hand against the Lords anointed. Paying evil for evil, does not lead to a greater good, rather evil must be overcome with goodness. This was a form of compassion that David showed to his enemy Saul. Forgiveness granted to an enemy could to a large extent lead to his or her conversion. We must remember that those who sometimes play enemy to us are members of the household, such that reconciliation by way of genuine show of compassion could reinstate such a person to brotherhood and love.
Jesus in the gospel of Luke 6:27-38 calls us to be compassionate just as our heavenly father is compassionate. One of this show of compassion is love to our enemies; return non violence for violence; being of assistance even of those who do not merit our attention etc.
The nature of the human person calls today for a little show of compassion considering the plight and instability of our inconsistencies in both our moral and economic stagnation.
In John 8:1-11, when the woman was caught in adultery and presented to Jesus for his condemnation and the pronouncement of a mob action, he preferred putting the question to them “if you have no sin be the first to cast a stone”. Indeed he proved to the woman that he loved the sinner as a person but hated sin……I say sin no more. What can be more than this compassion of Jesus Christ.
In the same vein, today Christians must imbibe the virtue of compassion in all aspect of their life dealings. Rather than fault finding and condemnation we need to be considerate and put in understanding if we all can survive and live. Remember that vengeance is for God and our human retribution does not bear the fruit that is acceptable but displeasing to God.
Jesus remains full of admonition for us not to rest on the oasis of Karma law but give in love where it is not recognized, but from this endeavour love is capable of being transmitted and awakened in hearts and souls considered enemies.
What should occupy us is, the attitude we put up as a form of defence mechanism against the enemy; or do we rather conclude that as an enemy of our well-being we should subscribe to the natural law of “tooth for tooth, eye for eye”.
In the first book of Samuel 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 we experience the encounter between David and Saul. It is the case that Saul never wanted to see the the success of David and was all about to kill him personally and exterminate his name forever. This plan did not succeed as God had chosen him and with his holy oil anointed him.
The opportunity of David with Abishai over Saul’s encampment and army was a clear opportunity for David to avenge his enemy Saul. But David rejected this offer on the grounds of the sacredness of life and that it was contrary to the faith in God to raise ones hand against the Lords anointed. Paying evil for evil, does not lead to a greater good, rather evil must be overcome with goodness. This was a form of compassion that David showed to his enemy Saul. Forgiveness granted to an enemy could to a large extent lead to his or her conversion. We must remember that those who sometimes play enemy to us are members of the household, such that reconciliation by way of genuine show of compassion could reinstate such a person to brotherhood and love.
Jesus in the gospel of Luke 6:27-38 calls us to be compassionate just as our heavenly father is compassionate. One of this show of compassion is love to our enemies; return non violence for violence; being of assistance even of those who do not merit our attention etc.
The nature of the human person calls today for a little show of compassion considering the plight and instability of our inconsistencies in both our moral and economic stagnation.
In John 8:1-11, when the woman was caught in adultery and presented to Jesus for his condemnation and the pronouncement of a mob action, he preferred putting the question to them “if you have no sin be the first to cast a stone”. Indeed he proved to the woman that he loved the sinner as a person but hated sin……I say sin no more. What can be more than this compassion of Jesus Christ.
In the same vein, today Christians must imbibe the virtue of compassion in all aspect of their life dealings. Rather than fault finding and condemnation we need to be considerate and put in understanding if we all can survive and live. Remember that vengeance is for God and our human retribution does not bear the fruit that is acceptable but displeasing to God.
Jesus remains full of admonition for us not to rest on the oasis of Karma law but give in love where it is not recognized, but from this endeavour love is capable of being transmitted and awakened in hearts and souls considered enemies.
WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE.
Treasures are considered those precious things, which rarely come into people’s possession, such that attainment or achievement of these values is a source of happiness. Treasures oftentimes lead us into greater heights, because of the inherent capacity of enrichment and re-endowment. In the face of any treasure, the possessive attitude of the human person can be predicted, such that all attention is geared towards it. The quality of a treasure shapes our “Desire, hopes, commitment, anticipation and value system”. These accounts for the words of scripture “where your treasure is, there your heart will be” cf Lk 12:32-33.
However we must equally remind ourselves that sometimes we loose focus of what is really our treasure. Though they might be precious to us, but they may lack eternal value and deprived of proper orientation.
Another of such problems is that oftentimes, where we lay our treasures might seem not to be “worldly enriching”, thus attitude and spirit of Luke warmness, inactivity and derail from the initial point of our departure begins to wane upon such a person.
Christ in this way encourages us, to keep alive and alight the lamp of action in which we not only anticipate the master, but that his return is the treasury of our joy and eternal solace. His return is not predicted, but the certainty of his return is sure. Thus our interest shall be to bank in the treasure of faith in Christ, a treasure in which moth nor thief is in capable of destroying.
The treasure of the Christian is the goal of reaching heaven and to remain with God. This kind of treasure is not a visible thing, yet it is not an illusive datum of Christian truth. The life and testimony of our fathers in faith, explains this well for us. That Abraham was called and he left his inheritance and other earthly values, for an unknown value. This response today makes him our father in faith. Cf Heb 11:2. The faith reposed in God, has become for many a treasury in which impossible and cases without hope, only became things of the past and possible things with God. Sarah, who was past the age of birth, gave birth at old age, and the host of personal testimonies that we have around us.
Today the invitation is that we begin to lay and consolidate our “Treasure” in Jesus Christ, He is the best of all ‘treasures’. To be rooted in him is the source of our happiness, success and final perseverance. This should mean that we basically re-define our ‘desire, commitment, focus and root’ in him.
Jesus our treasure is not a God who cares less about us, but super-abundantly he justifies this positive anchor we have in him.
The treasury in God, demands from us a persistent anticipation perseverance, fidelity and love. It is this kind of treasure that we should learn to cherish and guide jealously. The jealousy here shows how much we attribute to OUR TREASURE JESUS.
However we must equally remind ourselves that sometimes we loose focus of what is really our treasure. Though they might be precious to us, but they may lack eternal value and deprived of proper orientation.
Another of such problems is that oftentimes, where we lay our treasures might seem not to be “worldly enriching”, thus attitude and spirit of Luke warmness, inactivity and derail from the initial point of our departure begins to wane upon such a person.
Christ in this way encourages us, to keep alive and alight the lamp of action in which we not only anticipate the master, but that his return is the treasury of our joy and eternal solace. His return is not predicted, but the certainty of his return is sure. Thus our interest shall be to bank in the treasure of faith in Christ, a treasure in which moth nor thief is in capable of destroying.
The treasure of the Christian is the goal of reaching heaven and to remain with God. This kind of treasure is not a visible thing, yet it is not an illusive datum of Christian truth. The life and testimony of our fathers in faith, explains this well for us. That Abraham was called and he left his inheritance and other earthly values, for an unknown value. This response today makes him our father in faith. Cf Heb 11:2. The faith reposed in God, has become for many a treasury in which impossible and cases without hope, only became things of the past and possible things with God. Sarah, who was past the age of birth, gave birth at old age, and the host of personal testimonies that we have around us.
Today the invitation is that we begin to lay and consolidate our “Treasure” in Jesus Christ, He is the best of all ‘treasures’. To be rooted in him is the source of our happiness, success and final perseverance. This should mean that we basically re-define our ‘desire, commitment, focus and root’ in him.
Jesus our treasure is not a God who cares less about us, but super-abundantly he justifies this positive anchor we have in him.
The treasury in God, demands from us a persistent anticipation perseverance, fidelity and love. It is this kind of treasure that we should learn to cherish and guide jealously. The jealousy here shows how much we attribute to OUR TREASURE JESUS.
Monday, November 16, 2009
WHAT IS MEANT BY THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST?
The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the very heart of the Mass. Using one of the approved Eucharistic prayers, the priest prays over the gifts, ask the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them, recites the narrative of consecration, elevates the host and cup for the faithful to reverence and proceeds to call to mind the passion, resurrection and glorious return of the Lord Jesus. In this sacred, sacramental action the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ and we, through our participation in this mystery of faith, share spiritually in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Saint Justine describes this great prayer of thanksgiving and then notes “when he has concluded the prayers and acclamation by saying: ‘Amen.’ In describing the liturgy of the Eucharist, the Catechism tells us that “We carry out this command of the Lord by celebrating the memorial of his sacrifice. In so doing, we offer to the Father what he has himself given us: the gifts of his creation, bread and wine which, by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the words of Christ, have become the body and blood of Christ. Christ is thus really and mysteriously made present” (1357).
Then comes the communion of the Body and Blood of Christ. We read in the General Instruction that at this point in the Mass “the priest then shows the Eucharistic bread for communion to the faithful and with them recites the prayer of humility in words from the Gospels. It is most desirable that the faithful receive the Lord’s body from hosts consecrated at the same Mass and that, in the instances when it is permitted, they share in the chalice. Then even through the signs communion will stand out more clearly as a sharing in the sacrifice actually being offered”. If we turn to the Catechism we read that “Holy Communion augments our union with Christ.” The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus. Indeed, the Lord said: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him” (Jn.6:56). Life in Christ has its foundation in the Eucharistic banquet: “As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me” (Jn.6:57) (1391).
Then comes the communion of the Body and Blood of Christ. We read in the General Instruction that at this point in the Mass “the priest then shows the Eucharistic bread for communion to the faithful and with them recites the prayer of humility in words from the Gospels. It is most desirable that the faithful receive the Lord’s body from hosts consecrated at the same Mass and that, in the instances when it is permitted, they share in the chalice. Then even through the signs communion will stand out more clearly as a sharing in the sacrifice actually being offered”. If we turn to the Catechism we read that “Holy Communion augments our union with Christ.” The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus. Indeed, the Lord said: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him” (Jn.6:56). Life in Christ has its foundation in the Eucharistic banquet: “As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me” (Jn.6:57) (1391).
THE VISION OF THE FUTURE.
What we read in the first reading (Daniel 12:1-13) is part of a vision of the prophet Daniel concerning the end of time. It is remarkable because it contains the earliest statement of belief in the resurrection of the dead, and the first mention in the bible of ‘everlasting life’.
Today’s Gospel Reading (Mark 13:24-32) gives us a timely message about the end of the world. Jesus tells us that nobody knows when the end will come except the heavenly Father. About the end of time, we should be hopeful rather than fearful. This is because God made us for salvation, not for damnation. The Lord says: My plans for you are peace and not disaster; when you call to me I will listen to you. (Jn 29:11, 12, 14). Many people in the world today have claimed to know when the end of the world will come. Some claim a special revelation from God and or Mary, and others claim to have calculated it from the scripture. All these claims should be ignored. Jesus tells us in the Gospel of St. Luke “The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation…and they will say to you, ‘Look here! Look there’! Make no move; do not set off in pursuit… Lk 17:20-23. However, Jesus did not announce his Second Coming to frighten people but to give them courage that is why he invites us to be watchful; ‘Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come’ Mk 13:33. Again He invites us to rejoice and to hope, ‘When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand’. Lk 21:28. Jesus invites us to wait for him full of hope and joy, since our trails will soon be over. Let those who refuse the salvation that Jesus offers be afraid: they have good reasons to fear both, their own death and the end of the world. We should not be disturbed by whatever may take place when the world is destroyed, even if it were to take place within our own life-time. Let us only make sure that when Jesus comes, he may find us faithful at his service. The life of a Christian is a continuous waiting for Christ’s coming but our waiting should not be an idle waiting, each of us must be on the work God entrusted to us in this life. Our waiting should be a joyful one, since the Lord will soon be coming to give us our real reward.
Today’s Gospel Reading (Mark 13:24-32) gives us a timely message about the end of the world. Jesus tells us that nobody knows when the end will come except the heavenly Father. About the end of time, we should be hopeful rather than fearful. This is because God made us for salvation, not for damnation. The Lord says: My plans for you are peace and not disaster; when you call to me I will listen to you. (Jn 29:11, 12, 14). Many people in the world today have claimed to know when the end of the world will come. Some claim a special revelation from God and or Mary, and others claim to have calculated it from the scripture. All these claims should be ignored. Jesus tells us in the Gospel of St. Luke “The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation…and they will say to you, ‘Look here! Look there’! Make no move; do not set off in pursuit… Lk 17:20-23. However, Jesus did not announce his Second Coming to frighten people but to give them courage that is why he invites us to be watchful; ‘Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come’ Mk 13:33. Again He invites us to rejoice and to hope, ‘When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand’. Lk 21:28. Jesus invites us to wait for him full of hope and joy, since our trails will soon be over. Let those who refuse the salvation that Jesus offers be afraid: they have good reasons to fear both, their own death and the end of the world. We should not be disturbed by whatever may take place when the world is destroyed, even if it were to take place within our own life-time. Let us only make sure that when Jesus comes, he may find us faithful at his service. The life of a Christian is a continuous waiting for Christ’s coming but our waiting should not be an idle waiting, each of us must be on the work God entrusted to us in this life. Our waiting should be a joyful one, since the Lord will soon be coming to give us our real reward.
Friday, November 13, 2009
GOD NEVER FAILS.
Nothing great can be achieved without enthusiasm, little wonder then people say a man is known by what it takes to discourage him. A great obstacle to enthusiasm is discouragement. Discouragement brings about loss of enthusiasm, it makes every situation seems hopeless and every reason for living sounds unconvincing. A popular legend reveals that discouragement is the greatest weapon of the devil. A discouraged person is on the oath of losing hope. He also has a great temptation to give up faith in God. The Lord reassures us in today’s Gospel (Luke 18:1-8) that our God does not fail. He is always faithful, even though he may delay, he answers prayer. He may not give us what we ask for in prayer, but we will not lack what we need for survival.
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