December 28, 2025; Feast of the Holy Family (Year A)

Readings: Sirach 3:2-6; Colossians 3:12-21; Mt. 2:13-15, 19-23 

The Family that Prays Together, Stays Together 

On this last Sunday of the year, the Church directs our attention to our families as we reflect on the Holy Family of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. As you consider the Holy Family, keep this question in mind: How healthy is your family?

Last Sunday, we focused on Joseph, who was portrayed as a righteous, honorable, faithful, prayerful, forgiving, accommodating, compassionate, and loving man. The Blessed Virgin Mary, on the other hand, embodies qualities such as dutifulness, loyalty, humility, gentleness, prayerfulness, caring, and compassion. It is no wonder that Jesus, truly God and truly man, absorbed the virtues of both Joseph and Mary. He demonstrated these qualities in his relationships with others, which define the attributes and characteristics of the Holy Family.

What would your family be known for? The first reading from the book of Sirach reminds us that “God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.” Therefore, parents should serve as models for their children. To cultivate virtuous and exemplary families, parents must exemplify these qualities in their interactions with their children and others. When parents care for their children, providing both material and spiritual support, those children are likely to reciprocate and care for their parents in the future. Mutual support is the hallmark of a happy family.

The authors of ‘New Horizon Homilies’ relate the following story. A couple bought a crucifix on their wedding day and placed it in a conspicuous part of the house, asking God to bless the secret of their hearts. Years went by, and the crucifix remained in the same place. The couple, now old, were preparing to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Their large family was a model of virtue and enjoyed the esteem and respect of all who knew them. A friend asked the old mother how she had been able to raise so many fine sons and daughters. With her bony finger, the old lady pointed to the crucifix and said, smiling, that she owed it all to the crucifix. The story captures the essence of today’s reflection on the Holy Family: The family that prays together, stays together. The virtues we discussed would be unattainable without an intentional desire for spiritual togetherness and friendship among family members. This applies to our church family as well—God must be the glue that binds both our families and all families together.

St. Paul reminds us in the second reading to “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another; if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.” Wherever people coexist, be it in a family, society, or the Church, friction, misunderstandings, and grievances are inevitable. Some family members may take undue advantage of others, while some may feel entitled to everything. Additionally, some create anger, animosity, and tension within the family. Some members may feel like victims of perceived injustices and misunderstandings. How do you navigate these family dynamics? St. Paul advises, “And over all these, put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.”  If there is love and peace in our homes, we will have the resilience to face any challenges from outside. Our family can thus become a sanctuary for joyful celebration, nurturing valuable life lessons. This is only achievable when a home is filled with love.

Every Christmas, we gather to celebrate, share gifts, and enjoy meals. We think of the Christmas crib, decorations, and festivities—all fitting celebrations. Our salvation began with the Incarnation, when God became man so that man could find his way back to God. However, the stable where Christ was born was not as cozy as we might imagine for a newborn. The Holy Family faced numerous difficulties, dangers, and extreme poverty. The 300-mile journey across the desert was challenging, marked by fear and exhaustion. Their search for a place to live in a foreign land, Joseph’s struggle to find work, and the constant concerns for the welfare and survival of the blessed child entrusted to their care were experiences that Joseph and Mary could never forget. Despite all the hardships they endured, the unity and love in their family remained intact. Every family faces its own challenges, but the strength and endurance of a family depend on the love they have for one another and the convictions that drive their spirit. The role God plays in each family will always determine the strength and resilience of its members.

David Wilkerson rightly noted, “Good parents don’t always produce good children, but devoted, dedicated, hardworking mothers and fathers can weigh the balance in favor of decency and building of moral character. Every word and deed of a parent is a fiber woven into the character of a child, which ultimately determines how that child fits into the fabric of society.” As we approach the end of this year, let us ask the Holy Family to guide us into the New Year. How do we envision our families—both natural and spiritual—shaping up in the coming year? My prayer is that we contribute positively and meaningfully, creating families that serve as models for others and reflect a dwelling place for God.

May we not only be takers but also be givers, so that the state of our union mirrors that of the Holy Family. Amen.

Points to ponder:

• What is my contribution towards the well-being of my family?
• What role do I play in my family?
• Am I a taker or a giver? A peace-loving member or a troublemaker?
• If the Holy Family is not the model for my family, what can I do to make it so?

“Don’t forget to pray today because God didn’t forget to wake you up this morning.”

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

December 21, 2025; 4th Sunday of Advent (Year A)

Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; Romans 1:1-7; Mt. 1:18-24

Another Joseph and His Dreams

Joseph’s dream was to get married and raise a family. He followed the traditional path to finding a wife. He got engaged to Mary. The second stage was betrothal, after which the couple was known as man and wife. Betrothal was so solemn that it could be terminated only by divorce. The third step was to get married properly. It was after the betrothal that Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant. Joseph’s dream was unfulfilled, his plans were shattered, and his world crumbled. Or did it? “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.” (Is. 55:8-9). When God enters our world, He turns it upside down and inside out.

So, who was Joseph? This man never spoke a word in the Bible, yet his personality, his humanity, and his humility rank among the highest of any biblical character. Yet he played a key role in our salvation history. Today’s Gospel described Joseph as “A righteous man.” Joseph is called righteous because of his desire to observe the law. This righteousness was united with an unwillingness to expose his wife. Being a God-fearing man, he would not do anything to jeopardize his relationship with God or his fellow men. He was compassionate. He empathized with Mary’s situation and did not discredit her openly. He was a man of honor and did all he could to protect Mary’s good name. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote that “A person’s reputation is their most prized possession, and to destroy it is not just unjust but robbery. Even if what we say about other people is true, and they have done terrible things, it is still deeply wrong to destroy their name, unless there is some compelling necessity for the common good.” Like Joseph, may we not say a word that will destroy the good name of others. “Do to no one what you would not want done to you.” (Matt. 7:12).

Joseph was a man of faith who trusted that God knew what was best for him. And God did! Joseph was told to take his wife home because she was pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. He was to be the foster father of Jesus; therefore, he was allowed to name him. He played a significant role in Jesus’ life. As his earthly father, Joseph took care of Jesus and raised him as his own.

Joseph was a man of prayer. When he was worried, he took it to the Lord in prayer. God showed him the way and instructed him on what to do. He never wavered from God’s plan but helped to bring it about. He re-echoed Mary’s fiat in his heart: “Let it be done to me according to your word.”

How do you deal with troubling situations? Who do you talk to first? Let us learn from the quiet man of the New Testament? God will always meet you at the hour of your need and show you a way out. Just trust and say ‘Yes’ to God like Mary and Joseph. When you let God into your life, your plans become God’s plans. You will be given responsibilities you never bargained for, but He will always be there with you. He will provide you with what you need. Amid suffering and disappointments, in pain and toil, in hardship and hunger, in temptation and danger, God will always be there to guide and direct you through it all.

In today’s first reading. Ahaz would not say ‘Yes’ to God as Joseph did. Ahaz, king of Judah, was being pressured by two other kings (those of Israel and Damascus) to join an alliance against the superpower, Assyria. Isaiah the prophet told the king that he must not join any coalition but must put his faith in the Lord. “Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm.” (v.9). Ahaz refused a sign that God would be with him, saying, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!” Isaiah told him, “The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” This Son was a sign that God was with his people. God was faithful to his word. Ahaz had a son who succeeded him. His son was a good leader. Matthew saw the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Jesus, who was born of a virgin.

In this last week of Advent, may Joseph lead us to the presence of the newborn king and teach us to surrender our plans to him and to say yes to God in everything. May we not hold on to our ways like Ahaz, who did not believe, and his plans, in the end, came to nothing. Those who have faith and trust in the Lord, in total surrender, know that the fulfillment of God’s promises will inevitably come. Immanuel is with us always, even till the end of time.

Points to ponder:

·        When you have problems, who do you talk to first?

·        Do you spread rumors even when you are not sure if what you are saying is true or false?

·        You should be on the 21st chapter of St. Luke today. Merry Christmas!

“Don’t forget to pray today because God didn’t forget to wake you up this morning.”

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

December 14, 2025; 3rd Sunday of Advent, (Year A)

Readings: Isaiah 35:1-6; James 5:7-10; Mt. 11:2-11

Rejoice, the Lord is Near!

Today is Gaudete Sunday, named after the entrance antiphon: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4). St. Paul, writing to the Philippians from prison, encouraged them to rejoice in the Lord, a joy that his imprisonment could not diminish.

The second reading encourages us to be patient as we await the coming of the Lord. Just as a farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, we, too, must strengthen our hearts because the coming of the Lord is near.

This theme of hope and patient waiting is echoed by the Prophet Isaiah in the first reading. Isaiah addressed the Jews who were in captivity in Babylon, grieving the loss of their freedom, property, homeland, and temple. Their hope of returning home seemed bleak. In response to their sorrow, Isaiah prophesied: “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, make firm the weak knees, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not!” He foretold healing for the sick, the blind, and the lame, echoing the Psalmist who said, “Tears may flow in the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5).

 Isaiah’s vision of prosperity and peace is a dream and undying faith shared across generations. We dream that, in this brutal and cruel world, we will one day find peace, its defaced beauty restored, its wounds healed, and its sorrows lifted. God will open a path leading his people home, where all people will praise Him with one heart and mind. In the gospel, Christ sent a message of hope to John in prison, and to the poor and hopeless of this world: ‘Tell John what you hear and see’, “The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers and cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” (Matt. 11:5).

Despite this message of hope, we sometimes feel like the children of Israel. At times, we feel like we have reached the end of our rope with no light in sight. We have tried everything, and nothing seems to work. John the Baptist must have felt that way, too. He preached repentance with a sense of urgency, calling the Jews to act quickly and bear the fruits of repentance. He fearlessly confronted kings and queens, yet he ended up in Herod’s prison. Why did Christ, the Messiah, not show him mercy and free him from jail? John likely felt like Elijah, who, after performing works, fled from his enemies and prayed to God to take his life. (1Kings 19:4). Thus, John sent messengers to Christ asking: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Matt. 11:3). Jesus reminded us through his response to John that God’s ways are not our ways; though the kingdom of God may be slow to arrive, it will certainly come. Our destiny may be delayed, but it is not denied.

Dear friends, in whatever situation you may find yourselves today, know that God is right there with you. Your liberation and freedom are within reach. Don’t be discouraged. The struggles you face and the eventual triumph of good over evil put this third week of Advent into perspective for us

So, rejoice and be patient at the same time. The birth of Christ will change the course of your life. There is no reason to doubt or feel discouraged when things do not go your way. God is still in control! Rejoice in the Lord always, for He is near. Remember “Affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Rom. 5:3-5). May the third week of Advent lead us to the joy of Christmas.

Points to ponder:

Have you read the 14^th chapter of St. Luke’s Gospel today? Maybe later?

If you have doubts like John the Baptist, feed your doubt with God’s word, don’t be sad, trust Him!

“Don’t forget to pray today because God didn’t forget to wake you up this morning.”

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

December 07, 2025; 2nd Sunday of Advent (Year A)

Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Mt. 3:1-12

Here Comes John the Baptist, ‘Gift of God’.

John the Baptist welcomes us to the second Sunday of Advent each year. He came to prepare the way for the Messiah. John preached in the desert. His food was locust and wild honey. His appearance was austere, and his message was urgent, demanding immediate action. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” People went to him to be baptized in the Jordan River, acknowledging their sins. He urged them to repent of their sins and flee from the coming wrath. He demanded that they produce good fruit as evidence of their repentance. Without John, there would be no Christmas. To enjoy Christmas to the fullest, we must be confronted by the crazy prophet in the desert, with the message that we must hear.

Taking John the Baptist seriously helps us understand the first reading. Isaiah prophesied about a king who would embody the qualities of a worthy leader. He will spring like “a shoot from the stump of Jesse.” Jesse was the father of King David, and by this time, the Kingship in Jerusalem was barely surviving, as the word ‘stump’ suggests. A leader must possess the following virtues: Wisdom and Understanding, essential intellectual qualities for a judge or ruler. Counsel and might represent the practical application of wisdom, including decisiveness in judgment and the moral strength to act. Knowledge and the Fear of the Lord are necessary religious characteristics; a ruler must be guided by knowledge of God and adhere to His moral standards. “If the electorate of the nations demanded from those seeking office intellectual power, moral integrity, practical wisdom, and religious faith, we would be better governed.” (The Interpreter’s Bible). When individuals with these qualities assume leadership roles, the nation can expect equitable governance, as they will not judge by appearances or hearsay but will act justly toward the helpless and fairly toward the humble. They will hold the ruthless accountable with their verdicts and deliver justice against the unjust. Justice will empower them, and they will be bound by trustworthiness. This fruit of repentance is what John the Baptist calls for. “The ideals of democracy can only be upheld through character. Where democracy has failed, it is not due to constitutional weaknesses or procedural faults, but rather moral deficiencies among both governors and the governed.” (The Interpreter’s Bible).

The outcome of proper judgment and leadership aligned with God’s will, brought by the birth of the Messiah, will lead to reconciliation, even in nature; ancient enmities between humanity and beasts will be resolved. There will be peace, as stated: “There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:9) and “Justice shall flourish in his time and fullness of peace forever.” (Psalm 72:7).

Isaiah the prophet and John the Baptist both conveyed God’s message to His people, calling them to repentance and faith. Although their messages were challenging, some listened and acted upon them. Simply professing to be Christians is not enough; we must demonstrate our faith through our actions. By performing simple acts of love, we bear good fruit. St. James reminds us: “Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and can save your souls. Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror. He sees himself, then goes away and promptly forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:21-25). May we be Christians in both word and deed. Amen!

Points to ponder:

·        Are you reading St. Luke’s Gospel? You should have read seven chapters by now. The 8^th chapter is for tomorrow. If not, why not?

·        How are you preparing for Christ’s coming this week?

·        Confessions will be offered on Wednesdays, 9:30 to 12 noon, and on Monday, December 15th. Will you have your sins forgiven?

“Don’t forget to pray today because God didn’t forget to wake you up this morning.”

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

November 30, 2025. First Sunday of Advent (Year A)

Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Mt. 24:37-44

Advent is a Season of Hopeful Expectation.

In a world shrouded in darkness and dominated by fear, sorrow, sickness, poverty, cynicism, apathy, wars, and rumors of wars, Christians are called to be unapologetic optimists. They must shine the light of joy, happiness, and hope, restoring peace to the world. Advent is the season of hope, when we wait for the first coming of Christ, the Messiah. It demonstrates that God is greater than our collective feelings of sadness and despair. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:16). Just as the Jews waited in hope for the Messiah, we too wait! Advent assures us that the birth of Christ will restore joy, peace, and love to our broken world.

Isaiah’s vision explains the expectation of the children of Israel, in the first reading: “In days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it. He shall judge between the nations and impose terms on many people. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (Is. 2:1-5). Isaiah predicts a day when humanity will live in faith, righteousness, and brotherhood. We pray for the realization of this vision in our days with faith and optimism. For without a collective desire for peace, we face the grim prospect of endless wars leading humanity to its own destruction. The words of John F. Kennedy resonate here: “Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.”

Sadly, in today’s world, the means of war have advanced far beyond those of peace. If humanity does not pursue peace and coexistence with its neighbors, the destructive powers unleashed by science and Artificial Intelligence could engulf all of humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction. Therefore, Isaiah’s vision is urgent; it calls us to create a world of peace and hope, both for ourselves and for all of humanity.

Advent compels us to reflect on God’s vision for humanity, to consider, accept, and obey Him, or risk miserable failure. To experience true peace, we must acknowledge the supremacy of faith in God. When we no longer pay lip service to God but acknowledge his sovereignty and are prepared to organize our lives in accordance with it, then the face of the earth will be changed. Humanity must be willing to embrace a way of life free from violence and actively pursue peace.

Finally, Isaiah reminds us that if nations place their trust in God, nothing will hinder them from negotiating for peace and peaceful cohabitation among themselves.

In the second reading, St. Paul cautions against waiting until it is too late to live a life of grace. He said, “It is the hour now for you to wake from sleep.” When we are asleep, we forget that we have work to do and places to go. Lowering our guard leaves us vulnerable to unexpected calamities. Paul urges us to “Conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and lust, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.” For Paul, the flesh represents our unredeemed self, which is always at war with our spiritual self. It embodies the darker aspects of our lives, estranged from God. It is the rebellious, obstinate part of our inner self that resists correction, has no need for God, and often desires something simply because it is forbidden. For Advent to hold meaning and help us anticipate the birth of Christ, we must seek redemption for the flesh and submit to God’s will.

The Gospel reminds us to stay awake, for we do not know when the Son of Man will come. Isaiah’s vision and the exhortation to be alert will prepare us for the birth of Christ. During Advent, we not only wait for Christ’s coming at his birth but also for his second coming at the end of time. While we wait, we must engage in the penitential acts that Advent calls for. We should avoid sin and keep our hearts clean by going to confession. We must welcome Christ into a cleansed heart, the temple of the Holy Spirit, where God dwells. And so, let us rid ourselves of malicious thoughts and deeds, grudges, anger, resentment, and revenge. Let us be kind and compassionate, committed to a healthy prayer life, and always be charitable to those in need. Amen!

Action exercise:

Advent lasts for 24 days, from December 1 to December 24. Luke’s Gospel contains 24 chapters. Try reading a chapter of this Gospel each day; by December 24, you will have read St. Luke’s Gospel in its entirety. How cool is that! You will gain enlightenment about Christ’s life and teachings.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

November 23, 2025; 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). Solemnity of Christ the King

Solemnity of Christ the King

Readings: 2 Samuel 5:1 -3; Colossians 1:12-20; Lk 23:35-43

Christ is Our King Forever.

Today, the last Sunday of the year, we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King. Next Sunday is the 1st Sunday of Advent and the beginning of a new Church Year (A). We live in a democracy, not ruled by kings, queens, princes, or princesses. The idea of a king, even Christ, can evoke discomfort. But why do we have this feast? The Solemnity of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925. When it was first celebrated, Benito Mussolini was Prime Minister of Italy (1922-1943); Adolf Hitler had been out of jail for a year, and his Nazi Party was growing in popularity; soon, he would be appointed Chancellor of Germany (1933). Joseph Stalin was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. At that time, the world lay in great throes of depression, secularism, and atheism. The Pope asserted that the most effective defense against the destructive forces of the age is the recognition of Christ’s kingship. So, this feast asks a few questions: Who exercises dominion over you? Who do you listen to?

The children of Israel regarded God as their Lord. He brought them out of Egypt to the Promised Land. The Lord appointed leaders called judges to assist him in the day-to-day administration of the people. But when the Hebrews observed that kings ruled their neighbors, they requested a king so they could be like them. Samuel tried to discourage them because their request was a rejection of God’s sovereignty. But they were adamant. Samuel warned them: “The king will assign your sons to his chariot and horses; they will do his plowing and his harvesting and make his implements of war and equipment of his chariot. He will use your daughters as ointment-makers, as cooks, and as bakers. He will take the best of your fields, vineyards, and olive groves and give them to his officials. He will take your male and female servants, as well as your best oxen and your asses, and use them to do his work. He will tithe your flocks and you yourselves will become his slaves.” (1 Samuel 8:10-18). But they would not listen to Samuel. God heeded their request, and Saul became the first king of Israel. Saul will soon be rejected, and David will succeed him.

In the first reading, David, a brilliant and far-sighted military and political leader, was anointed king of both the Northern and Southern kingdoms of Israel. He was a king after God’s heart (1 Sam. 13:14). God promised David, “Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever; your throne shall stand firm for forever.” (2 Sam. 7:16).  The psalmist rejoices over the election of David: “I have chosen David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him.” (Ps. 89:21).  Jesus is a descendant of David and so He is the king whose kingdom will have no end.

Christ is a different kind of king, not the type described by Samuel. To Pilate, Christ said, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” But “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” (Jn. 18:36-37).

The kings of this world are protected by bodyguards, soldiers, attendants, guns, tanks, and military might. But Jesus did not have any of those, nor did He need them. He surrendered himself with twelve unlettered men, who abandoned him at the slightest provocation. He had no one to speak for him, and He did not even defend himself. He was arrested in the garden, tried at night, convicted of a crime he did not commit, and crucified as a criminal between two criminals.

Allow your imagination to wander as you envision a world where Christ is our king. In such a world, there would be love—love for everyone, regardless of language, color, creed, or status. There would be peace —no wars or rumors of war. As the prophet Isaiah said, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (Is. 21:4). Guns will not be heard of, nor will there be a need for self-protection. Our streets would be safe. There would be public trust in our social structures. We would respect our environment and not jeopardize the world by global warming. We would eat healthy meals and be afraid to poison our bodies with opioids or other substances. There would be perfect harmony between human beings and nature, and no one would be afraid of or harm the other, because the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord (Is. 11:1-9). Oh no, it was a dream! You can wake up now!

This is the picture painted for us today as we come to the end of this Church’s year. We are to reflect on the bounties that Christ the King brings. He wants us to emulate him, to do what He has done. He shows us, by example, how to live, so that we may live in peace with him in this world and in the next. While dying on the cross, Jesus forgave the repentant thief and promised him everlasting life. “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” He prayed for those who killed him on the cross. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Lk. 23:34). 

St Luke portrays Jesus as the king reigning on the cross. He is truly the king of love, mercy, and forgiveness. The Preface at this Mass demonstrates the kingdom Christ came to establish: “As king he claims dominion over all creation that he may present to You, his almighty Father, an eternal and universal kingdom: a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.” Christ is our king, for on his Cross, He gives us everything without counting the cost. As we receive the gifts of pardon, mercy, and forgiveness, may we offer the same to others. When we go to meet Christ, the universal king, may he welcome us to his kingdom with these words: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Amen. 

Points to Ponder:

·        Is Christ the king of my heart?

·        Is Christ the Lord of my life?

·        Are you willing to forgive others as God forgives you?

“Don’t forget to pray today because God didn’t forget to wake you up this morning.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

November 16th, 2025; 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Readings: Malachi 3:19-20; 2 Thess. 3:7-12; Lk 21:5-19

He is Afraid of Death, Who Never Lived Well.

What would you do if you knew you had only today, this week, or next month to live? You would panic and wonder whether you are ready to meet your Creator on Judgment Day. You might write a will, distribute your properties among your children, relatives, and friends, go to confession, and make a retreat. These actions are indeed commendable. But why wait until the end of your life to do good, burdened by anxiety and the fear of death?

Today’s readings address the end times and the four last things—death, judgment, heaven, or hell. The Bible confirms this: “Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch.” (Malachi 3:19). The readings remind us Christ will return one day, and we should be ready. However, this knowledge does not imply that Christ’s return will be today or tomorrow; it could be any day!

Some individuals are so obsessed with the end of the world that they predict the year and day it will occur. Yet Christ warned, “See that you are not deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” (Luke 21:8-9). Christ urges us to focus on the fundamental aspects of life: caring for one another, being each other’s keepers, and being committed to our faith through prayer. Do not worry about the end; it will come when it comes. If we live as Christians, we do not need to fear. The day we die marks the end of our world and the beginning of a new life with God.

In the second reading, St. Paul encouraged his listeners to imitate his work ethic. Some had stopped working, believing that the end was imminent. “We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, not keeping busy but minding the business of others. Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and eat their own food.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6-16). Being overly anxious about the end of the world can be a distraction. We do not need to perform extraordinary deeds merely to secure a place in heaven at the last moment; instead, we should strive to lead extraordinary lives daily, from the day of our baptism until the day we die. We must remain steadfast in our duties at all times. We cannot don Christianity when it is convenient and cast it aside when it is not.

Despite the ominous portrayals of the end times—earthquakes, wars, insurrections, nations fighting one another, persecutions, famines, plagues, betrayals, and imprisonments—there is also assurance and consolation for those who do the will of God. We must not be afraid; fear is for the guilty. Worrying unnecessarily is for those who do not know their destiny or who controls it. Our future is in God’s hands, not in dubious predictions. The prophet Malachi assures us: “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.”  (1:20). Let us place our trust in the Lord and strive to do His will at all times. Because, according to St. Paul, “All things work for good for those who love God.” (Rom. 8:28-39). As Christ said, “All will hate you because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance, you will secure your lives.” (Luke 21:19). Again, “When these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads, because your redemption is at hand.” (Luke 21:28). Let me conclude with the words of William Barclay, “The man who walks with Christ may lose his life, but he can never lose his soul.” Questions for reflection:

·       Am I worried about the end of my life?

·       Do I worship God out of love for him or because I am afraid of hell?

·       He is afraid of death, who never lived well. Are you afraid of death?

“And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day” (Jn. 6:39).

“Don’t forget to pray today because God didn’t forget to wake you up this morning.”

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

November 09, 2025, The Feast of St. John Lateran (Year C)

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica – Feast of St. John Lateran

Readings: Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9, 12; 1 Cor. 3:9-11, 16-17; Jn. 2:13-22

 

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran. St. John Lateran, named after St. John the Baptist and the ancient Laterani family, is the cathedral church of Rome and one of the four major basilicas. For almost a thousand years, this church served as the residence of the Popes. Because it is the cathedral church of Rome and has such a rich history, its dedication is celebrated throughout the universal Church.

 

In the Old Testament, Jerusalem was regarded as the religious center of Israel, especially after David moved the Ark of the Covenant there around 1000 B.C. Its significance grew even further when Solomon built a temple there for the Ark and for liturgical services. For centuries, the Jerusalem Temple was the focal point of Israel’s worship, where people gathered to pray, worship God, and offer sacrifices. However, it also attracted individuals who were more interested in making money. This exploitation and disregard for the poor eventually led Jesus to cleanse the temple. “Jesus went up to Jerusalem and found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the moneychangers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out. He said, ‘Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.’” (John 2:13-16). He told them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.’” (Luke 19:45-46). Jesus predicted the temple’s destruction, saying, “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” (Luke 21:5-19). This prediction came true seven years later.

 

At times, we admire the architectural beauty of a church or temple without considering its purpose. Did that temple elevate people’s minds toward God? Probably not. Despite its external grandeur, many abuses occurred within the temple. What about us? Do we conduct ourselves with reverence in the sacred places designated for the worship of God? We may take pride in our beautiful Church, but does it truly reflect the glory of God? Do we worship in spirit and in truth? Are we lacking in forgiveness, compassion, and mercy within the house of God? Do we welcome all who come to worship, regardless of their status, influence, race, or appearance? If not, is it not time for our temple to be reformed?

 

The first reading speaks of “water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple towards the east; for the façade of the temple was toward the east; the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple, south of the altar.” (Ezekiel 47:1). The Church Fathers interpret this water as representing the Church’s teachings and the cleansing power of Baptism. St. Jerome commented, “The waters signify either the grace of Baptism or the teaching of the Gospel. If the waters go out from the threshold of the temple of the Lord and carry the teaching of the apostles, they have the power to make piles of gravel, sterile and infertile as they are, bear fruit, and they can irrigate every plain and every desert.” Do we consistently follow the Church’s teachings that are essential to building our lives as Christians? Does our Church help elevate our minds toward God and encourage us to bear good fruit?

  

We often build structures—perhaps our achievements, material possessions, or social status—that hinder our complete surrender to God. These creations may lead us to look down on others or distract us from God. Our monumental pride may blind us to the presence of God and others. While it may have taken years to accumulate wealth and build our empires, if we do not see Christ in them, we risk hearing, “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”  When a temple becomes so imposing that people can no longer see God except in it, the time for its destruction has come. Our faith requires us to recognize the presence of God in the human person as well as in the temple.

 

These readings remind us that in the risen body of Jesus, we find a new temple where God is worshipped and adored as the true house of God. St. Paul reminds us that we are indeed the temple of God, where the true Spirit dwells. If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person, for the temple of God is holy (1 Cor. 3:16-17). Therefore, from the physical structures of our churches, we understand that the glorified Body of Christ is the focal point of all worship directed to the Father, just as the temple was for the Jews. It is through Him, with Him, and in Him that all honor and glory are given to the Father. The physical church building takes on new significance in the context of the Christian faith. It is the place where the Eucharistic Body is present and offered to God.

Additionally, it serves as the gathering place for the new temple—the Church, which is the people of God. Therefore, it symbolizes a deeper spiritual reality, representing another temple not made by human hands. This is the reason we celebrate this feast.

 

Let me conclude with the prayer of Solomon for the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem: “Look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant, O Lord, my God, and listen to the cry of supplication your servant makes before you. May your eyes watch over this temple day and night, the place where you have decreed you shall be honored. May you heed the prayers which I, your servant, offer toward this place. Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel, as they direct their prayers toward this place. Listen from your heavenly dwelling, and when you have heard, pardon.” (2 Chronicles 6:20-21). Amen.

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

November 02, 2025; 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (All Souls Day) Year C

Readings: Wis. 3-1-9; Rom. 5:5-11; Jn. 6:37-40

All Souls Day

Christ is Our Resurrection

In the Preface for Christian death, we pray: “Lord, for your faithful people, life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death, we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven.” Death is a change of life. It is the pathway that leads to our final destination - heaven. Our faith is rooted in the resurrection of Christ, which guarantees that those who died in Christ will be raised on the last day. St. Paul reminds us: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, Christ himself cannot have been raised, and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is useless, and your believing it is useless. If our hope in Christ has been for this life only, we are the most unfortunate people.” (1 Cor. 15:14-19).

Christians suffered martyrdom because they hoped to live forever with God. We perceive death as a transition to a life of grace with God. The catechism made this point clear: “All the sacraments, and principally those of Christian initiation, have as their goal the last Passover of the child of God, which, through death, leads him into the life of the Kingdom. Then what he confessed in faith and hope will be fulfilled: ‘I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.’” (CCC.1680).  Christ reminds us in today’s gospel, “This is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” (Jn. 6:39-40).

Belief in the resurrection from the dead existed long before Christ. The hope of the resurrection is depicted in the Book of Maccabees. During the reign of the Greek king Antiochus IV, a law was enacted that made it a crime, punishable by death, for the Jews to practice their religion. They were compelled to worship and offer sacrifices to the Greek gods and goddesses. This caused great distress and persecution to the Jews. Many relinquished their faith and offered sacrifices to the pagan gods. Those who defied the king and remained faithful to their beliefs were put to death. (cf. 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 7, 9-14). 

The Book of Maccabees chronicles these terrible times and the struggle of the Jews to remain faithful to God despite egregious persecution and distress. Here we read of the torture of a heroic woman and her seven sons. They remained steadfast in their faith and refused to obey the king. Their hope was in the resurrection of the righteous. The first reading gives credence to the suffering and death of a Christian: “The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction, and their going from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace.” (Wisdom 3:1-3). Judas Maccabus, on the other hand, “Took a collection amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this, he acted in a very excellent and noble way, since he had the resurrection for the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. Thus, he made atonement for the dead.” (2 Macc. 13:43-46). St. Paul reminded us, “And if the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then he who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to your own mortal bodies through his Spirit living in you.” (Rom. 8:11).

 

In Luke’s gospel 20:27-38, the Sadducees questioned Jesus about the resurrection. They confronted Jesus with an argument based on the levirate law, which states that if a man dies childless, his brother must marry the widow and raise children for him (Deut. 25:5). They used this law to illustrate what they believed was the absurdity of the resurrection. They posed a hypothetical scenario in which seven brothers married the same woman and died childless; they asked Jesus, “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be?” Jesus clarified that life in the resurrection would be different from life on earth; we would be like angels, and there would be no need for procreation. Jesus reminded them of what God said to Moses at the burning bush: “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Exodus 3:1-6). God is the God of the living, not of the dead. Though Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are no longer living in earthly terms, they are alive with God.

We believe in the resurrection. And so, we pray for our departed loved ones that they may live in peace with God. November is the month dedicated to prayer for the dead. Light a candle, book Masses, and pray for the suffering Church. We will expect our loved ones to pray for us when we are gone, so pray for those who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith.  St. Paul’s encourages us: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you too will appear with Him in glory.” (Col. 3:1-4). May our departed brothers and sisters rest in peace. Amen.

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

October 26, 2025; 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Readings: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18; Lk 18:9-14

What is your Prayer Posture?

The posture we adopt during prayer can express the attitudes of our hearts. Biblical characters adopted different postures when they prayed. Abraham prostrated himself before God (Gen. 17:3, 17). Moses prayed on the hill with uplifted hands for the defeat of the Amalekites. (Ex. 18:8-13). Solomon knelt with hands outstretched toward heaven (1Kings 8:54). The leper prostrated and pleaded, ‘Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.’ (Lk. 5:12). Jesus prayed, looking up to heaven (Mk. 6:41; Jn. 11:41; 17:1). Ps. 95:6 urged us, “Let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord who made us.” What is your prayer posture?

“Pride goes before the fall” is a saying we are familiar with. So, if we are too conceited or feel too important, something will happen to make us look foolish. This saying captures the attitude of the Pharisee, one of the two men who went to pray in the temple in today’s Gospel. Let us consider the Pharisees and their kind of prayer: Pharisees were members of a party that believed in the resurrection and in following legal traditions, ascribed not to the Bible but to ‘the traditions of the fathers.’ They were lay people who dedicated themselves to keeping God’s law as perfectly and as scrupulously as they could. They performed spiritual practices over and beyond what the law demanded and looked down on anyone who did not live up to their standards.

The prayer in the Gospel is typical of a pharisaic prayer. “O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity – greedy, dishonest, adulterous – even like this tax collector” (Lk. 18:11). According to William Barclay, “There is a recorded prayer of a certain Rabbi which runs like this, “I thank, Thee, O Lord my God, that thou hast put my part with those who sit in the Academy, and not with those who sit at the street corners. For I rise early, and they rise early; I rise early to the words of the law, and they to vain things. I labor, and they labor; I labor and receive a reward, and they labor and receive no reward. I run, and they run; I run to the life of the world to come, and they to the pit of destruction.” Rabbi Simeon ben Jocai once said, “If there are only two righteous men in the world, I and my son are these two; if there is only one, I am he!”

So being puritanical and scrupulous, the Pharisee may have, no doubt, done all that he said he did. He may not have cheated anyone, nor was he adulterous. He fasted, prayed many times a day, paid tithes on all he had and more, but he said the prayers of himself and to himself, not God. He was not humble but conceited. He was like a peacock, who flashed his beautiful, colored tail feathers for everyone to see how handsome he was. He was ostentatious, boastful, proud, and narcissistic. He called attention to himself! His was not prayer, but a list of accomplishments, expecting God to praise him. His is the sin of Lucifer - “light-bringer”, referred to as ‘the morning star’ (Is. 14:12), who turned that light on himself and refused to worship the Most High God. The Pharisee gave his advertisement to God for his glorious achievements and expected God to congratulate and reward him. He clearly demonstrated that he did not need God. In fact, he felt that God needed him more than he needed God to show the world what true holiness looks like. True prayer should be directed to God and God alone. God does not require a record of our good works; He knows them all. Instead, He needs us to have a contrite heart—one that is forgiving, caring, loving, compassionate, and merciful. A heart that is condescending, boastful, conceited, and spiteful is loathsome to God. That is why the Pharisee was not justified before Him.

 

The proud place themselves at a distance from others, and through that distance, others perhaps appear small or even contemptible, as the tax collector appeared to the Pharisee. ‘I thank God that I am not like this tax collector.’ How morally contemptuous his words are! Moral contempt is a far greater indignity and insult than any crime. We can feel good about our gifts, but genuine self-esteem is ruined by arrogant self-righteousness that judges others. I once saw a poster of a powerful tawny bearded lion with the caption: ‘It is so difficult to be humble.’ And yet, it is ‘the prayer of the humble that pierces the cloud and does not rest till it reaches its goal’ (Sirach 35:17), because only the humble can fully appreciate the grace of God.

Now the tax collector and his prayer. Tax collectors, who were Jews, served as public employees of the Romans. They collected taxes and sent them to Rome, but to earn a living, they often collected more than what was required. As a result, they enjoyed a decent income but developed a bad reputation. The community despised and hated them, viewing them as public sinners. The tax collector in our story was acutely aware of his status and knew that God was also aware of it. Lacking any friends, he depended entirely on God for everything. With a heavy heart, he approached God in prayer. Feeling unworthy, he could not even lift his eyes toward God. Instead, he beat his chest and pleaded for mercy. He didn’t simply see himself as a sinner; he viewed himself as the sinner. It was this heartbroken, self-deprecating prayer that gained him acceptance before God. He found peace with God through his humility, for pride hinders genuine communication with the divine.

These readings serve as a warning against comparing ourselves to others. Instead, we should measure ourselves against God’s standards. Our goal in this world should always be to please God, not people. All that we are and all that we have is pure grace—a gift from God. Therefore, we should never look down on anyone. With the strength bestowed upon us by God, we should work to uplift others rather than bring them down. When we compare our lives to that of our Lord Jesus Christ, one undeniable truth becomes clear: we are not as holy as we might think. We will soon realize that we, too, are sinners in need of God’s mercy and love. We will come to see ourselves in the same way as the tax collector at prayer, echoing his cry: “Lord, be merciful to me, the sinner.”

Questions to ponder:

·        Am I as good as God wants me to be?

·        Do I approach God with pride or with a humble spirit?

·        What posture best describes my attitude to God in prayer?

·        What do I need to pray for this week?

“The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly, and affirms the right. And the LORD will not delay” (Sir. 35:17-19).

“Don’t forget to pray today because God didn’t forget to wake you up this morning.”

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP