Difficulties that Bring Out the Best in Us!;; Homily- Wed, 3rd Week of Easter/St. Catherine of Siena

Homily Wednesday of Third Week of Easter (M. Saint Catherine of Siena- Udoekpo, Michael, Fr.@ shsst chapel

Readings: Acts 8:1b-8; Ps 66:1-3a, 4-7a; John 6:35-40

Difficulties that Bring Out the Best in Us!

 (1)In the midst of ongoing Pandemic, we celebrate today the life and remember the contributions of Saint Catherine of Siena,  virgin, co-patron of Europe, and the first woman or lay person to be named a Doctor of the Church. In addition to her life story we are also blessed with a good selection of scriptures, especially the first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles 8:1b-8. Reflecting on this passage and on the Life of Saint Catherine of Siena in this era of Corona virus remind and challenge us to the sensitivity of the irony that sometimes difficulties can bring out the best in each and everyone one us! If there are difficult situations we cannot change; let the situation be a moment when we can change our lives, adjust and mend our approach towards a more and deeper trusting life in the Risen Lord, who is the source and Bread of life(John 6:35-40)!

(2) In the first reading Luke tells us that it was a result of the persecution of the Church of Jerusalem that that the gospel was spread to Samaria and beyond, in fact, to non-Jews towns and territories. Stephen became the first martyr. He was killed and buried under this umbrella of persecution and difficulties. Saul who would soon ironically receive his calling and conversion to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, in Acts 9, and occupy almost one-third of the NT later, was a key player. His primary goal initially was to destroy the Church. Scripture tells, he moves from house to house dragging out people, men and women for persecution, torture and imprisonment.

(3) The Greek verb used repeatedly in Acts’ passage (vv.1, 4; 11:9), that coveys this irony is diaspeirō, meaning “scatter.” But, I prefer to translate it as “spread.” It has a missionary implication. As members of the early church including Philip were running away from persecution and difficulties they spread the good-news, the bread and source of lives. They are healed, cured diseases, the cripples and paralyzes. In other words, seeming difficulties can sometimes bring out the best in us!

(4) In the case of Saint Catherine of Siena history has it that she was born prematurely with her twin sister, Giovanna into a very large Italian family. Giovanna, the twin sister later died at infancy, while Catherine survived.  About the age of six Catherine had a mystical vision of Jesus smiling at her and blessing her and leaving her in a state of ecstasy- perhaps to the amazement of her family

  

(5) When her older sister Bonaventura died, her parents wanted the 16 year old Catherine to marry her sister’s widower. She fought back and opposed the idea. As a result she was badly treated. She experienced all kinds of difficulties, including ill health, and opposition from her family not to join the Dominican Convent.  Catherine, after he had gone through a lot, finally joined the Dominican tertiaries in 1335, took the habit, and remained at home in prayers for three years.

(6) In 1336 she experienced a “mystical marriage” with Jesus, and actively expressed her faith through actions. She was a mystic and an activist. She cared for the sick, the needy and the poor. If it were today she would be center and front assisting victims of the ongoing pandemic. She was also a peace maker, and would often initiates a dialogue between quarrelling parties in Italy. Even though she went through difficulties and died at the young age of 39, her difficult life’s journeys brought the best out of Catherine, She became who God had wanted here to be: a Saint, a mystic, an activist, a lover of the poor and the sick, a co-patron of Europe and a doctor of the Church, whom the Church keeps honoring year after year!

(7) As the world continues to experience challenges and difficulties, as a result of Covid-19, many, politicians, civil and church leaders, are also realizing that the challenge of this virus can bring out the best in all of us- citizens and leaders.

(8) Andrew Cuomo, the governor of NY, during his press conference yesterday made this very same point. He said that the ongoing pandemic could make us Americans (Nigerians etc…) rethink of how vulnerable we are. How we are lacking in areas of tele-education, evangelization/spreading the gospel through media, health care system and in many other areas we thought we were invincible. This pandemic, he said, reminds us to appreciate more and more our essentials workers: cooks, drivers, cleaners, health workers and many others…..

(9) So for us here (and elsewhere..), when we want to get over-worried about our difficulties…. : be it about our ordinations' dates;  the rest our seminary formation, or travelling plans affected by this pandemic,  may the courage  and gospel faith displayed by members of the early Church and by St. Catherine of Siena, despite their difficulties(persecution, illnesses, loss of loved ones’, family rejection etc), inspire and  challenge us to continue to trust and hope for the best in the Risen Lord!

Recognizing Christ, Who Walks with Us- In this Time of Pandemic; Homily 3rd Sunday of Easter Yr A (2020)

Homily: Third Sunday of Easter Year A

Recognizing Christ, Who Walks with Us- In this Time of Pandemic

Fr. Udoekpo, Michael Ufok

v  Acts 2:14, 22-33

v  Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-11

v  1 Pet 1:17-21

v  Luke 24:13-35

The Emmaus story of today’s Gospel is a delight of preachers and commentators. It speaks to people of all ages including our own, this pandemic generation. On this Third Sunday of Easter, we are called to celebrate and recognize Christ, who walks with us on our journeys. He shows us the path of life (Ps 16:11a). Through the lenses of the readings just heard, we are invited to imitate Christ’s disciples: Peter, Cleopas and his companion, the eleven disciples, and the women who not only stood at the foot of the divine cross but were the first to witness the empty tomb and to recognize the truth and redeeming effects of the resurrection of Christ. In this time of Pandemic when, how and where do we recognize Christ’s redeeming power in our lives? Do we recognize it in our moms, colleagues, students, fellow staff member, children, and dads? In the poor and needy? In our neighbors, in our health care workers, civil and ecclesiastical leaders, in the songs we sing during worship, in the Eucharist we share, and in the sermons we listen to? In our offices, places of work, classrooms, and libraries? I believe there are so many opportunities for us, out there, to encounter Christ, like Christ’s disciples just mentioned.

In the first two readings we see Peter, the foremost disciple of Christ is at work. In the first reading (Acts 2:14, 22-33) we see him delivering a Pentecost speech, and in the second reading (1 Pet 1:17-21) we see him preaching the redeeming blood of Jesus. Initially, Peter had his own doubts; he had his ups and downs and human path to walk. Remember, Peter experienced failure: He violently cut off Malchus’ ear, and then proceeded to deny his master three times. But today he has chosen a different path: the path of life.

In this path of life, Scripture presents Peter as courageously and convincingly proclaiming faith in the truth of the risen Lord. He is not worried about his former failures. The Petrine passages we read today are not ordinary rhetoric; they are an enduring testimony to Christ’s love for us, the miracles he worked, and the healing compassion he brought us. He can do the same thing for us today in this time of corona virus. What Peter does in today’s readings is recognizing the power of God and the truth that sufferings, persecution, or the tomb was never, from day one, going to be Christ’s final destination. It was never going to be possible for Christ to be held by death. Peter’s life is an example of how God can change us and move things around in our lives, even in the face of sufferings and threat of this pandemic.

 Isn't it challenging for us that the denying Peter of the Passion Week has become a courageous disciple who uses every opportunity to bear witness to Christ.  The question we may ask ourselves: Do we explore every opportunity in our lives to bear witness to Christ or to recognize his enduring presence at our side? Or to be more personally, am I ready to change my path, which could be human over anxiousness, fear of the unknown, and follow the path of Christ- divine providence, and total self- surrendering to God’s will?

In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 24:13-35), the conversation between Cleopas and his companion on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus illustrates Christ’s disciples’ struggle with the Jewish community and the fear, sadness, and doubt they faced regarding Jesus’ messianic and redeeming presence following his death on the cross. We all have our own conversations, fears, and doubts in moments of crisis. This moment of pandemic is a good example.

Notably, in the Gospel Cleopas was walking back to Emmaus with a companion. Who was this other disciple that Cleopas traveled with? The name is not mentioned in Luke, but many theologians and spiritual authors thought she was "Mary the wife of Cleopas" mentioned in John 19:25. But, for me this once again rings the bell that we are in this faith journeys together, men and women.

We are called to strive to recognize Jesus in one another. Jesus was there for a long walk alongside Cleopas and his fellow traveler. However, they failed to recognize him until the sharing of the word of God and the breaking of the bread. These represent two key things we do when we gather, physically and virtually to worship: We celebrate the word of God, and we break bread—the holy Eucharist. The Scripture that Christ explains, from Moses to the Prophets, transforms Cleopas and his companion’s mindset and spiritual path. It changes their uncertainty to certainty. It calms their fear and restores their hope in Christ the prophet. They recognize him as a true redeemer and a peaceful Messiah. He has come not to fight his enemies and opponents with weapons and ammunition, as Peter had initially thought, but to bring them love, peace, and forgiveness. No wonder they said to Christ, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over” (Luke 24:29).

The Eucharist we break and the Bible lessons we share from our readings. Even on social media, radio, television, in this time of pandemic are great opportunities for us to encounter the risen Christ and have our faith nourished and restored, as was the faith of Cleopas and his companion.

Each of our faith journeys can be seen not only in light of Peter and the eleven disciples, but in light of Cleopas and his companion’s journey on the road to Emmaus. We must seize every opportunity on our own journey through life to recognize and feel God’s presence on our path. We want him to stay with us and walk with us. We want Jesus to be with us during meals, at Mass, as we read the Bible, as we pay attention to the sermon, when we’re on our sickbed, as we wrestle with this pandemic, when we’re experiencing bad times, and when we’re celebrating good times. We want Jesus to be with us whether we’re poor or rich. We want him to be with us at home, at church, in the classroom, in the workplace, and at school. We want Jesus to be with our children, our priests, our parents, health workers, fire fighters, our leaders, and our neighbors. He travels always with us on our paths. He shows us the path of life in this time of Pandemic!

Reflection Questions

1. How often do you recognize that Christ accompanies you every day?

2. How do you relate to today’s readings?

3. In moments of loss, or in this moment of corona-virus pandemic do you feel that the Lord is with you?

The Spirit of Sharing and Commitment during This Pandemic, Homily - Tuesday -2nd Week of Easter

Homily Tuesday 2^nd Week of Easter, Fr. Udoekpo, Michael Ufok @shsst

Readings: Acts4:32-37; Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5; John 3:7b-15

The Spirit of Sharing and Commitment during This Pandemic

(1)As we saw yesterday, in the Church of Easter, the Holy Spirit is at work no matter our daily challenges.  We read part of John’s Gospel 3 yesterday. Leading up to today’s Gospel passage, we meet Nicodemus, a high-ranking Pharisee, and a lawer, who comes to see Jesus under the cover of darkness (Hoshek).  He shows an interest in Jesus, and seems to want to know more about Him.  But Jesus tells Nicodemus that he needs to be born from above/anōthen in Greek, mistakenly also taken as again.  Under the darkness of literalism and misunderstanding,  which can happen to any of us, Nicodemus response, just before  today’s passage, is that he isn’t sure how he would go about crawling back into his mother’s womb, especially since he was already a grown up man. How often do we not hurry to misunderstand one another, or pre-judge ourselves?  Or presumed undue advantage over our next door neighbor?

(2)What Jesus really wishes, is for Nicodemus to be born of the Spirit, which we know sacramentally happens through Baptism. At baptism our sins are forgiven.  At baptism we all become adopted children of God. We become sharers of divine life and temples of the Holy Spirit, and are now able to live and act under the guidance of the light of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit, helps us mature in prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude, in boldness. The kind of boldness Peter and John exhibited yesterday.  Baptism also provides a common foundation among all Christians, irrespective of your color, tribe and gender.  In baptism we are configured to Christ. We become members of the Church, the Body of Christ, sharing in his priesthood as prophets and kings, and missionaries as we often read in 1 Peter 2:9.  In baptism of water and of the Holy Spirit, being born from above, we enjoy the community we find in the Church, share our talents, with its members as was the case in early Christian community of Acts of the Apostles, the first reading, Acts 4:32-37; one of the Summary narratives in Lukan composition (cf. 2:42-47; 4:32-35; 5:12-16)

(3) In this Summary, the Holy Spirit is at work, enabling the early Christian community of believers to act with one mind and heart share their gifts and property with one another.  A spirituality that Pope Francis delights so far in his papacy, and would continue to recommend to everyone, especially in this time of pandemic. What is special about this text of Acts is that it is a unique summary- genre of Lukan description of the congregation of believers in Jerusalem that clearly and vividly depict what was customary,  for them, as the ideal for all Christians.  Through his inspired literary craftsmanship Luke makes it clear in this passage that he envisions this quality of sustainable fellowship, a koinōnia, a common commitment to Christ as ideal to all believers.

(4). This text of Acts also implies the need for believers, to possess a spirit of unity and harmony in their worship. This spirit must not end at mass or in the four wall of the church, but, rather must be translated into the altar of daily life, by how we treat our next door neighbor, on the road, in plazas, in our private conversation, or in how we share our possessions and talents, our material wealth, with others, particularly with the less privileged and needy persons of our society.

 (5)  We must not like Nicodemus misunderstand this text, Acts 4:32-37. It was not about forced “Christian Communism”. Rather, it was a voluntary act of love and generosity. Our love for one another must be free and be guided by the impulse of the Holy Spirit. Prompted by the Holy Spirit members of the early Christian community, including a wealthy Cyproit Levite, Joseph known as Barnabas voluntarily sold his field, his property, and brought the money to the feet of the Apostles for community fellowship- such that there was no needy person among them!

(6) I know this could be challenging for us in a materialistic, world of indifference Pope Francis referenced in his Divine Mercy Sunday homily. But, Luke is meant to remind us of the kind of fellowship that was present in the Jerusalem Church as the standard for other churches and congregations.

(7). By implication Luke is inviting us today in this challenging time of coronavirus pandemic, to not only open the doors of our hearts to the Holy Spirit, but to imitate the early Christian community  as much as we can, to appreciate the role of a community in our lives for spiritual growth. He is inviting us to be nice to one another, offer counselling, pray for one another, the sick, the dead, the elderly, our health workers as well as our political and civil leaders, and scientists that they may continue to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit; and be ready to share their talents, goods, gifts, love, acts of forgiveness of debt, wealth and divine inspiration with our various communities.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Church of Easter, Homily Monday. 2nd Week of Easter

Homily Monday 2^nd Week of Easter, Fr.  Udoekpo, Michael Ufok@ Shsst

Readings: Acts 4:23-31; Ps 2:1-3, 4-7a, 7b-9; John 3:1-8

The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Church of Easter

(1)Last week, during my homily in one of the daily Masses I made mentioned that in the earlier chapters of the Acts of the Apostles, Luke presents the story of our Risen and merciful Lord as recommending continuity in faith to his Apostles.  Our Risen Savior authorizes the beginning of the Church. He Charges his Apostle to stay in Jerusalem, where the Church will begin. He promises them the Holy Spirit, which we anticipates at Pentecost.

(2)As we  meditate on today’s scriptures, just heard, I want to humbly draw our attention to the fact that whereas, our Risen savior is the chief character of the Gospels, the Holy Spirit working through the Apostles ( Peter, Paul, John and  others)  remains, rather, the dominant character in the Acts of the Apostles, our first reading.

(3) In fact, a friend of mine, who taught me Luke-Acts once said, that “Acts of the apostles could more appropriately be entitled the “Acts of the Holy Spirit””. Which is true. In today’s first reading, Peter and John who were persecuted for the sake of the Gospel had gone back to their community, taking refuge in the Lord. Their only defense was prayer using Psalms 2, and 146. We are told the Lord intervened with the gift of the Holy Spirit. They were shaken and were all filled with the Holy Spirit of Easter which enables them, which gave them the audacity of hope, to continue to preach the risen Lord with boldness without fear.

(4)So also Nicodemus, a Pharisees and a crypto- Jewish Christ’s believer in today’s Gospel of John 3:1-8. At night he sneaked out and had a believing encounter with Christ, who taught him “unless one is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  But as a lawyer he literally misunderstood being “born from above”, with the Greek word “anōthen to mean physically-biological re-birth, or re-born “again.”

(5). But, thanks to our Lord who quickly corrected him that, that he meant “unless one is born of Water and the Holy Spirit), ruah/qadosh hagios, which is at the heart of Acts of the Apostles, he she cannot enter the kingdom of God.

(6) Isn’t amazing how the Holy Spirit works? In John 12:32 Jesus, speaking about his crucifixion had once predicted, “When I lifted on earth I will draw all people to myself.” On the foot of the cross, especially the burial narrative of Jesus, guess those who were there—Joseph of Arimathea and this very Nicodemus of John 3.  Despite his initial resistance and skepticism the Holy Spirit brought him to a new rebirth just as it had empowered Peter and John. It is this same Spirit that guides us in what we do here!

  

(7)Yesterday, on the Feast of Divine Mercy, the Holy Father, Pope Francis was very blunt, simple and pointing in his homily, as usual. Stressing the need to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and be attentive to the weak, the poor and the needy, of our communities, especially in this time of Pandemic, he said, “ On this feast of Divine Mercy, the most beautiful message comes from Thomas, the disciple who arrived late; he was the only one missing. But the Lord waited for Thomas. Mercy does not abandon those who stay behind. Now, while we are looking forward to a slow and arduous recovery from the pandemic, there is a danger that we will forget those who are left behind. The risk is that we may then be struck by an even worse virus, that of selfish indifference. A virus spread by the thought that life is better if it is better for me, and that everything will be fine if it is fine for me. It begins there and ends up selecting one person over another, discarding the poor, and sacrificing those left behind on the altar of progress.”

(7)  In other words, in spite of the ongoing challenges, our responses to one another, our ideals and scale of values, all aspects of our life, our studies and formation, will look different, if we welcome the Spirit to be our guide and our counselors. What the Holy Spirit achieves in us is a spiritual not a physical rebirth. We do not re-enter our mother’s womb. Rather an inner change takes place which activates our hidden potential and sharpens what had become dull and boring, to make us what we are meant to be, “salt of the earth” and “the light of  the world.”

(8) May the stories of Paul, John, and Nicodemus and of the early Christian community in Acts of the Apostles invites us to make progress in our relationship with Jesus. Even if we are afraid, scared, and lukewarm especially in this time of corona virus and in matters of faith, mercy, sharing, koinonia, and of forgiveness, we can grow more committed as life moves on. It is also important to keep in mind spiritual growth does not come by will-power, or the title we have or offices we occupy alone; it is ultimately the work of the Spirit in our hearts. 

Conduits of Divine Mercy (In this Year of Pandemic) ; Homily- Divine Mercy Sunday (Year of Pandemic 2020)

Homily - Divine Mercy Sunday in the Year of Pandemic (2020), Udoekpo, Michael Ufok

Conduits of Divine Mercy (In this Year of Pandemic) 

v  Acts 2:42-47

v  Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

v  1 Pet 1:3-9 (A)

v  Acts 4:32-35; 1 John 5:1-6 (B)

v  Acts 5:12-16; Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 (B)

v  John 20:19-31 (ABC)

(1)Today, the 2^nd Sunday of Easter and in this year of Corona Virus Pandemic, the Church, of which our dioceses, parishes, institutions, communities or families form a part celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday. This celebration commemorates Jesus’ revelation of divine mercy to Saint Faustina. Pope John Paul II granted this feast to the universal church on the occasion of his raising Sr. Faustina, a young Polish woman, to sainthood on April 30, 2000. He decreed that it was to be celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter on May 23, 2000. It is an invitation to us as we continue to contemplate the paschal mysteries of Christ to place our confidence in his divine benevolence, even in the midst of life’s difficulties, fears, anxieties, uncertainties the entire world is facing now because of the ongoing Covid-19 ravaging.

(2) Even with the ongoing fear-generating and vicious virus we have so much post-resurrection- faith-aspects to draw from scriptures, notably an aspect of Continuity. Continuity in believing in the Risen Lord. Continuity in trusting in his love. Continuity in relying on his tender care and divine mercy, no matter the challenges we face in life.

(3)  Christ’s enthronement on the cross, his resurrection, and his multiple appearances to his seemingly disillusioned and doubting disciple (on the road to Emmaus, at meals, breakfast, praying, and fishing) evident in scriptures were nothing but acts of love and mercy toward us. Those appearances were balms of mercy to soothe their fears and the anxieties unknown!

(4) In today’s second reading, for instance, Peter recognizes this when he says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet 1:3).

(5)These disciples, especially those who lived through the paschal mystery, needed Christ’s peace to calm their fears. As they hid for fear of persecution, they needed to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in the supernatural gifts of faith and fortitude. Recall Luke 24:13-35, when Jesus walked beside Cleopas and his friend on the road to Emmaus as they returned from Jerusalem. They were so focused on their sad conversation that they did not recognize Jesus until he, the risen Christ, spent time breaking bread with them. Besides walking with his disciples or breaking bread with them, Jesus also ate baked fish with them (Luke 24:35-48) and gave them encouraging instructions on the beach in Tiberias (John 21:1-14).

(6)In John 20:19-31, today’s Gospel, the risen Lord appeared to the restless and frightened disciples with blessings of peace-Shalom! He breathed on them and commissioned them to a preaching mission with the power to forgive sins—even those who would persecute the church. He invites Thomas to touch his wounds—wounds that heal Thomas’ faithlessness and our own, wounds that replace lack of peace with the peace of Christ, wounds that replace the spirit of darkness with God’s spirit of light. Thomas touches the wounds that testify to the truth, courage, unlimited mercy, forgiveness, and healing love with which Christ has loved us. Thomas touches wounds of mercy, unity, and communion.

(7) Also as evident in  the summary statements of the first reading, Acts of the Apostles, Christ’s life, ministry, death, resurrection, appearances, ascension, and promise of the Holy Spirit warranted the sharing of testimonies and the preaching of the early church, whose members “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). Moreover, “The whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 4:32-35). The witnesses of the early church were blessed with the spirit of sharing and showing mercy toward their neighbors. They were blessed with the spirit of continuity of true Communion with one another—that same Communion that our First Communion friends and children would usually share with us during these Sundays between now and Pentecost.

(8) Of course, the times we are in… of Covid-19, challenges each of us, private citizen, individual, all of us, not just a few, cooperate bodies, civil and ecclesiastical institutions to intensify acts of charity, to open up ourselves as doors, and channels of divine mercy, and re-thinking of how best to assist the poor and the needy; how to serve those we were elected to serve; how to forgive,  how to be patriotic, how to provide basic infrastructures for our communities and how to say a prayer for one another and wish my neighbor well(peace). In other words how to learn and practice our faith continuously in the light of the early Christian community, despite life’s challenges.

(9)Additionally, like Mary Magdalene, Peter, Cleopas, Thomas, and the eleven disciples, we all have moments of doubt, uncertainty, trials, confusion, disbelief, hopelessness, and frustration; especially the type cause by ongoing corona-virus pandemic. If we have ever acted uncharitably or mercilessly toward our neighbors, this is the time to make a U-turn. This is the time to dip our broken hands into Christ’s wounds and be healed and filled with faith by the wounded healer. Even as we dip our fingers into the Communion plates and drink from those cups, physically, or virtually from our various places and homes of  distancing worships may we be strengthened to say with Thomas, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). May our society and the church be blessed with fruitful evangelization, peace, love, hope, faith, and unity (1 Pet 1:3-9; 1 John 5:1-6). And may our families, streets, neighborhoods, churches, and workplaces continue to be conduits for the transmission of divine mercy and faith in the risen Christ in spite of the ravaging effects of the ongoing pandemic.

Reflection Questions:

1. In light of today’s Bible readings, who is God or the Jesus of Easter for you?

2. How do you share God’s grace and mercy with members of your faith community or neighbors in the midst of on –going pandemic?

3. Can you relate to Thomas in today’s Gospel?

4. How do I serve as a conduit of divine mercy in this difficult time of corona virus?

By His Resurrection He Opens for Us the Way to a New Life of Hope (A); Homily -Easter Sunday (2020)

Homily: Easter Sunday Year ABC

By His Resurrection He Opens for Us the Way to a New Life of Hope (A)

Fr. Udoekpo, Michael Ufok

v  Acts 10:34a, 37-43

v  Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

v  Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8

v  Matt 28:1-9; Mark16:1-8; Luke 24:13-35; John 20:1-9

Coronavirus or no Coronavirus, the psalmist is so re-assuring that  “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps 118:24). Let us sing Alleluia, for the Lord has risen! Before the event of the Lord’s resurrection today, and over the Triduum, you and I faithfully traveled a long way with the events of Holy Thursday and Good Friday, in spite of the stress and the agony of the ongoing pandemic!

Through Christ’s death on that Good Friday, he liberates us from sin and teaches us how to endure death, and bear sufferings with hope of the resurrection.  Through his resurrection today, Christ guarantees us eternal life. He opens for us the way to a new life of grace and freedom (CCC 654)—this is the new yeast or fresh batch of dough that Paul speaks of in the second reading (1 Cor 5:6b-8). Christ transforms us from all forms of darkness—social, economic, religious, and cultural—to a light of peace, joy, and justice. Christ brings hope out of the rejection, mockery, intimidation, and colonialism under Pilate, abuse, oppression, bullying, illnesses, pandemics, false accusations, and seeming defeat of Good Friday. Christ transforms that which is below to that which is above (Col 3:1-4).

What would Christianity have been without the truth of the resurrection? Our worship today, where ever you are (in your room, homes, by your TV, Radio etc;) would be meaningless if everything ended on Palm Sunday or Good Friday. It would be meaningless if our observance was limited to the celebration of our Lord’s Passion, the Stations of the Cross, or the five Sorrowful Mysteries. Our faith would be meaningless without the joyful and glorious mysteries—without Christ’s victory over death, as Saint Paul says in 1 Corinthian 15:14-17. Our preaching, homilies, sermons, songs, and hymns today and these days on social media, would be useless. Our faith would be in vain. We would be like a sheep without a shepherd. If everything ended with the red vestments of Good Friday, we wouldn’t put on the golden and white vestments we wear today. If everything ended with the bare and undecorated altar of Good Friday, we wouldn’t have this beautifully decorated altar, the joyful song of Gloria, the ringing of the bell, and all that they stand for. In other words, this Corona virus pandemic will surely come to pass and we will soon bear witness to this. God will raise us out of the darkness of this virus as he had raised his Son Jesus from the tomb!

Thanks be to God! Our Lord has been raised from the dead. Alleluia! Peter, the foremost of Christ’s disciples, bears personal witness to this event in the first reading (Acts 10:34a, 37-43) and encourages us to do the same in our families, communities, neighborhoods, parishes, and dioceses. Peter unequivocally, says,

You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear . . . to us who . . . ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach . . . All the prophets testify about him.

Apart from Peter and Paul, all four Evangelists bear strong witness to the resurrection (Matt 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21). In today’s Gospel, Mary Magdalene, filled with great love for Christ, came to the empty tomb of the risen Jesus on the first day of the week, when it was still dark (John 20:1-9). She found the stone rolled away. Like the Samaritan woman in John 4, she reacted quickly, running back to inform Peter and the other disciples. Her actions set the tone for how we must celebrate today, and how we must react when we encounter Christ in our family members, in the songs we sing, in the Eucharist we share, in the Covid-19 victims we meet, and in the poor and the immigrants to whom we reach out.

I further find it interesting that Mary Magdalene initially says to Peter, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him” (John 20:2). She initially thought Christ’s body had been stolen, but she would eventually come to faith in the resurrection. Even “the denying Peter,” who had run away from the scene of Jesus’ trial, is now a transformed Peter, a new Peter. Upon hearing Mary’s news, he runs to the tomb. Though the other disciple is the first to arrive, Peter is the first to embrace the burial cloth in Jesus’ empty tomb.

Where are you running to or from on this Easter Sunday? To whom do we reach out to support with hope during this pandemic? What do you do with the news of the resurrection? What does the empty tomb say to you? Whose resurrection testimony episode do you most relate to: Peter, Paul, or Mary Magdalene’s?

Mary Magdalene could be seen as a disciple who not only genuinely loved and searched for Jesus, but was attached to Jesus. Remember, she knew him as the truth, the light, the way, the Bread of Life, and the source of eternal salvation. Like Mary, we are called not only to believe but to bear witnesses to our faith wherever we find ourselves each day with new zeal, joy, and energy. Peter had once stumbled, but he made it to sainthood.

That you are sick today does not mean that you cannot get well tomorrow.  That corona virus is ravaging today does not mean with time its containment or mitigation is not possible. That you have been laid off from your job does not mean that all doors are closed to you. That you once doubted the resurrection or any aspect of your faith—that you have stumbled like Peter did—does not mean you cannot turn things around. Where Christ is, there is always a change from below to above—from Good Friday to Easter, and from sorrow to joy!

As we celebrate this year’s Easter under the shadow of pandemic, may our faith be strengthened by the transforming power of Christ’s resurrection and be reassured that, by his resurrection, he opens for us the way to a new life!

Reflection Questions:

1. What does Christ’s resurrection mean for you? How do you share this with members of your faith community, particularly those heavily hit by Covid-19?

2. Like Christ’s disciples, to where are you running on this Easter Sunday?

3.  In this time of pandemic what does the empty tomb say to you? Whose resurrection testimony do you most relate to: Peter, Paul, or Mary Magdalene’s?

4. To whom do we reach out to support with hope during this pandemic?

Joy & Hope in the Risen Lord In this Time Coronavirus, Homily- Holy Saturday (2020)

Homily: Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil Year ABC)

Joy & Hope in the Risen Lord In this Time Coronavirus

Fr. Udoekpo, Michael Ufok

v  (1) Gen 1:1–2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a; Ps 104:1-2, 5-6, 10-14, 24, 35 or Ps 33:4-7, 12-13, 20-22

v  (2) Gen 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Ps 16:5, 8, 9-11

v  (3) Exod 14:15–15:1; Exod 15:1-6, 17-18

v  (4) Isa 54:5-14; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13

v  (5) Isa 55:1-11; Ps 12:2-3, 4-6

v  (6) Bar 3:9-15, 32–4:4; Ps 19:8-11

v  (7) Ezek 36:16-17a, 18-28; [A] Ps 42:3, 5; 43:3-4; [B] Isa 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6; [C] Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19

v  (8) Rom 6:3-11; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

v  (9) [A] Matt 28:1-10; [B] Mark 16:1-7; [C] Luke 24:1-12

In tonight’s liturgy the church assembles around Jesus’ tomb with songs, prayer, and the sharing of Scripture while awaiting his resurrection. Even though the gathering is a bit long, and with few or without the congregation, or as we worship from our homes and various locations, because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it is a four-part, faith-filled- joyful celebration including: the joyful song of the exulted along with the lighting of candles to symbolize Christ’s role as the Light of the World, the liturgy of the word, [baptism] and the renewal of promises, and the Holy Eucharist- following the directives from the Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments.

Through the Scripture readings, we recollect the history of our salvation: beginning with creation, proceeding to the covenant with Abraham, and finally culminating in the events of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection from the dead, which we gather tonight to celebrate!

What wonderful and spiritually-rich Scripture passages we read today. In the creation stories of Genesis and in the psalms, God lovingly creates, orders, assigns names, shows mercy and kindness, and forgives. In spite of the generation of our first parents—Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and Noah—God calls Abraham and establishes a covenant with him. In our Scriptures tonight, Abraham is willing to sacrifice, go through trials, and give back to God all that God had given him—including his only son Isaac (Gen 22:1-18). What are you willing to give back to God to make your relationship with God work? Perhaps it includes faithfulness, hope, and love, charity to the poor and the needy, especially in this time of pandemic, or sharing your faith story with others?

As we deal and go through the threats and plague of ongoing Corona virus pandemic, we could see that Israel’s story is our story. Through these stories, we are reminded that our lives, Israel’s lives, belong to God. He alone can use us. He can write even on a crooked line! Though we are suffering this pandemic now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, as I mentioned in my Good Friday and Palm Sunday Homilies. We see this particularly in the events of Israel’s various exiles. God alone can harden Pharaoh’s heart; he alone works through the signs of the ten plagues, and he alone uses Assyria and Babylon as his instruments of judgment. God judges, punishes, rewards, and exhorts in order to save Israel, as expressed in the various prophetic passages read tonight—particularly those of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Baruch.

What Israel’s prophets long foretold—life, hope, freedom, salvation, new life—is fulfilled tonight in the resurrection of Christ, witnessed by Paul in Romans 6:3-11. Instructing the community of believers in Rome, Paul says, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:3-4).

The [baptismal rites and] renewal that we celebrate tonight speak to this Pauline passage and point to the tomb and resurrection of Christ, which we await this holy night. It is a night we set aside the fear, sorrow, uncertainty, frustration, and anxiety of Good Friday and go out to spread the joy of the empty tomb and the glorious resurrection.

Imagine what the experience of the empty tomb must have been like for the early apostles. It must have been amazing to the women, particularly Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and to the others who accompanied them. It must have been amazing to Peter and to the rest of the disciples as well.

If you were there in the early days, what would you have felt? How do you feel tonight? What an amazing God we worship! With the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, everything is possible! Creation is possible. The orderliness of creation is possible. The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is possible. The crossing of the Red Sea on dry land is possible. Raising Jesus from the tomb is possible. Healing is possible. Success in life is possible. Passing that examination is possible. True reconciliation is possible. Transformation is possible. Family reunion is possible.

For those who live under corrupt governments, transformed sociopolitical structure is possible. Reaching out to the poor, the aged, and the needy, as stressed by Pope Francis, is possible. Justice is possible. Providing basic facilities- hospitals, food and nourishment, roads, electricity, job opportunities, reliefs for citizens in this time of pandemic is possible.

As we [virtually] gather around Christ’s empty tomb this holy night, may we be reassured of the hope, transformation, and new life that the light of the resurrection of Christ brings us. May we be reassured of his presence in our homes, families, churches, offices, journeys, and workplaces. As we pray for our brothers and sisters, victims of terrorism, and Covid-19 around the globe, may we continue to trust in his protective care. May we, as the baptized and as believers, be joyful and reassured of eternal life in heaven after our pilgrimage here on earth.

Reflection Questions:

1. In this time of Coronavirus what gives you joy and hope?

2. What aspect of today’s Scripture readings or levels of celebration impact you most; any aspect of Israel’s story in your story?

3. What is the meaning of the resurrection for you, and how do you share this with stressed members of your faith community, health workers, and those affected or who may have lost their loved ones to corona virus?

The Glory of the Cross and the Goodness of Good Friday in Time of Covid -19; Homily - Good Friday ABC

Homily: Good Friday Year ABC

The Glory of the Cross and the Goodness of Good Friday in Time of Covid -19

Fr. Udoekpo, Michael Ufok

v  Isa 52:13-53:12

v  Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25

v  Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9

v  John 18:1–19:42

On Palm Sunday, we witnessed and celebrated Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. That celebration unfortunately took place under the current difficult, painful and vicious atmosphere of Corona virus. As the Holy Father, Pope Francis said yesterday in his Mass of the Last Supper’s Homily we commend our priests, currently active in spreading the Gospel, especially on all forms of social media, and those of our health workers who are  “ saints to their next door neighbors”  in this time of global health pandemic; that this year’s Holy Week has sadly witnessed!

As unique and extraordinarily as this year’s Holy Week liturgical celebration might structurally look, it is for our own good, and the good of our neighbors. As we adjust, and celebrate today, we continue to follow the directives of our scientists, health experts, whose wisdom comes from God. We continue to listen patiently to our inspired world and church leaders who provide guidance for us in this difficult times.

 On this day, the Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacrament’s “Degree In time of Covid-19” led by Cardinal Robert Sarah, instructs us that “in Cathedral and parish churches, where and in the measure that there is a real possibility of doing so, established by the one responsible, the Bishop/Parish Priest will celebrate the Passion of the Lord. In the Universal Prayer, the Bishop will see to it that there is a special intention for the sick, the dead, for those who feel lost or dismayed (cf. Misalle Romanum, pag, and 314 n. 13).”

My brothers and sisters this is where we are. That journey we began together on Palm Sunday culminates in today’s events: the glory of the cross and the goodness of Friday. This makes us wonder what is really glorious, good, or redemptive about the holy cross we venerate on Good Friday, if I may add, in this year of Corona virus that has inflicted and devastated, physically, emotionally, and mentally so many already.

In other words, what is good about this year’s Good Friday? What is good about the red vestment priests wear today? What is good about our altars left bare, undecorated, today? I guess it’s the knowledge that Christ loves us to the end, no matter the affliction, no matter, the suffering, and the mockery he endured at the Stations of the Cross, since God his Father watches over him.  In faith, the same God watches over us- our leaders, families, health workers, priests, religious, lay faithful, in this moment of global pandemic.

In that moment of the passion narratives, Jesus said many prayers from that cross. One of them is: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). We see the goodness of Good Friday, no matter the times and seasons, in this prayer. In it, Christ teaches us how to rely completely on God when we experience trials of any kind. In our trials and pandemics God can always turn things around in our lives, no matter how bad our condition is. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, the goodness of Good Friday.

The goodness of Good Friday, we preach in this trying moment is also revealed in today’s first reading (Isa 52:13-53:12), the fourth song of the Suffering Servant of God. This dramatic and poignant song describes the sufferings and death of the servant, giving rise to the servant’s description as “The Suffering Servants.” Even though the servant as I have been commenting on throughout this week, was spurned, beaten, insulted, and rejected, he did not open his mouth. It was our infirmities and suffering that he endured. He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins.

In fact, in all 4 songs of the suffering servant, the Isaiah of Babylon showcases God’s fidelity to the servant, and Christ, whom he has called and commission, thereby assuring us alter Christus , another Christ, followers, brothers and sisters of Christ, of God’s fidelity in time of dangers, such as corona-virus.

Similarly the unknown preacher in the second reading, the Letter to the Hebrews, communicates to us the goodness of Good Friday when he says, “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death” (Heb 5:7). Jesus uttered prayers like, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psa 22:1). He uttered prayers like, “Into your hand I commit my spirit” (Psa 31:5). And God heard his prayers because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered, and when he was made perfect, when he was raised from death, he became the source of eternal salvation. The cross would never be the end of Jesus’ journey. In faith, we can also claim the assurance that we are in this together, that corona virus will not be the end of the world.  It will come and go. We will survive it, and come out stronger, with the help of God.

We emerge stronger with a lesson of hope in the Lord. We will emerge stronger of awareness of our vulnerability and weaknesses but not for God. We will become increasing aware of our brokenness, vincibility, our relational- connectivity of humanity, as well the universalism of God’s love for us.

Global politicians and leaders who may have in the past neglected provision of hospitals, love, care, clinics, sense of patriotism, selfless services, medicines, food, nourishment and other basic necessities of life for their citizens would have learned a lessons! Family members who had not had time for family meals and to teach and learn from one anther at home may cease this moment to do so. May be it is a blessing in disguise!

In other words, why Good Friday is good. On the redeeming and holy cross, Christ teaches us how to love. On the cross, he teaches us how to hope. On the cross, he teaches us how to endure our personal crosses (poverty, loneliness, illnesses, corona virus, loss of our loved ones, etc.). On the cross, he teaches us how to be humble. On the cross, he teaches us how to forgive and how to take charge in whatever we do to the end—be it in our marriages, family and civil responsibilities, studies, work, priestly life, or religious life. We are to take charge and endure to the end.

Truly, in that long passion narrative from the Gospel of John, Jesus is in charge. He tells Judas Iscariot to do quickly what he came to do. He makes it clear to Pilate that he has no authority over him. And, finally, Jesus dies kingly and triumphantly, with “Jesus the King of the Jews” inscribed on his redeeming cross in different languages. He did this to make today a universal and salvific Good Friday for all, especially those afflicted by this pandemic.

As believers, faithlessness, hatred, despair, violence, mockery, insults, jealousy, attitudes of indifference in the face of injustice, and neglect of the poor, the sick, the afflicted by this virus should not have authority over us. Rather, in the face of today’s health-pandemic challenges that has no boundary, may we increase our love and support for one another, and embrace more and more, the faith, hope mercy and endurance taught us by Christ, today and in this moment of Corona virus pandemic!

Reflection Questions

1. Apart from corona virus, what would you identify as your cross? How do you handle your cross in light of today’s readings?

2. In light of the Suffering Servant of today’s readings, how do you feel when you are unjustly or falsely accused?

3. What do crucifixes remind you of?

4. What do you say to a member of your faith community who has been mocked, betrayed, unjustly violated or afflicted by ongoing corona virus?

Celebrating the Last Supper and Serving One Another in Time of Covid-19, Homily Mass of the Last Supper (2020)

Homily: Mass of the Last Supper Year ABC

Celebrating the Last Supper and Serving One Another in Time of Covid-19

Fr. Udoekpo, Michael Ufok

v  Exod 12:1-8, 11-14

v  Ps 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18

v  1 Cor 11:23-26

v  John 13:1-15

Tonight we begin the Sacred Triduum, three solemn days that encompass the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ and draw each of us into remembering his passion, death, and resurrection. But this year’s (2020) celebrations are faced with difficulties, pains and extra-ordinarily challenges brought by the ongoing corona-virus pandemic (Covid-19).

Unfortunately statistics drawn from several nations shows that as at today, many have been afflicted viciously by this corona virus pandemic and health workers overstretched. Some have lost their loved ones as well as their jobs. Anxieties and blood pressure of many have been raised. What should the Church Do? Abandon her faith and trust in the Lord, when it is most needed? No!  Of course, for the past weeks all of us have been struggling to adjust, keep to personal hygiene,  wash our hands repeatedly, distance ourselves socially, attain Masses virtually on TV, internet sources and other social networks as well as worship our Lord spiritually as much as we can. We have been doing this following the laws put in place by our scientist, civil and ecclesiastical authorities, especially the “degree in time of Covid-19” by the Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments for our own good and well-being of others.

As you all know this Mass of the Last Super is usually preceded by Chrism Mass, where priest gather around their Bishops, in their respective cathedrals, expressing faith in Christ the high priest and unity of the sacred priesthood . Oils of the catechumen, sick and chrism are also usually blessed for ministry throughout the following year. In this challenging times our bishops have been given the faculty to adapt the celebration to their local suitable dates. Priests can also celebrate this Mass in a suitable place today, without the people. Those who cannot, are to pray the Vespers of the day. Also the washing of the feet can be omitted. The Blessed Sacrament is to be kept in the tabernacle after Mass. No procession to the altar of repose.

This is where we are today. It is difficult for everyone, the rich and the poor.  But our faith, our love, hope and trust in the Lord has not changed. Holy Thursday brings to our minds three gifts: the gift of the Lord’s Super/the Holy Eucharist, the gift of the sacred priesthood, and the gift of Christ’s redeeming love—love that is stronger than death, stronger than the fleeing disciples’ fear, stronger than the lies of the power-mongering Pilate and of the few Jewish elites. It is a love stronger than the betrayal of Judas, the denials of Peter, the mockeries of the Roman soldiers, and selfishness of humans. Christ, the high priest, loves his own, all of us—pastors, priests, deacons, sisters, moms, dads, children, friends, grandpas, and grandmas—to the end (John 13:1). Wherever you are located, in the church, homes, offices etc., tonight, Christ loves you! He watches over you, even in our suffering and fear of the unknown!

The Eucharist, the institution of which we reenact today, is a banquet of love, gratitude, and service. It provides us a particular opportunity to remember not only how much God loves us and would want to wash our feet, but his ever-living presence in our lives, in our homes, and in our families. It teaches us to cultivate a sense of gratitude in good times and in bad times! We have not doubt that this corona virus will come to pass. It is a time we need to support one another. As I said yesterday in my reflection we are in this together!

I personally grew up in a family of six children, surrounded by many nieces and nephews. We ate together, served one another from the same plates, and drank from the same cup. In sharing and serving, I would feel the deep love, friendship, nourishment, strength, and support of my family and a sense of gratitude to my parents. We would laugh, joke, and talk about important events in our lives. This is the time we need to support one another, through texting and calls as much as we can! We are in this together!

I want to believe that when Christ gathered his disciples in that Upper Room for the Last Supper the night before his passion, there was no Corona virus. But he knew the intimacy of a shared meal—a meal of love and sacrifice, a meal that nourishes and strengthens us in our weaknesses. He wanted this sacred meal, this new Passover, to be remembered. He said, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19ff; Mark 14:22ff; Matt 26:26ff; John 13:1-15), instituting also the ministerial priesthood.

In today’s second reading Paul says, “I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me’ ” (1 Cor 11:23-25).

Jesus will always remain really and substantially present with us in the Holy Eucharist. After this meal that night, Jesus would walk across to that Garden of Gethsemane. From there he would be arrested, harshly interrogated by Annas and Caiaphas, and be brought to Pilate’s praetorium for trial. John testifies that Jesus was sacrificially killed on the cross at the same hour the paschal lamb of the Jewish Passover was slaughtered, as described in today’s first reading (Exod 12:1-8, 11-14). This makes Christ, in this new dispensation, the new Passover lamb, the cup of the new covenant of love and service. He also teaches us how to endure in times of crisis like the ongoing pandemic.

On the cross his bones would not be broken, and his priestly inner-seamless tunic would not be torn nor shared among soldiers. In this, Jesus is protective of each and every one of us, who may suffer or be threatened by Covid -19. He is protective of our marriages and religious vows, family values, Christian unity (“that they be one,” John 17:11), priesthood, friendships, and faith. He also knew that the journey to the cross would be rough, but his priestly dignity would remain intact, a tunic of love—challenging to the modern priesthood, which is always in need of our prayers (see recent work From the Depths of Our Hearts; Priesthood, Celibacy, and the Crisis of the Catholic Church by Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah, Ignatius Press, 2020).

Even though the washing of the feet is omitted in this year’s Mass of the Last Super for reasons remember in Exodus 29:4 at the ordination ceremony of priests, Aaron and his children’s feet were washed at the entrance of the tent as stipulated in the old law (Lev 8:6) for the purpose of external purification. But in the context of the Last Supper, Christ gave us a sign of interior purification (John 13:1-15) by washing his disciples’ feet, something deeper than external ritual.

By washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus shows the depth of his love—a love leading to the cross. He teaches all of us in this challenging time, including the hesitant Peter, a new way of sacrificial love, a new way of service and friendship. This is not a new way of “eye service.” He teaches us a new way of self-transcendence, not a new way of self-aggrandizement. He teaches us a new way to serve, not a new way to be served; a new way of friendship that does not exclude the poor, prisoners, and the marginalized. By washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus overcomes by love the inequality that existed by nature between himself and those whom he had chosen.

As we celebrate this Last Supper, in this year of corona virus, sharing in the bread and wine of the new covenant of love, gratitude, and selfless service, let us know that Christ sees us, loves us, and recognizes us and watches over us in our difficulties. He sees the rich, the poor, the afflicted, distressed and the downtrodden.

 Let us know that, having been washed clean, we, all of us, leaders, neighbors, health workers, government and ecclesiastical institutions, together, we have been given the spiritual capacity and have been blessed with the divine strength of his example to joyfully love and gratefully serve and pray for one another, especially in this difficult time of pandemic.

Reflection Questions

1. What is the meaning of today’s celebration for you?

2. What is your understanding of love, the Eucharist, and the priesthood?

3. How often do you see yourself as a servant to others, especially in this moment of pandemic?