Fr. Martin Eke, MSP - Homily for the Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B - August 29, 2021

Homily of Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 2021

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; Psalm 15:2-5; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

When a child is about to leave home to settle in a different place, every wise parent or guardian takes time to instruct the child on how to embrace his or her new environment and life. Moses did the same. The first reading is his instruction to the Israelites on how to observe God’s commandments when they arrive in the Promised Land. Moses said to them, “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you” (Deuteronomy 4:1). This invitation is no longer for the Israelites of the Old Testament but for us, here and now. We are invited to hear and observe the word of God in order that we may live and take possession of all that God has given us. Not hearing and doing what the word says causes spiritual death, and all kinds of losses.

The invitation continues in the second reading: “Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves” (James 1:21-22). Regularly, the word is planted in us. The reward of welcoming the word planted in us is salvation. Welcoming the word means hearing the word, and doing the word; that is acting on the word. The readings are saying to us: hear the word, listen to it, welcome it, observe it; so that it saves our lives here on earth, and saves our souls for eternal life.

Jesus explains the reward of listening and acting on the word, “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock” (Matthew 7:24-25). In last Sunday’s gospel, Jesus says, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63). St. Paul reminds us, “The Gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). He continues, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). Joshua spoke to the people of Israel about the power of the word of God, “Do not let this book of the law depart from your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may carefully observe all that is written in it; then you will attain your goal; then you will succeed” (Joshua 1:8).

Apart from the Ten Commandments, there were 613 Jewish commandments known as Mitzvot. The Jewish custodians of the law emphasized obedience to the Mitzvot more than obedience to the Ten Commandments.  In the Mitzvot are some of the rules that Mark states in today’s gospel, “For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds” (Mark 7:3-4). Prophet Isaiah and Jesus call the doctrines human precepts.

Unfortunately, the living word of God is neglected while human precepts are accepted and promoted in politics, economy, education, social, health, and religious circles. The result of this is defilement of hearts. Unfortunately, individuals, families, groups, communities, institutions, churches, nations are continually abandoning the living word of God, and continually preferring human precepts. The result of this is defilement of hearts. More unfortunately, religion, according to St. James in the second reading, which is supposed to be “pure and undefiled before God” is also defiled by human beings’ acceptance and teaching human precepts as doctrines.  The result of all these defilements of hearts are evil behaviors Jesus mentions in today’s gospel, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, and folly” (Mark 7:23).

What we need at point of regression is individual and collective realization that “the flesh is of no avail” (John 6:63), that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the sight of God” (1 Corinthians 3:19), and that we need to return to the word of God and act on the word.

We conclude with Psalm 19:8-12, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. … The statutes of the Lord are true, all of them just… By them your servant is warned; obeying them brings much reward.” Amen.

Fr. Martin Eke, MSP

 

Fr. Martin Eke, MSP - Homily for the Twenty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B - August 22, 2021

Homily of Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 2021

Joshua 24:1-2, 15-17, 18; Psalm 34:2-3, 16-21; Ephesians 5:21-32; John 6:60-69

In the first reading, the Israelites had occupied the land of Canaan. God had fulfilled his promise by bringing them to the Promised Land. God had led them out of Egypt, and granted them victory over many tribes and nations on their way. But that was not the end of the story. Another major challenge was to guide the Israelites to remain worshippers of Yahweh; and not turn to worship the Canaanites’ gods. Joshua, their leader, summoned an assembly of the Israelites’ leaders, judges, and officers at Shechem to renew their covenant with God. The people recommitted themselves, “For it was the Lord, our God, who brought us and our ancestors up out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. He performed those great signs before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples through whom we passed… Therefore, we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God” (Joshua 24:17-18). The relationship between God and the Israelites after this event shows that the Israelites were unfaithful to their covenant with God.

Each of us can testify God’s “great signs before our very eyes,” and how he “protected us along our entire journey and among all the people whom we had passed.” Along our journey, we have entered into covenants with God with our Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Matrimony, Holy Orders, promises, oaths and vows, and so on. How faithful are we to these covenants? Or, have we followed the Amorites’ gods in our daily concerns and worldly pursuits? Do I put God first in my plans and activities? Do I have certain gods that I put first before God? God commands us, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall not have other gods besides me” (Exodus 20:2-3).

In the second reading, St. Paul speaks of the great mystery of marriage “in reference to Christ and the church.” St. Paul wrote according to the patrilineal tradition and language of his time when he says, “Wives should be subordinate to their husbands…” and “For the husband is the head of his wife…” To spend time and energy in arguing about the semantics of the statements is a digression and missing the point.  What is of more importance in today’s reflection and celebration is how the reading points to our relationship and covenant with Jesus Christ. St. Paul explains the relationship and covenant: “Christ is the head of the church, he himself is the savior of the body.” “The church is subordinate to Christ.” “Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her…” “We are members of his body.” Therefore, as St. Cyprian of Carthage urges us, let us prefer nothing to Christ, because he prefers nothing to us. We are invited to be true subordinates and ambassadors of Jesus by being Christ-like.

In the gospel, many of Jesus’ disciples misunderstood him when he said to them, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you” (John 6:53). They found Jesus’ teachings hard to accept. They were shocked, and as a result they returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus asked the apostles whether they also wanted to leave. Peter replied, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

Jesus reveals to us how we leave him and return to our former way of life in his explanation of the parable of the sower: “The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” (Matthew 13:18-23). What is the former way of life we have returned to, and why? 

It, also, needs to be recognized that many people have walked away or are walking due to all kinds of scandals within and around the Church and Christianity. But for us, who have remained steadfast and faithful, we are encouraged and strengthened by the words of St. Paul, “... where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly” (Romans 5:20).  We declare like Joshua, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” We profess like Peter, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” We proclaim like St. Paul, “What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? … No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35-37). Amen.

Fr. Martin Eke, MSP

Fr. Martin Eke, MSP - Homily for the Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B - August 15, 2021 - Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 Homily of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2021

Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6, 10; Psalm 45:10-12, 16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56

In consideration of the celebration of the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first reading can be interpreted to be a figurative narrative of Herod’s attempt to kill baby Jesus and the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt recorded in Matthew 2:13-15. The woman who was with child represents Mary. The male child she gave birth to who is destined to rule all the nations represents Jesus. The dragon who wanted to devour the child represents Herod. As we read in the first reading, when Jesus was rescued from the dragon, a victory statement was proclaimed from heaven: “Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Anointed One” (Revelation 12:10).

Not only in the case of Jesus, St. Peter warns us about what faces everyone, “Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We pray that through the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary we are saved from being devoured by the devil and his agents. Amen.

The event of the Assumption of Mary is not recorded in the Scripture as the Ascension of the Lord is recorded. The Word was made flesh in the womb of Mary. Hence, Mary is known as ‘Vessel’ or ‘Tabernacle’ of God. Therefore, God did not abandon his abode to rot in the grave. After her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul to heaven. It is this wonderful mystery that we are celebrating today. Psalm 16:9-11 is a prophecy that points to this mystery, “Therefore, my heart is glad, my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor let your devout one see the pit. You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.” A section of the Preface prayer of today’s celebration comes from this Psalm, “… rightly you would not allow her to see corruption of the tomb since from her own body she marvelously brought forth your incarnate Son, the Author of all life.” The first reading depicts Mary in heaven, “… a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Revelation 12:1).

During her life on earth, Mary was not passive. Today’s gospel tells us how she went over in haste to support her aunt, Elizabeth, who was six months pregnant. She interceded for the couple during their wedding at Cana when they ran out of wine. Through her intercession, Jesus changed water into wine (John 2:1-9). Now, being in perfect communion with God in heaven, she is more active, and her intercessory role more powerful and effective. That is why we pray for Mary’s intercession. The prayer, Memorare, affirms, “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.” There are countless testimonies of answered prayers and miracles attributed to Mary’s intercession. Numerous Marian feasts, Marian prayers, Marian pilgrimage centers, Marian institutions, Marian organizations, Marian groups and societies, and millions of Marian devotees attest to the effectiveness of Mary’s powerful intercessory role.

Today’s celebration is a celebration of hope. This is, also, expressed in today’s Eucharistic Celebration Preface prayer, “For today the Virgin Mother of God was assumed into heaven … a sign of sure hope and comfort to your pilgrim people.” We hope to be where she is after our earthly life. We are, therefore, invited to imitate her holy earthly life.

Let us pray:

O Blessed Virgin Mary, may we surrender to God’s will as you did. May we be faithful as you were. May we persevere in all circumstances as you did. May we love God and neighbor as you did. May we ponder things in our hearts as you did. May we be caring as you were. May we radiate joy and the Holy Spirit as you did. May we be tender hearted as you were. May we be compassionate as you were. May we be generous and helpful to others as you were. May we be vessels of God as you were. We are not as sinless as you are, but may we repent of our sins. Pray for us to overcome and triumph over various ‘dragons’ battling with us to devour us. May our many prayers find favor in God’s presence through your maternal intercession. At the end of our earthly journey, may we join you in heaven to merit eternal life. Amen.

Fr. Martin Eke, MSP

Fr. Martin Eke, MSP - Homily for the Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B - August 8, 2021

 Homily of Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 2021

 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:2-9; Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51

 In 1 Kings 18, Elijah had proved that Baal was a false god, and that the Lord was the true God. Elijah also ordered the killing of 450 Baal prophets. Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, pursued Elijah to kill him. Elijah fled into the desert. As we read in the first reading, the angel of the Lord fed Elijah and got him ready for his journey of forty days and forty nights to Mount Horeb for an encounter with God.

 I imagine that Elijah had expected God to intervene and stop Jezebel from coming after him but that did not happen. Probably, that was the reason Elijah was so distraught and heartbroken that he prayed for death. Elijah wanted it his own way, like many of us do. But God tells us through Prophet Isaiah, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways ... For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Also, through Prophet Jeremiah God assures us, “I know the plans I have for you, … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future” (Jeremiah 29:11). However, God was not offended by Elijah’s prayer for his own death; rather, God sent an angel to provide enough food and drink for Elijah for his journey. God had his divine plans for Elijah. God used Elijah’s bitter experience to bring him to Mount Horeb to have a special encounter with him as never before (1 Kings 19:9-18). As it was for Elijah, our bitter experiences can lead us to special encounters with God if we trust in him.

In our trials, let us not give up hope or pray to die. Rather, let us pray for the strength to persevere, and that God’s divine plan may come to realization. Being Christians or Catholics does not mean that we are exempt from trials and temptations. Nevertheless, our faith is in Jesus’ assurance, “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). Do you feel abandoned? Are you under adversaries’ malicious attack? Are you distraught and heartbroken?  Do you think your prayers are not answered? Get up, eat and drink, be strengthened, trust God. He has his plan for you!

 The first reading says, “The angel of the Lord came back a second time, touched Elijah, and said, ‘Get up and eat or the journey will be too much for you!’ He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb” (1 Kings 19:7-8). In the gospel Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world” (John 6:51). Elijah ate hearth cake and drank water and was strengthened to walk for forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God. For us, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ we consume is our spiritual food for our earthly journey to our heavenly home.

In the second reading, St. Paul instructs us the best way to proceed on the earthly journey, “All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ” (Ephesians 4:31-32). He concludes, “Be imitators of God …  and live in love” (Ephesians 5:2). For Catholic Christians, who believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, to be God-likeness is enhanced by the power of the Eucharist, especially when it is received in a state of grace.

The story about Elijah’s encounter with God in the first reading is for our better understanding of today’s gospel; what happens or can happen to us when we encounter Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The Eucharist empowers us to battle and overcome the ‘Baals,’ the ‘Baal prophets,’ and ‘the Jezebels’ in the way of our earthly journey. The Eucharist transforms us from fear to courage, from distraught to consolation, and from despair to hope and strength. The Eucharist transforms us to be God-like (imitators of God), and be able to live in love of God and in love with one another. Also, as Elijah received a new mission when he encountered God on Mount Horeb, we receive the mission of witnessing Jesus Christ when we receive the Eucharist.

 Today is one of the often times the Church reminds us and draws our attention to the power of the Eucharist. When Jacob woke up from his sleep and dream, and realized God’s awesome presence he exclaimed, “Surely, the Lord is in this place, and I am not aware of it” (Genesis 28:16). If, only, many of us can wake up from our ignorant and lack of faith, and discover the awesome mystery and power of the Eucharist, we will exclaim as Jacob did.

 Praise and thanks be to God for his indescribable and inestimable gift of the Holy Eucharist to us!

 Fr. Martin Eke, MSP