Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Thursday Easter Week 6 - May 13, 2021- Ascension

DATE : 13/5/2021

 EVENT : The Ascension of the Lord (Solemnity), Holy day of Obligation

 COLOUR: White

 READINGS : Acts 1:1-11;  

  Resp. Psalm 46:2-3,6-9; Ephesians 4:1-13; Mark 16:15-20.

 THEME:  WILL YOU ASCEND ALSO?

         Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this thirteenth day of May, which is the solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord into heaven, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Will You Ascend Also?" Beloved in Christ, even without been told or mincing words, I can confidently say that the final dream of all men and women is to ascend to heaven on the last day, when rapture will take place. Scripture tells us that on the day of rapture, two women will be grinding at the meal, one will ascend to heaven and the other left. Two men will be at the mines, one taken and the other left. Two friends will be interacting, one will be taken up, and one will be left. A congregation will be praying in the Church, some will be ascending and others will be watching in bewilderment. The question that is begging for answers is these: who will be the raptured one? Who and who will join in ascending to heaven? When will rapture take place?

    Dearest, it is already forty days, since Jesus defeated death, conquered sin and rose from the grave. According to the account of the Bible, after His resurrection, Jesus stayed with his disciples and followers for many days. Now, during this period, he frequently appeared to his followers, strengthening their faith in everything he had thought them. He also gave them further teachings and instructions about how to execute his salvivic mission, from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. When he has certified that his followers have been adequately fortified and prepared, and seeing that his mission on earth has come to a close, he gathered his disciples at Bethany, and from there he was taken up into the heavens until he vanished from their sights. Thus, sequel to these antecedents, the Church celebrates today, the glorious ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ into heaven from whence he descended. So, every year, the Church celebrates the Ascension of the Lord, forty days from Easter Sunday, which is usually a Thursday.

       In the various readings of today, we get a hint of evidences, affirming the doctrine of Ascension. However, the Doctrine of Ascension was narrated by only two Gospels, Mark 16:19-20; and Luke 24:50-53, and Acts 1:1-11, from which we took the first reading of today. Furthermore, the Psalmist exclaimed, 'God goes up with shout of joy, the lord ascends with trumpet blast'. Indeed, the Ascension of Jesus is a great joy for us, for where our master has gone, we too shall follow in the same light. But to follow Him, we need to purify our tunics and sanctify our hearts from all dirts of sin and wickedness. Interestingly, the second and the Gospel readings of today, tell of the wonderful gifts, blessings and graces which the Holy Spirit from Jesus, would bestow on those who will wash their robes in the blood of the lamb. The readings continue and said, while they will act as prophets, teachers, pastors, Apostles, and evangelists; they will heal the sick, preach fearlessly, love truly, give generously, prayer unceasingly, raise the dead, pick up snakes and remain alive when they eat deadly poison.

 

   Child of God, it is often said that, 'repetition strengthens the memory, and continuous instructions, build the mind and conscience'. Thus, as we annually celebrate these sacred rites as religious persons, I which to warn you that, the tendency for many of us is merely to follow the rituals and fulfil all righteousness according to the laws of the Church regarding holy days of obligation. We often do not ponder on the mysteries we celebrate. Most of us do not give a serious consideration and thought to the various salvivic events that we celebrate yearly. Listen to me, there are many people, who celebrated last year's Ascension Thursday, but are not around to celebrate this one. Now, you have the opportunity to witness this year's Ascension, next year's is not assured to anybody. So, why not live your life as one, hoping to Ascend to Heaven when rapture would take place. Why not consider being a little bit more prayerful, moral and spiritual. Finally, having ascended to heaven, Christ is waiting anxiously to welcome and receive us into his home. I hope you will ascend also? 

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 conscious of my actions. And grant me the grace to be among your elect that shall Ascend with rapture.....

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

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

 HAPPY ASCENSION THURSDAY BELOVED FRIENDS

  @ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Tuesday Easter Week 6 - May 11, 2021

DATE : 11/5/2021

 EVENT : Tuesday of the sixth Week of Easter

 COLOUR: White

 READINGS : Acts 16:22-34;  

  Resp. Psalm 137:1-3,7-8; John 16:5-11.  

 THEME:  DEEP SORROW PRODUCES POWERFUL SONGS

         Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this eleventh day of May, which is the second day of the sixth week of Easter, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Deep Sorrow Produces Powerful Songs". Beloved, while growing up as a child, I often heard my Mum singing very sorrowful songs with very deep and touching meanings. Sometimes, she would wrap me in her arms while singing with tears in her eyes. And I could tell that those songs put into words the contents of her heart, which no one seems to understand. Hmmm. I also know that most of the Psalms contained in the Bible and many of the other deeply theological hymns and songs of the Church, were composed at a time when their authors were either, bereaved, depressed, sorrowing or emotionally disturbed. According to an ancient saying, "song is the language of the soul".  A good song is uplifting, consoling, and edifying. Sincere Songs put into words, the contents of our heart, it confirms the words of Scripture in Romans 8:26: 'Likewise, the spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words..." Let's turn to the song of Paul and Silas in today's reading. 👇🏽

      In today's first reading, we are told that on account of their missionary work in Philippi, Paul and Silas were arrested, insulted, persecuted, stripped naked, flogged, starved and finally thrown into the dark dungeon of the Philippian prisons; and guards were put in place to keep an eye on them. Now, instead of allowing their despicable and degrading situations to have the better of them, they chose the road less travelled, and started singing praises to God amidst tears, since words have eluded  them. It was while they were singing, that the heavens were provoked and the power of God, caused the earth to quake and the prison bars to be broken. But as obedient citizens, who knew better, they remained inside the open prisons, rather than to be charged of jail break, thereby giving their opponents the opportunity to accuse and sentence them justly (Cf. Titus 2:1-8). There is a great lesson for us to learn from this attitude of Paul and Silas today. Music has wondrous powers. It it the only thing that remains when prayers give out. Music has a way of reaching and piercing the heavens. A sincere song of sorrow and pain, comes directly to the altars of grace on high. A sincere song, borne from a deeply sorrowing heart, attracts the spirit of God, and communicates with the divine spirit, in ways unimaginable. A sincere song of sorrow brings down answers to prayers  speedily.

       Child of God, do not be too ashamed to cry to God with songs. When you are in deep trouble, when the world seems not to be making sense to you anymore. When your husband is frustrating you, when your wife is a nag, when your children are causing you great pain. When your lover abandons or breaks your heart, when you failed that interview again, when the test result shows that the sickness is still there, when as an expectation mother, you see your period again after a month of prayers and anticipation. When your financial status keeps dropping, when your business keeps crashing and your health keep deteriorating. When you do not seem to be finding joy or fulfilment in your life or with your religious vocation as a Rev. Sr. Rev. Bro. or priest. Do not give up, do not resign to date, do not become irritable, do not become forlorn, do not run from one house of prayer to another, and do allow yourself to fall into depression. Just take it to God in tears and let songs of thankfulness and praise of God never depart from your lips.

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

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus,

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

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

 @ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Saturday Easter Week 4 - May 8, 2021

 DATE : 8/5/2021

 EVENT : Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter

 COLOUR: White

 READINGS : Acts 16:1-10;  

  Resp. Psalm 99:1-3,5; John 15:18-21.

 THEME:  TO EVERY RULE, THERE IS AN EXCEPTION

         Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this eight day of May, which is the sixth day of the fifth week of Easter, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " To Every Rule, There Is An Exception". Beloved in Christ, as human beings, we are besieged by rules on every side. As Christians, we have ecclesiastical laws guiding our conducts; as civil citizens, we have the state's laws, which prescribe the limits to our freedom, actions and inactions; as members of a village community, we have our native customs which direct our lives. As students, we have school rules and regulations to keep. As married persons, we are bound by the rules of marriage and the vows we take. As civil servants, workers and traders, we have a given ethics of conduct, guiding our dealings and transactions. There is hardly any part of our life that is not governed by rules. There is hardly any stage in life in which we are not bound by a rule or code of conduct. However, the most interesting thing is that, some of us are often times among the harbingers of these rules, or we are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that they are strictly followed. Now, the questions we must always place behind our back are these: what is the purpose of having rules? Are the rules above man or is man above the rules? Is the law made for man or is man made for the law? If I am found guilty, would I want the full blunt of the law to fall on me, or would I appreciate a little understanding and consideration? Lastly, must the law be always and every where upheld, or are there exceptional cases?

          In the first reading of today, Acts 16:1-10, we are told of how St. Paul met young Timothy, and circumcised him, before allowing him to be his missionary companion. Recall that throughout this week, the issue of circumcision has preoccupied the readings at Mass, and St. Paul, has been a strong voice against imposing it as a general rule on every convert. Until the matter was settled by the apostles, at the Jerusalem's council presided by James. Today, we see this same Paul, being the one to impose circumcision on Timothy, before taking him along. However, we must understand that to every rule, there is an exception, and that wisdom, which is profitable to direct, is needed to know when to bend the rule and when to be firm on it. St. Paul knew that Timothy had dual identity; his mother being a Jewess and his father a Greek. So, it would compromise the Gospel, if Timothy was seen to be a half-breed, especially among the Jewish community. So, Paul knew better that to completely remove all form obstacles on the way of the Gospel and for pastoral reasons, it was best for Timothy to be circumcised. Though, the circumcision was not for conversion or salvation, but mere ritual to fulfill all righteousness and requirement. Paul had to go against the Apostolic mandate and do this for the good of Timothy.

      Child of God, see ehh, every rule has an exception. And it is wisdom to know when to enforce the rule and when to relax a little, and let certain things pass by. It is true that rules are meant to correct and direct, and not necessarily to punish, deter or restrict us. In fact any rule that is geared towards punishment is ipso facto  malevolent. Furthermore, every rule is supposed to be guide, leading to a better life. So, in applying a given rule, we should look at the bigger picture, and rather than focusing on the guilt or shortcomings of the individual, we should seek their good and overall well-being. Oftentimes, when we apply a rule without considering the good of the person involved, we may end of destroying the small goodness that is left in the individual instead of helping them to be better. The venerable Fulton J. Sheen would often say: there is no difference between you (a sinner) and me. The only difference is that you have been caught, and I am yet to be caught.  Please beloved, be lenient in applying the rule to others, so that you too may survive when God will mark your guilt...

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

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, give me the grace to know and seek the good of each individual whenever I have the opportunity to do so.....

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

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

 HAPPY WEEKEND BELOVED FRIENDS

 

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Friday Easter Week 4 - May 7, 2021

DATE : 7/5/2021

 EVENT : Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

 COLOUR: White

 READINGS : Acts 15: 22-31;  

  Resp. Psalm 56:8-12; John 15:12-17.

THEME:  LET YOUR LOVE BE EXCEPTIONAL

         Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this seventh day of May, which is the fifth day of the fifth week of Easter, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Let Your Love Be Exceptional ". Beloved, do you know that our hearts are made for love; and that whatever that is contrary to love, poisons the heart. See ehh!!! God is love, as Scriptures tells us (1John 4:8). So, out of the abundance of his love, God created us. It was for love that he continues to sustain our life. It was for love that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us. It was still for love that he forgives our sins whenever we ask for his pardon. And as a follow up, we are told that before departing from this world, Jesus gave his followers a new commandment - love. A new way of love that goes beyond giving only what is required or what we think others might deserve. What is the essence of Jesus' new commandment of love? It is a love to the death, a purifying love that can overcome selfishness, fear, and pride. It is a total giving of oneself for the sake of others. It is a selfless and self-giving love that is oriented towards putting the welfare of others ahead of myself. Let see what the Gospel tells us about this Christly love. 👇🏽         

        In the Gospel reading of today, John 15:12-17, we are told that Jesus called his disciples and said to them, "a man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends..." (vv. 13). By this statement, Jesus meant that there is no greater proof in love than the sacrifice of one's life for the sake of another. Thus, as a good teacher and leader, Jesus proved the genuity of his selfless love by giving his life for us on the cross. More so, through the shedding of his blood, our sins are not only washed clean, but new life is poured out on us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, as faithful stewards, we can prove our love for God and for one another by the way we embrace the various crosses that come our way in life. Hence, the question we need to ask is this: what is the cross/crosses in my life? Unfortunately, we live in a hedonistic world, bedeviled by selfishness, individualism, greed and contempt. The concept of Love has been bastardised and robbed of its divine meaning and origin. Nowadays, love has lost its power in the heart of people. People are no longer ready to make the least sacrifice for the good of their neighbours. Everyone seems to be busy, minding their business and the well-being of a friend or brother is sacrificed on the altar of booty and self gain.

       Child of God, it is the will of God that we should learn to love one another just as he has loved us, wholeheartedly, without reserve, and full of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness. His love fills our hearts and transforms our minds and frees us to give ourselves in loving service to others. If we open our hearts to his love and obey his command to love our neighbour, then we will know his love more fully and we will bear much fruit, especially the fruit of peace, joy, patience, kindness, selflessness and goodness. These are the kind of fruit that lasts for eternity and that would guarantee us a place in paradise. So, do you wish to be fruitful and to abound in the love of God? Do you wish to be exceptional in the love that you show? Then, trust and obey God sincerely and he will fill you with his overflowing love. For he is the fount of genuine love.

 

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 love my neighbour sincerely and not to count the cost.

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

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

 HAPPY WEEKEND BELOVED FRIENDS

  @ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for Saturday Easter Week 4 - May 1, 2021

DATE : 1/5/2021

 EVENT : Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter/St. Joseph the worker

 COLOUR: White

 READINGS : Acts 13:44-52; 

  Resp. Psalm 97:1-4; John 14:7-14.

 THEME:  TO WORK IS A DIVINE MANDATE

         Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this first day of May, which is the sixth day of the fourth week of Eastertide, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " To Work Is A Divine Mandate". Beloved, I wish to welcome and congratulate you for making it with me into this new month. May, is the fifth month of the lunar calendar. I pray that this month which is dedicated to Mary will bring us God's blessings, protection and favours. In the same line, today is also the optional memorial of St. Joseph the worker. It is a day in which we take out time to celebrate all workers and labourers, to reflect on the dignity of work and to encourage our workers to continue delivering on their various jobs diligently. The work we do echoes the glorious work that God has done (Cf. Gen. 1:1-2:10). Thus, all forms of work, has a divine origin; so, it should not be wasted, abused; improperly paid, and directed to wrong or pointless ends. To do any of these things defames the divine origin of work. The joy of every economic system is when it is able to give so many persons, the chance to build and create something worthwhile for themselves. But, it becomes a shame when that does not happen: when people are coerced, by greed or by poverty, into being “lumps of labour.” Whether the labour is arduous or not makes no difference; whether it is richly paid or not, makes no difference (Cf. Catholic Universalis )

        In the Gospel reading of today, Jesus told his disciples that those who will believe in future, will do greater work than he did. Now, if we interpret this to mean spiritual works leading to salvation, let us not also forget that as Joseph the carpenter's son, Jesus must have learned and effectively worked as a carpenter, before beginning his ministry. So, the phrase, 'I tell you most solemnly, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, he will perform even greater works,

because I am going to the Father'. Could also mean greater Manuel works that can provide a descent living conditions for everyone. This goes s long way to add credence to the divine mandate of Gen. 1:27-28. Thus, whatever work we are engaged in, let us see it as a participation in the divine acts of continuing creation inorder to make the world a beautiful and better place.

      Child of Job, as we celebrate St. Joseph's the worker's day today, I enjoin on you to persist in your job, no matter how undignifying it may appear. If you are an employer of labour treat, your labourers with justice and equity so that God will be happy with you. If you are still searching for a work and means of supporting your self, I beckon on you to enter into a serious devotion to St. Joseph the worker and you will be shocked at what he will do in your life. Today's celebrations also forbids all forms of receiving income which is contrary to holiness, right action, legal prescription and unjustly rob others of their belongings.

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

 

 LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, following your divine mandate on work, I pray you to help me to be effectively engaged in both spiritual work and economically paying work.

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 WORKER'S DAY TO YOU MY BELOVED WORKERS

 @ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪