THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT "Live so as not to fear death. For those who live well in the world, ![]() One of the realities in life is death. Everyone will die one day. But death is a scary prospect, not knowing exactly what will happen to us; also not being ready to die. There are four certainties about death that lead us into oblivion: no one knows HOW he/she will die, no one knows WHEN he/she will die, no one knows WHERE he/she will die and no one knows WHAT will lead him/her to death. Perhaps, medically doctors can predict. It is only a suggestion! The certainty is still beyond our domain. In our second century we live in a culture of death: caused by abortion, suicide, homicide, wars and the current coronavirus pandemic. Due to this, we are even afraid of one another. We are all observing social distancing. Indeed death is real! However, death, in our Christian life, is not an end in itself but a transition from this terrestrial world to the celestial abode. There is the hope of new life. A life of eternity. What we should be concerned about is that, if I die where will my soul be, in the Kingdom of the Father or hellfire? In our first reading the Prophet Ezekiel uttered the oracle of God to the Israelites that, ”I am going to open up your graves and raise you up.” This was a message to motivate them that a time will come they will be lifted from their current devastating slavery and captivity in the exile of Babylon. Their waywardness (sin) plunged them into this unpleasant situation. It was a promise of liberty and forgiveness for them. Sisters and Brothers in Christ, whenever we sin by disobedience we live in exile in the guilt of our conscience. It’s as if there is no life in us because obliteration takes hold of us. This is the death we experience and it takes only God to raise us up. In this Lenten season go to the throne of mercy (sacrament of reconciliation) to seek for newness of life. (Call the Central Office to make an appointment.) Paul, in the second reading, encourages that there is a future resurrection and an unending glory for those who remain loyal to God and His son Jesus Christ. If we live in the spirit and in the righteousness of life we will be eligible for the resurrection won by the suffering and death of Christ. As we approach Holy Week there is the need to make resolutions, commitments and let go our old ways. In our gospel reading Jesus gives evidence that He has power over death by bringing Lazarus back to life. If we place our hopes and trust in Him, especially in this scary situation of this COVID-19, He is going to save and preserve us against it. As human beings, we must know that death is knocking at our doors every day, so every moment of our lives should be one of preparation and readiness. The Psalmist says, “I trust in God and my soul trusts in the word of the Lord.” This should be our priority and focus in life. It is in His resurrection that we have new life. There is a hope for you regardless of your sins. Take advantage of this in this season of Grace. Remember this; it is a strong and ardent faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ that give us the eyes to see death through the lens of hope! Safer Home...PRAY... Keep the Faith. You are on my mind ... Still praying for you.... see you on Facebook live. Fr. Emmanuel THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT “Sin is a blindness of the spirit, which prevents us from what is most important, from fixing our gaze on the love that gives life. This blindness leads us little by little to dwell on what is superficial, until we are indifferent to others and that what is good.” ![]() Unfortunately, our world has become too used to sin to the extent that we glorify and justify our evil actions and thoughts. We live in a world of blindness where we have lost not only our purpose but also our paths and destination. There are confusion and deceit all over. We can't even differentiate between what is real from that which is fake. Things have been mixed up. We determine situations based on our own judgments and perceptions (ideas) without resorting to the mind of God. To guard against this spiritual and moral blindness it is only God who can give us a proper vision in body and soul when we obey His instructions. I think it is needful especially in this COVID-19 pandemic. In our first reading when God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to choose from among his sons one who would be the second King of Israel, he failed with the number of times he decided because he was blinded by his own judgment and perceptions (ideas). But God chose the unlikely candidate, David, the shepherd boy and the youngest son amongst his brothers. The message is, ”Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Dear ones in Christ, in life, to make the right decisions and choices, relying on our own judgments and ideas is insufficient (they are deceitful), but if we would resort to the vision and the mind of God (ever sure and does not fail) we will never regret it. It is this vision of God which is described in the second reading as the light. The blindness of our sins makes us darkness but whenever we succumb to the mind and vision of God we become the children of the light. This makes us produce every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. We learn by doing what is pleasing to God but not what is pleasing to our parochial interest. Our Gospel reading gives us the paradox of blindness. Jesus and His Apostles went to Jerusalem to partake in the feast of Tabernacles and he met a blind man who asked for help. Jesus acting out of His divine kindness and mercy gave him a sight to prove that “He is the light of the world.” (John 8:12) He gave the blind man not only a bodily sight but also the sight of Faith, that is why the healed man finally said, “I do believe, Lord.” And he worshiped Him. This means we need the grace and revelation of God to progress in our spiritual sight. Our honest and humble approach to the sacrament of reconciliation can definitely take away our blindness for us to have the right sight in life. In this season of grace (Lent) grab every chance to ”see.” The real beauty of life is your sight. Jesus can clean your dirty lenses for you... run to Him! Your life will never be the same. Keep your social distances... PRAY... Keep the Faith. Let’s meet on Facebook live. Fr. Emmanuel |
Fr. EmmanuelFr. Emmanuel hails from Ghana and is passionate about the Gospel and bringing the love of Christ to all people. He speaks several languages, enjoys soccer and cooking, and loves St. Francis of Assisi. Archives
April 2021
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