TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

 Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40:2-4, 18; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53

The persecution of Jeremiah described in the first reading took place before Babylon conquered and destroyed Judah about 587 B.C. King Zedekiah and his princes were in dilemma, either to surrender and pay tax to Babylon or resist and be destroyed. The princes advised Zedekiah to seek alliance with Egypt and go to war with Babylon. Jeremiah advised against resisting and going to war with Babylon. He advised paying of tax to avoid the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem. This contrary advice made the princes to seek the death of Jeremiah. They said to the king, “Jeremiah ought to be put to death; he is demoralizing the soldiers who are left in the city and all the people, … he is not interested in the welfare of our people, but in their ruin” (Jeremiah 38:4). Of course, the princes lied against Jeremiah. With the permission of the king, the princes threw Jeremiah into a well full of mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud. Their plan was a painful death of Jeremiah by starvation or by whatever could kill him in that abyss.

In the first reading, we read how Ebedmelech intervened and Jeremiah was rescued alive from the well. It is pleasing to know that Ebedmelech, a court official, was an Ethiopian. Jeremiah was saved by an African!

Egypt refused to ally with Judah against Babylon. Babylon conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, and carried the people into exile.

The first reading is an example of where people refuse to humble themselves and accept the truth but prefer to tell lies and prefer to kill the messenger of the truth. It is an example of where people do everything possible to sink the truth into the mud. The rescue of Jeremiah shows that the truth never remains buried in the mud. The truth will eventually come to light, no matter how long it is hidden. Jesus says, “Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known” (Matthew 10:26).

The conquering of Judah, the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the carrying of the people into exile show the unfortunate consequences of arrogance, lies, and rejection of the truth. St. Paul cautions, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

When we are confronted with the truth, do we take the path of the princes; that is, reject the truth, tell lies, get rid of the messenger of the truth? Or, do we take the path of Ebedmelech; that is, speak the truth and save the innocent?

Despite the persecution faced by Jeremiah, he did not relent in prophesying to the people what “Thus says the Lord …” Jeremiah teaches us that if we are on the path of the truth, we are not to give up but to persevere in the face of opposition and difficulties. The second reading encourages us to “persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith … [who] endured the cross, despising its shame. … Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.”

In today’s gospel, Jesus says that his coming will bring division. How does the Prince of Peace become a source of division? Jesus is the truth. Therefore, division is bound to occur wherever lies are upheld and the truth is rejected. Peace, harmony, and unity do not exist where the truth is rejected. Jesus says, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

Jesus, also, says in the gospel, “I have come to set fire on earth, and how I wish it were already blazing.” The Sacraments and the word of God we receive are supposed to set us on fire in the same way Jeremiah was set on fire which made him cry out: “I say I will not mention him, I will no longer speak in his name. But then it is as if fire is burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding back, I cannot endure it!” (Jeremiah 20:9). We can, therefore, see why detractors could not stop Jeremiah from proclaiming the truth.

The fire of truth burned in the life of Ebedmelech who was a mere servant. He was fired up to courageously speak to the king about the murderous actions of the princes. The king, who had handed Jeremiah over to the princes, ordered the rescue of Jeremiah. The fire of truth of a servant dispelled the darkness of falsehood of the princes.

The fire Jesus sets on us makes us the light of the world that cannot be hidden or put under a bowl. May we let our light shine so that our good works be seen and God be glorified (Matthew 5:14-16). May we blaze from the fire of the Lord. Amen.

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Wisdom 18:6-9; Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-22; Hebrew 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48

The first reading calls our attention to the Jews who put their trust in “sure knowledge of oaths” between God and their ancestors and for this, they remained steadfast in their faith in God. God made oaths to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising them and their descendants the land of Canaan. God made oaths to those who obeyed his laws and commandments, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” The first reading reveals that at various times of persecution, the faithful continued to worship God in secret. The first reading says, “For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution.”

In the same manner, the Catholic Church has survived various periods of persecution due to the secret religious practices of the faithful. There are powerful stories about Ireland, Japan, China, and other places of how the Catholic Church survived persecution for centuries due to the perseverance of Catholics who performed religious practices in hiding. Sometimes, they are called underground churches. The message of the first reading is a challenge to us as individuals and to our generation in general.

Two Sundays ago, we reflected on Abraham’s hospitality. Last Sunday, we reflected on his life of prayer. Today, the second reading invites us to reflect on his faith in God. We read: “ *By faith* Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. *By faith* he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents … *By faith* he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age - and Sarah herself was sterile - for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. … *By faith* Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac…” What a man of faith, which he is why he is called “father of faith.”

Soren Kierkegaard uses the phrase, “leap of faith” to describe a decision or belief that is made without logical or rational justification. The “leap of faith” Abraham took in each of the situations narrated in the second reading is amazing. They are a challenge to us as individual and to our generation in general. Abraham’s faithfulness and the faithfulness of our ancestors encourage us to have unwavering faith in God in all circumstances. St. Paul says, “We Walk by faith not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). He also says, “In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). The Book of Hebrews 11:6 writes, “…without faith it is impossible to please him.”

However, St. James tells us that faith alone is not enough. Good works must accompany it. He asks, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” St. James concludes, “Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:14 & 16). Good works are actions motivated by love of God and love of human beings. If we who are of little faith also lack good works, of what benefit is that to us? St. John emphasizes the love of human being where he states, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20).

We were reminded last Sunday that we are all sojourners on earth whose real citizenship is in heaven. The reminder continues today as Jesus encourages us that God “is pleased to give us the kingdom.” Therefore, we are to work towards having “inexhaustible treasures in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.” Jesus adds, “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Which means, we are not to put our hearts here on earth which offers us only transient worldly treasures. Rather, we are to put our hearts on the Kingdom of God where our eternal treasures are.

Jesus says in John 14:1-3, “… And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” He tells us in today’s gospel to be faithful and prudent stewards who await their master’s return, ready to open immediately he knocks. Faithful and prudent servants are those build eternal treasures with love of God and faith in God, and with love of human beings and good works. May God give us the graces we need to build eternal treasures. Amen.

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23; Psalm 90:3-6, 12-13; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21

We read in the first reading, “Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!” The word vanity originates from the Latin word “vanus,” meaning “empty” or “void.” Another Bible translation is, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” Vanity is preferring world-centered life instead of God-centered life. The first reading does not discourage or condemn accomplishments and possessions. Right at the beginning, God blessed his creation, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Prayers of blessing in Psalm 90:17 and Psalm 115:14-15 are, “May the favor of the Lord our God be ours. Prosper the work of our hands! Prosper the work of our hands!” “The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children.” We say “Amen” to the blessing and the prayers. 

However, the first reading reminds us that we are all sojourners on earth, and that earthly pursuits, worldly accomplishments, and material possessions are ultimately vain, empty, and meaningless when they are acquired through sinful ways or without connection to God. Jesus sums up the first reading’s message in the following words, “… for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions” (Luke 12:15). Which is to say that our physical and spiritual increase and prosperity must be God-centered.

The second reading speaks of people who live world-centered life of immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed, and lying. They live life of corruption. They steal, murder, and destroy. St. Paul writes about such people in Philippians 3:19, “Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their ‘shame.’ Their minds are occupied with earthly things.”

In Philippians 3:20 St. Paul speaks about our “citizenship of heaven” and he encourages us in today’s second reading, “… seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. … Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly…”

There are people who do not believe that there is God and that there is eternal life, either in heaven or in hell. The psalmist laments, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1). There are many Scriptures’ emphases on judgement and reward after earthly life. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus gives a vivid description of the Day of Judgement: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. … Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’ … Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. …’” St. Paul warns unbelievers in Galatians 6:7 “Make no mistake: God is not mocked.” Numbers 23:19 states, “God is not a human being who speaks falsely” (Numbers 23:19).

We have examples of people of vanity in today’s gospel. Their problem was greed. The first man was upset with his brother and wanted his share of the inheritance. If his case was genuine, I imagine that Jesus, being the advocate of the oppressed, would have intervened on his behalf. Rather, Jesus saw the greed in his heart and addressed him, and all of us: “Take care and guard against all greed …” By this statement, Jesus warns us that selfish desires must not rule us or lead us to sin.

The second person, the greedy rich fool, was unable to share his possessions with others. His action plan was, “I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, ‘Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus, will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God” (Luke 12:18-21).  The psalmist and the Book of Revelations say of such fools, “In their riches, human beings lack wisdom” (Psalm 49:20). “For you say, ‘I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything,’ and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelations 3:17).

Job reminds those their lives consist of possessions and those who grab, steal, accumulate, bicker, fight, and kill, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart” (Job 1:21). Jesus advises us in today’s gospel to be rich in what matters to God. The more we are rich in what matters to God, the less we store up earthly treasures for ourselves. The deeper one’s spiritual life is, the lesser one is involved in things of vanity. Therefore, we are challenged to share our treasures with others. We pray with today’s Psalm (90:12), “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.”

God has given more than enough resources to the world. God’s plan is, as St. Paul states, “Whoever had much did not have more, and whoever had little did not have less” (2 Corinthians 8:15). Sadly, suffering, poverty, hunger, wars, and various afflictions are caused by greedy men and women, and greedy establishments, companies, and countries. We pray that they may come to conversion, unharden their hearts, and take positive actions towards eliminating the tragedies they continue to unleash upon the world. 

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Genesis 18:20-32; Psalm 138:1-3, 6-8; Colossians 2:12-14; Luke 11:1-13

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the importance of prayer in our relationship with God. More than anything else, the first reading teaches us that prayer is a conversation between God and us. God initiates the conversation by offering us the grace to desire conversing with him. When we accept the grace and the invitation, then, the conversation begins.

In the first reading, God initiated the conversation by revealing to Abraham that he was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their grave sin. Then, Abraham responded by interceding for the cities. Abraham kept conversing with God and interceding for the cities until he submitted to the will of God. This is an important point too. Our desire and prayer may not be the will of God. We need to learn from Abraham to surrender to God’s plan, especially when it is different from our plan. Mary said, “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Jesus prayed, “Not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Dante Alighieri in his poem, The Divine Comedy, writes, “And in his will there is our peace…." 

Another important lesson the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah teaches us is that it is possible for a person or a people to place oneself or themselves in irredeemable situations as Sodom and Gomorrah did. The prodigal son teaches us in Luke 15:17-18 how to come to our senses before a situation becomes irredeemable and return to our Father. Lack of repentance leads to destruction. The Lord swears in Ezekiel 33:11-12, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! Why should you die, house of Israel?”

The gospel begins with these words, “Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray…’” Jesus prayed frequently and spoke always about prayer. No wonder his disciples requested him to teach them how to pray. Jesus taught them the foundation and the pattern of all prayers which is called The Lord’s Prayer. The prayer is the foundation and the pattern of all prayers because of its comprehensive uniqueness. It a compendium of major types of prayer:

Prayer of thanksgiving and adoration (Hallow be your name).

Prayer of supplication (Your kingdom come; give us this day, our daily bread).

Prayer of contrition and forgiveness (Forgive us our sins).

Prayer of deliverance (Do not subject us to final test).

Jesus, further, stresses the power of prayer and why we need to persevere in prayer. He says, “I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Jesus gives a parable to emphasize the importance of perseverance in prayer. The man who went to his friend to beg for bread did not give up until his friend got out of his bed at midnight and gave him the bread. If he had not persisted, he would not have received what he needed. Perseverance in prayer is nicknamed P-U-S-H: which is, “Pray Until Something Happens.”

There are many explanations as to why God does not grant us some prayers no matter how we persevere. God’s divine will on how he hears and answers prayers is a mystery that cannot be fully articulated in human words. An example is Jesus’ experience at the Garden of Gethsemane:

“After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.’ And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him” (Luke 22:41-43). Did God hear Jesus’ prayer? Yes. Did God answer the prayer? Yes. Did God grant what Jesus prayed? No. Rather, the will of God was that Jesus was to die on the cross, so, God sent and angel to strengthen him. A prayer to Mother of Perpetual Help says, “Take care of our needs, free us from our sufferings, or if it be the will of God that we should suffer still longer grant that we may endure all with love and patience.” When we lament about unanswered prayers, we are encouraged to sing the hymn:

 

 "When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God has done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by."

St. Paul states in the second reading, “[God] brought you to life with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions; obliterating the bond (charges) against us, with its legal claims (punishment) … he also removed it from our midst, nailing it on the cross” (Colossians 2:14). Placing our trust on these words of hope, we bring to God our transgressions to be forgiven and may we have a true repentance of our transgressions. May God obliterate our afflictions. May he remove them from our midst and nail them to the cross. Not our will but God’s will be done. Amen.

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Genesis 18:1-10; Psalm 15:2-5; Colossians 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42

In Genesis 12:3, God promised Abraham, “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” As Abraham and Sarah his wife aged, there was no sign of the fulfilment of this promise. Persuaded by Sarah, Abraham’s maid bore Abraham a son called Ishmael. But Ishmael was not the child of the promise.

We read, in today’s first reading, how Abraham and Sarah showed hospitality to three strangers, not knowing that they were angels of the Lord. Abraham and Sarah were rewarded with a gift of Isaac, who is the child of the promise. God’s promise to Abraham would not have come to fulfilment in the manner it came if Abraham and Sarah did not show hospitality to the strangers. I believe that Hebrews 13:1-2 echoed Abraham’s and Sarah’s encounter with the strangers where it writes, “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.”

The first reading brings to mind two other biblical accounts of the reward of hospitality. In 1 Kings 17:7-16, the widow of Zarephath, not knowing that Elijah was a prophet, shared with him the “only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug” that remained for her and her son. The widow confessed, “Just now I was collecting a few sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die.” Her reward was, “There was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry.” In 2 Kings 4:8-17, the Shunammite woman and her husband who showed hospitality to Elisha and his servant were rewarded. “The woman [who was barren] became pregnant, and gave birth to a son, just as Elisha told her.”

The closing statement of my last Sunday’s homily is, “Somehow, someway, someday, the love or the hatred we give comes back to us. ‘What goes around, comes around!”’ Jesus promises us, “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you” (Luke 6:38).

In today’s gospel, Jesus visited Mary and Martha. Mary sat beside Jesus and listened to him, while Martha was burdened with much serving, and was anxious and worried about many things. She was also upset. She was upset with herself, with Mary, and with Jesus. It is not surprising that Martha was upset. How won’t someone who is burdened, anxious and worried about many things not be upset with oneself and with everyone else??? St. Paul in the second reading (Colossians 1:24) rejoiced in his sufferings for the sake of the Colossian Christians, while Martha in the gospel agonized in her service. What a contrast? St. Paul teaches us to find joy in our service.

Like Mary, we need to create quality time to commune with God in order to nourish our spiritual life. If we do not, there is every possibility that we become like Martha. Demands of life will burden us, keep us anxious and worried, and upset us. There is a saying that the one who is too busy to pray is busier than God wants the person to be. Jesus emphasized the importance of spiritual nourishment to his apostles.  At some point in their ministering to people Jesus advised them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31-33). Spiritual recollection and retreat need to, also, occupy prominent positions in our calendar as vacations and various kinds of trips do.

Martha complained to Jesus, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” What is the benefit when someone is hardworking but bitter and always complaining? St. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:7-8, “Do God’s will from the heart, willingly serving the Lord and not human beings, knowing that each will be requited from the Lord for whatever good he does…” And Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance…”

Jesus cautioned Martha, “You are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her,” The one thing chosen by Mary was closeness to Jesus. Let us bring all our burdens, anxieties, worries, upsets, and complaints and lay them at the feet of Jesus, and listen to him speak to us. His words are spirit and life (John 6:63). Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Also, in Matthew 6:25 & 27 he says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, … Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?” In 1 Peter 5:7 we have the invitation, “Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.” And in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” May God bless his words in our hearts. Amen.

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Psalm 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34; Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 10:25-37 

Jesus’ receptiveness and patience in his encounter with the scholar of the law is instructive and a challenge to us. It is clearly stated that the scholar’s questions to Jesus were ill-motivated. Firstly, he “stood up to test Jesus.” Jesus knew that, yet he calmly interacted with him. Secondly, he further questioned Jesus “because he wished to justify himself.” Jesus knew what was on the mind of the scholar, yet Jesus took time to give him the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus teaches us that characters of receptiveness and patience produce harmony which take us a long way where impatience and irritable attitudes cannot take us. Impatience and irritable attitudes can only produce strained relationship.

Jesus made the scholar to answer his own question. The scholar referenced Deuteronomy 6:5, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind.” And Leviticus 19:18, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In every part of the world are all kinds of religions which teach love of God; yet there is so much violence and suffering everywhere caused by hatred of fellow human beings. Hence, St. John tells us, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates his brother is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. This is the commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother” (1 John 4:20-21). 

We express our love of God through our worship of him. But such love is incomplete if we do not love fellow human beings who are God’s image. Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Therefore, love of neighbor is love of God.

The two religious leaders (the priest and the Levite) in the parable of the Good Samaritan “passed by on the opposite side” and did not show love to the man who fell victim to robbers. A few suggestions are given as to the reason for their action. It is almost certain that the priest and the Levite acted in accordance with Numbers 19:11-16 that says, “Those who touch the corpse of any human being will be unclean for seven days; they shall purify themselves with the water on the third and on the seventh day, and then be clean. But if they fail to purify themselves on the third and on the seventh day, they will not become clean. Those who touch the corpse of a human being who dies and who fail to purify themselves defile the tabernacle of the Lord and these persons shall be cut off from Israel. … Moreover, everyone who in the open country touches a person who has been slain by the sword or who has died naturally, or who touches a human bone or a grave, will be unclean for seven days.” The priest and the Levite probably presumed that the man was dead. Therefore, the law forbade them from touching the victim.

It could be that the priest and the Levite knew that the man was not dead but they were in a hurry to meet up with some religious duty. Therefore, they had no time for the victim. It could be that they were not hurrying to a religious duty but could not sacrifice what it takes to attend to the victim as the Good Samaritan did.

‘Our neighbor’ is the situation that requires our attention, and the person in need of our help. Love of neighbor involves sacrifice of giving of time, talent, and materials. It requires generosity. The Good Samaritan is a model. Jesus says to us, “Go and do likewise.” We are to approach ‘our neighbor’ and help rather than pass by on the opposite side.

As people of faith, we know that God’s reward awaits us for our love of him by our loving our neighbor. Somehow, someway, someday, the love or the hatred we give comes back to us. “What goes around, comes around!”

For those who sacrifice mercy and charity on the altar of rules and regulations and on the altar of convenience, St. Vincent de Paul says, “Charity is certainly greater than any rule. Moreover, all rules must lead to charity.” And Brother Abraham of St. Gregory’s Abbey writes, “We hear the saying a lot, ‘People are more important than rules,’… That upsets us sometimes, because we all know how much easier it is to follow a set of rules than it is to consistently love other people and treat them with kindness and compassion.”

May the Holy Spirit flush out hatred and pour true love into our hearts. Amen.

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

In the first reading, God appointed Isaiah to prophesy to the Jews. In the second reading, God appointed Paul to preach to the Gentiles. And in the gospel, Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples to preach the good news. In the same way, as Christians, we are appointed as laborers in the Lord’s field. Some are appointed to labor as priests and religious. Some are appointed to labor in various other capacities in the Church and in the society. 

Indeed, the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. This means that there is an urgent need for more laborers. We pray for an increase in priestly and religious vocation so that the master of the harvest may send out more laborers for his abundant harvest. We pray that the laborers may have the missionary spirit, zeal, and disposition commanded by Jesus in today’s gospel: “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way…” (that is have the spirit of detachment, selflessness, sacrifice, and be focused on the mission). It was with this missionary spirit of detachment, selflessness, sacrifice, and resoluteness that the early missionaries and evangelizers brought the good news to every corner of the world. The early missionaries and evangelizers are a challenge to the present-day missionaries and evangelizers. The affluence of some ‘missionaries and evangelizers’ who claim to proclaim the good news is scandalous.

The missionary mandate of the Church continues to prosper because of men and women who pray constantly and men and women who make generous financial and material contributions and sacrifices towards the Church’s missionary activities throughout the world. May God bless and reward such people of goodwill.

We pray for God’s courage, strength, provision, and protection for missionaries who work in difficult and dangerous places. We pray for the fulfilment of the words of Jesus that “… nothing will harm them.” These missionaries need our constant prayers and every possible support because they are at risk of harm and death every moment.

Today’s gospel reminds us of the great commission of Jesus and his authority to believers. The great commission is to preach the good news, to proclaim peace, to heal the sick, and to drive out demons. The authority to believers is, “Behold, I have given you the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy.” The commission and authority are not preserved for any special class or special group or special people. St. Paul in the second reading (Galatians 6:17) calls the commission and authority the marks (seal) of Jesus on our bodies. They are for everyone. We are mandated by the commission and the authority to be missionaries and evangelizers wherever we are so that people will know that we are Christian by what we do and what we say.

At the time of Isaiah’s prophecy in the first reading, the Jews had returned from Babylonian captivity to a devastated homeland. They were desolate. Isaiah gave them the prophecy to strengthen their trust in God, who would not forsake them. Despite the situation of Jerusalem, Isaiah encouraged the people to rejoice and be glad.

Through Isaiah, God presents an image of himself as a caring and comforting nursing mother:

“Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of her comfort, that you may nurse with delight at her abundant breasts! … As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms, and fondled in her lap; as a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; in Jerusalem you will find your comfort.”

God promises, “Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent. …When you see this, your heart shall rejoice and your bodies flourish like the grass; the Lord’s power shall be known to his servants.” Many people, at the moment, are as desolate as the Israelites were, and are praying and waiting for the fulfilment of God’s promises.

O Lord, according to your word, spread your spiritual and physical prosperity over your children. Afflictions have sapped joy from their bodies, take away the afflictions, and fill your children with joy. May your children flourish again. Visit and clothe and surround your children with power from on high and may your marks on our bodies drive away evil forces and angels of death. O Lord, fulfill your words that your children may testify your goodness and sing your glory. Amen and amen.

SOLEMNITY OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34:2-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19

The stories of these two great saints are very familiar. Their stories are stories of hope to each one of us. Considering their former life story, no one would have expected Peter or Paul to become saints and pillars and foundational figures of the Catholic Church and Christianity.

St. Peter was called Simon until Jesus changed his name. “Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon, the son of John; you will be called Cephas”’ (which is translated Peter) (John 1:42). He was a common fisherman until Jesus called him. Despite his spontaneity, sometimes to a fault, Jesus kept Peter close to himself. At a point, Jesus castigated Peter to the extent of calling him “Satan.” (Mattew 16:23).

To crown his weaknesses, after Peter’s failed attempt to defend Jesus during Jesus’ arrest, he deserted Jesus. He then reappeared during Jesus’ trial only to deny him. What a ‘divided personality’? How could Jesus still trust such a man and not withdraw his promise to him? As we read in today’s gospel, Jesus said to Peter, “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 18:18). He became the apostle to the Jews and the first pope. That is why the Catholic Church uses the term “The Chair of Peter” to represent the papacy, the unbroken line of succession of popes throughout the Church’s history, and the Pope’s role as the shepherd of the Universal Church.

St. Paul, who used to be known as Saul, before his conversion, did everything he could to destroy Christianity. He approved Stephen’s execution (the first Christian martyr). He entered house after house, dragging out men and women who were Christians and handed them over for imprisonment (Acts 8:1, 3). Then, he headed off to Damascus to find more Christians to bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. Jesus met him on the way and struck him blind. Ironically, he was led by the hand to Damascus. Ananias prayed over him, and things like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. He was baptized, and he became a new creature and God’s chosen instrument. Right there in Damascus and at once, he began to proclaim in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:1-22). He became the apostle to the Gentiles, the greatest evangelizer, and the most influential missionary in Christian history. Thirteen Epistles in the New Testament were either written by him or his disciples. 

If St. Peter and St. Paul could transform from their former lives, there is hope for everyone and for every situation if we give God the chance and if we stop resisting. In the second reading, St. Paul testifies that the Lord stood by him and gave him strength. God does the same to anyone who says “Yes” to him.

St. Paul summarizes how God rescued him from dangerous situations: “I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.” St. Paul recounts in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 the various dangers from which God rescued him.

The first reading tells us the story of the dramatic rescue of St. Peter from Herod. Let us read attentively:

 

 _“On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. Suddenly, the angel of the Lord stood by him and, a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ The chains fell from his wrists. The angel said to him, ‘Put on your belt and your sandals.’ He did so. Then he said to him, ‘Put on your cloak and follow me.’ So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him_ ” (Acts 12:4-12).

What God’s call are we resisting to say “Yes” to? May Sts. Peter and Paul intercede for us that we have the courage to say “Yes.”

What sins, weaknesses, and areas of our lives that resist transformation? May Sts. Peter and Paul intercede for us to have the courage to transform.

What situations do we need positive changes? May Sts. Peter and Paul intercede for us that we may experience the positive changes we are longing, desiring, and praying for.

What fears, anxieties, challenges, and dangers are we encountering? May Sts. Peter and Paul intercede for us that the Lord’s angel rescues us.

What difficulties, helpless, and seemingly hopeless cases facing us? May Sts. Peter and Paul intercede for us for God’s divine intervention.

We commit persecuted Christians and peoples all over the world to the intercession Sts. Peter and Paul.  

We commit the conversion of prodigals and criminals to the intercession of Sts. Peter and Paul.

Jesus did not give up on St. Peter, for his weaknesses, or on St. Paul for his murderous actions. Therefore, let us not give up on ourselves or on someone else or some situation. Let us continue to press forward in fervent prayer that God’s will may prevail. Amen.