Fr. Martin Eke, MSP - Homily for the Seventh Sunday of Easter Year B - May 16, 2021- Ascension

Homily of Ascension of the Lord Year B, 2021

Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20

 The idea that Jesus was a political messiah never left Jesus’ disciples even when Jesus was about to ascend into heaven. Jesus’ disciples gave him a heroic welcome into Jerusalem believing that he had come to overthrow the Romans. Then, he was arrested, crucified and buried. When Jesus reappeared, the disciples’ conviction of his political messiahship became stronger. We read in the first reading, “When they had gathered together they asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel?’” I guess that Jesus’ answer astonished them further. Jesus replied to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The disciples might have wondered, “What’s this man talking about? We are talking about the restoration of the kingdom of Israel, and he is talking about the Father and the Holy Spirit and witnessing. What’s the connection?” Probably, that was why when Jesus disappeared into the cloud, the apostles stood in bewilderment and gazed intently at the sky until the angels came to minister to them. Then, they returned to Jerusalem and “went to the upper room … [and] devoted themselves with one accord to prayer…” until the descent of the Holy Spirit on them (Acts 1:12-14).  

 What does the Ascension of the Lord mean to us?

 First, Jesus ascended into heaven and is at the right hand of God interceding for us. St. Paul confirms this, “Who will dare condemn them? Christ who died, and better still, rose and is seated at the right hand of God, interceding for us?” Jesus himself says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).  The Book of Hebrews speaks of Jesus, “Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Also, 1 John 2:1, “We have an intercessor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Just One.”

 Second, Jesus says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may be where I am” (John 14:3). The two angels who appeared to the disciples when Jesus ascended into heaven said to the disciples, “This Jesus has been taken up into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” The Preface of Ascension 1 of today’s Eucharistic celebration says, “Mediator between God and man, judge of the world and Lord of hosts, he ascended, not to distance himself from our lowly state but that we, his members, might be confident of following where he, our Head and Founder, has gone before.” We are, therefore, to be ready for his return, and go with him. The Lord speaks of his coming in the Book of Revelations, “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed” (Revelations 16:15).

 

Third, Jesus is no longer physically in the world. As his followers, we are to continue his good deeds by witnessing him to the world. Jesus remains in the world through us who are his disciples, ambassadors, and witnesses. We are mirrors of Christ. We are his mouth, his hands, his feet, and his heart. St. Teresa of Avila appeals to us: “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”

 Fourth, when Jesus ascended into heaven the apostles went to the upper room and devoted themselves with one accord to prayer until the descent of the Holy Spirit on them. We are invited to go into “upper room” of prayer, and pray for the renewal and fire of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises us, “I will send him to you” (John 16:7). St. Paul prays for us in the second reading, “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, …” (Ephesians 1:17-19).

 Finally, in today’s gospel reading, before his ascension, Jesus reveals “the hope that belongs to his call” and the effects of the power of the Holy Spirit. The receivers of his call and the Holy Spirit will go out and proclaim the gospel. Signs will accompany them: they will drive out demons; they will speak new languages; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover (Mark 16:17-18).

 May we not remain looking at the sky but go into “upper room” of prayer and receive our call and “the surpassing greatness of his power.” Amen.

 Fr. Martin Eke, MSP

Fr. Augustine Inwang, MSP - Homily for Sixth Sunday of Easter Year B - May 9, 2021

  Readings: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48; 1 Jn. 4:7-10; Gospel John 15:9-17

Love Breaks all Barriers.

1.     In the first reading, we see Peter, a Jew, in the house of Cornelius, a Gentile. Jews had nothing in common with the Gentiles. The Gentiles were not considered fit to be admitted into any place of importance, not to mention the kingdom of heaven. Peter’s presence in the house of Cornelius was therefore, considered a taboo, scandalizing and very offensive indeed, to the Jews. To that point, Peter said, “You know that it is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with, or visit, a Gentile, but God has shown me that I should not call any person profane or unclean. And that is why I came without objection when sent for.” (Acts 10:28-29). Peter began his preaching with these words: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is accepted to him.” (Acts 10:34-35). While Peter was preaching, we are told: “The Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit would have been poured out on the Gentiles also, for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God.” (Acts. 10: 44-47). All Peter could say was “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the holy Spirit even as we have?” (Act. 10:47). With that Cornelius and his household were baptized.

2.     The division, hatred and barriers in our world today are caused by man’s inhumanity to man and our inability to keep the commandment of love. It is the limitations we place on love that create animosity among people. Though many people in our society think that they are better than others, more intelligent, talented, richer and better endowed than others, it doesn’t make them right. Thoughts like these foster violence and bloodshed among brothers and sisters. The belief that one race is better than or more superior to others, makes it hard, if not impossible to love. Hence, St. Paul tells us, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28). Therefore, Christ exhorts us in the gospel: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love.” (Jn. 15:12).  And John stresses in the second reading: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.” (I Jn. 4:7-8). We must love as we are loved by God.

3.     God’s love transforms and redeems us. He loves us sacrificially through his Son, who gave up his life for our sake. He tells us: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (Jn. 15:13). There is so much misunderstand and mistrust in our society because we have not kept the commandment of love. Christ demonstrated this to his disciples when he said: “You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” (Jn. 13:12-15). The disciple must walk in the footsteps of the master; hence the Apostles were so convinced of their discipleship and the teaching of their master, that they were not afraid to die for others as their master did. No mountain was high enough for them to climb and no barrier could prevent them from bringing the gospel of Christ to the ends of the world. Hence Peter went to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, to preach the gospel of salvation to him and his household. God took the initiative and proved to them that salvation was open to all his children regardless of race, origin and tribe. All are welcome in God’s house.

4.     It is not surprising that today we celebrate Mother’s Day. Today we remember those special women in our lives who celebrated and continues to celebrate and love us. They would willingly sacrifice their lives for us. They reflect the heart of Jesus, the heart of love. They were our teachers, our religious education instructors and our sole guide and providers from womb to birth and beyond. Their love for us was not just warm and fuzzy feelings; it was dedication, commitment, care, forgiveness, unselfishness and thoughtfulness. Our mothers’ love is captured by Paul: “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, not pompous, not inflated nor rude. It does not seek its own interest, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” (1 Cor. 13:4-8). Hence, John tells us that God is love, to love is to communicate God. This love breaks all barriers and brings us together. St Paul urges us to “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Rom. 13:8). At the end of our life on earth we will be judged on how much we loved God in one another. May God who loves us show us how to love others so as to abide with him in all eternity. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

 

Fr. Martin Eke, MSP - Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter Year B - May 9, 2021

Homily of Sixth Sunday of Easter Year B, 2021

 Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48; 98:1-4; Psalm 98:1-4; 1 John 4:7-10; John 15:9-17

 Many Jewish Christian converts of the early Christian community believed that non-Jews and Gentiles were unworthy of becoming Christians. They lost sight of the fact that Gentiles were among the followers of Jesus when he was alive. The apostle, Simon the Zealot (the zealous one), was a Canaanite. Matthew 15:21-28 tells us about the faith of the Canaanite woman, and the faith of the Centurion in Matthew 8:5-13. Then, Chapter 10 of the Acts of the Apostles begins with the vision of Cornelius (a Roman centurion), and the vision of St. Peter. The visions reveal the inclusive nature of Christianity.

 The visions played out when Peter arrived at Cornelius’ house. “Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, ‘In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.’ While Peter was still speaking these things, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God” (Acts 10:34-35, 44-46).

This is a painful reminder of past and present partiality, exclusive, and discriminatory mentalities, laws and regulations in religious and civil circles across the world. St. Peter made a powerful statement while addressing the people, “You know that it is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with, or visit, a Gentile, but God has shown me that I should not call any person profane or unclean” (Acts 10:28). He continues, as we see in today’s reading, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35).

 The first reading begins with the following words, “When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and, falling at his feet, paid him homage. Peter, however, raised him up, saying, “Get up. I myself am also a human being” (Acts 10:25-26). St. Peter’s humility is a challenge to those who arrogate themselves to ‘golden calves’ and demand others to ‘worship’ them.

 Unfortunately, too, we discharge these unholy attitudes of partiality, exclusion, and discrimination on one another in our homes, groups, churches, communities, neighborhoods, places of work, gatherings, institutions, organizations, and so on. The way out of these sins is for us to see one another with eyes of love. For this reason, St. John writes to us in the second reading, “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).

 The admonition continues in the gospel reading. Jesus says to us, “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. … This is the commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:9 and 12-13). We have many great examples of people who have made or make various degrees of sacrifices for love of God and human beings.

 To conclude, let us call to mind the words of St. Peter, “God has shown me that I should not call any person profane or unclean.” Therefore, let us not demean anyone or people, or see anyone or group as second-rate or third-rate. Let us see each other with the eyes of love, and break down barriers and barricades of partiality, exclusion, and discrimination. By so doing, we are able to accept one another, live in peace with one another, work with one another, build up one another, give one another equal opportunity, and celebrate one another and with one another. When we say that all men and women are created equal, and that all men and women are endowed by God with equal rights, let us match up these words with sincere actions. So help us God. Amen.

 Fr. Martin Eke, MSP

Fr. Augustine Inwang, MSP - Homily for Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B - May 2, 2021

Readings: Acts 9:26-31; 1 Jn. 3:18-24; Jn. 15:1-8

A Hard Man is Good to Find

1.     In today’s gospel Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:5). Christian life must be rooted in Christ and directed by the relationship shared in and with Him. Therefore, Christians must live in such a way as to say with St. Paul “I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20). To grow and live with and in Christ demands compatibility of character. The risk in organ transplant is the rejection of the foreign body by the donor body: incompatibility. If husband and wife are not compatible, that marriage has no future. In the same way without compatibility of character between Jesus and His disciples, no growth, nor fruition, or intimacy is possible. As sinful people, we need the pruning, purification and the cleansing effect of the Holy Spirit to make us compatible with sinless Jesus. We must align our priorities with Him so as to function and bear fruit as his disciples.

2.     This brings us to the first reading. Saul the persecutor who had tried to destroy the Church and dragged men and women to prison was converted on his way to Damascus. He is now preaching the same Christ that he was against. In Jerusalem, Paul’s new religion and his enthusiasm to preach Christ as the Lord is met with stiff opposition, suspicion and doubts. Was it not Paul who gave permission for Stephen to be stoned to death? How can he be trusted? He was snubbed, avoided and kept at a distance. We are told, “When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.” (Acts. 9:26). How lonely Paul must have felt. Did he make a mistake? Did Christ really speak to him on that road? These thoughts must have gone through his mind. Then someone by the name of Barnabas also called Joseph came to his rescue. He was a Levite, a Cypriot by birth. The Apostles named him Barnabas meaning ‘Son of Encouragement’. He was “a good man, filled with the holy Spirit and faith.” (Acts 11:23). He embodied the life of early Christians.

 

3.     Barnabas did not only epitomize the early Christians life, but he was also a branch that sprung from the Divine Vine - Jesus. He lived the life of Christ and knew that to bear fruit he had to align his values, his ethics, his identity, his personality and his priorities with Christ. He came to Paul’s rescue and took charge of him. He vouched for him and became his spokesperson. One wonders how life would have been for Paul but for someone like Barnabas. We need people like Barnabas to support us, to encourage and to believe in us. We need people who see potentials in us and will not judge us from the one mistake we may have made in the past. Barnabas showed himself a real Christian in the way he treated Paul. He saw that Paul was made in the image and likeness of God, therefore, should be redeemed and not condemned. He believed in the best in others. While others saw Paul as a spy, Barnabas saw him as an asset, an instrument to bring the Gospel of Christ to the gentiles. How wonderful would our world be if we had more people like Barnabas. Those who are not afraid of people, are not suspicious and cynical, but who see themselves in everyone and tries to help others succeed. These Hard Men are good to find.

4.      According to William Barclay, “The world is largely divided into those who think the best of others and those who think the worst; and it is one of the curious facts of life that ordinarily we see our reflection in others and make them what we believe them to be. If we insist on regarding a man with suspicion, we will end by making him do suspicious things. If we insist on believing in a man, we will end by compelling him to justify that belief.” We must be like Jesus in the way we treat others, especially those who do not look, think and talk like us. Barnabas was that man. Like Jesus, he did not allow someone’s past to influence his judgement against him. A person should not be condemned forever just because he once made a mistake. In a game of baseball, the rule is: three strikes, and you are out. We can apply the same rule to the way we treat those who have wronged us, knowing that Christ tells us to make it up to seventy-seven times. (Matt. 18:22). For “If you, O Lord, should make our guilt, Lord, who would survive.” (Ps. 130:3). Never condemn someone because he had once committed an offence. There is still room for change if we give him an opportunity to do so.

5.     The early Christian community that produced a man of character like Barnabas “Were of one heart and mine, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.” (Acts. 4:36-37). Their faith was rooted in Christ. Christ is the vine, and every Christian is a branch. We must be one with Christ and must grow in Him. If we do not, we become a withered, rejected branch which is dead and is good for nothing. When we are together in Christ, we bear fruit. St. John made this point in the second reading. When we get together and are united in Christ and with one another, we live a life of truth, love and peace. God relates with us in love and with love we must “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.” (Eph. 4:32). Let us pray at this Mass that we may be Barnabas to one another. With people like Barnabas, our world will be a better place, a place where no one will be suspicious of others, where violence and hatred will give way to forgiveness, tolerance and love; where we will see the image of God in one another and so treat them as we would Christ, in love. In everything may we treat others as we would want them to treat us. For a hard man is good indeed to find. God knows we need those hard men in our lives today more than ever before. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

 

Fr. Martin Eke, MSP - Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B - May 2, 2021

 Homily of Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B, 2021

 Acts 9:26-31; Psalm 22:26-28, 30-32; 1 John 3:18-24; John 15:1-8

 The first reading tells us St. Paul’s experience after his conversion. He had escaped from Damascus where the Jews wanted to kill him for preaching and “proving that [Jesus] is the Messiah” (Acts 9:20-25). He arrived in Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples, “but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Then Barnabas took charge of him and brought him to the apostles, and he reported to them how on the way he had seen the Lord and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. He moved about freely with them in Jerusalem, and spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord” (Acts 9:27-28).

 First, St. Paul was a notorious persecutor and murderer of Christians. When he converted, he put his past life behind him, and never allowed the guilt and shame of his past life to discourage him from answering the call of evangelization. Sometimes, God wants to do new things in our life, but we refuse to cooperate with God’s grace by letting ourselves be trapped in our ugly past life. St. Paul’s ability to break with his ugly past life challenges us to break the chains of our ugly past life and liberate ourselves from them. The word of God says in Isaiah 43:18-19, “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not. See, I am doing something new!” Let us embrace the new things God is doing and move forward.

 Secondly, Barnabas intervened in St. Paul’s situation and became an instrument for St. Paul’s acceptance and establishment. Let us not be like the Jews who wanted to kill St. Paul because he was no longer a member of their murderous gang, or like the disciples who refused to accept him because they were afraid of him. Perhaps, we are the ‘Barnabas’ God wants to use to help someone to have life, or to establish someone, or to make someone progress. Let us not refuse to help or be reluctant to help. St. John urges us in the second reading, “[God’s] commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us” (1 John 3:23).

 Thirdly, the acceptance of St. Paul by the apostles when Barnabas brought him to them reminds us the acceptance of the prodigal son by his father when he returned (Luke 15); and teaches us to do the same. Writing from his experience, St. Paul says in Colossians 3:13, “Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, to bear with one another and forgive whenever there is any opportunity to do so. As the Lord has forgiven you, forgive one another.” Let no one be a stumbling block to opportunities of forgiveness, reconciliation, peace, and unity.

 St. Paul is a fulfillment of today’s gospel reading. When he was outside Jesus, he was possessed by the spirits of hate, jealousy, fury, persecution, murder, and so on. But when he was grafted to Jesus, the true vine, and was pruned of his vices, he began to bear much fruit. Jesus says in the gospel, “Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5).

 In the same way, when we take ourselves away from Jesus, we unite ourselves with the Evil One, we become possessed by the Evil One’s spirits, and we become instruments of his works. But if we are united with Jesus, we bear fruits of his Spirit; which are “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Then, Jesus’ words become fulfilled in us: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples” (John 15:7-8). May we remain in him, and become fruitful, and multiply (Genesis 1:28). Amen.

 Fr. Martin Eke, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter- April 25, 2021

SUNDAY 25TH APRIL 2021

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY AND VOCATIONS SUNDAY

 Acts 4:8-12

1 John 3:1-2

 John 10:11-18

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Today the 4th Sunday of Easter, is usually known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The gospel reading is that of John 10 where Jesus proclaims himself as the good shepherd. It is also a day we pray for and encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that God should send people after his own heart to lead his flock.

In every human society, it is very important to have leaders, it is of more importance to have good leaders who care and are concerned for their people. Some leaders can go as far as laying down their lives for their subjects.

For us Christians, Jesus is our leader and shepherd. God has assured us through the prophet Isaiah 49:15, that even if a woman should forget her suckling child, he will never forget us.

In the gospel reading of today, Jesus tells us that he is the good shepherd, and he tells us what is expected of us as shepherds. Some years ago, it was very easy to compare the love of God for us with the love of Fulani Herdsmen for their cows. The image of Fulani herdsmen today has been bastardized as they are now portrayed as thieves and kidnappers. Fulani herdsmen were known for their love for their animals, they lead them to green pastures, give them water, protect them against dangerous animals and even communicate with them. Their cows hears their voice and act accordingly. They are very close to their cows that they smell like them. This is the same care and love Jesus shows us. He wants us to trust and believe in him. We should not listen to other voices, because they are thieves and robbers who have come to feed on the sheep.

This is why St John tells us in the second reading of today that we are privileged to be called God's children  because he has lavished us with much love, including sending his son to die for us.  The parable of the lost sheep always reminds us that God does not want anyone to be lost, and that he cares for every human soul. This is why Jesus says in the gospel reading that there are other flocks which do not belong to the sheep fold. We pray for our separated brethren, that God will help them to hear the voice of the true shepherd sent by God.

In the first reading of today, we see Peter as the shepherd of the people, explain to the then that it was through the name of Jesus whom they had killed that he healed the cripple at the gate of the temple. He told them to repent of their sins and accept Jesus so as to be welcomed back into the sheep fold.

On this day therefore, we pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that God should inspire young men and women who will be good shepherds after his own heart to continue his work of human salvation so that everyone can hear the true voice of God and come into the sheep fold. We pray for all those in formation, that God will continue to speak to them daily and mold them for his work.

We thank God that we have shepherds in the Church who are leading us back to God our father. We pray for those who are not under true shepherds, that they may hear the voice of the true shepherd today and enter the fold.

Pray for your shepherds today as well, that they may be people after the heart of Jesus.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Emmanuel Megwara, MSP - Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter - April 25, 2021

DATE : 25/4/2021

 EVENT : Fourth Sunday of the Eastertide/Good Shepherd's Sunday/Vocation's Sunday

 COLOUR: White

 READINGS : Acts 4:8-12; Resp. Psalm 117:1,8-9,21-23,26,28-29; 1John 3:1-2; John 10:11-18.

 THEME: CHRIST IS A SHEPHERD IN THE TRUEST SENSE

         Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this twenty fifth day of April, which is also the fourth Sunday of Eastertide, other words known as Good Shepherd's Sunday or Vocation's Sunday, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Christ Is A Shepherd In The Truest Sense". Beloved in Christ, this Sunday, we are called to reflect on the theme, "Christ, the Good Shepherd". Now, at the face value, many of us may dismiss this theme thinking that we have heard it a thousand times over. But, I wish that you journey with me today, as we unravel a new message in this age long theme. The caption, Christ the Good Shepherd, is one of those divine sayings in which  truth and love meets. The image of the Good Shepherd expresses the deepest affections, fondest musing, most docile obedience, most devoted trust, and most sacrificial love of Christ. It is a title which summed up all other titles and images of Christ as priest, prophet, king, saviour, guide, leader, master, teacher, friend, companion, and Lord.

      The image of the Good Shepherd, captions at once all the mercies, kindness, love, care, protection, providence, benevolence and discipline of God towards us (Isa. 40:11; Ezek. 34:12-27). It also reflects the thoughts and emotions of pity, gentleness, compassion, patience, and love, which God feels towards us. This image brings consolation to the weak, to those that have strayed, to those that are lost, to that that are afflicted, to those that feel strong, and to those that are scattered abroad. The image also has an eternal value, in that, Christ is not only the Good Shepherd to his flock on earth. Even in the heavenly glory, he will still be the chief Shepherd, and the great Shepherd of the entire sheep. Who now in a state of bliss, behold him face to face, and sees him as he really is in all his glory and splendour, as the second reading from 1John 3:1-2, tells us today.

      Beloved and fellow sheep, Christ is the eternal Good Shepherd because he merits it thus:

  1 . He is the Good Shepherd because he Owns the sheep.

         A ) By the gift of the Father to him (thine they were, and thine has given them to me)

           B ) By the creative ties with the Father (Even before the world was brought forth, I was there with the Father; and through me all things were created. Cf. John 1:3)

          C ) He Purchased us. (The blood he shed was not for his defence, but for the sake of his sheep whom he came to rescue. Cf. Heb. 13:20).

 2 . He is the good shepherd because he KNOWS the sheep

       A ) By their faces. Just like the ancient custom among Shepherd's is to ear- mark their sheep, Jesus Christ has put a mark on each of us, not on the ear, but on our forehead (Cf. Rev. 14:1).

         B ).  By their Names. Jesus knows each of us by name. Not merely as a man or a woman, but as Peter, Nnamdi, Lucy, Etta, Timi, Aisha Yusuf. And He calls us by our name.

           C ) By their situation. Jesus knows your present plight, he knows where you live, work and school (Cf. Acts 9:11). He knows your character, your personality and your limits.

 3 . He is the good shepherd because he FEEDS his sheep

         A ). He leads us to springs of still and flowing waters, to revive our drooping Spirit (Cf. Psalm 23).

         B ) He leads us to fruitful pasture to graze on rich food (Cf. Psalm 23).

  4 . Christ is the Good Shepherd because he LEADS the sheep

            A ) He leads the helpless sheep that has gone astray, just like he brings back the sinner that has wandered far from his love.

            B ). He leads the sheep of his flock gently, not from behind, searing them with lashes, but he is in front, drawing them close through the power of his love and adapting them to follow his steps.

              C ). He leads them in the way of righteousness, and from death's trap to the bliss of eternal life. As the ideal Shepherd, Jesus has gone before us, taking on himself, the death's trap meant for us, and emerged victorious. And now, he triumphantly leads us to heaven.

      Child of God, what is stopping you from alighning yourself among the flock of Christ. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, that cares for you. He loves you. He is looking out for you. He is calling out for you. He wants to lead you to heaven. Will you dispose yourself like an obedient sheep or would you rather be a black sheep of perdition. The choice is yours. As we celebrate the Good Shepherd's Sunday today, we remember to pray for all priests and religious men and women, who have dedicated their lives to become visible Shepherds of the flock of Christ on earth, that the good Lord may model and make them good shepherds after him. We also pray that Christ may raise good future Shepherds from among our young ones, that c they may have vocation to the priestly and religious life.... Amen.

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 good shepherd, I beg you never to abandon me to the hands of the wolves even when I stubbornly stray from your presence.....Amen

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 GOOD SHEPHERD'S SUNDAY BELOVED FRIENDS

  @ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪