THE TOUCH OF JESUS

HOMILY FOR THE 13^TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

In the human biological make-up, there are five external sense organs: eyes, ears, tongue, skin and nose. These organs contain receptors that transport information through the sensory neurons to the appropriate places within the nervous system. The skin in particular is the organ for touch and feeling. It is the largest sensory organ in our body. This sense of touch is spread through the whole body. However, there are four kinds of touch that can be identified: cold, heat, contact and pain. At any point in time these kinds of touch come to us, our skins receive the sensation and sends information to the brain for interpretation. This accounts for the reason why we feel cold, warm, pain or react when there is an external force or touch from the environment. This is the sense of touch; and Jesus too had this sense. But beyond this sense of touch in Jesus is a divine power that is transmitted. In the Bible we discover that Jesus transmitted divine healings and power through all these sense organs, but the sense of touch gained more prominence. And today’s Gospel Reading (Mark 5:21-43) is a perfect example of this.

There are two miraculous episodes in the Gospel; one concerns a girl, and the other concerns a woman. While the former concerns the resuscitation of the whole self, the latter concerns the resuscitation of part of the whole self. While the former concerns the restoration of mobility to a static body, the latter concerns the restoration of wholesomeness to a mobile body. While the former involves a conscious effort of an individual to touch Jesus, the latter involves Jesus’ conscious effort to touch us. While the former involves twelve years of sickness, the latter involves twelve years of age. This is very interesting indeed. Both episodes involve the touch of Jesus. As the woman suffering from haemorrhage moved out in faith to touch the cloak of Jesus, the girl, whose father was Jairus received the touch of Jesus on her death bed. Some gain opportunities to go for the touch of Jesus while some get it from Jesus Himself. Whichever way it happens, the touch of Jesus emits power and healing.

In the first episode of healing, Jesus quickly asked: who touched me? The disciples saw this question as unwarranted since many people have been touching him. Here, we see the limitation of what is called common sense. The disciples took the common sense point of view. Of course, Jesus could not have avoided being touched and jostled in a crowd as such. This was a reasonable way to look at it. However, it also shows that that they never realized that there was an inner power that is exerted whenever Jesus healed others. Many a time, we rely on common sense way of seeing things. This actually may lead us to fail to realize what indeed others are going through. That something is easy for us does not entail that it will be easy for another person. We are almost blinded to see the ‘subjective’ reasons others may give up because we think that there is an objective explanation of the situation. Yes, we need common sense, but sometimes, we may have to pray for that sensitive insight which can see into the hearts of others.  

It is true that many had been touching Jesus, but these touches were not what Jesus was referring to. He was pointing to that particular touch that had emitted great healing out of him. The disciples could not understand until the cured woman came forward and reported herself. She came and confessed. Oh, what relief do we get after encountering Jesus in the sacrament of confessions!!! She had been healed already, but she needed that peace and calmness. Immediately she told Jesus the whole truth, her trembling disappeared. She was afraid to show herself, but when she later did, she discovered that not only her body was cured; her troubling mind too had now been calmed. This is the same touch of Jesus that we get in the sacrament of reconciliation.

She touched in faith. She had an intention. She believed that it was the appointed time of her healing. We must not forget that she wasted many resources in her effort to get cured. She had met many physicians on account of her sickness. But this time, she got her healing free of material charge. But actually, there was a charge –her faith. She got her healing from the Divine Physician who does not need the knowledge of herbs, but whose cloak (worn over His skin) became the ultimate chemotherapeutic machine for a one time treatment. Only but her faith!!! Think about how great your benefits if you develop such faith in Jesus Christ.

In the second episode, Jesus went to the dead girl, touched her by the hand and said: Little girl, arise. In the midst of the unrestrained distress of the mourners, there was this calm serenity of Jesus. As they were wailing and weeping, Jesus was calm and quiet. Why this difference? Jesus had perfect confidence and trust in God. They laughed him to scorn because they thought his hope was baseless. But the truth of our divine encounter is that what on merely human encounter is far too good to be true becomes blessedly true when God is there. We are left to imagine how their laughter turned into amazed wonder after they realized what God could do. There is no problem or travail beyond conquest when it is faced in God. We only need to laugh our problems to scorn and wait for the divine wonder that comes with amazement.

The mourners tried to ridicule Jesus, and actually saw no sense on what he was saying. They were indeed most probably planning on where and when to bury her, but that was not the plan of Jesus. His plan was to give the girl back to the parents alive and active (give her something to eat). He had already told the official not to give up but to have faith that the daughter would still live. It is God’s will that we do not suffer from ailments. He does not want us to be imprisoned by the shackles of death. He desires our wholesomeness and freedom. This is the message of the First Reading (Wisdom 1:13-15. 2:23-24). God desires our wellbeing. He does not rejoice in the destruction of the living. Jesus refreshes us daily.

Every day, Jesus touches us in his word and the Eucharist. We also touch Jesus in the Holy Communion that we receive. What benefit have we been able to make out of these encounters? Are we encountering Him in faith; or do we see this reception as a routine? I need to be touched, we need to be touched. May his touch constantly make us wholesome now and always. Amen. God bless you. Happy New month

FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM HIS MOTHER’S WOMB

HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE BIRTHDAY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (VIGIL MASS)

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

The celebration of the birthday of St. John the Baptist is an ancient feast in Christianity and occupies a very important place in the liturgical calendar of the Church. However, anyone very conversant with the liturgical calendar cannot allow this feast to pass by without asking about the reason for the celebration. Of course, some persons could be inclined to neglect this reason and would simply celebrate the feast without asking any question; after all the church has mandated that we celebrate it, and that’s it. And so, this is simply the purpose of this reflection which most probably strives to answer the questions: why must we celebrate the birthday of John the Baptist? And why must it be now? Now, these questions are pertinent because there are issues and causes which prompted it.

The first issue is this. In Christianity, the celebrations and commemorations of saints are usually done on the day of the death, which is a day which marks the saint’s birth into eternal life in heaven. One notable, but quiet recent exception to this rule is the feast of St. Pope John Paul II on October 22, which is the anniversary of his election as Pope. Now, if this is sort of a rule, why is John’s case an exception?

Nevertheless, we must also know that John alone is not the only exception to this rule. The birthdays of our Blessed Mother Mary (September 8) and our Lord Jesus Christ (December 25, Christmas) are also popularly celebrated. Surely, we know the importance of these great figures in the economy of salvation. As Jesus replaced the person of Adam, Mary replaced the person of Eve. Who did John the Baptist replace?

Indeed, the birth of Jesus obviously is a central feast for Christians for it marks the day the world came to see the face of God-made-man. It complements, as it were, March 25, the day of the annunciation which was the moment of conception. The birth of Mary too is treasured by Christians, for it marks the beginning of the definite plan and preparation for the coming of the Christ, just as one who wants to build a house would begin with the foundation. It complements December 8, the day of the Immaculate Conception. These are clearly important to be celebrated. Thus, we understand it when Jesus and Mary are celebrated. Why then must we celebrate John?

We may also wish to widen our quest when we notice the difference in the case of John. We celebrate the conception and birth of Jesus and Mary, and that we have quiet understood, but we do not celebrate the conception of John, even when we celebrate his birth. Why should we not also celebrate it? Why is he also an exception in the three whose feast days includes their birthdays? Of course, one might jokingly answer, which may not be out of place that this is so to show John that he is not in the same level with Jesus and Mary. But that’s by the way. In all and amidst many ways of tackling these issues, we remain sure that the birthday of John is worth celebrating, and it is rich with symbolism. Let us tackle these in three ways.

1. SPIRITUAL POINT OF VIEW

In the Gospel (Luke 1:5-17), there is a sentence from the calming words of the angel to the troubled Zechariah: he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. This message refers to John. He was a direct beneficiary (alongside his mother) of Mary’s care, as Jesus was right there in Mary. In that initial meeting and greeting between Elizabeth and Mary, Tradition holds that John was filled with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, John was delivered from the mother’s womb without original sin since he had already been cleansed in the womb by the Holy Spirit. Hence, John fits properly into the words in the call of Jeremiah (First Reading; Jeremiah 1:4-10): before you were born, I dedicated you. And so, John becomes another person born of a woman without original sin. He shares this with Jesus and Mary. And so, we celebrate their birth which proved the power of God over sin and death. This birthday celebration then ought to be a great encouragement for all of us who promote life, especially in its earliest beginnings of conception and birth. It empowers us then not to give up in celebrating both our birthdays (biological birth as children of Adam) and our spiritual rebirth days (as adopted sons of God).

2. BIOLOGICAL POINT OF VIEW

It was in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy that Mary conceived (Luke 1:26). This implies that John was six months older than Jesus. And what does this tell us? The 25^th day of December is the traditional day for the birthday celebration of Christ. Six months before this date is the 25^th day of June. And so, John has great connection to Christmas, the celebration of the mystery of the incarnation. Today’s feast anticipates Christmas. And in this, it gains its importance. This celebration becomes then a pointer to Christmas as John was a pointer to the Christ. We are then called to remain Christians who show Christ to the world.

3. MISSIONARY POINT OF VIEW

John’s mission is messianic. He was the forerunner of Jesus. And as already seen, his mission is to show the World the Christ, after which he retires. He is the one who must decrease so that the Christ would increase (John 3:30). And this period which we celebrate it is very symbolic. Now, between the months of March and September, Earth’s Northern Hemisphere gets more exposure to direct sunlight over the course of a day. The rest of the year, the southern Hemisphere gets more. That is probably why we have seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, peak sunlight occurs on June 20, 21 or 22 of any given year. That is the summer solstice. By contrast, the southern Hemisphere reaches its peak sunlight on December 21, 22 or 23. Hence, Christmas is a feast of the “Light” for the Southerners (and as such, for all), as John’s baptism is a feast of the forerunner of the “Light” for the Northerners (and as such, for all). What connects them is the light. Christ is the Lumen Gentium (Light of the world).

More interesting is that after the peak sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere, the light begins to decrease with the days that follow –the 24^th or 25^th of June– which coincides with the birthday of John. Little wonder the midsummer as it is called is also called St. John’s day. And so, as the sunshine reduces in intensity, John decreases in importance. This must happen that the Christ will increase and shine forth to the world. This feast therefore is a great reminder to all of the need of humility in service, and warns us against the over-exaggeration of our importance. We must decrease so that others must increase. We must be humble so as not to crumble.

In talking about the sacred of the birthday of John the Baptist, St. Augustine said: the reason for this is, of course, that the Lord willed to announce to men His own coming through the Baptist, lest if he appeared suddenly, they would fail to recognize him. John represented the Old Covenant and the Law. Therefore, he preceded the Redeemer, even as the Law preceded and heralded the new dispensation of grace. Think about how you will feel if you become very important to Jesus as John was. May God continue to help us. Amen. God bless you.

Are you still in doubt about the morality of abortion?

https://youtu.be/rpO0e00f3Aw

Ifeanyi's expose is praiseworthy. He was critical and clear on this issue of abortion; readily comprehensible to anyone. Good one bro.

AND THE MUSTARD SEED SAYS: MY EARLY STATURE WILL NOT DETERMINE MY FINAL STATUE

HOMILY FOR THE 11^TH SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

In the Gospel of today, we encounter the parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4:30-32). This parable is in itself classical. It presents serious lessons for life. In that brief parable, there are three major stages in the life of the mustard seed. The first stage is the state of the seed before its planting. The second stage is the stage of planting and of growth. The third stage is the stage of hosting other creatures. Let us look at these stages.

The first stage

The story makes us aware that the mustard is the smallest of all seeds. In comparison with every others seed, it is the least. In hierarchy, it is at the lowest level. This means that if the mustard seed were to be human, it most likely suffers from humiliation because of its size. It will be neglected in great functions and occasions. It is relegated to the background. It is regarded as riffraff. However, the mustard continues to allow itself to be small. It does not complain about its size because it is sure that the small beginning does not guarantee a small ending. And I hear the mustard seed saying: my small stature will never determine my final statue. It is sure that it can be the tiniest today, but may not be the tiniest tomorrow. While other seed are banking on their loftiness in the early beginnings, the mustard is banking on developing itself for a better tomorrow.

Think about how Christianity began from men who were almost regarded as the poorest in the society. Looking at the calibre of men Jesus selected for that mission of establishing the kingdom of God on earth, one may be inclined to ridicule Jesus for starting very porously. Another may expect that he should have selected the scribes and the learned that already had some respect in the society. Surely, this would help the people to take their message seriously. Serious message of course requires serious messengers. However, Jesus did not call these intelligent men. He started with lowly men. And now, lowliness has turned into greatness. The Lord looks upon his servant in her lowliness; henceforth, all generations shall call her blessed (cf. Luke 1:48). Starting low does not entail ending low. It is even better to start low so that when the end comes out big, it will be better appreciated. Your small stature today is not something that should lead you into annoyance and constant self abandonment. It should be something that should spur you to hard work.

The Second stage

Yet when the mustard seed was planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants. What a miraculous metamorphosis. This is a move from the lowest to the highest. All the mustard seed did was to keep growing without being intimidated by other plants. It knew that interestedness in others and most probably jealousy may lead it to confusion and retrogression. Why are you killing yourself over the achievements of others? Why not work on yourself? Why not grow up? Why not concentrate on the resources available to you and become the best out of them? Many a time, we fail to grow because of our inordinate competition. We allow ourselves to miss the mark because we are merely trying to be another person. We are unique and in our uniqueness, we succeed.

The church as the kingdom of God on earth has grown and continues to grow. She develops herself through the experiences she has made in the past so as to be really united at the end of time with the kingdom of God in heaven. She has remained unshaken by the vicissitudes of history. She stands tall and continues to be the conscience of the society. The moment of growth is not an easy one. And that is why every growth must be anchored on an authentic external strength. The spirit of God has never left the Church. For the mustard to grow there must be nutrients, just as the growth of the Church remains thankful to the Holy Spirit. The Church remains the major agent in the history of the global civilization. I once asked myself: if there had been no Church, how would the world be today? The Church that started with fishermen has produced the greatest of intelligent men in history. The seed has become the biggest tree. You can also translate your humble beginning to the biggest ending.

The Third stage

The birds of the air can perch in its shade. The mustard seed, now a tree which has converted its small beginning to a renowned level has now invited other creatures to live on it. It has become a home for all. It has become the solace of the afflicted. It has become the hiding place of creatures against heavy rainfall and scorching sunshine. However, the tree still stands and will keep standing. The mustard tree has really a lot to teach us. When we become great after series of hard work, we must understand that we are blessed to bless others. We are made successful to make others succeed. We are raised to lift others. We must not because of the rough experiences of the early beginnings convert the successful ending to a life of wickedness. Many will come for help, for habitation, for security; yes, and we are bound to accept that reality.

The Church, no doubt has become an organization that gives people peace. Many in the world, Christians and non-Christians alike have found help and safety under its branches. Institutions of mercy and love have emerged from this magnificent tree –the Church. Another interpretation we must note in the parable of the mustard seed is the fact that the kingdom of God can be a mixture of good and evil, in such a way that the evil are permitted to be co-habiting with the good (cf. The parable of the tares). We must not deny that on this mustard tree could be creatures that are merely there for the resourcefulness of the tree in giving them shelter. And since there is free entrance and habitation, it is not ruled out that evil can also claim to be good and so inhabit on this tree. The church is a community of saints and sinners; saints who aspire for more saintliness, and sinners who desire to be out of sin. Do not be discouraged when you experience evil. Some may actually be using the church as a cover up for their evil deeds.

Another point with which we conclude concerns what happens when we turn wealthy, influential and greatly important. We must realize that the greater we become, the more hypocrites we get as friends. This is why great men are always betrayed by those regarded as close friends. Utility friendship grows with success. Those who come when greatness comes your way might actually be coming for the greatness, and not for the person. Despite this reality, do not stop doing good. Do good anyway. The mustard does not stop allowing the birds of the air to live on it for the reason of avoiding hypocrites. Otherwise it may reject also the genuine ones. All we need do is to grow in this consciousness. And so we must end by repeating the conviction of the mustard seed: my early stature will not determine my final statue, as my final statue will reflect the humility of my early stature. God bless you.