DAILY HOMILIES

Between Joseph and Mary, who was the prayer warrior? I’ll let you debate that. If you say Mary was the prayer warrior, I wonder why the angel appeared to Joseph rather than Mary, warning him about the child’s safety. Men who neglect prayer in the name of it being a woman’s duty are terrible fathers. As a man, you should be the one seeing visions and dreaming big for your family. Every man is the Joseph of the house. You lead, you provide, and you protect; to do this, you must be deeply connected to God. Twice Joseph dreamt and received vital instructions. If he weren’t prayerful, he would have failed in his responsibilities.

While other apostles fled during the Passion of Jesus, John stayed with Mary at the foot of the cross. John’s presence demonstrates that he was a true friend of Jesus. He was there when Jesus was “nothing”—he was present when Jesus was stripped, disfigured, and hung on the cross. Only when times are tough do you truly find out who your friends are. No wonder Jesus entrusted his mother to John.

“But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated men, who said, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’” (Acts 6:10-11). There is a saying in pidgin – “the person wei dey cry still fit see road”. Do not assume that everyone showing you love during this period truly loves you. Shine your eyes! Be on guard. In today’s Gospel passage, we hear Jesus say: “Beware of men…” In other words: “Be Careful!” It is not everyone who goes to Church (or quotes the Bible) that is a Christian.

If every Nigerian Christian truly lived out the values of the baby in the manger, humility, love, justice, and sacrifice, Nigeria would be transformed, not by laws from above, but by lives changed from within. Christmas is a call to repentance. It is a call to let the Christ who is born tonight to be born again in us, to live in us, to rule in us, to change us. St. Paul’s words are clear: Grace trains us to renounce ungodliness. If our Christianity has not changed our behaviour, our integrity, our honesty, our treatment of others, then we have received the grace of God in vain.

By choosing to come as a baby (not a warrior with an army), by choosing to be born to poor people under humble circumstances (not in a palace of gold), and by making Himself so vulnerable (such that Joseph had to flee at night with the baby Jesus for safety from Herod), I believe God was clearly showing mankind: “Love me, don’t be so frightened about me, I am close to you.”

Christmas is a time of visitation. As God visited us, we are called to visit (bring glad tidings) one another this season. Again, as God came to redeem us, we are called to redeem (assist, support, encourage, rescue, forgive) those who are down. As there are many parties and celebrations during this period, let us not forget that many are lonely, sad, hungry, sick, and hopeless. Some are even mourning their loved ones. Celebrate Christmas by spreading love, joy and hope.

Zechariah’s obedience to God’s instruction restored his ability to speak. When we obey God, we permit Him to carry out His will in our lives. Often, we behave as though we know better than God, only to find ourselves in a dead end like Jonah. If we persist in our sinfulness, we can never achieve all that God has planned for us.

Dear friends, let us examine our hearts. Are there promises you made to God when things were tough for you, yet long after God heard your prayer, you refused to fulfil your part? Do you even remember God when things are going well for you? Are you currently facing a storm? Don’t worry; storms do not last forever. Keep telling yourself, “This too shall pass.” Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

As Abraham’s faith was demonstrated in action, Joseph, through his obedience, showed great faith in God. We cannot claim to have faith when we refuse to obey God’s instructions. Trust goes with obedience. Joseph said nothing to the Angel, but his actions spoke louder than anything he might have said. Some of us are vocal in professing our faith but remain silent when it comes to obeying God’s commands.

Like Jesus Christ, we all have two names: one that appears on our certificates and one that defines who we are. Although the names we bear may vary, the kind of life we live must reflect our real identity—Christlike, children of God. People should not only call us Christians; they must also see Christ in us.

Zechariah prayed for many years for a child and did not get an answer. When the answer came, Zachariah forgot what he had been praying for. He felt that God had decided not to grant him any child. His doubt was evident to the Angel. What is it that I have been praying for? Have I reached a point of doubt? This reading should give me a rethink. God knows what He is doing.

Joseph’s role in the life of Jesus demonstrates that every child needs a father who provides, protects, and trains. Today is another day to say a big thank you to our Fathers: the men who were there for us from the cradle, the men who bore the harsh heat of the sun and worked all day just to put food on our tables, the men who were our first teachers in the faith, the men who disciplined us when we went astray. Fathers are not necessarily biological. Are you a Father? What kind of Father are you?