Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Saturday Week 3 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 30, 2021

DATE : 30/1/2021, Saturday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time (B)

 EVENT : Mass of the Weekday or B.VM

 COLOUR:Green/White

 READINGS : Heb. 11:1-2.8-19; Resp. Psalm Luke 1:69-70.71-72.73-75; Mark 4:35-41.

 THEME:  WITHOUT FAITH, NO MIRACLE CAN BE EFFECTED

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Thirtieth day of January, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Without Faith, No Miracle Can Be Effected". Beloved in Christ, my work in the rural part of Northern Nigeria, and the personal contacts I make with the locals here, have made me to realise more convincingly, the power of faith. Often times, when most of us who are privileged to have certain basic provisions of life speak and think of faith, we do so in the abstract. Not knowing in concrete terms what it implies. You will know the degree of your faith, if the only thing you have to rely on for sustenance is on the grace of God to provide for your daily need, to keep you healthy, and to grant you healing because there is no money for hospital bills. When you rely solely on God to keep you  safe from herdsmen, bandits and marauding killers because there is not a single security personnel in sight. Thus, according to the definition and mind of the Church, 'faith is the assurance of things hoped for, a deep conviction of the availability of things not yet seen' (CCC Art. 146). Faith is a gift from God, which enables us to trustfully believe without doubting that whatever has been proclaimed by God or uttered by his anointed ones, will surely come to pass. This is why the patriarch, Abraham, continues to shine brightly as a beacon of faith. While it may sound foolish and risky to the modern mind, in faith, Abraham obeyed and started off to a distance land, where he was told that he will receive the reward of a bountiful inheritance. By faith, Abraham believed that his descendants will supersede the grains of sand on the seashore, even when at 100 years, he hadn't sired a single child. In faith, Abraham was ready to be a homicider, provided God has uttered it.

   Beloved, the letter to the Hebrew, from whence our first reading today emerge, speaks of faith in a very profound way. Here, faith is seen as perfect spiritual obedience. A childlike and free submission of the 'will' to the word that has been heard, because it's truth veracity is anchored on God, who himself is truth and doesn't deceive (Cf. Number 23:19). Faith is like a master key, that unlocks all spiritual doors, and a 'pass' that enable us to access God's good treasure. So, no matter how full of rich treasures a fortified house is, if you do not have the 'pass' or right key to open its door, you may only be seeing and savouring the goodness therein, but you cannot enjoy its contents. Beloved, have you observed that although Jesus is God with all the powers therein, he never performed a single miracle without seeking the faith level of the recipient. Hence, faith is indispensable if you desire miracle and blessings.

   Beloved in Christ, do not be deceived by any body claiming to be a miracle worker. Do not hinge your hope for miracle on another mortal man. Do not think that your salvation and deliverance will come from without. No, your help shall only come from God. And for your help to come from God, you must bank your faith 100% on him. You must trust in his promises, and you must dispel every form of fear or doubt. I pray that as this month draws to an end, God will show himself mighty in your life according to the level of your faith.  

    

   Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8)

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, I trust in you, help my faith in you never to dwindle even when you seem to be silent....

The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

 HAPPY WEEKEND BELOVED FRIENDS

  @ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Friday Week 3 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 29, 2021

DATE : 29/1/2021, Friday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time (B)

 EVENT : Mass of the Weekday

 COLOUR:Green

 READINGS : Heb. 10:32-39; Resp. Psalm 37:3-4.5-6.23-24.39-40; Mark 4:26-34.

 THEME:  TO GAIN A PRECIOUS THING, YOU MUST BE READY TO LOSE SOMETHING

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Twenty Nineth day of January, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " To Gain A Precious Thing, You Must Be Ready To Lose Something". Beloved, just like the saying, 'No Pain, No Gain', we must be disposed to suffer the pain of loss or separation if we desire something higher. Since it is never possible to eat your cake and have it, we must be prepared to make lots of sacrifices if we desire greatness in life. Moreover, life is like a pendulum, to swing to right, means that you will not enjoy what is in the left side. Thus, to graduate with high grades, you must sacrifice the leisure of long sleep. To build your income, you must discipline your eyes and your appetite. To be a priest or a religious, you must forego the joy of married life, to be an achiever, you must practice discipline, to excel in your career, you must practice and train harder than others, to have a bountiful harvest, you must lose the small grains in your possession to the soil, to be a good Christian, you must say no to the allures of the world, and to make heaven, you must decide to lose the earth.

In the first reading this morning, the author of this letter to the Hebrew, tells us that, as believers, let us be cheerful that we possess something better and lasting. So, no matter what we may lose or think that we are missing, it not nothing compared with the glory which awaits us if we persevere a little longer. Although, due to human nature, and the yearnings to gratify the cravings within us, we will feel the pains of our sacrifices. We may even be tempted to grab the passing goodies of this world, to settle for mediocrity, to enjoy the temporal. But, if we truly want the best, we must be ready to lose these present things and await for that which is yet to come. Just like the seed sown by the farmer in the Gospel reading of today, to reap the harvest, the farmer must wait till the grains are fully matured.

     Beloved, in Christ, is there something you are sacrificing or wish to sacrifice for the sake of God? Can you suffer your appetite so that you can lead a healthy and long life? Can you suffer the flesh so that your spirit can soar? Can you bear maltreatment, persecution and insult for the sake of heaven? Are you ready to let go and plant that seed in your hand today, so that you can reap bountifully tomorrow? If you can, then congratulations, you are not far from the point God wants you to be. 

        Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8)

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, help me to be able to make little little sacrifices, so that I can be be able enjoy bountifully in your kingdom of love and glory.

The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

 HAPPY WEEKEND BELOVED FRIENDS

 

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Thursday Week 3 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 28, 2021

DATE : 28/1/2021, Thursday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time (B)

 EVENT : St. Thomas Aquinas, P.D (Memorial)

 COLOUR:White

 READINGS : Heb. 10:19-25; Resp. Psalm 24:1-2.3-4ab.5-6; Mark 4:21-25.

 THEME:  FREE YOUR MIND SO THAT YOU CAN SHINE BRIGHTER

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Twenty-Eight day of January, which is also the memorial of a great personality in the Church, St. Thomas Aquinas, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Free Your Mind So That You Can Shine Brighter".  Beloved, At. Thomas Aquinas whom we celebrate today was a man who did not allow human actions to affect his life. So, he shone like never seen before. Born to a rich and influential Aristocratic family in A.D 1225, he received the best education at the hands of the Benedictine. While in school, his teacher and fellow students mocked him because of his chubby nature and even nicknamed him, 'the dumb Ox'. Because he was fat and slow at comprehension. However, he later joined the Dominican Order and was ordained a priest. He got hold of the then novel Aristotelian philosophy which was just coming into the Wast from the Muslims, and he used it to explain some of the truth of the Christian faith. One of his invaluable classic is the ' Summa Theologiae ', which is a great resource book in the Church today. He made several contributions to the Church's Eucharistic liturgy, and he died in 1274. Thus, despite the negative energies thrown at him, St. Aquinas freed himself of them all and that made him to shine so brightly.

   Beloved in Christ, there is an Igbo proverb that says, 'whoever is holding another person on the ground is also on the ground himself'. Thus, you cannot expect to be happy, to shine brightly, to wax fully and to attract positive energies to yourself, when your heart is filled with hatred, bitterness, resentment and vengeance. According to medical and psychological findings, we require and use up more energies to sustain negative emotions than positive ones. Negative emotions generate toxic hormones which aid quick aging process and can affect sensitive organs in our body. Spiritually, bitterness, hatred and unforgiveness are mostly the enemies of prayers. They block our prayers from reaching to God and block God's blessing from getting at us.

    In the various readings of today, especially the first reading, Heb.10:19-25, the author warns that we should keep our heart free from bitterness and bad conscience. For like little lamps, God has deposited his lights in us. So, we can either decide to trim out lamps and allow our lights to shine brightly, or we could focus on the winds of distractions and let our lights to go out. Child of God, no matter the kind of reaction metted at you, do not allow people to determime how you feel at each moment. Instead, use the stones of wrong doings and offenses thrown at you to build brick houses and towering mountains where you like St. Thomas Aquinas can climb and shine brightly for all to see. God bless you.

    Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8)

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, help me with your grace, to convert the wrong energies within me to positive forces for greatness in my life.....

The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Wednesday Week 3 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 27, 2021

  DATE : 27/1/2021, Wednesday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time (B)

 EVENT : St. Angela Merici, Virgin (Opt. Memorial)

 COLOUR:Green

 READINGS : Heb. 10:11-18; Resp. Psalm 109:1-4; Mark 4:1-20.

 THEME: NON-PROFIT MONOTONOUS REPETITION IS A SIN

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Twenty Seventh day of January, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Non-profit Monotonous Repetition Is A Sin". Beloved in Christ, one of the converging principle or basis of ecumenism, interreligious dialogue or conflict resolution is the dualistic and pluralistic nature of the universe. Thus, judging from the dualistic nature of created things, the division and variation of tongues by God in Gen. 11:8-9, it won't be out of place to believe that God wills and permits variety in life. Hence, holding tenaciously to a monopolistic approach to life negates the very nature of our existence. Thus, it is wise to say that, "doing things the same way over and over again, and expecting a different result amounts to foolishness". Many of us find it difficult to break from the old ways of doing things or of living and to embrace the new ways because we do not want to change or fail. So we keep repeating the same mistakes, keep falling into the same trap, keep confessing the same sin, and keep behaving the same way.

      In the first reading of today, taken from Heb. 10:11-18, we heard how the priests of old, kept on offering the same sacrifice of goat, which could not wash away sin. But when Jesus came and did something different. He offered his own blood, and our sins became permanently washed away. Thus, by his innovative sacrifice and precious blood, Christ bought us for God. More so, in the Gospel be reading of today, Mark 4:1-20, we heard how the farmer's seed fell on different soils. So at the end of the day, he had different results. Beloved, just imagine that all the seeds fell on one soil? Say on rocky ground, thorns or fertile ground. I think the farmer would not have appreciated the value of rich harvest or the pain of poor reaping.

   Child of God, a wise man once said, 'do not put all you eggs in one basket'. and I wish to add, 'do not fall victim to same thing twice'. Do not always follow one route, do not always be predictable. Do not repeat a costly mistake twice, do not fall into the same temptation twice. Do not be afraid to think outside the group, do not be afraid to be different. Don't be afraid to try new things. Diversify your source of income, multiply your option before picking. Do not be Monotonous in your approach to issues.

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8)

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus,  you were not afraid to try new things. Help me to be courageous enough to embrace positive when they come.

The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

  @ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Tuesday Week 3 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 26, 2021

DATE : 26/1/2021, Tuesday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time (B)

 EVENT : SS Timothy and Titus Bps (Memorial).

 COLOUR:White

 READINGS :2Tim. 1:1-8 Resp. Psalm 96:1-2a.2b-3.7-8a.10; Luke 10:1-9

 THEME:  REKINDLE THE FIRE WITHIN YOU

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Twenty Sixth day of January, which is also the memorial day of SS Timothy and Titus, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Rekindle The Fire Within You". Beloved, as human beings whenever we perceive imminent danger, there is always an upsurge of hormones within our bodies, which often energise us to either escape or confront the object of danger, in ways that we never imagined. Thus, I recall that as a child, I witnessed how an 8 months old pregnant lady was able to scale a high fence, during one of the riots in Kano State in the early 2000's. Today, as we celebrate the memorial of SS. Timothy and Titus, we recall how they zealously slaved with Paul with enormous passion, after their conversions by Paul himself. 

  In the first reading of today, taken from 2Tim. 1:1-8, St. Paul reminded Timothy of the passion and hormonal upsurge that came over him after his conversion. He reminded of his undying love for God. He reminded him of the enormous responsibility incumbent on him as the pastor of souls. He reminded him of the good moral agent, that he must be to the young ones. He reminded of his place in the assembly of the faithful. He reminded him of the precious faith which he has. He reminded him of how a good and faithful companion he was. And so, he beckoned on him not to allow all these to fade away with the wind. But, that through  prayer, fasting and public witnessing, he should continue to fan all these into flaming torches.

  God's beloved, you are no different from Timothy and Titus. Because I believe that at your baptism and confirmation, the same spirit that was laid upon these duo, was also laid upon you. Now I ask you, Where is your initial zeal and passion for the things of God? what has become of the Spirit given you when you accepted Jesus? Have you allowed the distractions of this world to put out your light? Have you allowed prayerlessness and procrastination to rob you of your  zeal for God? Have you allowed sin to drive away the spirit of God from you? As we celebrate the memorial SS Timothy and Titus today, I urge you to allow the fire within you to resurge so that it will rekindle into flame, the spirit of God within you, and you will see what the Lord will do with you this year.

 

   Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8)

 

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, I regret my past life which has offended your love for me. Help me by your grace to constantly fan into flame, the love which I have for you.

The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

 

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Monday Week 3 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 25, 2021

 DATE : 25/1/2021, Monday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time (B)

 EVENT : The Conversion of St. Paul, Ap (Feast).

 COLOUR:White

 READINGS :Acts 22:3-16; Resp. Psalm 117:1-2; Mark 16:15-18.

 THEME:  NO ONE WHO EXPERIENCES JESUS AND REMAINED THE SAME

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Twenty Fifth day of January, which is also the feast day of the historic conversion of St. Paul, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " No One Who Experiences Jesus And Remained The Same". Beloved, during my seminary days, a fellow student shared with me his past life experience, and how he came to find himself in the seminary. According to him, growing up in the streets of Lagos, meant being rugged, tough, crafty, sharp and wise, else you would be taken for a weakling and often exploited. So like other boys of his age, he joined a cult group, was involved in street gang rape, substance abuse, pick pocketing and even had his ears opened. He never recalled going to Church, except on Christmas and New Year eves, and this was done specially to either blow knockouts, look for vulnerable girls, or to steal and snatch people's items. However, he got converted in a way he never expected, while tracking a lady he loved. According to him, the only condition she gave him was for him to always follow her to Church. It was on one of this period of fellowship, that Christ arrested him like St. Paul, and sent him into his vineyard. Today, he is a dedicated priest of God.

    Beloved, although the story of Paul's conversion and that of my priest friend may look different, they have a common denominator. Namely, that when Christ allows anyone to encounter him, the person's life can never remain the same. Just as it is often said, 'the lamp of God's redemption is often held by unsuspecting hands', and 'God often uses what is despised by humans to shame what is the world praises'. God can use anyone to bring about the fulfillment of his will. Especially those that people least expect. No body should be ruled out as useless to God. Listen beloved, the conversion of Paul, which we celebrate today, is a reminder that God is interested in each of us, that no body is beyond or outside the redemption of God and that God can choose any body to work for him. All that is required is a simple encounter with the Lord Jesus and a complete metanoia metamorphosises the individual into a vessel in the hand of the supreme potter (Jer. 18:7).

   Child of God, as we begin this week by reflecting on the conversion of St. Paul, ask yourself the following questions. What area of my life need conversion? Have I ever encountered Jesus and through my hardened heart, nullified his influence upon my life? As a convert, how many souls have I won to Jesus? In what little ways am I involved in spreading the Gospel of Jesus like Paul did. I pray that like Paul, we may cease from persecuting Christ by our shameful and unbecoming attitudes and utterances.

   Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8)

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, Paul encountered you on his way to Damascus, and you changed him for good. Help me to experience you this week in the places and people that I shall meet.......

The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

   HAPPY NEW WEEK BELOVED FRIENDS.

 

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B - January 24, 2021

DATE : 24/1/2021, The Third Sunday of the Year (B)

 EVENT : Sunday Of The Word Of God

 COLOUR:Green

 READINGS :Jonah 3:1-5; Resp. Psalm. 25:4-5ab.6 and 7bc.8-9; 1Cor. 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20.

 THEME: THERE IS POWER IN THE WORD OF GOD

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Third Sunday of the year, which the Church celebrates the Word of the God, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " There Is Power In The Word Of God". Beloved in Christ, today, is the exaltation of the Word of God. The Word, through whom all things came into existence. The Word which became flesh in the womb of Mary. The word which is sharper than any two edge sword. The Word which can cut through the most hardened of hearts. The Word which transforms. The Word which causes whatever it is addressed to, to be effected. The Word which is the creative force of God. The Word which is the Son of God. The Word which is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. The Word which is God himself. As we celebrate the Word of God today, we are called to reflect on the effect of this Word in our lives, and our responses to its promptings in our hearts.

    Beloved, in the first reading of today, taken from the book of the prophet Jonah: 3:1-5.10, we see clearly the binding power of the Word of God, and how disastrous a refusal to heed to it can be. I am not going to bore us with the popular story of Jonah and the fish, which even a little child knows. Rather, am going to show us how liberating the Word of God can be if we heed to it. Basically the end purpose of the Word of God is to restore life and bring about liberation to all. (Cf.John 10:10). Even when God threatens or punishes, it is never His intention to destroy, but that we may repent and heed His Word. We see this clearly shown in the story of Jonah and the citizens of Nineveh. Now, Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, ripe with all kind of evil and abominable acts like most cities in Nigeria today (Abuja and Lagos). It was a flourishing city of commerce and trade. But it's inhabitants had turned their backs on God, despite the constant warnings of the men of God in that city. Possibly because they too had lost the moral authority to call the people to order. But when Jonah came with his undiluted message of doom, having been a survivor himself, the people through the help of positive fear, quicky abandoned their evil ways and returned to God, putting on ash and sach clothing. Then, we were told that seeing how sorry they were and how prompt they heeded the Word spoken through Jonah, God relented from the disaster he had threatened upon them.

   Child of God, as we celebrate the Word of God today, we are called to allow the Word of God to pierce through to our heart like Jonah and the people of Nineveh. Like the Psalm of today reads, the Word of is like a lamp unto our feet, that will help us to know the ways of God and to walk in the paths of his commandments (Ps. 25). Although God is a merciful God, always sending His Word of warning to us, time and time again, He will not always be patient with us. Thus, St. Paul warns in the second of today, 1Cor. 7:29-31, that we must make haste and heed quickly to the Word of God, because this world as we know it, is passing by and we do not know how much time we have left. So let everyone focus on his salvation. For salvation is a personal race. Not run with a husband, wife, daughter, son or friend. There is never a thing as group repentance. It must be individually done. Like the proverbial Pigin English Adage says, ' las las, everybody go answer him papa name on the last day'. Beloved friends, like the contrite people of Nineveh, I pray that this Word of God, which we hear preached to us each day may bring us the repentance we need to become the children of God, and to excape the fire of Hell which He threatens for all who intently refuse to heed to His Word.

        Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8)

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, you are the Word of God, help me to make my heart a living temple for you.

The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

   HAPPY SUNDAY BELOVED FRIENDS.

  @ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Saturday Week 2 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 23, 2021

DATE : 23/1/2021, Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time year (B)

 EVENT : Mass of the Weekday/B.V.M

 COLOUR: Green/White

 READINGS: Heb. 9:2-3.11-14; Resp. Psalm 47:2-3.6-7.8-9; Mark 3:20-21.

 THEME: BEWARE OF INHIBITING LOVE

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Twenty Third day of January 2021, I wish to reflect with us on the theme: " Beware Of Inhibiting Love". Beloved in Christ, often times, the love from parents and siblings could be over protective. This protective love is meant to keep us from stress, harm, foreseen danger or merely to ward off enemies. A protective love often hinders us from fully plunging ourselves into tasks which could be selfless and materially unrewarding. This protective love, is usually not done out of malice, but from a sincere concern for our good and self preservation. However, to break through the conventional and do things which are spiritually rewarding and praise worthy, we must not allow this protective love to inhibit or hinder us.

     In the Gospel reading of today, Mark 3:20-21, we are told that out of genuine concern for his health and wellbeing, the family of Jesus (maybe Mary and his relatives); wanted to cease Jesus from the crowd so that he could come home and eat something. Because he has been away ministering and attending to the languishing crowd, the pitiable sick and infirm, the demon tormented persons and feeding the hungry souls. I am also sure that if they had their ways, they would keep him from spending too much time with the people at the detriment of his health. But, Jesus, being aware of who he is and his mission, could not allow himself to be inhibited by this familiar protective love. The height of Jesus' selfless service, was what the first reading of today speaks about in Heb. 9:2-3.11-14. When in exchange for the blood of goats and bull calves which could only wash the outermost of our sin, Christ offered his blood as the ultimate price, which not only washes our outermost sins, but also purifies our innermost being. I believe  that if his family has a way of stopping him, they like Peter, would have tried to prevent him from sacrificing himself.

    Beloved in Christ, do you earnestly want to serve God, but your family and friends often discourage you. Do you have the heart of helping people, but your family and friends tell you to keep you money, Do you want to engage in selfless services, and your friends tell you that you should get involved in something more rewarding. Do you want to attend Church programs and your family tells you how dangerous and unsafe the road to Church is. Decide, like Jesus today, whose voice to listen. And remember, life is never fully lived until it is lived for others.

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

 #End Political Oppression

#End Bad Governance 

 LET US PRAY :Lord Jesus, help me to beware of Inhibiting love and to have the courage to do the good deeds I want to do for your sake......

 The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

 HAPPY WEEK END BELOVED FRIENDS

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Friday Week 2 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 22, 2021

DATE : 22/1/2021, Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time year (B)

 EVENT : Mass of the Weekday/St. Vincent, Deacon (Opt. Memorial)

 COLOUR: Green/Red

 READINGS: Heb. 8:6-13; Resp. Psalm 85:8.10.11.12 and 13-14; Mark 3:13-19.

 THEME: BEWARE OF THE SIN OF THE CONSCIENCE

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Twenty Second day of January 2021, I wish to reflect with us on the theme: " Beware Of The Sin Of The Conscience". Beloved, according to the law of the society, ignorance is never an excuse to breaking the law. But if I may ask beloved friends, how many of us even know our fundamental human rights? How many of us are even aware of the contents of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? Often times, we break civil laws without even knowing, until we are arrested and several count of charges pressed against us, before we become aware of the crimes committed. However, we know that all positive laws are geared toward the betterment of the human society. This is true also of divine laws, only that it is also geared towards proper worship of God. Now, in Exodus 20:1-17, God gave the people his ten laws through Moses, to guide their conducts towards him and to one another. But due to human interventions, these ten laws had been multiplied to over nine hundred laws before the birth of Christ. Thus, it became impossible for the people to memorise and faithfully observe all the laws. Most of them like us, are even ignorant of the law, so they offend God without knowing it. And since God is not an unjust judge, he didn't want to judge the people on something they didn't know.

   This is the reason why in the first reading of today, God decided to abrogate the old law, and to put a new law, which will no more be written in the tablets of stone, but in the hearts of all people. Thus, with the sacrifice of Christ, the old law and its shortcomings were replaced by a new covenant, signed by the blood of Christ, and implanted in the heart of all believers. This is what the Church calls the law of conscience. Thus, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Conscience is a law of the mind, it is a judgement of reason whereby the human person recognise the moral quality of a concrete act that he or she is going to perform" (CCC. Art. 1778). Thus, deep within our heart, we discover a law which we have not learnt, but which we must obey. It's voice, ever calling us to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil. This conscience is a law inscribed by God as his sanctuary where as a loving Father, His voice beckons on us each time we want to err.

   So, beloved friends, just as it would be very disrespectful not to heed the voice of a father calling one to right actions, so also it is with ignoring the voice of God in our consciences. In fact, it is a sin deserving of harsher punishment to ignore the voice of Conscience. Listen to me child of God, if want to be holy before God, just obey your conscience. for a well formed conscience will never mislead you. Remember and do not sin against your moral conscience.

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

 #End Political Oppression

#End Bad Governance 

 LET US PRAY :Lord Jesus, through your death, you have established a new covenant in the heart of men, help me to carefully follow your voice ever directing me to right actions through my conscience. ......

 The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

 HAPPY WEEK END BELOVED FRIENDS

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Thursday Week 2 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 21, 2021

 DATE : 21/1/2021, Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time year (B)

 EVENT : St. Agnes. V.M (Memorial).

 COLOUR: Red

 READINGS: Heb. 7:25-8:6; Resp. Psalm 40:7-8a.8b-9.10.17; Mark 3:7-12.

 THEME: BE AVAILABLE TO GOD

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Twenty First day of January 2021, on which the Church celebrates the memorial of the martyrdom of St. Agnes, I wish to reflect with us on the theme: " Be Available To God". Beloved, apart from celibate chastity, one of the chief sacrifices a priest also makes is to voluntarily relinquish his natural human freedom of will to another. In fact, for some people, this vow of obedience is the most difficult of the oats taken by priests. However, if observed very well, it is the most fulfilling and rewarding, because it makes the priest available for any kind of work. Beloved in Christ, the call to follow Christ is a very serious business. It entails giving up and surrending our wills to God. It is expressed fully in the post communion prayer thus: 'Jesus I love, all I have is thine, yours I am, and yours I want to be, do with me whatever thy will'. As short as this prayer is, it encapsulates what should be the proper disposition of every Christian to God. St. Agnes, whom we celebrate today, understood this so well, such that she even made her spotless body available to be sacrificed for God. Thus, she received the Martyr's crown. 

   Beloved in Christ, in the first reading of today, Heb. 7:25-8:6, we are told that as the high priest of our salvation, Jesus made his uncontaminated and holy body available as a fragrant offering to God, and by receiving it, the salvation of man was wrought. It is because Jesus had been through this path of sacrifice, that he also enjoins us to follow suite.  Thus, we need to realise that life is not truly life, until it is selflessly lived for God and others. This is why during his earthly ministry, Jesus was constantly available to people as well as to his God. To create a mean between this two, we are told in the Gospel reading of today that, while he preached, healed and prayed with the people, he also took out some time to spend with and seek the face of God and his will.

 Child of God, no matter what you do in this life, if your life is not imparting positively in the life of people, if you do not create time to be available to your family, loved ones and friends. If you do not consciously create time for God and surrender to his will, then you may end up working so hard for no gain. Many of us get so busy working for God and the things of the stomach that we forget too quickly the God of our life. I pray that from today and henceforth, we may make our lives pleasing to God and be available to him.

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

 #End Political Oppression

#End Bad Governance 

 LET US PRAY :Lord Jesus, help me to seek your will and the good of my neighbours at all times......

 The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Wednesday Week 2 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 20, 2021

DATE : 20/1/2021, Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time year (B)

 EVENT : Bl. Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, priest (Feast).

 COLOUR: White

 READINGS: Phil. 2:2-11; Resp. Psalm Isa. 12:2-3.4bcde.5-6; Mat.13:44-46.

 THEME: STAND FIRMLY ON YOUR RELIGIOUS CONVICTION

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Twentieth day of January 2021, which doubles also as the feast day of one of Nigerian's first saintly priest and monk, Bl. Fr. Cyprian Iwene Tansi, I wish to reflect with us on the theme: " Stand Firmly On Your Religious Conviction". Beloved, it is often said that 'if you stand for nothing, then you will fall for everything'. We must understand that in life, there are many opportunities, many interests, many directions, many choices, many styles of life. There are many doctrines, many beliefs and many thoughts pattern. Yet we must decide on a particular one, stand Firmly on it and be ready to defend and die for it. These and many more are what makes life worth living. The great man whom will celebrate today, discovered his conviction early in life and stood by it to the end.

   Blessed Fr. Cyprian Iwene Tansi, whom we celebrate today, was born into a pagan family in 1903. However, due the contacts of his parents with the missionaries, they decided to allow their son to attend the missionary school run by the whites. It was here that Tansi had his first contact with the Christian Christ, and he became convinced about the path he wanted for himself. Thus, after his secular education and brief period of teaching, Tansi decided to dedicate his life fully to God and to helping other members of his kin to receive Christ. So he joined the seminary  in 1925. After his glorious and epoch ordination in 1937, Fr. Micheal worked tirelessly for God, traveling by foot or driving on bicycle to far places to minister to the poor, the lonely, the aged and the sick people in the hinterlands. He had a special apostolate of preparing young women for marriage with the aid of some Nuns. Although he was deeply involved in this work, his zeal for God kept growing such that he longed for a more intense moments of prayers and relationship with God. This saw him joining the Trappist monks at Mount Saint Bernard Monastery in England. After spending many years as a monk, Fr. Cyprian Tansi intended to return and open a Monastery in Nigeria, before his death in Leicester on 20th Jan. 1965, due to rigorous penances.  His remains were later carried back and buried at his Homeland at Aguleri, Anambra State, in 1986. Although he died too soon, his spiritual influence was still felt, such that on the 22nd of March 1998, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II. Fr. Tansi, was convinced of his vocation and love for God, that was why he gave his all to glorify the name of Christ who also sacrificed all for him too.

    Beloved in Christ, like the hidden treasures which someone found in the Gospel reading of today, we, like Bl. Tansi, have been privileged to discover the greatest treasure of all time. We have been gifted with the most solid faith, we have received an undeniable conviction and we have been graced with the ability to sustain this precious gift of faith. Now, are we ready to stand Firm and defend this treasured  Christian conviction when trials and temptations come, or do we compromise our stand, believing that God will understand. Beloved, if Jesus means anything to you, if his death pricks your heart, if you appreciate his undiluted love , then try your best not to shame him by your compromising lifestyle and do not deny him by your words and actions. I pray that God will help us to stand Firmly on our Christian conviction even when it will cost something....

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

 #End Political Oppression

#End Bad Governance 

 LET US PRAY :Lord Jesus, you stood your ground even when your disciples abandoned you, help me by your grace to stand with you and never to forsake you again......

 The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

 HAPPY MID-WEEK BELOVED FRIENDS

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Tuesday Week 2 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 19, 2021

DATE : 19/1/2021, Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time year (B)

 EVENT : Mass of the Weekday

 COLOUR: Green

 READINGS: Heb. 6:10-20; Resp. Psalm 110:1-2,4-5,9,10; Mark 2:23-28.

 THEME: GOD KEEPS RECORD OF YOUR GOOD DEEDS

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Nineteenth day of January 2021, I wish to reflect with us on the theme: " God Keeps Record Of Your Good Deeds". Beloved, during one of my conversations with a funny confreres, he said to me: "Wallahi, I must enter heaven oo. If for nothing else, for the mere fact that I have sacrificed my comfort and happiness just to help others". The line of reasoning of this priest friend of mine, is not too far from the thought pattern of the anonymous author of the book of Hebrews, which we read from this morning. According to the author, as a righteous judge, God will not forget the good work or sacrifices which we engage in for the betterment of other people. Especially as regards their salvation and spiritual welfare. Beloved, we must realise that whatever selfless work done for God and in the name God never goes unrewarded. Thus, whenever we embark on any spiritual task that has the mandate of God, Divine grace covers us, so that no harm can come near us.

      The book of Hebrews is one of the few books of Scripture, whose authorship is highly contested and remains largely unknown. Although the book was written around A.D. 62, most people believe that it was written by St. Clement of Rome or Barnabas because of it high theological content. But because of its agreement with the spirit of some of the Pauline literature, others believe that Paul wrote it. Although it's authorship remains hidden, the book is highly recognized and accepted in the Canon of Scripture because of its  agreement with other books of the Bible and Especially because of its rich theological contents. As a divinely revealed book, the pericope in which my homily is centered on today: Heb. 6:10-20,  speaks largely about the godly reward which await those who work laboriously with love for God and for the good of others.

  Beloved, in Christ, as a priest, who is also a living witness, I which to confess that there is no work more fulfilling and rewarding like working selflessly for God. Listen to me, God will always provide for you if you work selflessly without hidden motifs (Gen. 22:14). He will surely provide for your daily need and will not allow you to go hungry as Jesus reminded us in the Gospel reading of today, when God provided bread for David and his men (Mark 2:23-28). Often times dear friends the reason why it seems as if God does not provide for us when we work for Him is because we work with eyes fixed on the reward. And so, we become restless and angry if it is delayed. Why not dedicate your life selflessly for God and for others and see what God will do for you. The reasoning is this: "If you work  in the vineyard of God, God will also work in the vineyard of your life"...

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

 #End Political Oppression

#End Bad Governance 

 

 LET US PRAY :Lord Jesus, you sacrificed and worked selflessly for the salvation of mankind, help me to be selfless in my dealing with all those I shall meet this week.......

 The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

 HAPPY NEW WEEK BELOVED FRIENDS

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Monday Week 2 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 18, 2021

DATE : 18/1/2021, Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time year (B)

 EVENT : Mass of the Weekday

 COLOUR: Green

 READINGS: Heb. 5:1-10; Resp. Psalm 110:1.2.3.4; Mark 2:18-22.

 THEME: TRY TO BE A WOUNDED HEALER

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Eighteenth day of January 2021, I wish to reflect with us on the theme: " Try To Be A Wounded Healer". Beloved, one of the ironies of life is that none of us is without a weakness. None of us is without a scar. None of us is completely immune from faltering and falling into temptation. The only difference is how we all respond to the weaknesses, and to what extent are we ready and able to cooperate with the grace of God, so as to rise above our human nature. In Rom. 3:23, the Bible reads, "for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God". However, we know that despite our many limitations, God still uses man to bring about his good plans for all of humanity. But, before God uses a man, he prepares him. This is why Scriptures said, "God justifies does he calls and sanctifies does he had chosen for special purpose".

   In the first reading of today, Heb. 5:1-10; We are told that, "every priest has been taken out of mankind and is appointed to act for men in their relations with God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins; and so he can sympathise with those who are ignorant or uncertain because he too lives in the limitations of weakness". It continued by telling us that " no priest ever chooses himself. He must be selected and sanctified as Aaron was chosen and sanctified". Now beloved friends, do not look at your priests as sub-humans or super-humans. They are made of bones, flesh, blood and spirit as you are. They have the same emotional attraction and outburst as you have. The only difference is that God has chosen them to act as intermediaries between himself and the rest of mankind. So while battling with human weakness and limitations themselves, they have to also help others in overcoming their weaknesses too. Thus, although they are nursing and licking their own wounds, they nevertheless, have to tend to the wounds of others and prioritize it even above their itching sores.

   Beloved, it is not just priests who are called to be wounded healers. By virtue of our baptism, we have become priests, prophets and kings (Cf. 1Pet. 2:9). Hence,  we all are called to assist others in overcoming their weaknesses. Although you may have many prayer petitions, you are called to some times spare out times to pray exclusively for others. Although you are heart broken, depressed and even confused, you are invited to empathize with others in their emotional breakdowns. Although you may be struggling with a particular habit, you are called to chastise others when you see them erring. I pray that in this coming week, we may act as wounded healers to each others......

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

 #End Political Oppression

#End Bad Governance 

 LET US PRAY :Lord Jesus, you are the eternal high priest, who said that by your wound we are healed. Help me to become a wounded healer to all whom I shall meet this week...

 The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

 HAPPY NEW WEEK BELOVED FRIENDS

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B - January 17, 2021

DATE : 17/1/2021, the Second Sunday of the Year (B)

 EVENT : Mass of the Sunday

 COLOUR:Green

 READINGS 1 Samuel 3:3-10.19; Resp. Psalm. 40:2 and 4ab.7-8.8b-9.10; 1Cor. 6:13c-15a.17-20; John 1:35-42.

 THEME: GOD IS CALLING YOU

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Second Sunday of the Ordinary Time of the Church, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " God is Calling You". Beloved in Christ, during my days in the seminary, one of my very close friends who is not very religious asked me a very shocking question. He said, 'shebi priesthood na call from God? And I answered 'yes'. Then he said to me, 'the day wey God call you, which name he use, Emmanuel or Nnamdi? And I became speechless. Often times, when we hear that God is calling us, we mistake it for a verbal call from God, wanting to hear loud and clear the voice of God before we respond. I guess that was the conception of my friend the day he asked me that question. However, we must realise that God calls each of us in different ways. For some, it may be a direct verbal call from God. For others, it may be an indirect call, through the mouth of a minister of God. For others still, it may be through the events of life, which will then lead them to follow God. Some others may be moved by the word of God which they found in the Scripture or the preaching of God's minister. For others, it may be a natural burning desire to follow God, which through the grace of the Spirit, they were able to respond to appropriately. In whatever way, we receive this call, God wants us to come to him and to do his will.

  In the first reading of today, we were told that while Samuel was ministering to Eli, God called out to him (Cf. 1Sam. 3:1-10). But still being inexperienced in Godly matters, Samuel would not discern the voice of God until Eli intervened and gave him the tricks. The same scenario played out in the Gospel reading also (Cf. John 1:35-42). Jesus was calling the two disciples with John the Baptist in their hearts. But they were not able to perceive this call, until John the Baptist made their hearts to come alive and to quake by pointing out Jesus to them. Then they realised that his invitation has since been in their hearts. Usually unless there is a strong resistance or defiance, God does not force His call on us. But like a gentle guest, he will keep knocking at the doorposts of our hearts (Rev. 3:20), until we voluntarily respond to His call.

   Child of God, in his 'Confessions', St. Augustine said, "Lord you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you". Beloved, you belong to God, and not to yourself. Hence, our lives should be one which is always disposed to please and do the will of God. Whenever God has need for our services, he will call us. But if we indulge ourselves in degrading, unbecoming and sinful deeds, especially that which affect bodily purity (E.g. fornication, adultery, masturbation, lust, tattooing, etc).  As St. Paul warns us in the second reading of today, 1Cor.6:13-15.17-20, then it becomes very difficult for us to be available to answer the call of God. Remembering that it is the sins of Eli's Son, Hophni and Phinehas, that prevented them from being available to respond to the call of God.  God bless you

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8)

 

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, help me to rid myself of every form of sin that will prevent me from hearing and answering your call in my life..

The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

HAPPY SUNDAY BELOVED FRIENDS.

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Saturday Week 1 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 16, 2021

DATE : 16/1/2021, Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time year (B)

 EVENT : Mass of the Weekday or of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 COLOUR: Green

 READINGS : Heb. 4:12-16; Resp. Psalm 18:8-10,15; Mark 2:13-17.

 THEME: MY HEART BURNS EACH TIME I LISTEN TO THE WORD OF GOD

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Sixteenth day of January 2021, I wish to reflect with us on the theme: " My Heart Burns Each Time I Listen To The Word Of God". Beloved, in the Gospel of Luke, we are told that king Herod, loved to listen to John the Baptist preach, yet, he was unwilling to change. At last he even had John the Baptist, his favourite preacher, arrested and beheaded. Now, the question is: what is the reason why an evil man like Herod, would enjoy listening to John's bitter preaching? The answer is found in the first reading of today, Heb 4:12, "The word of God is something alive and active: it cuts like any double-edged sword but more finely: it can slip through the place where the soul is divided from the spirit, or joints from the marrow; it can judge the secret emotions and thoughts. No created thing can hide from him..." Beloved, true indeed, the word of the Lord, when preached undiluted, is like a burning fire, and none can resist its influence, at that moment.

   Beloved in Christ, in the Gospel reading of today, Mark 2:13-17, we are told that as soon as Matthew heard the inviting words of Jesus, he immediately left his task office; his partners in crime; his sinful estate; his former life and his old ways. And he intentionally followed Jesus, not really knowing where it will lead him to. Such is the power of the word of God. This prompt and intentional response of Matthew is what is required from each of us, whenever we hear the Word of the Lord been preached to us. We are meant to take a leap of faith. We are meant to move from our former ways of life to the new life in Christ that the Word offers. But unfortunately, like Herod, who loved to listen to John's preaching and remained yet unmoved, many of us enjoy good homilies; but hardly make an inch of repentance.

    Child of God, as we reflect on the theme of today's homily, ask yourself this: Am I like Herod who merely enjoy homilies? Or am I like St. Matthew, who when he heard the Word of God, responded with a visible change? I pray that the Word of God which we hear each day will gradually bring us the salvation of our souls....Amen

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

#End Political Oppression

#End Bad Governance 

 LET US PRAY :Lord Jesus, help me to listen attentively to your Word and to put it into pragmatic use in my life.....

 The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

 HAPPY NEW WEEK BELOVED FRIENDS

 

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Friday Week 1 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 15, 2021

  DATE : 15/1/2021, Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time year (B)

 EVENT : Mass of the Weekday

 COLOUR: Green

 READINGS : Heb. 4:1-5,11; Resp. Psalm 77:3-4,6-8; Mark 2:1-12.

 THEME: COMPASSION: THE TRUEST FORM OF HEALING

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Fifteenth day of January 2021, I wish to reflect with us on the theme: " Compassion: The Truest Form of Healing". Beloved, you would agree with me that often times, what most people who are sick, troubled or in difficulty expect from us is not really a solution to their malady, but a compassionate heart to empathise with them. It is also true that the first stage of healing is psychological and begins from the heart. Thus experienced nurses and health care professionals who know this obvious trick, often begin treatment by showing love and care to their patients, so that they can be psychologically disposed for the drug administered to begin its healing process.

   Beloved, on the 13th of August, 2020, I lost my sister-in-law. And upon investigation of the cause of her death from the human point of view, we discovered that if she had received enough compassion and tender loving care from the nurses, she would not have died from panic and shock. And I believe many people have died because they did not receive enough love and compassion from us. Beloved, like I would often say, Jesus is more than a saviour to us, he is also a teacher, a role model and our guide through life. Thus, in the Gospel reading of today, Mark 2:1-12, we see how Jesus first showed love to the paralytic and forgave him his sin. And afterwards, healed him of his paralysis to the embarrassment of the Scribes and Pharisees. Hence, Jesus knew that bodily healing would make little sense to the paralytic, if he didn't first show him love and compassion.

   Child of God, as good disciples of Jesus that we are, it is pertinent that we learn how to show compassion, care and love to the weak, the sick, the elderly and the infirm. Do you know that often time, what these disadvantaged people need is not our money, but our compassionate heart. Do you know that what our old parents or sick friend need is not so much our money, but a simple phone call or text, asking them how do you do. Do you know that what would have saved a suicide victim is a simple: 'It shall be fine'. I pray that God will give us the grace to pause sometimes from our " ant-busy" like schedules, to visit a sick friend, or call our aged parents and depressed colleagues.

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

#End Political Oppression

#End Bad Governance 

 LET US PRAY :Lord Jesus, through your merciful love and forgiveness you bring healing and restoration to body, soul, and mind, help me to show your love to those in dire need of your love and compassion today.....

 The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

 HAPPY WEEK END BELOVED FRIENDS

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Wednesday Week 1 of Ordinary Time Year I - January 14, 2021

  DATE : 14/1/2021, Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time year (B)

 EVENT : Mass of the Weekday

 COLOUR: Green

 READINGS : Heb. 3:7-14; Resp. Psalm 94:6-11; Mark 1:40-45;

 THEME: KINDNESS TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IS DIVINE

    Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Fourteenth day of January 2021, I wish to reflect with us on the theme: " Kindness To People With Disabilities Is Divine" Beloved, one of the sights that often put me in a sober and reflective mood is seeing a disabled person (either blind, crippled, deaf, dumb or terminally sick), struggling and pitiably begging to survive. I often wonder what their thoughts and feelings about God would be like. Especially if they were disabled naturally due to no fault of theirs.

      During one of my conversations with an elderly and sick priest friend of mine, he said to me: "my brother, you are only loved, cherished, remembered and useful to people and even the Church, as long as you are young, healthy and strong. If you become sick or disabled tomorrow, then you will feel the blunt side of life". Beloved, this words of his resounded in my ear as I reflected on the Gospel reading of today (Mk 1:40-44). In it we were told that going against the conventional and defying the discriminatory ritual laws of the Jews, Jesus reached out to a leprous man, smiled at him, touched him and healed him. Now, according to the Jewish custom, lepers were outcasts of society. They were driven from their homes and communities and left to fend for themselves in pitiable conditions. Their physical condition was terrible as they slowly lost the use of their limbs and withered away. They were not only shunned but regarded as "already dead" even by their relatives. This is not far from how many of us regard and react to the terminally sick and disabled people in our environments today.

   Child of God, Jesus is not only our saviour, he is also our role model. He is a friend to the downtrodden, a companion to the forlorn, a helper of the disabled, and a compassionate minister to those dejected by the society. And so I ask you dearest, when you see a disabled person begging you for assistance, do you cheerfully render them your help or do you ward them off as nuisances? When you hear that a friend is infectiously sick, do you despise them and keep your distance or do you go close to show them love? When you hear that a friend is down with Covid-19, what will be your first reaction? Beloved, know it today that any act of kindness shown to the disabled makes you a divine person, and attract more blessings and graces upon you. God bless you.

Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).

#End Sars,

#End Political Oppression

#End Bad Governance 

 

 LET US PRAY :Lord Jesus, inflame my heart with your love and make me clean in body, mind, and spirit. Help me always show your love to those rejected by men......

 The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.

 May Almighty God bless you the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen

@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪