July 06, 2025; 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Readings: Is. 66:10-14; Gal. 6:14-18; Lk. 10: 1-12, 17-20.

Christ has given us the Power.

“Behold, I have given you the power to ‘tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy, and nothing will harm you” (Lk. 10:20).  This was the response of Jesus to the seventy-two on their return from their mission in today’s Gospel. He reminded them that the power to succeed was given to them from above. They should rejoice not because of their accomplishments but because it pleased the Father to count them among his chosen ones. Whatever we are, whoever we are, and whatever we have achieved is not our own making but a gift from God above.

Today, Jesus reminds us that we are called to share his power. He has entrusted this power to us. The power to give peace to the world: “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household’” (Lk . 10:8). Amid our woes and vicissitude, we are empowered to bring peace, succor, harmony, concord, sympathy, and empathy to the world. The power that Christ has gifted us with is enormous indeed. We are empowered to bring goodness to the world, offer forgiveness to our enemies, bring the bread of life to those spiritually weak, the real bread to the hungry, words of consolation to weary hearts, and healing to the sick.

But how can we be so empowered and yet feel so powerless? How can we be entrusted with so much while we feel so helpless? Little wonder we are easily intimidated by the known and the unknown forces, for we do not know and find it challenging to recognize our power. Could it be that we doubt the source of our power? The Sacrament of Baptism empowers us to become God’s adopted children and his ambassadors. The Holy Eucharist empowers us to feed the hungry with the bread of life. The Sacrament of Confirmation confers on us the right to be God’s messengers of truth and defenders of the faith to the point of shedding our blood. In the Sacrament of Penance, we are given the power to share in God's forgiving power, acknowledge our sins, confess them, and receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld” (Jn. 20:23). The Sacrament of Holy Orders confers on the ministerial priesthood the power to change ordinary bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ through the process of transubstantiation. Through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, couples are empowered and invited to experience the union and bliss of the Blessed Trinity, bringing forth a family of love, justice, and peace in the world. Finally, the Sacrament of the Sick prepares us to recover and heal from sickness, and to be admitted into the presence of God our Father, to behold His beatific vision. “Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5:14-15). Through the power of preaching the Word, “Even the devils are subject to us because of your name” (Lk. 10:17). There is power in the name of Jesus.

The power Christ gives us is not military power wrought by the brute force of a gun or political power achieved through campaigns and demagoguery, lies and false promises to garner votes and be elected into office; neither is it authoritative power of dominance nor divide and rule strategy that seeks to dominate and suppress our collective will; it is the power of love, humility, and service. It is the power of limitation and poverty for the sake of the kingdom that gives up earthly and worldly things in pursuit of heavenly realities. “Behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way” (Lk. 10:3). This power of freedom does not tolerate delays and encumbrances with material acquisitions: they are hindrances to the spread of the Gospel. To be so empowered means dying to self, and so become a new creature (Gal. 6:15). It is only those who enjoy a new mode of existence of love brought about by the cross of Christ who himself “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt. 20:28) who are so empowered; and they must always rejoice and be happy. Our power, so to speak, comes from the freedom of the Spirit in union with Christ.  Dying to ourselves empowers us to fight our demons, conquer our insatiable desire for earthly power, and overcome our personal enemies, such as avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride. We have the promise of Jesus to accomplish this: “I have given you the power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy” (Lk . 10:19-20). Why are we afraid of using the power freely given to us by Christ to dominate the kingdom of the evil one?

On their return, the disciples are delighted at their success, but Jesus counsels them to rejoice, because their names were written in heaven. Rejoicing in our success is a testament to personal glory and achievement. I can do nothing on my own, but “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). We are to rejoice, like the children of Israel, in the first reading, because of what God has done in and through us. Let us pray at this Mass for the spirit and freedom to give God all the glory. May we respond to his call to build the kingdom of peace and justice in the world, for “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Lk . 4:18-19). With Psalm 66, let us pray: “Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, sing praise to the glory of his name, and proclaim his glorious praise. Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!  

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

June 22, 2025; Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, (Year C)

Readings: Gen. 14:18-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; Lk. 9:11-17

Christ, the Bread of Life!

Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ – Corpus Christi. In partaking of the Eucharist, we receive the food of Angels. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world” (Jn. 6:51). In the blessed Eucharist, Christ himself is offered and received, and in Him, the Church continues to live and grow. The sacrifice of the Eucharist memorializes the death and resurrection of the Lord, perpetuating the sacrifice of the cross. This is the summit and source of all worship and Christian life. Through the Eucharist, the unity of God’s people is both signified and realized, contributing to the building up of the body of Christ. “Christ’s faithful are to hold the blessed Eucharist in the highest honor. They should take an active part in the celebration of the most august sacrifice of the Mass; they should receive the sacrament with great devotion, frequently, and should reverence it with the utmost adoration. In explaining the doctrine of this sacrament, pastors are to assiduously instruct the faithful about their obligations in this regard” (C. 898).

In the first reading, Melchizedek, the king of Salem, exchanged bread with Abram, forming a fellowship between them. In the Gospel, Jesus feeds the hungry with five loaves and a few fish. In the second reading, Jesus gives Himself as food and drink, making Himself available to us in a perpetual sacrifice for the nourishment of our souls. We are Christians because of the resurrection of Christ, but Catholics because of the Eucharist. Food is an absolute necessity for our bodies, and so is the Eucharist for our spiritual life. “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day” (Jn. 6:54). By eating the Body of Christ, we become the living Christ. We recognize our closeness and blessedness, acknowledge our brokenness, and live for the benefit of others. Thus, we, like Christ, become food for the world.

When we receive Christ in the Eucharist, we identify our pains and joys with Christ. We believe that the Eucharist we receive is greater and more powerful than anything in the world. If we genuinely believe in what we receive, it will change us. It will make us holy, forgiving, loving, merciful, compassionate, devoted, caring, charitable, and more human and humane. The Eucharist will transform us. By eating the food of angels, we strive to behave like angels because we become what we eat.

The teaching of the Church on the Eucharist is clear: “Our Lord is truly, really, and substantially present in the Holy Eucharist.” Hence, Christ said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven.” (Jn. 6:57-58). When some of His disciples stopped following Him, Christ did not plead with them to stay. Instead, He asked His apostles, “Do you also want to leave?” (Jn. 6:67). According to Pope John Paul II, this teaching “Is at the heart of the Church, the secret of her vigor; she must keep watch with jealous care over this mystery and affirm it in its fullness.” Therefore, we should prepare ourselves for fruitful participation at Mass. It is recommended that we go through the readings in advance, examine our consciences for any mortal sins we need to confess, and confess them if we plan to receive Holy Communion. This will enable us to receive the Eucharist in a timely and devoted manner.

After receiving Holy Communion, our Lord remains present in us as long as the species of bread and wine remain, which typically lasts about 8 to 10 minutes. According to the Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship, “The faithful should not forget to make a proper thanksgiving after Communion. They may do this during the celebration with a period of silence, a hymn, a Psalm, or another song of praise, or also after the celebration, if possible, by staying behind to pray for a suitable time.”

After Mass, the priest dismisses the people with one of three phrases: “Go forth, the Mass is ended,” “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord,” or “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” This invitation encourages us to share the Christ we have received in the Eucharist with everyone. We must share Christ, the bread of life, with the poor, the homeless, the sick, the saints, and sinners alike. We must continually make Christ, broken and received, available in our lives and keep Him fresh at all times. May we offer this bread to those in need of healing for their broken bodies, to public sinners, and to everyone longing for hope.

 

                                        Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

June 15, 2025, Trinity Sunday - Solemnity (Year C)

Readings: Proverbs 8:22-31; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15

Love is the Essence of the Trinity

Today, we celebrate the feast of the Most Holy Trinity. We worship God, who manifested himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We worship three persons in one God: God the Father, the creator of the world; God the Son, the Savior of the world; and God the Holy Spirit, the sanctifier and the one who leads us to all truth. Today, we also celebrate Father’s Day, a day set aside to pay tribute to the fathers in our lives. They, with our mothers and in cooperation with the Triune God, brought us to birth in this world. Thank you for your love and guidance and for providing for our well-being. May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit bless, protect, and reward you all abundantly.

The aim of this reflection is not to give a theological exposé on the Trinity but rather to aid us in making the Trinity a part of our lives. We begin every prayer by calling on God the Father, the Son, and the Spirit to dwell in us and help us live good and saintly lives. We were baptized into the Trinity, and on the day of our death, our coffin and grave will be blessed and marked by the sign of the Cross. We begin and end every prayer by calling on the blessed Trinity to be the beginning and end of all we do and say and to guide our steps on the right path. The life of every Christian is marked by the Triune God dwelling in and through us.

The Trinity is a mystery that presents us with a God of closeness, communion, and intimacy. We see God, who desires community, communication, and love within the persons of the Trinity. According to William J. Bausch, “This is an initiating God, an outgoing God, a creative, life-giving God who stamps his communal life on us. We are in a relationship because God is; we are made in his image and likeness.” There is absolute love, respect, and understanding within the persons of the Trinity. The unity of mind and purpose is enjoyed and expressed in the Trinity. God loves the world so much that He gave His Son to redeem it. In giving his Son, God the Father also gave himself because the Father and the Son are in perfect communion. They are one in Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the origin of the mutual relationship and expression of love between the Father and the Son.

The mystery of the Trinity is seen in the intimate relationship between the persons, where each person is perfectly transparent to the other. In this love relationship, there are no hiding places; none of the three keeps anything as his own, and no one takes particular pride in individual achievements. All enjoy the success of one; everything is shared, communicated, given, and welcomed. Nothing and no person of the Trinity is ever taken for granted. The love seen in the Trinity is not jealous, not conceited, and certainly not boastful. It is a reciprocal love where the duty of one is the duty of all. Therefore, in the act attributed to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are equally present and cooperate in the execution of that task. The love of the Trinity is transformative and redemptive, creative, and generative. It is salvific love that assures humanity’s redemption from decadence and despair. This is agape love.

This is the kind of love that should be experienced in the family, between husband and wife. The children are the expression of that love. Let us pray that we may demonstrate the love of the Trinity in our dealings with one another, in our relationships, and even in our ministries in the Church. We pray that the Trinity may teach the leaders of nations to be civil in their utterances and that there may be mutual respect and tolerance among people and nations of the world. May the Trinity teach us that whatever we do is done not for ourselves but for the love of him who created us. May the Trinity teach us to love as they love themselves so that we may show our love in service to humanity and our Church. Amen.

One way that we can express our union with the Trinity is by taking the time to bless ourselves with the sign of the Cross. Are you proud to make the sign of the Cross openly, or are you ashamed and afraid to identify yourself as a Catholic? Please make sure to teach your children to make the sign of the Cross before and after meals, before they go to bed, and when they awake. Another application of the Trinity in our lives is to pray the basic prayers of the Trinity with devotion and faith. The prayers like Gloria, the Creed, and Glory be to the Father (Doxology). We should be proud of our faith by showing people around us that we are not just Christians but proud Catholic Christians. In the Bible, Jesus says, “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels.” (Lk. 9: 26). May we never be ashamed of Christ and his Gospel. Amen.

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

June 08, 2025; Pentecost Sunday - Solemnity

Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Romans 8:8-17; John 14:15-16, 23 -26

Fire up!

Today is Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. Today, the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles like flames of fire. The first reading reported what happened: “When the day of Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly, there was a noise from the sky, which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then, they saw what looked like tongues of fire, which spread out and touched each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak” (Acts 2:1-4). Pentecost completes the saving work of Christ and empowers the Apostles to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit ignited a passion within the Apostles to preach the Gospel boldly, transforming them into martyrs of the faith. Peter’s message on Pentecost was so compelling that those who heard him “Were deeply troubled and asked, "What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Many of those who heard him “Believed his message and were baptized, and about three thousand people were added to their group that day.” (Acts 2:41).

The apostles needed the fire of the Holy Spirit to shake them up and transform them into warriors for the faith. Christ is present in his apostles through his Spirit. Like Charles Shultz once said, “The whole trouble with you is, you don’t know what the whole trouble with you is.” This feeling of not knowing our need for the Spirit makes us weak in faith. Our Church does not resemble the Church of the Day of Pentecost. If it did, why is the Church on fire, and we are not consumed? One reason may be that there is too much focus on money. We tend to spend less time discussing spiritual matters and more time on finances and fundraising. This shift certainly detracts from the power of the Spirit within the Church. To the lame beggar, Peter said: “I have no money at all, but I give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I order you to get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6). Now, we may have an abundance of money but lack the fire of the Spirit that can effect real change in the lives of our people.

We need the Holy Spirit to ignite in our hearts a fire of tolerance, a passion to combat indifference, and a constructive fire to build the community of God’s people. This fire should not represent pettiness, apathy, or jealousy, nor should it burn with bigotry or hatred, or foster destruction and mistrust. Instead, we seek the fire of love that will recreate the face of the earth. Come, Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of the faithful; renew the face of the earth. Help us to conquer indifference in the world and to address the internal struggles of the flesh, which include immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, and occasions of envy (Gal 5:19-21).

Send us the fire of the Spirit to plant in our hearts the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). The fire of the Spirit will give us the seven gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, fear of the Lord, and the delight in fearing the Lord (Is. 11:2-3). Until we have the Spirit, the Church will be ineffective; the fire within us will be lukewarm without flame, causing it to extinguish. Instead of warmth, we will feel cold; in place of vigor, we will feel weak, empty, miserable, sad, unhappy, lifeless, and dead.

Erma Bombeck told a story about a little boy in Church with his mother. He was a quiet and well-behaved boy who didn’t cause problems. Occasionally, he would stand up in the pew, turn around, and smile at the people behind him. His infectious smile would soon draw smiles back from others. Everything was fine until his mother noticed what he was doing. She took him by the ear, twisted it slightly, told him to sit down, and reminded him that he was in Church. He began to sniffle and cry, to which his mother responded, “That’s better.” This reflects the kind of Church many are comfortable with—a sad and lifeless place where everyone sits withdrawn with solemn faces as if in mourning. It is no wonder our churches feel empty and uninviting.

People no longer attend Church because we fail to offer them anything meaningful; we preach a gospel devoid of good news. Our sermons lack substance and are poorly delivered, leaving everyone uninspired instead of igniting a passion for action. The joy of the Gospel is absent from faces because the fire of love is missing from our hearts. Those who attend Church are no longer burning with zest, zeal, passion, and fervor that characterized the Day of Pentecost.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, the Apostles went out and preached the Word, embodying the life of the Spirit and bearing the fruit of love. They spoke in tongues, the language of love in praise of God. The Church must speak the language of love today; without it, we cannot be on fire with faith. Let us pray that we may be filled with the fire of the Spirit, which will transform us into people of faith, courageous preachers, and lovers of God and His people, making a difference in the world. Indifferent people cannot build a better world. God bless you!

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

June 01, 2025; 7th Sunday of Easter - Ascension of the Lord (Year C)

Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Eph. 1:17-23; Mk. 16:15-20

Go and Proclaim the Gospel to Every Creature

Today, we celebrate the solemnity of our Lord’s Ascension. After His Resurrection, Jesus appeared to His Apostles for forty days to assure them that He had truly risen. On the day of the Ascension, Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit, blessed them, and was taken up to heaven.

 

Article 6 of the Creed states, “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” This is our faith: “Christ’s body was glorified at the moment of His Resurrection, as evidenced by the new and supernatural properties it enjoys. However, during the forty days He ate and drank with His disciples and taught them about the kingdom, His glory remained veiled under the appearance of ordinary humanity. Jesus’ final appearance concludes 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. 654)

 

Now that Christ has ascended to the Father, it is up to the apostles to carry out His mission of witnessing to His Resurrection. The disciples were warned not to stand idle but to take action. “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). Before His ascension, Jesus commanded His disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). We hear the same mandate when He says: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20). Christ has passed the baton to us, and the message must be preached. St. Paul urged Timothy: “I solemnly urge you to preach the message, insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not), to convince, rebuke, and encourage, as you teach with patience.” (2 Timothy 4:2).

 

We may not be great preachers or skilled singers, but we are called to be good Christians—to show the love we have for Christ in our relationship with others. We must practice kindness, hospitality, compassion, and forgiveness. Our mission encourages us to show mercy and refrain from uncharitable acts. Instead of spreading gossip and rumors, we must refrain from sharing unkind words about one another. Gossip can damage lives without taking a life; it tears apart homes, breaks hearts, and ruins lives. It can be found among both the pious and the ungodly. It grows stronger with time and spreads venom where greed is unknown. It brings confusion and suspicion where there was once trust, often leaving innocent lives in ruins.

 

Let us dedicate our time to constructive criticism that builds our brothers and sisters up instead of tearing them down. The first reading warns us not to be idle daydreamers waiting for rumors or tales to share. Instead, let us spread love and encourage others by sharing what God has done for us and inviting them to experience His goodness. Though Christ has physically left us, He is very much present with us spiritually. He has promised to be with us until the end of time. He said goodbye to His disciples to allow them to grow into mature witnesses. His Spirit, working in and through them, guided them in love and discipleship. May this same Spirit dwell in us and show us the way to true discipleship. Amen!

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

May 25, 2025; 6th Sunday of Easter (Year C)

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

Whoever Loves Me will keep my word!

We often fear the unknown, especially when it comes to health concerns. Visiting the doctor for tests like a mammogram, MRI, sonogram, or CT scan can create anxieties: What will the diagnosis be? Will it negatively impact my life? What about my loved ones? How should I deal with conflicts in my life? Am I financially secure? Have I saved enough for emergencies? Can I keep up with my mortgage, car payments, my children’s education, or utility bills? These questions and worries can strip us of our inner peace and lead to confusion. Christ warns us not to be anxious, saying, “What shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Seek first the kingdom of God and his justice and all these things will be given to you besides” (Matthew 6:31-34).

Today’s readings remind us that we are not alone in our pursuit of peace. Jesus’ disciples shared similar worries. Jesus understood that they would face confusion and anxiety as he prepared to demonstrate his love for them by accepting death on the cross. He encouraged them not to let their hearts be troubled and urged them to trust in God. After his resurrection, as he was about to return to his Father, he reassured them of his peace and promised them the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The first reading teaches that life was not always easy for the early Christians. As Paul and Barnabas spread the Gospel and the message of salvation to the Gentiles, new challenges emerged. Some members insisted that the Gentiles follow Jewish laws and practices, such as circumcision. This created a rift between the Apostles and the new believers. To address this issue, Paul brought it to the attention of the Apostles, leading to the convening of the first official Council of the Church—the Council of Jerusalem. The Apostles relied on the Holy Spirit's guidance and listened to one another, resulting in unity: “Then the whole meeting quieted down and listened while Barnabas and Paul told of the great signs and wonders that God had done among the Gentiles through them” (Acts 15:12). The decision was made: “For the Holy Spirit, and we have decided…” (verse 28).

How often do we allow our worries, differences, and perspectives to divide us? When we refuse to seek unity within the Church or to concede our stances, do we not tear apart the body of Christ? When we set ourselves as the standard of judgment, neglecting the needs and good of others, we risk sinning against charity and the very God we seek to serve. St. Paul advises, “But if you bite and devour one another, take heed, or you will be consumed by one another” (Galatians 5:15).

Disappointments within the Church, parishes, families, and communities are inevitable. However, a tension-free Church or society is not achievable in this world; rather, it is in the next where we will find a new heaven and a new earth. So, how do we address problems and heal divisions in our lives? The Church has consistently sought to bring people together for dialogue—listening sessions where the Holy Spirit is given room to work, facilitating healing and providing solutions. This approach was exemplified in the first reading about the Council of Jerusalem, where the outcome was a collaborative effort guided by the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis advocated for synodality, bringing people together to listen and find solutions in the light of the Holy Spirit for today’s challenges.

Jesus promised the Apostles the gift of the Holy Spirit, urging them not to be afraid. He provides a counselor, a friend, and an advocate who intercedes on our behalf. Christ cares for us deeply and seeks to relieve our anxiety. “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” he says, “but put your trust in God.” Despite our disappointments, pain, fears, and uncertainties, Christ assures us of his presence: “It is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

Pope Leo XIV reminded us, “Brothers, sisters, I speak to you, especially to those who no longer believe, no longer hope, no longer pray, because they think God has left. To those who are fed up with scandals, misused power, and the silence of a Church that sometimes seems more like a place than a home. I, too, was angry with God. I, too, saw good people die, children suffer, and grandparents cry without medicine. And, yes, there were days when I prayed and only felt an echo. But then I discovered something: God doesn’t shout. God whispers. And sometimes He whispers from the mud, from pain, from a grandmother who feeds you without having anything. I don't come to offer you perfect faith. I come to tell you that faith is a walk with stones, puddles, and unexpected hugs.” The Holy Spirit will always steer the ship to the shore of peace and tranquility. Even when we have sinned, the Holy Spirit will be there to get us back up again. When we don't know how to pray, the Spirit himself pleads for us with unutterable groaning (Rom. 8:26).

The Holy Spirit gives us peace that 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. This peace is indicative of an indwelling of the Trinity in the lives of Christians; a life lived in absolute surrender to the will of God.

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP

May 18, 2025; 5th Sunday of Easter (Year C)

Readings: Acts 14:21-27; Rv. 21:1-5; Jn. 13:31-33, 34-35 

Love one another as I have loved you!

On the eve of His death, Christ addressed His Apostles, saying, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him” (John 13:31). Christ was glorified because He was obedient to His Father. As stated in Philippians 2:5-11, “Christ Jesus did not regard equality with God but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place.” Christ wanted His apostles to emulate His self-sacrificial love and share it with the world. “This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

Christ, the new Moses, gave His disciples a new commandment: “Love one another.” St. Augustine asked, “Isn’t this commandment part of the ancient law of God, which states, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’? If it is, why does the Lord call it new?” Leviticus 19:18 instructs, “love your neighbor as yourself,” but Christ commands, “Love one another as I have loved you.” He showed His love for His disciples by dying on the Cross for them. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). St. Augustine emphasizes that “Christ’s love renews us, making us new creations, heirs of the New Testament, and singers of the new song. This is the love that renewed the blessed apostles and is now renewing the nations. From the diverse human race that spans the world, it is creating and gathering together a new people—the body of the newly wedded spouse of the only begotten Son of God.”

This agape love inspired the early Christian community to live together in harmony, sharing everything in common (Acts 2:42-46). It drove missionaries to the ends of the earth to proclaim the good news and led many to die as martyrs for the sake of Christ. The apostles experienced God’s love and could not keep it to themselves; instead, they dedicated themselves to teaching and baptizing others, inviting them to share in God’s abundant life and redemptive love (Matthew 28:19). During their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas encouraged the converts: “We must undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” An authentic Christian is not only concerned about their own salvation but is also deeply invested in the salvation of others. Simply giving alms does not embody the virtue of charity. Every Christian has an obligation to be actively involved in Church matters and parish activities that strengthen the faith of fellow members. The early Christians demonstrated their unwavering love by accepting hardships and martyrdom for their faith. We express our love for others through courteous corrections, words of encouragement to those who suffer, and, above all, by praying for them.

Christ calls us to accept and practice His new commandment of love—to love as He loves and to forgive as He forgives us. We must always prioritize others before ourselves. This explains why a woman at the bedside of her unconscious fiancé will not lose hope but pray day and night for a miracle of healing. To love as Christ commands enables mothers, whose children are killed by drunk drivers, to forgive the offenders. They choose the freedom of forgiveness and love over brokenness and grief. Many broken families would not experience strife if their members lived in love. Thousands of men, women, and children in jails, hospitals, and on street corners would not be there if they were cared for by those who should love them. Many poor, hungry, oppressed, and war-affected individuals find themselves in their situations due to a lack of love. Even more shocking, thousands suffer and remain uneducated because their elected leaders are too selfish and corrupt to invest in their education and well-being. Thousands live without Christ and His teachings because we have failed to practice charity.

Love—the distinguishing mark of Jesus’ kingdom—should spring from our hearts. When we love, a ripple effect spreads to families, institutions, countries, and the world. The Book of Revelation anticipates a new city filled with joy, peace, and love. John’s vision can only be realized if we embrace 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 Teresa urged us to spread love wherever we go, in our families, sharing love with children, spouses, and neighbors.

If there are problems in our families, it may be due to our failure to obey the commandment of love. If our churches are empty, we may have neglected to show love. If issues arise in our schools, workplaces, communities, or nation, it is because, somewhere, someone has forgotten, ignored, or failed to act on the commandment of love. As a result, 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 filled with the transformed hearts and lives of those who have chosen to live in love.

 

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP