October 19, 2025; 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Readings: Exodus 17:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:13-14 4:2; Lk 18:1-18

Prayers Are Always Answered

Today’s readings encourage us to pray always and not to give up. Prayer connects us to the eternal presence of God, reminding us that we should never succumb to discouragement. In the first reading, we see the Israelites battling against the Amalekites. Moses took his stand on a high hill, lifting his hands and imploring God’s victory for his people. He had the support of his friends. Sometimes we need encouragement and support from one another in our prayers. By praying for our friends, we let them know we are thinking of them, thereby creating an environment that fosters a healthy communal life. In the Gospel, Jesus reinforces this point with the story of the unjust judge, emphasizing the necessity of persistence in prayer until our Father hears us. The widow continued to seek justice from the unjust judge without losing heart. Unlike the unjust judge, God is a merciful Father who knows the needs of His children and will always provide for them, though He does so in His own time.

All prayers are answered, even when the outcome is negative. Jesus urges us to remain persistent in prayer. He did not promise that we would be answered in the way we desire and when we want it. Instead, He asks for humility and faith. There is no guarantee of immediate answers; instead, He promises a reward for those who persist, encouraging commitment over empty promises. Our faith and commitment stem from enduring trials and persecutions for the sake of the Word, while we remain hopeful and joyful, knowing that God’s plans will come to fruition in his own time. It may be delayed, but it will never be denied.

Effective prayer requires action. God will not do for us what we can and should do for ourselves. If you pray for favors, work hard to make that a reality in your life. Therefore, students who did not prepare for the examination shouldn’t expect success because they prayed. They should study diligently and then pray for success. God will bless their efforts with success. So, research and study as if everything depends on you, and pray, knowing that everything ultimately depends on God.

We must pray with faith. St. James reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, since they are double-minded and unstable in all their ways.” (James 1:5-8). “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for, and evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1). Faith is an essential component of effective prayer. Listen to Jesus: “Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it, and it shall be yours.” (Mk. 11:23-24).  

What do you ask for in prayer? St. James asks, “Where do wars and conflicts come from among you? Is it not from your passions that wage war within you? You covet but do not possess; you kill and envy but cannot obtain. You fight and wage war. You ask but do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives—to spend it on your pleasures.” (James 4:1-4). “If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” (Luke 11:13). When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth? Will we remain faithful even if our prayers seem unanswered? Ultimately, we should ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit first.

Let us learn from Solomon what to ask for in prayers. God said to Solomon, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” (1 Kings 3:5).  Solomon’s response was simple: “Give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” (1Kings 3: 9). The Lord was pleased with Solomon’s request and granted him wisdom, along with other blessings he did not request. (cf. 1 Kings 3:10-14). So, be specific regarding your request. Avoid too many prayer intentions. God knows all you need. Thus, seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and He will provide for all your other needs (cf. Mt. 6:33).

Forgiveness is a key to a positive outcome in prayers. Jesus said, “When you stand to pray, forgive anyone you have a grievance against, so that your heavenly Father may also forgive you your transgressions.” (Mk. 11:25-26). We must be willing to forgive those who hurt us if we want God to forgive us and answer our prayers. That is what we pray for in the ‘Our Father’. (cf. Mt. 6:9-14). Jesus ends the Our Father prayer with, “But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” (Mt. 6:15). In the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus concludes with this punch line: “So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.” (Mt. 18:35). Isaiah opines, “Surely the hand of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. Rather, it is your iniquities that have separated you from your God; your sins make Him hide His face from you so that He will not hear you.” (Is. 59:1-2).

Sometimes, our prayers are answered progressively. When Jesus healed the blind man at Bethsaida, he did not regain his sight immediately; instead, it happened progressively. After applying spittle to the man’s eyes and laying hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” The man replied, “I see people, but they look like trees walking.” (Mk. 8:22-26). It was only after Jesus laid His hands on his eyes a second time that he was able to see clearly. We must be patient and wait on the Lord. Thus, we pray for God’s will to be done, not ours. A wise saying has it that “Prayer is not a device for getting our wills done through heaven, but a desire for God’s will to be done on earth through us.” Pray and wait on God. Prayers are always answered if we know how to ask and what to ask for. God is not unjust. He is not unconcerned with our problems. He is not as far from us as we sometimes think. We are often the ones who turn away from God and feel that He delays in giving an immediate answer to our prayers.

When we pray, let us remain calm and trust that God will act on our behalf. Cf. 2 Kings 18 -19. The story of Hezekiah and Sennacherib’s invasion. Hezekiah entrusted Sennacherib to the hands of God, and God fought on his behalf. God knows what is best for us, and He will grant us what we ask for in his own time.  Whether we receive a ‘Yes’ or a ‘No’ answer, we must return to the Lord with thanks. Or Christ we ask, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” (Luke 17:17-19).

Let me conclude with “The Blessings of Unanswered Prayers” by an unknown Confederate soldier:

• I asked for strength that I might achieve; I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
• I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
• I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise.
• I asked for power that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
• I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
• I got nothing that I had asked for, but everything that I had hoped for.
• Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered; I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Questions to ponder:

1.     Do you have a healthy prayer life?  

2.     Do you believe that your prayers are always answered?  

3.     Do you set aside a time for prayer each day?

4.     Are you too busy to pray?  

 “Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.” - Soren Kierkegaard

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

October 12, 2025, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, (Year C)

Readings: 2 Kings 5:14-17; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; Lk 17:11-19 

Believers will always receive the Blessing.

The Eucharist is the greatest act of thanksgiving we can offer to God. It is described as a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing through which the Church expresses gratitude for all His benefits, as well as for everything He has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification. The word “Eucharist” itself means “thanksgiving.” At Mass, we gather around the Eucharistic table as a family of God’s people to give thanks for the gift of life, good health, our families, friends, our nation, and for everything God has done for us. (CCC 1360)

Surprisingly, churches are not full every Sunday with grateful people singing praises to God for their blessings. This raises a question: Could Christ be asking us, as He did the Samaritan leper, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Gratitude should come naturally to everyone; however, we live in a world where selfishness, self-centeredness, and greed have led to a false sense of entitlement, making us feel that everything we have is ours by right. Consequently, it becomes increasingly difficult to appreciate the contributions that others have made to our successes in life. According to Criss Jami, “Man is not, by nature, deserving of all that he wants. When we think we are automatically entitled to something, we start walking all over others to get it.”

Today’s readings feature two men, both foreigners, who teach us the importance of gratitude. Outsiders—whether Samaritans or lepers—are a special focus in the ministry of Jesus. They are often more open to seeing God at work in ways that ordinary believers may overlook. After his healing, Naaman recognized the unique status of Israel’s saving Lord and declared, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.” Naaman’s sincere gratitude towards the God of Israel and the prophet Elisha brought him a gift far more precious than the healing of his leprosy; he received faith in God and was determined to serve Him faithfully. He asked, “If you will not accept the gift I brought, please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the Lord.” Through obedience to the prophet, he was healed, and his faith in God led to the forgiveness of his sins. His humility accorded him the cure for his skin disease, and his gratitude to God gave him faith in the true God. Jesus was pleased to see one of the lepers—the Samaritan—returning to thank God for his healing. He wondered why the other nine did not come back to say, “thank you,” not because He sought their gratitude, but to help them complete His work of love, of which their healing was only the first step—bringing them to faith.

Today’s readings encourage us to express our gratitude to God for His love and mercy towards us. We must teach our children to show appreciation for the blessings they receive and not to take anything or anyone for granted. For everything we have is a gift from God. Many of us have been ungrateful to our parents at times. To those who are thankless, King Lear remarked, “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child.” We are often ungrateful to our fellow human beings as well. We can never fully repay the debt of gratitude we owe to those who have helped us along our journeys to becoming who we are today. It is easy to forget the contributions of friends, teachers, doctors, surgeons, or colleagues who have done something for us that is impossible to repay. Unfortunately, we often fail to try to repay these debts. “Blow, blow, thou winter wind, thou art not so unkind as man’s ingratitude.” (William Shakespeare, in ‘As You Like It’).

Questions: Are you consistently grateful to God for the favors you have received? Or would Christ say of you, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?” Have you taught your children to express gratitude for their blessings, or have they developed a false sense of entitlement due to your behavior and failure to express thanks? Perhaps we could set aside a few minutes during dinner this week for each family member to express gratitude to God for the special things that happened that day. We should do this not only on Thanksgiving Day once a year but regularly, as we have reasons to be grateful every day. Count your blessings one by one, and you will be surprised by what God has done for you. “Thanksgiving—the giving of thanks to God for all His blessings—should be one of the most distinctive marks of the believer in Jesus Christ. Let us not allow a spirit of ingratitude to harden our hearts and chill our relationships with God and one another. As the poet George Herbert beautifully expresses it, “O God, you have given us so much. Give us one thing more—a grateful heart.” Amen.

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

October 05, 2025; 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Readings: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 2; Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14; Lk 17:5-10

Faith Makes the Impossible Possible

Today’s first reading is from the prophet Habakkuk. Habakkuk is believed to have written his book around the 7th century BC, shortly before the Babylonians captured Jerusalem in 586 BC. Habakkuk was disturbed by the violence and cruelty of the Babylonians. He asked the Lord, “So why are you silent while they destroy people who are more righteous than they?” (1:13). The Lord responded that He would act in His own good time. In the meantime, “Those who are righteous will live because they are faithful to God.” (2:4).

 We often find ourselves feeling like Habakkuk—frustrated and disillusioned as we witness destruction and bloodshed in our communities while God seems unresponsive. Our faith is frequently tested and shaken in the face of rampant hatred and disregard for one another. We hear of the persecution and relentless killing of Christians, with some incidents occurring while they are praying in church or even being burned alive during Mass. Gun violence has claimed countless lives in our nation, leaving us feeling hopeless and helpless.

According to Gun Violence Archive (GVA) data from September 29, 2025, there have been a total of 325 mass shootings—defined as incidents in which four or more victims are shot, excluding the shooter. Within this grim statistic, there have been 10 mass murders recorded. Tragically, among the victims, 175 children aged 0-11 and 762 teens aged 12-17 have lost their lives. Reports from Johns Hopkins University highlight that “the number of deaths and injuries from gun violence in 2025 continues to be a significant public issue in our nation.” Amidst this chaos, we hear God asking us, “What have you done? Listen: Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil!” (Genesis 4:10). Like Habakkuk, we cry out, “How long, O Lord? I cry for help, but you do not listen! I cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but you do not intervene.” Yet God calls us to remain faithful. In other words, He desires for us to keep our faith strong.

Faith is “The realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1). Faith makes us ready and willing to do God’s will. In today’s Gospel, the apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith. Why was this request relevant? The answer can be found in Luke 17:1-4. Here, Christ warned His apostles against causing scandal or becoming a stumbling block for others. He acknowledged that while it is impossible to construct a world without temptations, woe to the person who teaches another to sin or rob another of their innocence. The difficulty of putting this teaching into practice led the apostles to ask for an increase of faith. Jesus answered them: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” Faith is the most significant force in the world. It makes the impossible possible; it does not depend on its size or quantity but on its quality and effectiveness. Because we are not alone, God is always with us. Faith is not jumping to a conclusion; it is concluding to jump into God’s arms. “By this faith, a just man lives.” (Gal. 3:11). Examples.

This kind of faith can draw poison from every grief, take the sting from every loss, and quench the fire of every pain. Jesus compares faith to a “tiny mustard seed.” Just as the power of the seed does not depend on its size but on the life hidden within itself, the power of our faith does not depend on its quantity but on its quality. This transformative power enables us to struggle against sins, avoid causing scandal, and forgive all hurt. Our faith must be living, practical, and trustworthy. Paul reminds Timothy in the second reading not to forget the gifts of the Holy Spirit he received when he was ordained as a minister. “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Tim. 1:6-7). Paul told Timothy not to be intimidated by the hardship, opposition, and difficulties he encountered in Ephesus. Instead, challenges should strengthen his faith. The apostles, too, sensed the difficulties of their mission and cried out for an increase in faith. Following Christ is never easy. It was not easy for Christ either. On the Cross, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:2).

Following God is challenging, but “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion that cannot be shaken.” (Ps. 125:1). We must be active in our Christian duties while remaining humble enough to say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.” Amidst difficulties, violence, persecution, and tribulation, we wait and hope diligently and earnestly, patiently and perseveringly on God while doing all in our power and within our ability to bring peace to our troubled world. Like the apostles, we pray, Lord, increase our faith! Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

September 28, 2025; 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Readings: Amos 6:1, 4-7; 1 Tim. 6:11-16; Lk 16:19-31.

Our Sins of Omission

Last Sunday, Amos the prophet denounced the wealthy for exploiting the poor. His message was direct and uncompromising. He told the people of Israel that, because of their social injustice and religious arrogance, the Lord would punish them by means of a total military disaster. Amos warned that, due to their lifestyle, the impending disaster would spare no one; it would affect the rich and the poor alike. Today, Amos warned the rich who feasted sumptuously and enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle that they “Shall be the first to go into exile, and their wanton revelry shall be done away with.” The rich did not care about the poor; they took no notice of them, except to exploit and use them to advance their selfish interests.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man, Dives, and Lazarus. Dives (pronounced ‘Dive-ees’, the Latin for ‘rich’) was a rich man who dressed in purple (royalty) and fine linen clothes, and feasted on exotic and costly dishes and drank expensive wine. And there was Lazarus, a Latinized form of Eleazar, meaning ‘God is my help.’ Lazarus was a homeless, disabled beggar who was so sick that he could not drive away the dogs that came to lick his sores. He survived on the leftovers from the rich man’s table. Though Lazarus sat at the rich man’s gate day in and day out, he did not notice him. The only time the rich man noticed Lazarus was when he saw him on the bosom of Abraham. While the rich man was laughing, rejoicing, and celebrating on earth, Lazarus was in agony. But in heaven, Lazarus rejoiced while Dives suffered in hell. Christ warned: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep.” (Lk. 6:20-25).

What was the rich man’s sin? And why was he in hell? He did not kick Lazarus out, shout at him, or prevent him from sitting by his gate. The parable said nothing about the source of his wealth. Being rich was a blessing from God. “Wealth and riches shall be in their homes; their prosperity shall endure forever.” (Ps. 112:3). Deut. 8:18 states, “It is the Lord, your God, who gives you the power to acquire wealth, by fulfilling, as he has now done, the covenant which he swore to your fathers.”

The sin that sent the rich man to hell was that he did not care; he did not notice his fellow man dying in abject poverty. He did nothing to alleviate his suffering or remedy his situation. He saw Lazarus as part of the landscape in front of his gate. He lacked human decency to live a life of holiness by taking care of his fellow man in need. He failed to do what Paul urged Timothy to do in the second reading. “But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life.” (1 Tim. 6:11-12). He did not obey the commandment of love nor understand that “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is to care for orphans and widows in their affliction.” (James 1:27). He did nothing! The sin of omission sent the rich man to hell. We contribute to the sufferings of the poor by doing nothing to help them out of their poverty!

The rich should help the poor in this world, while the poor will help the rich in the next. “He raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’” Hell is real, and we may go there if we refuse to notice the Lazarus in our family, our community, our society, and in our world. They are everywhere; can we see them? The poor and the immigrants. These people need our attention. They are pan-handlers on the street corners, and they sleep under bridges. Can you see the hurt in their eyes? They need you. Please do not wait for the reversal of fortunes to notice them; it may be too late then. Let us remember, as John F. Kennedy would have us do, in his inaugural address of January 20, 1961, “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”

Finally, it seems odd that the rich man’s request, that his brothers be warned, was denied. Isn’t it true that if men possess the truth of God’s word, and, wherever they look, there is sorrow to be comforted, need to be supplied, pain to be relieved, and they are not moved to do anything or take action to alleviate their sufferings, nothing can change them, even if someone were to come back from the dead? We know why the rich man went to hell, for God sends no one to hell. He went to hell because of his sin of omission, and we are not immune to that sin. May we choose the path of righteousness and do something today to alleviate the pains of our suffering brothers and sisters, so that we may not join the rich man in his pity-party held in hell. Amen!

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

September 21, 2025; 25th Sunday in Ordinary (Year C)

Readings: Amos 8:4-7; 1 Tim. 2:1-8; Lk 16:1-13.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

The first reading today reminds me of St. Oscar Romero, who was canonized on October 14, 2018. He was the slain Archbishop of San Salvador and an ardent advocate for justice and a voice for the poor during the turbulent times leading up to El Salvador’s civil war. Romero viewed all people, especially the poor, as human beings created in the image of God, deserving of dignity and respect. He fought for the liberation of his people from the oppressive military government. Tragically, he was assassinated on March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass in the hospital chapel of Divine Providence. Aware that his death was imminent, he once warned his would-be assassins: “If I am killed, I shall arise again in the Salvadoran people.”

When I visited El Salvador in 2017, it was an overwhelming experience to stand at the same altar where Romero had stood when the assassin’s bullet struck and shattered his heart. I think of the Liberation Theologians from South America between 1950 and 1960, such as Gustavo Gutierrez of Peru, Leonardo Boff of Brazil, Juan Luis Segundo of Uruguay, Archbishop Helder Camara of Brazil, and Jon Sobrino of Spain. These men popularized the phrase “Preferential option for the poor.” They believed that God speaks particularly through the poor and that the Bible can only be understood from their perspective. They were courageous defenders of the impoverished, having fought and even died in defense of their rights. Dom Helder Camara reminds us, “When we are dreaming alone, it is only a dream. When we are dreaming with others, it is the beginning of reality.”

As I reflect on the lives of these men, I am saddened to observe that we continue to confront similar struggles today. The poor are still traumatized, stigmatized, mistreated, imprisoned, and ignored, while there seems to be a collective silence among those who should advocate for their rights. The prophet Amos addressed a situation akin to ours, where giant corporations have effectively bought the government, and fossil fuel companies, the gun lobby, health insurance providers, and pharmaceutical companies have gained control over the economy. Yes, where greed and injustice reign, the result is usually revolt, anarchy, and protest, with the same poor people bearing the brunt of the consequences. The message of Amos remains as urgent today as it was in his time: “Hear this, you who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land! We will buy the lowly for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals.” (Amos 8:4-7).

Amos preached during a time of material and financial prosperity in Israel, when the wealthy amassed riches by ruthlessly exploiting and deceiving the poor. Fraud and deception were common in business, and the legal system favored the wealthy over justice. During this period, city life was corrupt, and religion had become mere routine—far from genuine faith. The children of Israel, in their affluence, lost their faith and focus on God. The Sabbath and new moons, which were meant to be days of prayer and rest, were viewed as interruptions to the pursuit of wealth. Amos’ warning to them was frank, direct, and decisive: “The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Never will I forget a thing they have done!” He called the people back to wholeness and solidarity as one people under God. He reminded them that their fancy liturgies and solemn assemblies were meaningless as long as they exploited the poor. As the psalmist reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18). The mission of Christ was clear: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19).

In the parable we have just heard from the Gospel, Jesus does not commend the crafty attitude of the dishonest steward for his laziness and shady bookkeeping. Instead, he admires the steward’s ingenuity and willingness to plan for his future. Jesus points out, “For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.” (Luke 16:8). The steward acted in his own self-interest, but he had time and ability to plan. Jesus urges us to “Make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:9). However, our friend’s immediate concern was not eternal life but merely making ends meet. We should be prepared to do whatever it takes to attain eternal life. How much are you willing to invest in your pursuit of a closer relationship with God? 

The Gospel teaches us that everything we have is a gift intended for the benefit of all. Our wealth is a blessing from God only when we detach ourselves from it and are willing to share it with others. Our use of money should always align with principles of social justice and personal responsibility. Our worship of God should influence our behavior. By acting in this way, we will be entrusted with eternal life, as those we assist on earth will advocate for us on the Day of Judgment. As it is written, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40).

This vision reflects the aspirations of the first reading and Liberation Theologians: a world where resources are equitably shared and accessible to everyone. Dom Helder Câmara once said, “Without justice and love, peace will always be a great illusion.” Recognizing that God has blessed the world with abundance meant for all is essential for achieving peace, justice, and equity.

The readings offer several lessons to consider if we are to “lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity,” as St. Paul encourages in the second reading. First, we must be people of prayer. “I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, and that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.” Prayer should not be the sole concern of women and children; men should also become prayer warriors.

Secondly, we must take matters of faith seriously. This means that Christians should be as eager and resourceful in pursuing goodness as those in the world are in seeking wealth and comfort. Often, we spend more time and resources on activities that bring us instant pleasures, such as hobbies, pets, and sports, than we do on prayer and spiritual growth.

Third, we should use our material possessions to strengthen our relationships with others, particularly the poor. They play a crucial role in securing our peace with God. In this world, the rich should assist the poor, while in the next life, the poor will help the rich.

Finally, since we cannot serve two masters, we must make a choice: whom will we serve, God or money? Once we decide to serve God, we must recognize that there is no spare time for ourselves; all our time belongs to Him. God is our most exclusive master; we either belong to Him completely or not at all. May God grant us the strength to choose Him above all else. Amen.

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

September 14, 2025. 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Readings: Ex. 32:7-11, 13-14; 1 Tim. 1:12-17; Lk 15:1-32.

May We Forgive as We are Forgiven!

Today’s readings can be summarized as lost and found, strayed and returned, sinned and forgiven, and estranged and reconciled. They addressed the idea of separation from God and ultimate reunion with Him. There can never be a healthy relationship, in our family, in our church, or in society, without an intentional aspiration for forgiveness, compassion, and mercy. Whenever we sin and hurt our brothers and sisters, we are away from our senses. It is by coming to our senses that we find ourselves, others, and God.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus addresses a mixed crowd: the tax collectors and sinners and the grumbling Pharisees and scribes, who disapprove of His association “with the wrong kind of people.” In the first reading, Moses intercedes on behalf of the people for their sin of apostasy. They had turned away from the living God and worshipped the Golden Calf. “But Moses implored the Lord, his God, saying, ‘Why, O Lord, should your wrath blaze up against your own people, whom you brought out of the Land of Egypt with such great power and with so strong a hand?’ So the Lord relented in the punishment he had threatened to inflict on his people.” (Ex. 32:13,14). Nehemiah the prophet acknowledged God’s mercy, saying: “Yet in your great mercy you did not completely destroy them, and you did not forsake them, for you are a kind and merciful God.” (10:31). God revealed himself to Moses as “As a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity, continuing his kindness for a thousand generations, and forgiving wickedness and crime and sin.” (Ex. 34:6-7). God forgives us always, not counting our sins. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Is. 1:18).

In the second reading, Paul expresses gratitude to Christ for the favors bestowed upon him, stating, “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief. Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1Tim. 1:13-14). Although Paul’s sin was grave, God's mercy saved him and offered him the opportunity to become an apostle to the Gentiles, an ambassador of reconciliation. “All this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation. We are therefore ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:18-20).  For “Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 5:20-21).

The Gospel presents us with the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. In the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin, there is no hint of sin or deliberate separation except that the sheep strayed, the coin was lost, and both were recovered. Their recovery brought joy and happiness. However, the parable of the lost son tells one of the greatest stories ever told. It encompasses themes of hatred and animosity, depicting an indulgent father who fulfills the demands of an ungrateful son with a false sense of entitlement. It is a story of searching and finding, love and compassion, forgiveness and cold-heartedness, mercy and reconciliation. This is the story of grace! Shakespeare, in The Merchant of Venice, captured the essence of mercy thus: “The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven, upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” In this story, a father forgave and loved his son because he chose to. There is joy in heaven when a sinner returns to God, as captured by Margaret Moody in the song “When a Sinner Comes As A Sinner May” ‘When a Sinner Comes As A Sinner May’ “There is joy among the angels, and their harps with music ring, when a sinner comes repenting, bending low before the King.”

The merciful father forgave and welcomed his son back completely, putting shoes on his feet (indicating he was not a slave but free) and giving him a ring (restoring him to full status and granting him authority to act in the name of the family). While the father forgave his son, the elder brother did not. It was the father who made an effort to reconcile the two brothers again. He pleaded with the elder brother, but would he listen? Forgiveness is a choice against anger, hurt, pride, bitterness, suspicion, self-righteousness, grudges, and an irrational need for revenge. It is a choice for liberation and freedom. The elder brother could not forgive his brother and resented their father’s forgiveness. Was he envious? Did he underestimate his father’s love? Did he not realize that their father’s love could not be earned, but was instead a pure act of grace? Will he ever forgive his brother and join in the celebration? We will never know. However, our attitude towards our enemies and our unwillingness to forgive them is indicative of the brother’s mindset, as well as our own. These were the scribes and the Pharisees who were upset with Christ for associating with the tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners. There was no love lost between them and Christ!

This story teaches us that there is no such thing as a perfect family. There must be understanding and forgiveness in our families. Some members must be willing to sacrifice for the peace and harmony of others. The responsibility of keeping the family united often lies with the parents, who may sometimes be at the root of family problems. Overindulging children and showing favoritism can lead them to believe they can do whatever they want without consequences. This mindset has caused issues in many households. Parents should remember the saying, “Spare the rod and spoil the child.”  

Let us pray to the God of forgiveness and mercy, asking Him to help us be merciful to one another. If we have hurt someone, let us seek forgiveness and be willing to accept it when it’s offered. If we have sinned against God, we should approach His throne of mercy and receive the grace of forgiveness from a God who, like the merciful father, awaits our return in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He will never withhold his forgiveness and love from us. And so, “If today you listen to his voice, harden not your heart.” Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

September 7, 2025; 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Readings: Wisdom 9:13-18; Philemon 9-10, 12-17; Lk 14:25-33.

The Demands of Discipleship

If Christ had a job as a public relations professional in a company, he would have failed miserably. Few people would have been convinced to buy any products he promoted. However, he would also have been the most truthful PR person in history. As a spiritual leader, Christ never promised anyone a comfortable life; instead, he warned his followers about the dangers they would face for identifying with him. To those who considered following him, he said, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” (Matthew 8:20). To his disciples, he stated, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). The cost of discipleship is truly enormous.

To illustrate how perilous his mission was, Christ was arrested at night in the garden, tortured, and subjected to a sham trial, a true travesty of justice. He was condemned and dragged through the streets like a criminal, carrying a heavy cross on his shoulder. Weak, hungry, and thirsty, he was nailed to the cross and left hanging there to be mocked and scorned, ultimately dying a shameful death flanked by two robbers. “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that free from sin, we might live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:21-22, 24). “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13). “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.” (John 15:18). All his apostles except one were martyred.

Today’s Gospel does not present a pleasant picture either: “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27). Thus, to be a disciple of Christ, one must continually choose Christ above all else. Christians must adopt a way of life that differs from that of the world.

In the second reading, St. Paul urged Philemon to forgive Onesimus, his slave, who had defrauded him and run away. Onesimus met and assisted Paul while he was in prison, and through this encounter, he was converted and became a Christian. Consequently, Paul encouraged Philemon to welcome Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ: “So, if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me.” We cannot, on our own, do what seems humanly impossible and truly follow the way of the Cross. Hence, the first reading encourages us to seek divine wisdom: “Who can know God’s counsel, or who can conceive what the Lord intends? Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given wisdom and sent your Holy Spirit from on high? And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.” (Wisdom 9:13-18).

These readings make it abundantly clear that it costs no less than everything to be a disciple of Jesus. We must ask ourselves these questions and answer them honestly: Do I have what it takes to follow Christ? What am I prepared to give up? What Cross must I bear daily as I follow Christ? We must choose Christ above and beyond all else, loving ourselves less and Jesus more. Therefore, we must continually surrender ourselves to God, accepting His will without question. The cost of discipleship indeed requires everything. Throughout history, men and women have given their all to follow Christ, sacrificing everything and choosing Him above their parents, families, brothers, sisters, and even their own lives. Yes, whoever wants to be my disciple must hate his very self; otherwise, he is not worthy of me.

Discipleship also requires certain qualities: being a good listener, a loyal follower, and one who loves people. It is all about Christ, not about oneself. This total self-giving mirrors the ‘Yes’ to God that our Mother Mary exemplified when she said, “Let it be done to me according to your word.”

Dear friends, these are costs that must be calculated and resources that must be expended. Being a true disciple is challenging. It is hard work that must be carefully planned and diligently executed. On our own, it is an impossible task, but with God, all things are possible. Thus, the first reading encourages us to seek God’s wisdom. Maintaining a healthy prayer life, being faithful to our sacramental duties, giving to charity, aiding those in need, and striving to conquer our own weaknesses are steps in the right direction. These represent the plans we must undertake, the mansion we must build, the battles we must fight, and the preparations we must make. May God grant us the grace and wisdom to do what is right and good in His eyes. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP