TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME "Love God, serve God; everything is in it." For some years the die was cast for the separation of the state affairs from the church and religion. Due to this, some Christians or citizens are thrown into disarray as to how to satisfy both institutions with their loyalty and commitment. As a result of this phenomenon, as much as some individuals think that religion is incongruous to political affairs of the state, so adherent Christians also believe that the state and its policies are anti religion, therefore enemy to themselves. But the irony of the matter is that the state serves both groupings and God has unconditional and universal love for all without discrimination. Whether state or church: they are there for the development of human beings; be it temporal or spiritual.
In the first reading God used a pagan Persian Empiror, Cyrus II (539 B.C) as an instrument to liberate and restore his chosen people who had been exiled in Babylon to go back to rebuild their city and their temple. This indicates that God uses anyone including pagans to achieve His target. What is necessary is to cooperate to avail oneself to be His instrument and channel to bring justice, good leadership, liberation to everyone around us. Simply obeying His divine will. Secondly, we are reminded that we can not have parochialism and monopoly over God but to have a universal view of His concern and plans for all. So if a pagan leader allowed himself to be used by God to liberate and free His people then no Christian has any excuse not to be an instrument of God in our troubled world today! Paul, in the second reading, give praiseworthy to his new convert by assuring them of their prayers. He acknowledged their fidelity to God and to Christ as they worked hard to live their Christian life. They were responsive to the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and and Charity. He urged them to continue to be faithful to this call of God and be open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit which had be given them. So as Christians we are called to be like them in our own time and age where there is intolerance to religion and faith matters. Jesus Christ, in the gospel message, clearly states the obligation and responsibility of every Christian to both God and our country. He encourages us to be faithful to God as the same time being loyal citizens to our nation. By this, He shows us how by God’s grace we can be dual citizens of both the earth and heaven. As Christians we should understand that we can not be a good Christian and a bad citizen to your nation. Rather our Christian values must make us good citizens. Do the right thing at the right time. Every good Christian translates the will of God in their citizenship. God urges justice, love, equality, respect of the right and the dignity of human beings, etc. These are what a good citizen do! Stay blessed... Faith over fear... Keep the Faith... Spread the Faith... GOOD CHRISTIAN...GOOD CITIZEN... Fr. Emmanuel TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME God invites you to His heavently wedding banquet. If you accept, wear your wedding garment. The purpose of the presence of the Church in our world is to ensure the salvation of all souls. So the Church as a community of Faith has the missionary mandate and the obligation to make every necessary provisions to save souls. The Church does not only extends the divine will and vision for humanity but also represent the divine presence to shepherd every soul to secure and protect them. Therefore, leading them to the Kingdom of God (or heaven) to enjoy the eternal bliss, joy and peace is her ultimate goal. Everyone is included and is expected to cooperate for salvation. Indeed, It is the will of God that all shall be saved. His Kingdom is for all. No discrimination. The universal nature of His salvation makes it possible for anyone who is ready and willing to be saved.
That is why in the first reading God throws standing invitation to an everlasting joy of a Heavenly banquet on the mountain in the Holy city of Jerusalem with juicy food and the choicest wine for his chosen people. By this, the prophet Isaiah describes the Messianic banquet that allows everyone including the gentiles. This indicates the blessings and happiness the Kingdom of God brings. As Christians it is not automatic to be part but rather our consistency and commitment to our faith and relationship with God. This banquet is yours for receiving and God intends it for you. Don’t loose it but gain it. That is why in the Psalms God, as a good shepherd, does not spare nothing to provide nourishments for us, His flock. In the second reading Apostle Paul expresses his appreciations for the financial support the people offered him. He reveals that he lived as guest in the Kingdom of God enjoying every spiritual benefit as a man of Faith. So he assures us that God will provide for us. As Christians we must be grateful to one other for everything. Gratitude must accompany our expression of faith. We must acknowledge that our strength comes from God and our future hopes revolve around His son Jesus Christ. Lastly, in the gospel reading Jesus Christ offers this parable to teach us a lesson that the kingdom of God is open for those who are ready and willing to enter but not for those who claim to have right like the Jewish leaders. Those who are consistent in wearing their wedding gown will be eligible. Meaning, if we really want to enter the Kingdom to be saved we need to constantly be in the state of grace by avoiding sin and do good. Faith over fear... Keep the Faith... Lets meet in church.... SALVATION DEMANDS COOPERATION... Fr. Emmanuel TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME "You cannot be half a saint; you must be a whole saint, or no saint at all." In life the results we achieve in whatever we do indicates the effort put in. For want of wealth, possession and fame people work so hard and use every available time to better their gains. But unfortunately, so many Christians do not pay attention to the consequence of whatever they do. Christian living seem to have been like a mere routine or check box without focusing on the results. For some, going to church or sitting in the pews is enough without taking into consideration living the Christian values. So they do not assess or evaluate to know their progress of growing in their faith or bearing fruits out of their Christian living. It appears to be immaterial and less significant.
But our readings today draw our attention to the necessity of bearing fruits in our Christian life. We are warned about the punishment for spiritual sterility, ingratitude and wickedness. So in the first reading the prophet Isaiah with his “Song of the Vineyard” describes God’s care of, and expectations for, His chosen people. Unfortunately, His chosen people failed to bear fruits in spite of the blessings lavished on them through His love and forgiveness. They were ungrateful people, so God lamented, “I expected my vineyard to yield good grapes. Why did it yield sour ones instead? Hence, as Christians, God will be disappointed in us that after providing us everything in life and we are unable to make good impact in our lives and in the lives of others. Make it a point to bear good fruits in your Christian living: it’s a recipe for heaven! The Psalmist pleads with God to look down from heaven to take care of His vineyard. Meaning if we fail to glorify God, we are rather failing to work on our salvation. Apostle Paul, in the second reading, expresses his high expectations for the people. So it is that God and even non-Christians have high expectations of us. We need to become fruit-producing Christians by being serious in our Christian living. We have to work hard by praying, practicing justice and purity. We ought to be thankful to God and be gracious in our lives. We can’t afford to waste the providence of God! As a Christian bearing fruit is a must but not a choice! Jesus Christ, in our gospel reading , gives an allegorical parable about a vineyard, landowner and his tenant. In this, God is the landowner and the society of Israel is the vineyard and the tenants are the political, religious leaders (including the rest in the society). The tenants failed to produce fruits of righteousness, justice, and mercy. They have a history of ingratitude to all that God had done for them. We the “New Israel” must take a lesson out of this, with all the divine endowments, provisions and blessings we are expected to show gratitude to God by bearing good fruits in our lives, glorifying Him. To be a good Christian is to bear fruits: just walk the talk! Stay blessed... Keep the Faith... Stay Healthy... JUST BE A FRUITFUL CHRISTIAN... Fr. Emmanuel (Your Pastor) TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME “Freewill without grace has the power to do nothing but sin.” - St. Augustine In the modern world of advancement society has brought new innovative ways of impacting the social life of human beings, but unfortunately neglecting their religious life. This has indirectly and explicitly defined our interactions and relationships with one another; thereby almost diminishing our communal life to ever increasing private life with much emphasis on person than community/family. The exercise of free will has been corrupted so our choices, decisions, plans, etc. have become distorted and disappointments. We have simply lost our sense of existence and purpose. This is because we have failed to submit our freewill to the Divine will and deceived ourselves that without the Divine grace we can independently survive and succeed. Nonetheless, this is nothing but a charade and a mirage! We still indispensably need God. Our readings seek to address this transgression of humanity. In the first reading the prophet Ezekiel corrected the notion of the Jews that children inherit the guilt of their ancestors and are punished for their sins. Also, that God was more strict than merciful. God declares personal responsibilities and calls for repentance from sin. Each one is rewarded or punished for their own sins. This is borne out of the use of the free will. However, God’s mercy overrules strict justice and He does not hold our sins against us. He is very fair with us. As Christians we have a decision to make either to obey Him as we choose to do His will, which can give us the reward of Heaven or the otherwise which brings punishments. We can preserve our lives by doing the right and the just. Just be wise with your free will! So, the Psalmist pleads for God’s compassion and clemency against our sins. In the second reading Apostle Paul motivates that we be united/one in mind, in love, in heart, in thinking by looking at other’s interest more than our own. He inspires us to be of same attitude as in Christ Jesus. He draws our attention and focus on Jesus as a model of humility, selflessness and obedience. In effects, he exhorts us to be Christlike in words and deeds. By this, he affirms that if we choose God’s way and will we choose eternal joy and glory. As Christians, our lives must be impactful and influential, worthy of emulation, posing a challenge to others. Jesus Christ, in our gospel reading, teaches a lesson with the story of the two sons. This is a wake-up call to those in position of influence and opportunity, that their current circumstances and positions are no warranty for salvation. Sometimes due to these we are prideful and disobedient to the divine call to repentance. It can be a hindrance to our entry into heaven. However, those we judge to be sinners and wayward upon repenting and obeying Him will win entry to the Kingdom. Indeed, the Kingdom of God is no respecter of position. It is opened to those who are ready and willing to enter. Your key to enter is your free will. Let your choices open the gates for you! ***After one year of serving you in our Tri-Parish faith community, I see myself as a member of this wonderful family. The sense of support, love, care, generosity, charity, friendship and services have not only been amazingly inspiring but also have become a sign of acceptance. As I am officially installed as the substantive PASTOR to take the full possession of the three parishes, I pray for everyone and every family. Let us journey together with FAITH, FRIENDSHIP and LOVE as ONE FAMILY. Pray for me as I also do for you. May the Lord bless you, your families and our Tri-Parish Family. A word of gratitude to all and sundry for every effort played in planning, organizing, preparing, and practicing to ensure a successful program. Deepest appreciations to Bishop Callahan, Fr. Mano and the attendee clergy. Also not forgetting our Tri-Parish staff, PCCWs, ACS teachers, students, parents and staff, parishioners, friends and visitors. May you be rewarded. THANKS. See you in Church… JUST CHOOSE THE WILL & WAY OF GOD… Fr. Emmanuel TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” The effects of the ongoing pandemic have devastated our lives. The challenges are enormous on our shoulders since our economic life, social life, health life, working life, family life and friendship have not been spared. Due to this, fear and panic have gripped our hearts because we do not know what the future holds for us. This unfortunate situation has influenced our religious life: waning our hopes and faith in God. Like the circumstances of the Israelites in our first reading we feel estranged or exiled from ourselves since we are have come to realize how this enemy of humanity (COVID-19 virus) is spreading at a faster rate and we are obliged to follow all the precautions; it’s like we are in the Babylonian captivity where we are thrown into enslavement. Life is simply difficult! Hence, the prophet Isaiah’s message was to motivate the frustrated people to sustain their hopes and keep their faith in God. He reminded them about their years of ignoring their covenant with God which had brought their world crashing down around them leaving their hopes dashed. There was assurance that God had an awesome plan for them. Because of God’s great love, mercy and forgiveness for His chosen people, they would return home, their land would be restored and their relationship with God would be reestablished. So as Christians we should draw our strength and hopes from this message to inspire ourselves that this pandemic will pass over. We need to correct our attitude of indifference towards religion and begin to do the will of God. God still loves us, and He is ever merciful. God is forever near to us, let us be near to Him. Apostle Paul faced with the threat of death, (because he most probably wrote this letter from prison cell in Rome-AD 61-63), expressed his zeal to continue to do the will of God come what may. He intimately indicated the difference between God’s perspective and ours. He refused to state his stance whether to die or to live: his goal was to do the will of God and follow the divine design for his life. He, therefore, becomes an example to how the grace of God operates in our lives. His wishes were subordinates to the needs and service to the people. As Christians we should learn from Paul as to how to live our lives becoming committed witnesses to Christ in our world today regardless of the challenges confronting our lives. Our focus should be on the mission of Christ and our goal should be doing the will of God. Living the grace of God day by day. In conclusion, Jesus in our gospel reading presents the “parable of workers in the vineyard” to portray the generous mercy and justice of God. This manifests that God does not see matters the same way as humans do. God thinks of justice in terms of people’s dignity and their right to a decent life. As Christians we must understand that if God was to treat us justly, none of us will be rewarded because we have been unfaithful to Him in several ways. That is why Jesus Christ died for all humanity to give all equal value. We need to recognize and respect with gratitude God’s amazing grace. There is more to life that the logic of actions and reward. There is generosity of life only God can give. His grace is enough for you, just cooperates! Stay Blessed…. Faith over fear… Keep the faith… See you in church… JUST BY HIS GRACE… 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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