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.

CORPUS CHRISTI YEAR C,2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110:1-4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 9:11-17

In the first reading, Abram brought tithe to Melchizedek, the priest of Most High God. They had a celebration of bread and wine. Their celebration foreshadowed the Eucharist, which Jesus celebrated during the Last Supper. St. Paul recalls in the second reading. “… on the night he was handed over, took bread, and after he had given thanks, broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This is my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”

During the Last Supper, Jesus did not say, “This is a symbol of my body and blood.” He said, “This is my body.” “This is my blood.” This is why we believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. This is why we adore the Eucharist. When we come into a Catholic Church and see a tabernacle and a tabernacle light on, we know, immediately, that the Eucharist is present in the tabernacle. We are required to genuflect in reverence. Jesus is no longer physically with us, but he has left himself spiritually with us in the Eucharist. If we see only the crucifix, we are required to bow in reverence.

The word “Eucharist” is derived from the Greek word “eucharistia,” which means “thanksgiving.” During the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and “gave thanks” to God. In today’s gospel, Jesus took “the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing” (that is, he gave thanks). Therefore, the Eucharistic celebration is doing what Jesus did, giving thanks to God. We give thanks to God for the gift of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice, for Jesus’ continued presence with us in the Eucharist, and the Eucharist being our spiritual food, which nourishes us and empowers us for our earthly journey. The Eucharist is also called “Holy Communion,” meaning that by celebrating and receiving the Eucharist, we are in union with Christ and the entire Church. In Igbo language (Nigeria), “Holy Communion” is called “Oriri nso” (holy food). Jesus says, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life” (John 6:54). St. Cyprian calls the Eucharist “the food of salvation.”

The Eucharistic celebration is popularly called Mass. When the Eucharistic celebration used to be in Latin, the priest ended the celebration by saying, “Ite missa est,” literally meaning, “Go, you are sent to witness what you have celebrated. “Mass” is a coinage from “missa.”

The Eucharistic celebration is the highest prayer of the Catholic Church. The Eucharist is the most distinctive mark of the Catholic Church. We must guard it with pride, respect, honor, and reverence. Someone advises priests and indeed all Catholics, “Take each Mass as your first Mass, your last Mass, and your only Mass.” This means that we are required to give every Mass our maximum attention and participation.

The command that we continue to celebrate the Eucharist is the last will of Jesus before his arrest and death on the Cross. Just as we take people’s last will seriously, more so, we are to take Jesus’ last will very seriously. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1324) writes, “The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.”

We are to receive the Eucharist reverently and worthily. We do not receive the Eucharist because “it is time for Holy Communion,” or because everyone in the pew is proceeding to receive. We must not disregard St. Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 11:28-29, “Let each one, then, examine himself before eating of the bread and drinking of the cup. Otherwise, he drinks his own condemnation in not recognizing the body.” This is why the Sacrament of Reconciliation helps us to prepare for the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

It is a mystery that we celebrate the Eucharist many times each day and many times each weekend, and we do not ever get enough of it. The power of the Eucharist is such that wherever the Catholic Church gets in and begins to celebrate the Eucharist, the Church increases and multiplies. While the number of Catholics appears to decline in some places due to some challenges, the number is exploding in some other places. The world population of Catholics increases from year to year.

No one is capable of fully comprehending or explaining the mystery of Transubstantiation (changing of bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Jesus). Everything either written or preached about the mystery is only scratching the surface. Who is capable of comprehending and explaining the comingling of heaven and earth that takes place during the prayer of consecration, and the result is the “Holy Food” which we receive and consume? That is why St. Paul encourages us to recognize the immensity of what we receive.

There are many moments of grace during the celebration of the Eucharist. It is impossible for anyone to consciously attend and participate in the celebration and miss all the moments. One’s moment of grace may be during the hymns, or prayers, or liturgy of the Word, or offertory, or spiritual or physical Holy Communion.

As we celebrate this Mass, may we experience moments of grace. May we experience many answered prayers. May we experience the saving power, the forgiving power, the nourishing power, the transformative power, the healing power, the protecting power, and the deliverance power of the Eucharist. Amen.