Homily for the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Mass during the Day at St. Frances Parish NY) Year ABC - Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Homily for the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Mass during the Day at St. Frances Parish NY) Year ABC - Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Readings: Isa 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6 and John 1:1-18

The Birth of Christ and our Responses

“A child is born for us, and a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name  him Wonder-Counselor, God Hero, Father –forever, Prince of Peace… and his name will be called Messenger of  great counsel” ( cf Isa 9:5-6).

My brothers and sisters, this royal prophecy of Isaiah, fulfills in, and explains the reasons why we are so joyfully and decoratively gathered today. We gather to celebrate Christmas, the Birth of Christ our Lord and Savior, the creative Logos/Word,  the Light of the world, the Divine Wisdom and God’s incarnate ( John 1:1-18).

Christmas brings us Christ, the source of life. Christmas brings us Jesus, a Friend of the poor and of the rich. Christmas brings us Christ, Lover of saints and sinners, a Messenger of hope, a Prince of Peace and a Prophet of reconciliation, especially in a divisive world of today; a world plagued with wobbling politics and a broken economy.          His birth requires a response from us!

Personally, I am so happy to be back here, home, at St. Frances Cabrini Church. And to share in the wonderful work and faith experiences we share here under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Don, with his team and the entire community. I have discovered that each year brings something new, something vibrant, something refreshing, something worth reflecting upon, or something to thank God or ask God for.  I am sure you also do.

 I have celebrated Christmas here with you as a student from St. John’s University. I have celebrated Christmas with you as a student from the Catholic University, Washington DC. I recall there was also a time I flew in from Rome to celebrate the Birth of Christ with you, with this wonderful faith community. This year I am also so privileged to be here with you today, as a seminary professor from the Sacred Heart School of Theology, beautifully located in Franklin County, in the south suburbs of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. It is an experience to be part of that formative team training future priests who would imitate Christ born for us at Christmas. I am thankful to God for this opportunity!

For all of us, it is the first Christmas, with the Third or new translation of the Roman Missal and after the recent occupied wall- street protesters. Even when we stumble trying to get use to the new Translation, get up, we shall get accustomed to it, not too long from now.

 I have also come to witness in our parish community, a team spirit, and hard work, great pastoral and spiritual leaderships. I love our new church bell. It swings and rings hourly or half-hourly. It brings joy. This reminds me of the response of the angels to the Birth of Christ.

 They broke into a great song, “Glory to God in the Highest… peace to people of good will”, which we began this Mass with.  A song that is also hidden, particularly in the poems of the redeemed Israel, that came up in today’s first reading, Prophet Isaiah chapter 52:7-10.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace (not war, not selfishness, not hatred, not greediness, revenge and division, but) bearing, good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion “Your God is King.”

It is the birth of this King that we celebrate today. He is the one whom Evangelist John describes in today’s Gospel, "in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God...." Christ, born today preexisted with God the Father. He is the one through whom all things and all that we have, including life, our families our energies to do our jobs, to participate in politics and manage our economy, go to schools, came to be. He is the creative Logos, the source of being, the one who sustains all things by his mighty power (Heb 1:1-6).

He is greater than John the Baptist, and all the Angels would worship him. In his ministry, water would be changed into wine, women will be spoken with; children would be invited with care. They would be protected not abused. The poor would be loved, the hungry would be fed. Sinners would be forgiven. Zacchaeus would be visited. Lazarus would be raised from the death. Christ born today would come to wash the feet of his disciples,  lecture Pilate on the meaning  of truth and Mary Magdalene on the importance of detachment.

He would become flesh, carum factum est( John 1:14). Christ is born today to be in the world, but not of the world. The world will reject him- the Light, preferring rather, darkness (John 1:9-11). But to those who did accept him, Christ would give them power to become sons and daughters/children of God. What a special gift! Christ gives gifts to those who receives him (John 1:12-13). At Christmas, Christ is the revelation of that unseen God.

How we receive Christ at Christmas in our changing world today is important. We want it to be part of how we celebrate Christmas.  Besides our homes, offices, churches, streets which we have decorated with colorful ribbons and flowers, we want to allow those unfading Christmas Carols in our homes, “come ye faithful,..”  “Adestes Fideles,..” Once in royal David City….” “Joy to the world….the Lord is come…” In the new English translation of the Nicene Creed, we reminded to say “I believe in One God.” It is a personal faith, but expressed in the community together. We want to be constantly proud of our faith, our rich heritage and tradition. Merry Christmas to our neighbors should not be too difficult to say!

We also want to draw inspiration from the reception given to Christ as told in the Scriptures, about those faithful and humble remnants of Israel, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds of Bethlehem, Simeon and Hannah. They saw and received Christ as a gift, as God’s revelation and presence in their midst.

We want, in the same way, to see the birth of Christ as a joy and royal gift to us.   We want to respond to Christ’s gifts, by sharing these gifts with our neighbors even through our candies, food, drinks, cookies, clothing and wealth, acts of charity and forgiveness, kind and gentle conversations with one another. Let the visits and telephone calls we extend to our neighbors, to distant friends and relatives, and the joy we share with everyone this Christmas, be added ways we respond to the Birth of Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Finally, I invite you to sing with me:

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive the King; Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.!”

Homily Christmas Midnight Masses ABC- Udoekpo U. Michael

Homily Christmas Midnight Masses ABC- Udoekpo U. Michael

Readings: Isa 9:1-6; Ps 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13; Ti 2:11-14 and Luke 2:1-14

 Our Savior is Born, Christ the Lord

 Earlier this evening at the Vigil Mass we inaugurated an important celebration of Christmas- the Birth of Christ, our King and Savior (Lk 2:11) foretold by the Israel’s Prophets, that a virgin Shall conceived and give birth to a son who  shall be named Immanuel la  wnm[  = GOD IS WITH  US (Isa 7:14). And only upon his shoulder shall dominion and power rests.  This Son comes not only as God’s gifts for us, but as a Wonder- Counselor. He comes as a God. He comes as a Hero. He comes as Father incarnate. He comes as a Prince of Peace (Isa 9:4-5) and a dispenser of justice. He comes to destroy the barrier and the power of darkness. He comes with Love.

It is an entrance of Light into the world of darkness, war despair and fears and terrorism. Christmas is a celebration of the victory of Light over darkness. It is celebration of hope and expectation comes to fulfillment.  It is a celebration of an important event of our salvation and a contemplation of this mystery received by the faithful remnant of Israel, Mary and Joseph his parents, and by those humble shepherds in Bethlehem, Simeon and Hanna.

However the story of the birth of Christ is been narrated, be it from Matthew’s Gospel as at the vigil Mass or from Luke, tonight’s text, reenacted beautifully the other day by our children at the Christmas Pageant narrative, the bottom line is the truth of the Saving Purpose of God for all humanity, Jews and Gentiles, from the beginning, rooted in the Scripture, in Israel’s covenant history, and the exemplary roles of the parents of Jesus and the Shepherds.

With the Gospel of tonight (Lk 2:1-14), all eyes are fixed on the biblical Manger (crib) in Bethlehem the birth place of Christ and his ancestral home. Although Mary was heavy with Christ, she was required by the civil law to travel with her husband Joseph from Galilee to Bethlehem for a census- process for taxation. There was neither Honda CRV nor Toyotas then. No Cadillac,  no  SUVs, no BMV nor Lincolns, except and perhaps horses and Donkeys, our children would say- Dominick the Donkey!! It must have been a rough journey for them, especially for an expected mother- like Mary – galloping on a donkey.

  Tonight’s story is so important that it has become the delights of Broadway shows, of popular preachers, theater groups, and church and Christmas pageant functions. However, on arrival there was no place for them in the Inn. Joseph who is usually very discerning took Mary to the Manger where she delivered her Baby Jesus (God Saves).

 I have had the privilege of serving as an administrator at St. Mary’s Hospital Urua Akpan in South Eastern Nigeria and as chaplain in many hospitals in this country. I have come across expected mothers with   and family. Especially in rural areas in Africa they don’t usually carry a lot with them to the hospital except few belongings.  They usually wear on their faces some sense of anxiety, pains and hope of joy especially when the baby is finally delivered. Mary and Joseph may have made their humble preparation. They had the swaddling cloth with which Baby Jesus was wrapped with to keep the Son of God save from cold and dust. Joseph as righteous and discerning as he usually is must also be assisting in the wrapping and in caring for Jesus and Mary.

It was not long the angel of the Lord brought the good news of the birth of Christ, the Glory of the Lord (Isa 9:1) to the poor humble shepherd who were walking around the vicinity  of caves and mountains keeping night watch over their flock. They became the first to adore Christ and bearers of the Good News that “Today in the City of David our Savior Christ has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” And the angels invites us to sing with them- Glory to God in the highest and on earth Peace to everyone whom the Lord favors.

The spiritual significance of this story cannot be overestimated. Jesus is born poor and visited first by the poor shepherd- teaches us that happiness is not to be found in abundance or abuse of earthly goods. Jesus comes into the world without the drama and display of pomposity, encouraging us to be humble and not to always rely or seek for human applause. The disposition of Mary and the care of Joseph are challenging to us- modern families, parents and teachers.

The Songs of the angel “Glory to God in the highest and Peace---assures us the peace, the tender love of God and reconciliation that Christ brings us at Christmas. This song challenges all forms of violence and terrorism, personal and institutional. The birth of Christ is Grace onto us and we are meant as the 2^nd reading (Ti 2:11-14) would stress to share this grace with others. We are called to respond to God‘s Love by sharing His Divine Love with one another.

In many cultures around the world we have different ways of celebrating and sharing this Love. Here, like in Nigeria we have decorated our homes with flowers, palms fronds and trees. We have cards and gifts exchanged. Usually after the midnight mass/church worship good wishes are exchanged with neighbors, Sancta brings gifts to family members especially our children and grand children and the Christmas meals and stories are shared among family members, songs and carols are chanted- reinforcing the family and faith reunion. No doubt a good part of this has been challenged by multiple distractions of commercialization.  But each year when we look at the crib, listen to Christmas songs, reflects on the scriptures, listen to the stories and contemplate the roles of Mary, Joseph, and the Shepherd- God has plan to save us.

 And May the joy of the Birth of Christ our Savior remains with us throughout Christmas and the New Year.

Homily (alternative)at the Christmas Vigil Masses ABC- Udoekpo, Michael Readings: Isa 62: 1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Matt 1:1-25

Homily(alternative) at the Christmas Vigil Masses ABC- Udoekpo, Michael

Readings: Isa 62: 1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Matt 1:1-25

Rejoice: God is with His People and Community

Tonight we begin a joyful celebration of the Birth of Christ, our Messiah and Savior.

 We gather to celebrate the fulfillment of the promise made us by the prophets that a virgin shall conceived and give birth to a son who shall be named Immanuel (Is 7:14) and a Prince of Peace (Isa 9:4-5). We celebrate an entrance of Light into the world of darkness, war, despair, fears and terrorism. It is a celebration of an important event of our salvation and a contemplation of this mystery received by the faithful remnant of Israel, Mary and Joseph his parents and by those humble Shepherds in Bethlehem, Simeon and Anna.

We celebrate the reasons for the past four weeks of spiritual and material preparations. Reasons for all those shopping; Reason why Santa Claus is in town again. Reasons for all these decoration in our church, in the narthex, the ones in our homes, in our offices, in our work places, in the plazas, public squares, in shopping and community centers. All those snow men dancing with our kids in our homes. We celebrate the reasons for those soft and beautiful Christmas carols and music booming in our radio and TV studios. Those unfading Christmas, CAROLS, “O Come YE ALL FAITHFUL... “ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID CITY...” that echoed in our homes, bedrooms, in the living rooms, in the kitchen areas and dining rooms.

We are celebrating the reasons why we will soon gather to exchange those beautiful gifts and meals with our children, grand children, spouses, neighbors, our loved ones, friends and relatives.  Meals and Gifts that represent the love, the peace and reconciliation that Christ the bridegroom brings us at Christmas.  Let me not forget we are celebrating the reasons for all those stamps and envelops which we have already mailed- the candies and  the cakes,  the candles and  the checks, the ribbons and the trees, the wine and their choice colors, the food and their items.

Personally I have received so many gifts from you and I want to say thank you very much. All, these are because a special friend, Christ is been born for us in Bethlehem.  A friend that in turns brings us the gifts of joy and peace with skills of counseling, reconciliation and the gentleness of a healer.

Without naming names, you and I know that there are still many today who do not believe in Christ and in what we are doing tonight. In the time of Prophets Isaiah (Isa 2: 1-5; 11:1-10; 35:1-6; 61:1ff) and Christ, there were many skeptics, and unbelievers. Think of the opposition from the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Some would asked, “Can something good come from Nazareth” (Jn 1:46)? Just as this preaching and our celebration tonight is important it was necessary for the Evangelist to narrate the stories of the earthly, timely and divine origins of Jesus, Son of Abraham, Son of David and Son of God born of the Holy Spirit for the Jews and the Gentiles.  The stories we find in the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke’s’ Gospels. Tonight’s readings (Isa 62: 1-5; Acts 13:16-17; 22-25) as a whole affirm God’s abiding presence in Christ among us and the heroic faith of his parents. 

My believe is that however this divine story is been narrated, be it from Matthew’s Gospel read this evening (Matt 1:1-25) or from Luke in other Masses or as reenacted beautifully the other day by our children at the Christmas Pageant narrative, the bottom line is the truth of the Saving Purpose of God for all humanity, Jews and Gentiles, from the beginning, rooted in the Scripture, in Israel’s covenant history, and the exemplary roles of the parents of Jesus and the Shepherds. Whatever went on in their family lives, the miraculous conception of Jesus, they trusted and saw it as divine plan and the will of God.

From the readings tonight we come to appreciate more who Jesus was, his origin and the role of his virtuous parents.  We come to appreciate Jesus’ link, his identity with the history of God’s people, the Jews and the Gentiles. It is mystery of God becoming man (Carum Factum Est Jn 1:14) and dwelling among us in our homes and communities (Matt 1:21).

The spiritual significance of this story cannot be overestimated. Jesus is born poor and visited first by the poor shepherd- teaches us that happiness is not to be found in abundance or abuse of earthly goods. Jesus comes into the world without the drama and display of pomposity, encouraging us to be humble and not to always rely or seek for human applause. The disposition of Mary and the care of Joseph are challenging to us- modern families, parents and teachers.

The Songs of the angel “Glory to God in the highest and Peace to people of good will---assures us the peace, the tender love of God and reconciliation that Christ brings us at Christmas. This song challenges all forms of violence and terrorism, personal and institutional. The birth of Christ is Grace onto us and we are encouraged to share this grace with others. Thus Christmas incarnates in a joyful mood the announcement of reconciliation and salvation, the announcement of peace that comes from God.  As Christians who celebrate the birth of Christmas, we are called to take up this mood of reconciliation and joyful peace, realizing that the humble birth of Christ Savior in Bethlehem speaks of the tender love of God for us his people. It calls for a fitting response to such love. This response entails accepting his saving love, returning a thankful love to him who loved us first, and then sharing this divine love with one another.

And may the blessings of the Child Jesus, the Son God and our Savior remain with you all at Christmas and New Year. 

Homily Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Vigil Mass) Year ABC- Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Homily Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Vigil Mass) Year ABC- Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Readings: Isaiah 62:1-3; Ps 89:4-5,16-17, 27,29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25 and Matt 1:1-25

Christ, joy to the world at Christmas!

Tonight we celebrate with joy the mystery of God’s incarnate in Christ Jesus. We celebrate a fulfillment of those ancient promises made by God to Abraham and  his descendants in the Book of Genesis, to David in 2 Samuel chapter 7, and down to us through Israel’s prophets: Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, Baruch, Zephaniah, John the Baptist whom we all listen to, very attentively during these past 4 weeks of Advent.

Notably, Isaiah’s prophecy that: “A child is born for us, and a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name  him Wonder-Counselor, God Hero, Father –forever, Prince of Peace… and his name will be called Messenger of  great counsel” ( cf Isa 9:5-6)  is fulfilled tonight in the birth of Christ, narrated in Matthew’s Gospel, that long genealogy ( Matt 1:1-25)

This birth brings us redemption, light and joy as it did to Israel. Even the angels could not resist the joy. They broke into that Gloria with which we began this mass with: “Glory to God in the Highest… peace to people of good will.” This song is also hidden particularly in Deutoro- Isaiah 52:7-10, the song of the redeemed Israel:

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace (not war, not selfishness, not hatred, not greediness, revenge and division, but) bearing, good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion “Your God is King.”

It is also hidden in the first reading of today, Isaiah 62:1-5, because, ‘no more shall people call Israel forsaken or consider Israel’ land desolate. Rather, with Christ’s birth the Lord rejoices over Israel and us the renewed Israel!

Christmas  refreshes and  renews us in Christ, the source of life. Christmas brings us Jesus, a Friend of the poor and of the rich. Christmas brings us Christ, Lover of saints and sinners, a Messenger of hope, a Prince of Peace and a Prophet of reconciliation, especially in a divisive world of today; a world plagued with wobbling politics, racism and a broken economy. His birth requires a response from us!

One of these responses if I may suggest is found in Psalm 89, “singing the goodness of the Lord.” Thanking God for all that he has done for us from creatiion- coming down in the person of his Son, in human form to be with us, to identify with us.

In addition, like St. Paul in Acts of the Apostles today, we are invited to bear witness to this King born for us tonight, this Son of David. It may not necessary be in Antioch in Pisidia, but witness to Christ could be bore, or the joy of Christ, his peace could be shared and spread around in the in the street corners of our neighborhood, offices and homes.

In a changing world of war and terrorism we could pray at this Christmas openly or in the silence of our hearts for our brothers and in the Middle East and other parts of the world where war has became the order of the day.

Secularism is constantly challenging what we celebrate tonight. We also want to constantly allow those unfading Christmas Carols in our homes, “come ye faithful,..”  “Adestes Fideles,..” Once in royal David City….” “Joy to the world….the Lord is come…”  e want to keep that faith handed down to us.

In the new English translation of the Nicene Creed, we are reminded to say “I believe in One God.” It is a personal faith, but expressed in the community together. We want to be constantly proud of our faith, our rich heritage and tradition. Merry Christmas to our neighbors should not be too difficult to say! Neither should it take the place of Happy Holiday!

Naturally every good gift brings us joy.  There are no gifts greater than that of Christ.  It is a royal gift. And we want to respond to Christ’s gifts, by sharing his love and generosity with our neighbors, during this Christmas. Remember, this could be in form sharing our candies, food, drinks, cookies, and clothing with the needy or exchanging lovely Christmas cards. Depending, it can also be done through other forms of acts of charity: like those nice telephone calls we extend to our neighbors, distant friends and relatives, and the over all joy of Christ we share with everyone, friends and our family members.  Christ is a joy to the world! He is joy to humanity!

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive the King; Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.!”

Homily 4th Sunday Advent Year C: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Homily 4^th Sunday Advent Year C:  Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Readings: Micah 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-19; Heb 10:5-10 and Luke 1:39-45

Mary in Advent Message

In this last week of Advent as Christmas draws near, besides the roles of Israel’s prophets and John the Baptists, Mary is another important figure that we want to imitate or pay close attention to. She is the one spoken about by the prophets. She is the humble mother of Christ our Savior an effective high priest and sacrifice (Heb 10:5-10) - born for us at Christmas.

Prophet Micah of Moreshet founded on ancient promise and covenant of hopes, joined a team of other prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Baruch, Zephaniah and spoke about the birth of “she who will give birth” to Christ, the shepherd of the flocks of Israel and the source of shalom (peace), our well-being and prosperity.

The would be mother of Christ stands out in the Gospel infancy narratives as well,  fulfilling what had been promised.  Mary, a young humble Semitic women. She received and believed the message from Gabriel, God’s angel. Afterwards she sets out to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was also pregnant with John the Baptist. John leaped in his mother’s womb and recognized Christ, when Mary greeted Elizabeth. And Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit saluted Mary and said,

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” how does this happened to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me.”?

The mystery of Advent! The mystery of John leaping in Elizabeth’s womb; the mystery of the superiority of Christ over John the Baptist! It is the mystery of Elizabeth recognizing Mary as the mother of our Lord and Savior. She is the mother of Christ the great, perfect and superior high priest and sacrifice described also into today’s second reading, the Letter to the Hebrews.

In fact unlike the old Testament, levitical sacrifice offered according to the law of Moses (ps 40) Christ's vocation which will take him to his ultimate sacrifice on the cross is superior and perfect. It is not just on our behalf  but it is  once and for all. It abolishes all old animal sacrifices. Most importantly, it was offered by Christ with the spirit of total abandonment and obedience response to God his father, “Behold I come to do your will.”

Not far from Mary her mother’s response to the message of the angel, “behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your will (Luke 1:38). So like mother, like son. Christ and Mary knew how to say to God, “behold I come to do you will."

Advent it s time we want to imitate Mary and say to Christ at Christmas, Jesus be born in my heart, in my home and in my neighbors home. Christ be born in my office and work place. Take care of my health, my desire, my studies, and do with me always, whatever you want. And may it be done to me according to your word; your will and not my will!!f

Of course this requires, hope, faith, love and great humility like that of Mary, the mother of Christ.

Homily 3rd Sunday of Advent Year C: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Homily 3^rd Sunday of Advent Year C: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

 Readings: Zeph 3:14-18a; Isa 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7 and Luke 3:10-18

The Lord will rejoice over us

Last week I went into Lens Crafters' shop near our school to pick up my glasses which I had ordered. As soon as I walked in one of the lady technicians called my name, ‘Michael” right away. I was very surprise and said to her “how did you know or remember my name so fast. She said “every body here knows  the smiling face.”

Advent is not just a time to pray, or prepare to receive the Lord at Christmas. It is also  a time we smile and rejoice over the wonders and blessings of the Lord, and his promises. It is a time we listen to the prophets, who carry this message of joy. They enable us relive the promises of ancient hopes. On the first Sunday, two weeks ago, Jeremiah addressed us with words of comfort, hope and consolation. Last week it was Baruch. This week Prophet Zephaniah stresses joy- the need to be happy. Zephaniah  is a prophet of joy!

But first of all, what a funny name! No one in our community these days want to go by the name Zephaniah. Many of us prefer Michael, Grace, Angela, John. He is the 9^th of the Twelve Minor prophets. His message is very important. The entire book is only 3 chapters and 53 verses. But his message is not   a minor message but a major one.

In fact his name means “the Lord’s protects.” He preached many years, more than 100 years after Prophet Amos. His message was directed to Judah, Jerusalem and neighboring nations. His message is full with Advent’s meaning. It addresses us in particular and every nation in general. It touches men, women, children and peoples of all walks of life. It is about the “Day of the Lord.” It is a day of judgment. This day, Zephaniah says is near. It is fast approaching. It calls for actions- repentance, renewal, planting love were there is none.

Like in the case of today’s Gospel ( Luke 3:10-18) it calls for the type of questions the crowed and tax collectors put before John the Baptist, “what should we do” since this day is approaching?

John said, “stop collecting more than what is prescribed.,”…do not practice extortion, do not falsely accused someone and be satisfy with your wages.” Simply put we should avoid that which is bad and pursue goodness. We want to  be opened to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, that love, peace and joy that he only Christ brings us at Christmas and the New Year to come.

This goes back to earlier prophecies of Zephaniah. For this late pre-exilic prophet God’s day is much more that judgment in a negative sense. It is not just negative or sorrow,sorrow. It is not  sadness, sadness!! It is not fire, fire!! Or  wrath, wrath!! But it is also a day of joy. We feel that joy when we abandon sin;  and when we forgive. The Lord God like in the story of the Father in the narrative of the Prodigal son in Lukes’ gospel rejoices over us when we turn away from idolatry, when we turn to him.  God is merciful, full of kindness. Our joy is His joy!

Zephaniah says,

 “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love. He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.

And Paul addresses same message to his Church in Philippi, “brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say again rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all,” (Phil 4:4-7).

As we prepare for Christmas we want to do it with joy. If you get a chance to go to confession, or reconcile with those who had offended you, do it, good! In fact you feel good and joyous after that. If you get an opportunity to reach out to the poor and the homeless, do it. It is a beautiful and joyous way also to prepare for Christmas. Cutting down our bad habits are also means of preparing of Christmas.  These actions bring us joy. It brings us closer to God, who constantly rejoices over us, especially when we turn to him.

Homily 2nd Sunday of Advent Year C: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Homily 2^nd Sunday of Advent Year C: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

 Readings: Baruch 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11 and Luke 3:1-6

Counting our Blessings in Advent

The readings of today continue to remind  us of the place of Advent in our lives. It is a season that we are all reminded of what God has done for us in the past, what God is doing for us now and what God will continue to do for us in the future. In Advent, we live again those promises of ancient hopes.

Baruch in the first reading offers words of encouragement to Israel in exile in view of their eventual liberation and return: He says;

“Jerusalem take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory of God forever….the forest and every fragrant kind of tree have overshadowed Israel at God’s command; for God is leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory, with his mercy and justice for company.”

This message of hope is intensified by Psalm 126. Verses 1-3 says,

 “When the lord brought back the captives of Jerusalem, Zion, it was like a dream, then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tough with joy. Then they said among themselves the Lord has done great things for them, the Lord has done great things for us.”

 Clearly, true message of lament and song of joy, gratitude to what God has done for them in the past- the liberation from exile. In verse 4, he restores their fortunes, their well- being, brings them peace. In remaining verses Israel looks at the past, plead restoration and continues blessings and protection in the future:

 “Restore our fortunes, O lord, like the torrents in the Negev desert. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Although they shall go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves”(vv 4-6).

Israel hope, our hope, the hope of he Church will never be in vain. This is why Paul says to the Church in Philippi; “I pray always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day till now. I am confident this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ,” (Phil 1:4-6, 8-11).  That same Jesus  was earlier foretold by Israel’s prophets- Isaiah, Jeremiah, Baruch, Zephaniah, down to John the Baptist (Luke 3:1-6).

Like Israel and the early church Advent is a time we could settle down and count our blessings- life, family, children, husbands, friend dad and mom, jobs, good of mind and body, name them. Advent is time we also want to bring our remaining “misfortunes” illness and other forms of brokennesses to God. There is on own without some set-backs in life. We want to bring this set back to Christ.

Our future is also clouded with some level of uncertainties: what will be the nature and the final impact of the hurricane, the result of my examination, I hope there wouldn’t much traffic on the road, no accident no unforeseen illnesses, no divorce; I hope the initial joy of that honeymoon will last. It is under such uncertainties and many more that we need to surrender ourselves more and more under the ambiance of hope, love, faith and of Christ Jesus whom we expect at Christmas and in the parousia. In other words, our past, present and future all belongs to Jesus.

Homily 1st Sunday of Advent Year C: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Homily 1^st Sunday of Advent Year C: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Readings; Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25:4-5,8-10,14; 1 Thes 3:12–4:2 and Luke 21:25-28,34-36

Preparation for Christ

Advent is a preparation for Christmas. It is a time we celebrate the first coming of our Savior, Son of Man, and Son of God. It is also a season in which our minds and thoughts are spiritually and joyfully directed in expectation to the Second coming Christ.  Advent is a season of hope. It is a season of love. It is a season of faith; a season of renewal, a time  of prayer and  vigilance in penance and charity.

Last year this time in the United States and in other English speaking country we embrace and implemented the new translation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal. Today also especially in this part of the world is one year anniversary of the new missal, our prayer and faith book. So today we celebrate the unity of our faith in Christ Jesus the bridegroom of the Church.

One thing you would notice in the Bible readings of today is that in as much as advent commemorates past events, it mediates salvation, and deepens our awareness of Christ presence in the Church and the fulfillment of that promise made by God to our ancestors, Abraham, Moses, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, David through the mouths of the prophets.

In the midst of threats of the Babylonian military might, threats of exile, lose of homes, lives, the temple and its treasures, the Prophet Jeremiah, a late pre-exilic prophet, mediates with words of hope. He recalls the promise God had made to David in 2 Samuel 7:11-16, “in those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just-shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure…” (Jer 33:14-16).

And Paul said similar words of encouragement  to the troubled Thessalonians Church, “brothers and sisters may the lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones,” (1 Thess 3:12–4:2)

Apart from f Jeremiah and his contemporaries or Paul and his Thessalonians Church, the Lukan Jesus towards the end of his ministry, and as he approaches his passion, instructs his troubled disciples as well of their preparedness. Christ says;

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxiety of daily lives, and that day catches you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times…” (Luke 21:25-28, 34-36).

This awareness or vigilance is at the core of the message of advent; Vigilance with hope, faith, and love and total self-reexamination. Jeremiah had asked his people of the same vigilance. So also was Paul of the Thessalonians Church. Advent is a time we are vigilance of what God has done for us not only at the present, but also in the past and in the future. Advents reminds us of what God expects of us and what he will continue to do for us, provided we listen to him!

 It requires prayers and in being vigilance to the beautiful prophetic messages of this season. John the Baptist the last prophet before Christ bears this message as well. He says to us repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand. John remains our model during this advent.

 Besides John the Baptist, Mary is another model. She is closely related to the mysteries of her Son, Christ whom we expect at Christmas. Recall how Mary will react to the message of the angels and the mysteries of her pregnancy. She took everything in with fatih. She prepared and waited for her Son’s coming with love, hope, generosity of mind, humility, openness, transparency, vigilance, prayer and joyful praise.

May we imitate the prophets, John the Baptist and our Mother Mary, in our various capacities, as we prepare and awaits the coming of Christ at Christmas and at the parousia.

Homily for Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe Year B- Fr. Michael U Udoekpo

Homily for Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe Year B- Fr. Michael U Udoekpo

Readings: Dan 7:13-14; Ps 93:1, 1-2, 5; Rev 1:5-8 and John 18:33b-37

Belonging to the Kingship of Christ!

After our Thanksgiving few days ago there is no better way to celebrate the last Sunday in ordinary time than what we have today- the Solemnity of Christ the King; a King of love; a King of mercy full of kindness, a king of justice and King of the Universe. He controls all that we have. He is the sovereign and majesty of creation; the land, the sea, birds, animals and humans. There is no king like Him. He deserves our obedience, thankfulness and worship!

This reminds me of our childhood song growing up in a suburb of Southern Nigeria,-“kara enyong, kara- isong, kara uwem mi-oh-oh (2x) kara, kara (Ruler of heaven and earth, rule my life, rule my resources, my going and coming).

There are stories of kingship all over the place. We read about them in the Bible, especially in the Books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles starting from Saul, David, Solomon, Hezekiah, Josiah, down to Zedekiah, each of them were to act dependently and take orders from God, the true King of Israel.  Ideally, they were supposed to be representative of God, the ideal King. As we all know in the history of Israel and other world empires, it was not always the case, talk less of modern Presidencies.  In Israel’s history of kingship, Saul disobeyed, David faltered, and Solomon lived a lavish life style. Others took to idolatry and dictatorship! Very few earthly biblical kings were faithful to God.

The readings of today present us the clear irony or the contrast between the earthly kingship and the heavenly kinship. In the Gospel of today Pilate , ironically said to Jesus  “Are you the King of the Jews?  And Jesus answered “do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?’  By implication the Romans and the Jewish elites talked and knew about the Kingship of Christ. It is for this the very reason that Christ was put on trial.  By asking Pilate this question, Pilate is now on trial, while Jesus is the judge. As the conversation between Christ and Pilate went on, Pilate explicitly and ironically acclaims Jesus, King of the universe. Notice, again he said to Jesus, “Then you are a King?” and Jesus answers, “You say I am a King for this I was born and for this I came into the world.”

In John’s Gospel judgment is not trial conducted by God, but self-judgment brought on by one by refusing to be open to the truth.  Jesus’ kingship presents no danger to the political interest of Rome. But Pilate and the chief priests are concerned about earthly power. They are worried about money, politics and positions. They are concern about control. They are concern about themselves; the gains of the few. They are not looking at the larger picture. For Christ his kingdom does not belong to this “world.” His kingdom is not about what Pilate and the chief priests were after. But it is about the well-being of each and every one of us.

Similar contrast is drawn in the vision of Daniel in the first reading.  Daniel lived through the pains and persecutions of exile in the hands of cruel earthly kings, beginning from Nebuchadnezzar down to Antiochus. He foretells the downfall of these persecutors and the coming of the kingdom of God that would set up on behalf of his people. In his vision the earthly kingdoms are connected to beasts. While the heavenly kingdom, the kingdom of the holy ones is connected to one like human beings, “the Son of Man.”

This “son of Man’’ is the one Christ identifies himself with in the Synoptic Gospels (Mark 2:10, 28; 10:45; Luke 17; 22ff). He  has been given great power by God his Father to watch over us and to watch over the kings of the earth; including our  county majors, our congress men and women, our legislators, our supreme court, our president and all the branches of our civil leaders.

The “Son of Man” again is  Christ  talked about in that first reading, the Book of Revelation that:

“Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the first born of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth. ….He is the Alpha and the Omega.”(Rev 1:5-8). And his kingdom is amazing!

While the earthly kingdoms are from below; Christ’s kingdom, the kingdom of the holy ones is from above. While the earthly kingdom is temporal and limited, the heavenly kingdom is universal and eternal. 

Let me live these with you for personal reflections!  In our daily interactions, dealings and relationship with one another and our neighbors, where would you like to belong: the kingdom of Pilate and the chief priests or the kingdom of Christ:  the temporal kingdom of this world or the permanent kingdom of Christ?

The kingdom of violent or the kingdom of peace; the kingdom of truth and life or the kingdom of falsehood and death; the kingdom of hatred or the kingdom of love, the kingdom of holiness and grace or the kingdom of profanity and awkwardness?

The kingdom of injustice or the kingdom of justice; the kingdom of disrespect to children, born and unborn, women, and the dignity of human persons or the kingdom of respect to all persons and lives, the kingdom of terrorism and war or the kingdom of, love, joy and peace?; the kingdom of the yawing gap between the extreme rich and the very poor or the kingdom where at least everyone has the basic necessities of life?

 

Homily 33rd Sunday of the Year B: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Homily 33^rd Sunday of the Year B: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Readings: Dan 12;1-3; Ps 16:5,8-11; Heb 10:11-14,18; Mark 13:24-32

The Community of the Redeemed

As the year is gradually moving from January to December, liturgical readings are also shifting attention from old things to new; from sin to holiness. Reflections are moving from earthly realities to expectation of heavenly values, from earthly sacrifice or temple to heavenly sacrifices and temples; from inferior priesthood to superior priesthood, from ineffectiveness to effectiveness, from imperfection to perfection, from exile to liberation, from oppression to freedom, weakness to strength and from hopelessness to hope. There is this call for watchfulness!

Daniel and his friends in the midst of persecutions and sufferings in exile have been watching, praying and waiting. The first reading of today seems to bring Daniel and his friends some sense of justice and hope, that, “at that time there shall arise Michael” the archangel and the people of God shall be free. Even those gone before us shall awake; the wicked shall be punished and disgraced while the faithful and the wise shall shine like the splendor of firmament.

Apart from Daniel, the Disciples of Christ were also faced with the difficulties of understanding what Christ's passion and suffering in Jerusalem and final return would look like or what signs would accompany the Parousia. For Christ it is not necessary to be asking for signs. Just as it is self evidence that the tender leafy branch of an olive tree predicts summer, but it takes a process for the ripening of the fig tree- so also the sign of the coming of the Son of man will be so unnatural that it will defy all scientific predictions. No one knows the time of the coming of the Son of Man. What we require most are prayer, watchfulness and the attitude of a door keeper waiting for the master to return home.

When the master returns to see the faithful servant, waiting for him, he is happy. He ‘elects” him with joy and lavishes him praises and perhaps with gifts. The servant is also redeemed from many inconveniences, including the anxiety   for his master's return.

Christ is our master. In order to return to save us he had to go to the sacrifice of the cross.

Christ, passion or sacrifice of  the cross not only washes away our sins, but enables us even when we make any mistake or find ourselves in the midst of sufferings, illness and persecution like in the case of Daniel, to  pick up courage, to fight that illness, that temptation those weaknesses and  be able to start it all over again. The Eucharist gives us new life. It gives us an opportunity to rediscover our lost hope and faith. Like Daniel it enables us make amends, to retrace our journey back to Lord and to the Land he had promised us. It is a perfect and a refreshing sacrifice, superior to that of the levitical priest (Heb 10:11-18)

 The Eucharist we celebrate reenacts this single sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It is not just perfect, but it is the center, the pivot of our Christian life. It nourishes us with patience, love, hope, and forgiveness.  It is linked with all aspects our Christian calling, including peace, joy, unity, justice, charity and mutual communion. These are the ingredients or the components of the community of those who have been redeemed. And that is ourselves!

Homily 32nd Sunday of Year B: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Homily 32^nd Sunday of Year B: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Readings 1 Kings 17:10-16; Ps 146:7-10; Heb 9:24-28 and Mark 12:38-44

Blessings upon those who eagerly await and imitate Christ

 Today we celebrate Jesus Christ, a “type” of the poor, one in solidarity with widows, orphans and the needy, and a perfect high priest, pure and selfless, humble and simple.

Besides Christ, two widows are models of discipleship in the Bible readings of today!  One is the widow of Zaraphath who generously fed God’s prophet, Elijah in the first reading (1 Kings 17:10-16). The other is the poor widow  in Mark 12:38-44, who made such a generous offering to the Temple treasury.

This Temple was everything and central in Judaism; a place of worship, sacrifice, prayer, place to sing psalms and praises. Solomon took time to build it, a job that his father, David would have loved to do ( 2 Sam 7). But destroyed by Babylonian- enemies (586BC), and rebuilt again after the exiles (515 BC), to be re-destroyed again by the Romans (70 AD).

Although a symbol of God’s presence it was also place where abuses, hypocrisy, worship without ethics, selfishness, egoism, practiced by the Scribes, the priests, the Pharisees, the elites, were being noticed.  No wonder Israel’s prophets; Amos, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi and many others spoke out against these behaviors.

At the beginning of his ministry in John’s Gospel, Jesus began by cleansing and critiquing unethical behaviors in this same Temple. He critiqued it again in the Synoptic Gospel, towards the end of his ministry, as he journeyed to his ultimate sacrifice of the cross in Jerusalem.

While in this Jerusalem, in Mark’s Gospel (12:38:44) he teaches about true discipleship, true worship, faithfulness and humility, generosity lived by this widow.  He notices particularly this poor widow and many other but rich folks who showed up at the Temple with different types and levels of offerings. At least, the divine Jesus could read their heart and intention as well!

The offerings of the rich were calculated, orchestrated and hypocritical gifts just to fulfill the tithing laws, while that of the poor widow was that entire she had in spite of her poverty. It was as little and equivalent to the handful of flour and the little jug of oil of the woman Elijah had encountered.  But an encounter that sparked the divine reward and blessings: her jar of her flour was never going to be empty again, nor the jug or her oil. Our sincerity and goodness can never go unnoticed by the Lord!

Jesus, himself when she speaks of the poor widow  says  “She from her poverty has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” Jesus wants his disciples, the church, leaders, all of us to be aware of this. The  poor woman’s generosity deserves praise and blessings like the woman of Zarephath.  Unlike the rich who represents the Scribes the Pharisees or the Levitical priesthood of old, she gave all her savings to God. She gave her life and livelihood!  She lived for others. She sacrificed everything she had, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, his life.

St. Paul puts it well in 2 Corinthian 8:9 that, “For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sake he became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”

This voluntary poverty or sacrifice of Jesus, which  St. Paul preaches and affirms by, the 2nd reading,  the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us, was once and for all. It took away our sins. It was also spontaneous, moral, salfivic, and a product of love. Unlike the levitical priests, Christ entered into the presence of God, that is the heavenly sanctuary/temple, on our behalf. He opened the way for us and pleaded our cause.

Ways abounds for us today to avoid the mistakes of the  past Scribes by imitating these biblical widows.  Instead of aggressively seeking best seats in the synagogues, churches and noticeable positions and places of honor here and there, we  want humbly, where ever we are, or find ourselves each day, to always putt others first, especially, children, women, the poor, the voiceless, or at least wait to be invited up.

  Ostentatious and hypocritical act of worship can also be replaced with faith-filled, prayers, worship and voluntary acts of charity that comes from the depths of our hearts, since Christ voluntarily sacrificed his life for us. And blessings are for those who imitate not only these widows, in their neighborhoods, offices, homes, religious communities and places of work but Christ’s life style as a whole.

Homily 31st Sunday of Year B: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Homily 31^st Sunday of Year B: Fr. Michael U. Udoekpo

Readings: Deut 6:2-6; Ps 18:2-4, 47, 51 Heb 7:23-28 and Mark 12:28b-38

Christ- Ultimate Love- his Sacrifice

In the Gospel reading of today one of the Scribes approached Jesus to find out which commandments was the greatest. Whatever his intension was Jesus refers him to the first reading of today.

Shema! “Hear, O Israel, The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin you today.” (Deut 6:2-6) And of course Jesus adds, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mk 12:28b-34).

This fundamental ethics of Christian living goes back to Judaism and touches on other religions. Love of God and neighbor is a delight of many Apostles, Evangelists, theologians, pastors and spiritual mentors, homilists, preachers down the ages.

Paul stresses on this in 1 Corinthian chapter 7. Matthew 25 says ‘whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers or sisters so you do onto me.” In 2005 Pope Benedict XVI began his papacy with the Encyclical Deus Caritas est (God is Love). And John 3:16 , “ for God so love the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life,” remains one of the most memorable or quoted passages in the Bible. 

Uncountable illustration of love and sacrifices have also been documented or drawn from the live of the saints and  stressed in the Cathechism and seasonal teachings of the Church, including the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

Even when we live in  a noisy age where the language of love is used in different senses, in  the commercials and media outlets, people, including family members, children, men and women, workers in factories, companies,  students and teachers in schools and other jobs still know the true love of God that Jesus emphasizes in the scriptures. They include, patience, charity, tolerance, forgiveness, humility,  putting others first, looking out for one another, watching your neibors back, endurance, obedience, respect for our parents, for the dignity of women, children, the poor and people of all walks of live.

Sometimes we take ordinary listening for granted. God says today “listen” ‘hear O Israel.” Listening to God and  putting his words, precepts into practice is a sign of love, especially in a noisy world of ours today. Think of the music, the sounds of the trains, airplanes, cars, trucks, music, movies and sports and busy nature of our jobs. Sometimes we are distracted. Sometimes we are carried away by politics. We have very little time for our neighbors; talk less of sacrificing anything other thing- food, money, clothing, for the poor and the needy.

Complete opposite of the Christ, the high priest of the Letter to the Hebrews! He is attentive to everyone, especially the poor and the weary. He loves us and he is willing to sacrifice everything he has for us, including his life on the cross- ultimate sacrifice! Ultimate obedience to the Father! Ultimate love for us!

For all that God has done for us through his Son we want to reciprocate by listening to him, by holding that elevator door for our seniors, by listening to one another, our children, our spouses, by reaching out to the poor members of our communities, the “hurricane, earthquake, and war victims,” by visiting those in prison, by reaching out to the sick, those in hospice, by loving our neighbors, Jews and Gentiles, no matter what they look like, or where they come from,  regardless of gender, age, height, poor or rich, just as God has first loved us and sacrificed for us immeasurably.