May 29, 2022; 7th Sunday of Easter: Ascension of the Lord (Year C)

Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Eph. 1:17-23; Lk. 24:46-53

 

All Hands Must Be on Deck; Christ is Counting on All of Us!

1.    Today, we celebrate the solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to his Apostles for forty days to assure them that he had indeed risen. On the day of the Ascension, Jesus promised his apostles the Holy Spirit; he blessed them and ascended into heaven. We pray in Article 6 of the creed: “He Ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” As Christians, we must profess and believe in the Resurrection of Christ. “Christ’s body was glorified at the moment of his Resurrection, as proved by the new and supernatural properties it subsequently and permanently enjoys. But during the forty days when he eats and drinks familiarly with his disciples and teaches them about the kingdom, his glory remains veiled under the appearance of ordinary humanity. Jesus’ final apparition ends with the irreversible entry of his humanity into divine glory, symbolized by the cloud and by heaven, where he is seated from that time forward at God’s right hand.” (CCC 659). With Christ’s ascension, the apostles must carry on the work of evangelization and witness his love and Resurrection to the world. The apostles were warned not to stand idle but be up and doing. “They had their eyes fixed on the sky as he went away when two men dressed in white suddenly stood beside them and said, “Galileans, why are you standing there looking up at the sky?” (Acts. 1:10-11). We, too, must not stand idle; we must be up and doing; all hands must be on deck; there is no time for idleness. We have work to do and places to go.

 

2.    Mark Link, S.J. relates a story in his book ‘Sunday Homilies’ of the ancient legend about the ascension of Jesus into heaven. “When Jesus reached heaven, his body still showed the wounds of his crucifixion. His hands and feet still bore the prints from the nails. His side bore the mark from the spear. His back bore the stripes from the whip, and his head bore the wounds from the thorns. When people in heaven saw these marks, they fell to their knees before Jesus. They were astounded to see how much he had suffered. Then the angel Gabriel rose and said to Jesus: “Look, how greatly you suffered on earth! Do all the people on earth know and appreciate how much you went through for them and how much you love them?”

 

3.    Jesus replied: “Oh, no! a handful of people in Palestine know that. The rest haven’t even heard of me. They don’t know who I am. They don’t know how much I suffered and how much I love them.” Gabriel was shocked to hear this. Then he said to Jesus: “How will all the rest of the people on earth ever learn about your suffering and your love?” Jesus said: “Just before I left, I told Peter, James, and John, and a few of their friends to tell the rest of the world for me. “they’ll tell as many people as they can. These people, in turn, will tell other people. In that way, the whole world will eventually learn about my love for them.” Gabriel looked even more confused now. He knew how fickle people are. He knew how forgetful they were. He knew how prone to doubt they were. So, he turned to Jesus and said: “But, Lord, what if Peter, James, and John grow tired or frustrated? What if they forget about you? What if the people they tell become frustrated? What if they forget? What if they begin to have doubts about you? “And even if none of these things happen… Didn’t you take these things into account? Don’t you have a backup plan – just in case?” Jesus answered: “I did take all these things into account, but I decided against a backup plan. This is the only plan I have. “I am counting on Peter, James, and John not to let me down. I’m counting on the people they tell not to let me down.”

 

4.    This powerful story demands our attention. Jesus is counting on us; we must not let Him down. We must take seriously His divine mandate asking us “To go make disciples of all nations.” (Matt. 28:19-20). Christ has passed on the baton to us. We must preach the message as Paul urged Timothy to do: “I solemnly urge you to preach the message, to insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not), to convince, reproach and encourage, as you teach with patience.” (2Tim. 4:2). We may not be good preachers, or good at singing, or at doing anything much for that matter, but we are called to be good Christians, have a love of Christ in our hearts, and share that love with others. We must be kind, hospitable, compassionate, and forgiving. We must show mercy and stop engaging in uncharitable acts and unkind behaviors. We must not always run to the factory that manufactures gossip and rumors to buy some ourselves and share through the phone with willing listeners. Refuse to peddle stories and guard against using unkind words to address your brothers and sisters. Gossip can ruin without killing; it can tear down homes, break hearts and wreck lives. You can find it in the pews of the pious and the haunts of the unholy. It gathers strength with age and spreads venom where greed is unknown. It can bring confusion and suspicion where distrust is unperceived. And most of the time, innocent lives are destroyed. Let us spend our time wisely in constructive criticism, which will build our brothers and sisters up instead of tearing them down. These are the things that idle minds do. The first reading warns us not to be idle daydreamers waiting for rumors, gossip, or tales that may come our way to pass them around. Let us spread the message of love everywhere. Tell people instead what God has done for you; encourage them to come and taste and see the goodness of the Lord. 

 

5.    Though Christ has left us physically, he is very much around us spiritually. He assured us that he is with us always till the end of time. He said goodbye to his disciples to allow them to grow into mature witnesses. His Spirit, working in and through his disciples taught them the way of love and discipleship. May the same Spirit dwell in us and teach us to be his true disciples. Amen.

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

May 22, 2022; 6th Sunday of Easter (Year C)

Readings: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Rv. 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn. 14:23-29

 

Don’t Worry, Be Happy!

1. We are often afraid of the unknown. We fear for our life when faced with strange pains. How do I deal with conflicts in my life? Have I saved enough for rainy days? How do I pay my mortgage? Will I keep up with the payments on my house, car, children’s education, or utilities? These fears often deprive us of inner peace and create confusion in our life. Therefore, Christ wants us to stop asking questions like, ‘What shall we eat? Or what shall we drink?’ He urged us instead “To seek first the kingdom of God and his justice, and all these things will be given you besides.” (Mt. 6:31-34). Today, the readings tell us that we are not alone in our quest for peace. As his Ascension was approaching, Christ promised his apostles peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

2.     We note that life was not always without problems even among early Christians. During the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, they welcomed the gentiles to the faith. These came with their peculiar problems that made many uncomfortable. Some brothers demanded that the Gentiles observe and obey the Jewish laws and practices, especially be circumcised. This stand created a rift among the Apostles, and the converts which necessitated the first Council of Jerusalem, convened by the Mother Church. The Apostles trusted themselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and listened to each other. “Then the whole meeting quieted down and listened while Barnabas and Paul told of the great signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.” (Acts 15:12). 

 

3.     When we take a stand or fail to pursue the unity of the Church or refuse to concede our positions, though we know we are wrong, we tear the body of Christ apart. We are often torn apart by anxieties, indifference, apathy, philosophies, ideologies, ideas, and our particular sense of Church that make us pitch a tent only on one side of the divide and refuse to listen to others? When we feel that we are the standard of judgment and fail to consider the good of our brothers and sisters, are we not sinning against charity and the very God we sought to serve? Listen to St. Paul: “But if you bite and devour one another, take heed, or you will be consumed by one another.” (Gal. 5:15).

 

4.     There will always be something that will disappoint us about the Church, parish, families, and our communities. A tension-free church and society are not possible in this world. In the world of the second reading, there will be a new heaven and new earth. There, we will experience a perfect church, society, and world. But before then, how do we solve the problems of this world and heal the divides in our lives? The Church always solved problems by calling people together for dialogue while listening to all and at the same time, giving the Holy Spirit room to function and facilitate healing and proffer solutions. Such was the case in the first reading with the Council of Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit working among the Apostles in the Council brought about the solution to their problems. 

 

5.     In today’s gospel, Jesus promised the Apostles the gift of the Holy Spirit. He tells them not to be afraid. The Holy Spirit is a counselor, a friend, and an advocate who will plead on our behalf. “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” Christ says, “but put your trust in God.” In the midst of our disappointments, pains, fear, and trepidation, Christ promises us his presence. “It is I, do not be afraid.” (Mt. 14:27). The Holy Spirit will always steer the ship to the shore of peace and tranquility. When we sin, the spirit will get us back up again. In our prayer, the Holy Spirit will be there to support us. “For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself pleads for us with unutterable groaning.” (Rom. 8:26). 

 

6.     With the Holy Spirit comes peace. Peace is not the absence of war but, according to Baruch Spinoza, “a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition of benevolence, confidence, justice.” It is the presence of Christ working in his people; it is a life lived in God. The peace promised by Christ is indicative of an indwelling of the Trinity in the life of a Christian. A life lived in absolute surrender to the will of God. And so, Christ said that the peace he gives is different from the peace given us by the world. 

 

7.     Let us at this Mass for the gifts of Peace and the Holy Spirit. May the Eucharist that we celebrate help us to discover the Lord of peace. May the Spirit help us settle our differences and know that our strength is not in our failures but in our ability to get back up each time we fail. Amen

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

May 15, 2022, Homily for 5th Sunday of Easter

Readings: Acts 13:14, 43-52; Rv. 7:9, 14-17; Jn. 10:27-30

 

Love one another as I have loved you!

1.    Today's Gospel reading demonstrates that Christ saves us from the Cross. “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.” (Jn. 12:32). On the eve of his death, Christ addressed his Apostles thus: “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.” (Jn. 13:31). Christ was glorified because he was obedient to his father. “Christ Jesus did not regard equality with God but emptied himself and found human in appearance; He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him.” (Phil. 2: 5-11). Christ wanted his apostles, and by extension, all of us, to emulate his self-sacrificial love and share the same with the world. “This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (Jn. 13:35).

 

2.    Christ, the new Moses, gave his disciples a new commandment: Love one another. St Augustine asked: “But wasn't this commandment already part of the ancient law of God, where it is written You shall love your neighbor as yourself? Why, then, is it called a new one by the Lord when it is really so old?” Leviticus 19:18 encourages the Israelites to “Love your neighbor as yourselves.” But Christ commands, “Love one another as I have loved you.” He loved his disciples by dying on the Cross for them. “Greater love than this no man has that a man should lay down his life for his friends.” (Jn. 15:13). According to St. Augustine, “Christ's love renews us, making us new men, heirs of the New Testament, singers of the new song. This is the love… that renewed the blessed apostles. This is the love that is now renewing the nations. From among the universal race of man, which overspreads the whole world, is making and gathering together a new people, the body of the newly married spouse of the only begotten Son of God.” 

 

3.    This agape love made the early Christian community live together, sharing everything in common (Acts 2:42-46). It drove missionaries to the ends of the world, proclaiming the good news. It made men and women die martyrs for the sake of Christ. The early Christians experienced God’s love and could not keep it to themselves. Instead, they did all they could to teach and baptize others to share in God's abundant life and redemptive love (Mt. 28:19). Hence, during their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas encouraged the converts with these words, “We must undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” Yes, an authentic Christian is not only interested in his own salvation but also profoundly concerned about the salvation of others. Merely giving some alms does not constitute the virtue of charity. Compelling interest in Church matters and Parish activities intended to strengthen the members’ faith is the obligation of every Christian. The early Christians proved their undying love by accepting hardships and even martyrdom for the faith. We can show our love for others by courteous correction of an erring person, words of encouragement to the suffering, and above all, through our prayers. 

 

4.    Christ wants us to accept and practice his new commandment of love. To love as he loves and forgive as he forgives us. We must always think of others before ourselves. This explains why a woman at the bedside of her unconscious fiancée will not give up hope but prays day and night for a miracle of healing. To love as Christ urges makes it possible for mothers whose children are killed by drunken drivers to forgive the killers. They chose the freedom of forgiveness and love over brokenness and grief. Many broken families would not experience brokenness if family members lived in love. Thousands of men, women, and children in jails, hospitals, and street corners, would not be there if cared for by those who should love them. Many poor, hungry, oppressed, and victims of war and riots found themselves in those situations because they were not loved. Even more shocking, thousands are suffering and are uneducated because their elected leaders are too selfish and corrupt to spend money on their education and wellbeing. Thousands live without Christ and His teachings because we have failed to exercise charity. Love, the distinguishing mark of Jesus’ kingdom, should spring from our own hearts. When we love, its ripple effect spreads to families, institutions, countries, and the world. The Book of the Apocalypse anticipates a new city of joy, peace, and love. John's vision (second reading) can only be realized if we obey the new commandment of love. Love is the only creative force that can transform the world. It enriches the recipient without impoverishing the giver. Therefore, Mother Theresa exhorts to spread love everywhere you go, in your family. Give love to your children, husbands, and next-door neighbors. 

 

5.    Let us be reminded that if there are problems in our families, it could be that we forgot to obey the commandment of love. If our churches are empty, maybe we have failed to show love. Suppose there are problems in our schools, workplace, communities, or nation. It is because somewhere, somehow, someone has forgotten, ignored, or failed to put the commandment of love into practice. Therefore, we have not experienced the new city, our heavenly Jerusalem, here on earth. If Christians were to love as Christ commands, our churches would be teeming with people; instead of closing them, we would be building new ones. Let us begin to love genuinely and thus create the kingdom of God. Amen.

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

May 08, 2022; Homily for 4th Sunday of Easter, (Year C)

Readings: Acts 13:14, 43-52; Rv. 7:9, 14-17; Jn. 10:27-30

 

We Will Now Turn to The Gentiles

1.      Today is the fourth Sunday of Easter. Christ tells us that he is our good Shepherd who looks after his sheep. David praises the qualities of the good Shepherd thus: “The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures, you let me graze; to safe waters, you lead me; you restore my strength; You guide me along the right path for your name's sake. Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm, for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.” (Ps. 23:1-4). By calling himself a good Shepherd, Jesus contrasts himself with other shepherds who are not good. Ezekiel said of the bad shepherds, “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been pasturing themselves! Should not shepherds rather pasture sheep? You have fed off their milk, worn their wool, and slaughtered the fatlings, but the sheep you have not pastured. I will claim my sheep from them and put a stop to their shepherding my sheep so that they may no longer pasture themselves. I will look after and tend my sheep.” (34:2-10). 

 

2.      The leaders of Israel did not look after those entrusted to them after the heart of God. He snatched the sheep from their hands and appointed his son to look after his people. As a good shepherd, Jesus loves his sheep; he fed them, “When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” (Jn. 21:9,12). He gave them the bread of life, his body, and blood and promised, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day." (Jn. 6:54). He protected them from danger, “They came and woke him saying, "Master, master, we are perishing!” “He awakened, rebuked the wind and the waves, and they subsided, and there was a calm” (Lk. 8:24). And He laid down his life for his sheep: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (Jn. 10:11). But Christ warns that the sheep must know the Shepherd, “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father." (Jn 10:14-15). Christ is always with the sheep of his flock. He will not allow anyone to snatch them from his hands.

 

3.      The first reading this morning demonstrates a turning point in the mission to the gentiles. St Paul, who, before now, was all out to destroy the followers of Christ, was struck down his horse and forced into a mission by Christ. Here is what Christ told Ananias shortly before his conversion: “Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites, and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name.” (Acts. 9:15-16). During Paul's first missionary journey in present-day Turkey, he spoke to pockets of Jews and converted them. The leadership was infuriated, and Paul was rejected and forced out of the city. To this, Paul and Barnabas said: “The word of God needed to be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles for so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 13:46-47). Paul turned his attention to spreading the good news to the gentiles, in fulfillment of the instruction Jesus gave His apostles before his ascension. “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.” (Acts 1:8). We are the beneficiaries of that mission. We must carry this same message of forgiveness, repentance, and salvation to the ends of the earth.

 

4.      But we must know the Shepherd, hear his voice, and allow him to lead us. Many conflicting voices are calling for our attention. The airwaves, billboards on our highways, politicians, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, Twitter, etc. We must listen to the good Shepherd. He knows his sheep, personally, intimately, and spiritually. St Paul, the Holy Mother, the Church, the Magisterium, and other credible preachers of the Word direct us to the Shepherd. We must follow them, so that they may lead us to the Shepherd. We should not choose what teaching we want to follow and which one to abandon. Following the master and heeding his voice may not always be easy. It may lead us to wash our robes white with the lamb's blood (Second reading), or we may suffer in trying to proclaim him to the ends of the world (first reading). We know, and we believe that the good Shepherd will always be with us. He laid down his life for us; therefore, nothing will separate us from his hands.     

 

5.      That is why we celebrate Vocations Sunday today, to remind ourselves of the word of the master, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Matt. 9:37-38). A laborer must be with the Lord, learn from him, so that he might send him forth to preach and have authority to drive out demons. (Mark 3:14). And so, we pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Without prayer and intentional listening to the voice of the Shepherd, young men and women will not hear and follow the voice of the one who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for sinners. 

 

6.      Today also, we celebrate Mother's Day. We think of our mothers who remind us of Jesus the Good Shepherd. As good Shepherd, our mothers know their children by name and always think of their welfare. The children who listen to their mothers will enjoy prosperity and long life. We thank those who have played motherly roles in our lives. Without them, the world would be a scary and challenging place for us. May God bless our mothers, and may He grant eternal life to those who have died in the peace of Christ. Amen

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP