Sound Of Silence

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ABRAHAM

Meditation for Friday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

(Rm 4:1-8; Lk 12:1-7)

St Paul takes his discussion on justification by faith further by citing the example of Abraham. “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” If he was justified by his good deeds, he would have something to boast about. And justification would be his due right since he worked for it. But by his faith Abraham trusted God, and his faith was reckoned as righteousness. Because he believed in His heart, and trusted in God by his actions, his faith became the REASON for his actions, and his actions became an expression of his faith. This kind of faith brings to us unmerited blessings; Abraham’s blessings.

Faith without the underlying trust in God is hypocrisy. By trust we incline towards God in our actions. Jesus warns, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” The hypocrite has faith in God, but his actions do not express it. Jesus says nothing is hidden from God; “Nothing covered up that will not be revealed.” He who justifies us will reveal even the secret thoughts and whisper.

That is why, as God’s faithful children, we should not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do, or fear losing Good name before people like the hypocrites. “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!” So, let our faith be true and strong like that of our father Abraham, for God cares for His children, and He will justify us at the end. “Why, even the hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Amen.

St Teresa of Avila, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Friday October 15^th, 2021.

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JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH

Meditation for Thursday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

(Rm 3:21-30; Lk 11:47-54)

Today we journey with St Paul as he teaches about justification. He says that the law and the prophets bear witness to God’s righteousness. It was taught that one was made righteous or justified by keeping the law. The Jews broke the law, while the Gentiles worshipped many gods. “There is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That means justification comes as a free gift of grace, through redemption in Jesus Christ. There is no room for boasting, judging or condemning others, for no one can claim to be righteous by his efforts.

Since God has pleased to reveal his righteousness through Jesus Christ crucified, we can come under the shadow of Jesus’ righteousness by having faith in Him. This faith is made available to both Jews and Gentiles. And since Jesus is the fulfilment of the law and the prophets, faith in Him includes holding fast the law as practical and determinate steps to walking with Jesus, in whom is our justification. Now, God justifies he who has faith in Jesus Christ because the life of Jesus becomes the new rule of life, and even the guide to interpret the law and the prophets. Since Christ died for us while we were sinners, the grace of his justification is given outside of the law. “Since God is one; and He will justify the circumcised on the ground of their faith and the uncircumcised through their faith.”

The hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees makes them share in the guilt of their fathers who killed the prophets. For that was the principle that led to such persecutions. They claimed faith in God but rejected the messengers of God who condemned their evil ways. “So you are witnesses and consent to the deeds of your fathers; for they killed them and you built their tombs.” Therefore, faith in Jesus Christ that does not reflect in one’s life or good works becomes another form of crucifixion; such faith is empty and cannot bring justification.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Thursday October 14^th, 2021.

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DO NOT JUDGE OTHERS

Meditation for Wednesday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time

(Rm 2:1-11; Lk 11:42-46)

It is often the case that those who readily judge and condemn others are more like to do the same things they condemn. St Paul picks a case against those who judge others, emphasizing that the judgement of God will come upon those who do such things. According to him, we should not take God for granted by presuming upon the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience for ourselves while at the same time condemning others. Whoever does this is storing up wrath of God upon himself. Since God is kind and patient, we have no excuse to judge others, “For in passing judgment upon him you condemn yourself.” On the other hand, those who show patience in good works shall receive glory, honor, peace and eternal life, “The Jew first and also the Greek.”

Focusing on the failings of others is a lot of distractions and unnecessary burden. It makes one a hypocrite. That is why Jesus condemned the Pharisees who focus on external religious shows but neglect justice and love. “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and salutations in the market places.” The Pharisees and the Jews who received this good news of God’s salvation first ought to lead by example, and also to those who have received this message of grace; they are expected to manifest the kindness and patience of God to others. That is why we must not allow external practices distract us from the person of Jesus Christ, whom we are called to imitate and follow. Once we divert from the right spiritual road to take, we shall be wallowing the wrong path of impatience, judging others and over conscious of what others are saying about us.

St Edward, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday October 13^th, 2021.

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FAITH IN THE GOSPEL

Meditation for Tuesday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time

(Rm 1:16-25; Lk 11:37-41)

Today, St Paul begins to introduce faith in the gospel. From all the attacks and criticisms he experienced, St Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” In the gospel lies the righteousness of God, which is revealed through faith. So, those who live by faith in the gospel live under the righteousness of God. And this becomes their justification.

St Paul talks about those who try to suppress the truth of God in order to cover their wicked ways; those who deny the truth of the gospel. It is wickedness to deny the truth of God because, “Ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature, namely, His eternal  power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made.” There is no excuse of denying God; those who entertain such unbelief simply refuse to honor Him as God. But turning the mind away from God makes one to makes one to be consumed by his futile thoughts, “And their senseless minds were darkened.” Such a mind darkened by selfishness becomes wicked! In their foolishness, the claim to wise, and denying God their ‘obedience of faith’, the exchanged the glory of the immortal God for objects and useless pleasures. “Therefore, God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie.”

Through faith in the gospel, our hearts are purified, and we are saved from futility. The power of God, which is revealed through the gospel enlightens our minds that we might act wisely and live righteously. So, by meditating on the gospel, we absorb the truth of Jesus Christ and abide in Him. Then, even our external actions shall manifest the glory of God.

St Wilfrid of York, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Tuesday October 12^th, 2021.

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THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH

Meditation for Monday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time

(Rm 1:1-7; Lk 11:29-32)

From now till first week of November, our meditations from weekday Mass readings shall base on St Paul’s letter to the Romans. Many scholars agree that St Paul sent this letter from Corinth between 57-58 AD. It was not St Paul that founded the Church in Rome. He sent this letter ahead of his planed visit to Rome as a way of introducing himself and his teachings. This was necessary because many Jewish Christians had grudges against him, and a good number of them were already settled in Rome. Also, St Paul’s teachings were subject of controversy as some people set out to oppose his teachings and give him a bad name. in this letter, St Paul tied to achieve some religious unity between the gentiles and the Jewish believers. However, before St Paul could achieve his planned visit, he was arrested in Jerusalem and was brought to Rome in chains around 60-61 AD.

St Paul began the letter by introducing himself, “Paul a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God which He promised beforehand through His prophets…” And he introduced Jesus according to His Jewish background as son of David, and Jesus is son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection from the dead. Knowing Jesus Christ as God and Man calls for ‘obedience of faith’ in Him from all nations, Jews and Gentiles alike. “To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Instead of rendering Jesus their ‘obedience of faith’, the crowds asked for signs to satisfy their curiosity. They believed more in the signs to their own advantage than in Jesus who manifested Himself before them. Jesus responded to them, “But no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” The message of Jesus and His wisdom far surpassed that of Jonah and queen of the South. Jesus is the Son of God who came to dwell among us as Son of David. His presence among us announces that the Kingdom of God is near. Like the people of Nineveh, we are expected to accept Him, repent of our sins and follow Him wholeheartedly by offering to Him our ‘obedience of faith.’ It is in response to this obedience of faith in the person of Jesus, who is God and man, that St Paul received his apostleship to all nations. And such a direct focus on His person, without the distraction of looking for signs, will unlock for us wisdom and power to conquer this day. Amen.

St John XXIII, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Monday October 11^th, 2021.

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THE DAY OF THE LORD

Meditation for Friday of the 27^th Week in Ordinary Time

(Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2; Lk 11:15-26)

The Hebrew name Joel (Yo’el) means YAWEH IS GOD. The prophet Joel saw through the evil that threatened his people at that time, the coming of the Lord. Like most end-time messages, the day of the Lord will come as darkness and unbearable to those who already live in the dark. “For the day of the Lord is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.” His message was hope in the midst of the great evil they were experiencing at that time, since the Lord would come to restore His people. The image of Joel is that of a prophet with a trumpet in his hand to warn the people and prepare them for the coming of the Lord. They were to prepare by repenting of their evil ways in sackcloth and lamentation so that day of the Lord would not become darkness and gloom for them.

Evil will fade away with evil doers! Darkness may put up resistance but it must disappear when the light shines. As Jesus cast out a demon, some people tried to destroy his reputation by accusing Him of casting demons with demons! He proved them wrong and said, “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” So, in Jesus we look forward to the fulfilment of the day of the Lord. Those who do not accept Him, who do not follow Him as the way or who malign Him and His teachings, will experience the kind of gloom prophet Joel talked about. Jesus says, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.”

Through acts of penance and contrition, let our hearts be swept clean of every evil and darkness. Then, we must take positive steps to follow Jesus, and let our hearts be filled with the Holy Spirit. Thus, the day of the Lord becomes for us the day of blessing and joy, as we look forward to His final coming. Amen.

St Sergius, pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Friday October 8^th, 2021.

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