Sharing the Word of God: December 2012

Sunday, December 9, 2012

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

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 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

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:

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!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

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.