DAILY HOMILIES

In today’s Nigeria, even a child of primary school age has mastered the game of corruption, dishonesty and deception. If we don’t watch it, the evils of the next generation will make the evils of the present time seem like “the good old times.” We must start telling ourselves: “I am the problem of Nigeria; if I don’t change, Nigeria cannot be better.”

You feel paralysed with fear now because you find it hard to imagine a better tomorrow; you still cannot see any light at the end of your tunnel but know this: if Jesus rose from the dead, your trials will end one day.

The existence of angels is a mystery, a reality not easily comprehended by human reasoning. Angels form part of what St. Paul talked about when he said: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Is it a time for you to dwell in your panelled houses while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. You have sown much and harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill

Today's readings present two broad dimensions of priestly ministry: praying for the people and interacting with or rendering service to God’s people. Remember that apart from those ordained, every Christian (by the sacrament of baptism) is also a priest.

Anyone who hears God’s Word and puts it into practice is automatically a family member of Jesus. Regardless of your church, race, colour or nationality, you are family as long as you listen to and obey God’s voice.

When faced with a temptation, it will do us well to say this phrase repeatedly: “I am light; I cannot hide.” Indeed, as St. Paul says, the safest life is to “live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Philippians 1:27).

God’s generosity may be seen as “injustice”, but who would survive if God treated us according to our sins? Why do we point fingers at others, forgetting that our so-called goodness is only by God’s grace? Imagine you were the thief who got this express ticket to heaven, the prodigal son, or the worker hired very late; wouldn’t you be happy? How would you respond to those angry with God, saying you do not deserve such love?

Let us ask ourselves: “Where I am right now?” That is, which type of soil defines my current spirituality? Once we answer this question, we will know what to do. We all can produce great fruits for God’s kingdom. Think of Sts. Paul, Matthew, Peter, Mary Magdalene, etc. If they are saints today, you, too, can be a saint.

According to St. Paul, those who consider ministry a money-making enterprise “fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all evils; through this craving, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. But as for you, man of God, shun all this.” (1 Timothy 6:9-11).

Man’s opinion about you may be damaging, but God’s opinion matters. The name people call you is an identity; it does not define your essence. The fact that people are laughing at you or insulting you does not make you a loser. Let God have the last word. God relates with us based on our potential and not our past. We should, therefore, not allow the past to prevent us from responding to God’s call from within.

Jesus’ critics called him a glutton and a friend of tax collectors. In response, Jesus said: “All her children justify Wisdom.” Actions speak louder than words. A footballer once wrote on his Twitter handle: “Those who know do not criticise, and those who criticise do not know.” Do not be too quick to criticise others or to believe the negative tales you hear.