WE MEET IN GALILEE

HOMILY FOR THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

That body is no longer in the tomb. We are saved. Our lives have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler (Psalm 127:7). Thank God I am part of this community of faith, for whom they Lord came. Thank God I am part of those who have been redeemed by the blood of the lamb. Thank God I am part of those who have been told to go ahead to Galilee for a super Christophany (appearance of Christ), which is in itself a theophany. Christ is now resurrected. His body is no longer like ours. This body now enjoys incorruptibility (he cannot experience decay), impassibility (he cannot feel pains again), ubiquity (he is everywhere), agility ( he moves rapidly from one place to another), subtility (he can move without restrictions). It is this resurrected body that we are going to Galilee to meet.

In the Gospel (Matt. 28:1-10) of today, Jesus said to the women: go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee; there they will see me. Hence, following His resurrection, Jesus wanted to meet with His disciples whom he now called brothers in Galilee. We must recall that there are three references to Galilee as the meeting place of Jesus and his disciples when Jesus must have resurrected. One was during the Last Supper, when Jesus said: After I am raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee (Matt. 26:32). Two was when the women arrived at the tomb and found an empty tomb, the angel told them to notify the disciples that he is going before them to Galilee; it is there that they will see him (Matt. 28:7). Three was when the women were already on their way to dispatch this message, Jesus himself appeared to them and still repeated the words of the angel to them (Matt. 29:10). And actually, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them, and met Jesus (cf. Matt. 28:16-20).

Galilee was majorly divided into the Southern and Northern part. Northern Galilee is rugged and mountainous. Southern Galilee is gentle rolling hill country, frequently interrupted by plains. The soil is fertile. The situation of Galilee made it a crossroad of important routes, radiating in all directions and gave it a mixed population. Many people of different origin lived in Galilee. As a city, it was welcoming and had mixed cultures with no particular culture priding itself as the best. So, every wise teacher desired to sprout from Galilee, for it is there that one can get people who are open to change, growth, acceptance and correction. From here, we perceive the smell of the reason for the choice of Galilee in Jesus ministry.

1. But, why is the choice for Galilee as a place of meeting? Remember, that Galilee was not the Jewish capital where kings and queens live. It was not even the central place for religious activities. Galilee was the place where almost all the disciples of Jesus lived. Jesus Himself was generally regarded as a native of Galilee. Most of the events of the synoptic Gospels occurred in Galilee, and there Jesus spent most of His life and most of his ministry. Thus, having fought the war for our salvation, Jesus did not hesitate to go back to where he started. Jesus started his ministry in Galilee (cf. Matt. 4:12). So, he deemed it worthwhile to go back to the origin with the disciples for the great commissioning of the Church. Charity begins at home. Do not forget that this week had been so tough for Jesus as regards the suffering he endured till he died on the cross, and the war he fought in the underworld to liberate the dead. After the fatigue of this work, the place that came to his mind was that home from where he started. Galilee gave to Jesus a fertile ground for his ministry because of the welcoming attitude of people who live. The land was occupied by both Jews and Gentiles, and so they had a more universal mentality. Their acceptance of him made him to remember them, and they became the first city that experienced the grace and power of the resurrected Jesus.

Where do you remember easily after your period of stress, of suffering, and of work that saps great energy from you? Do you go to the bar to drink, or do you return home; that home from where you left for work, that home that washes your clothing, cooks for you, trains you, accepts you, and sees to your welfare? Again, when success comes to you, where is the first place you remember? Jesus remembered the place that made him welcome when he became a conqueror/saviour; do you also remember your home when you become a conqueror or a victor? Or do you take your home as archaic, barbaric, foolish and destructive? It was that home that guided and guarded you when you were young, now someone tries to convince you that the same home wants you dead; and you agree?

2. It can never end in suffering. There were three grades of suffering Jesus passed through, and this three are represented by the name of a place. They all began with the letter G and are therefore called the 3Gs. The first G is Gethsemane, the garden of cries and weeping before the arrest. The second G is Gabbatha, the place of judgment, of flogging, and of various ridicule for Jesus. The third G is Golgotha, the place of execution of Jesus, where he died. However, these three places were not decisive. There is a fourth place: Galilee. It is a place of meeting the resurrected Christ. It is a place of discovery of the risen Christ. It is a place where the disciples were empowered to become another Christ. Hence, our followership of Christ involves but goes beyond the 3Gs. Galilee is a place of glory, of vision, of power, of a miraculous experience which no ear has heard nor has any eyes seen. Personally, I am going to Galilee to have this experience. I know too that some people are ready to go with me. Let us all go to Galilee where we shall see the resurrected Christ, and where we shall receive fresh powers to conquer, and the unction for our functions.

3. Remember too that this meeting is on a Galilean mountain. The mountain is known as a place for divine revelation. It was on the mountain that Moses encountered Yahweh. It was also on a mountain that Christ was transfigured. This time around, it is on a mountain that the disciples were empowered. Therefore, being on top of the mountain places us at the threshold between the skies and the earth. So, our going to the mountain makes us to be on top. And our being on top will not be for our sake but for the sake of those whom we shall draw up to enjoy this mountain of revelation, of apparition and of glory.

4. Lastly, tonight Jesus desires to meet you where you live. From the tomb, He rises with the words: I will meet you where you live. He desires to meet you where you work. He desires to meet you where you study. It is in that place that he will see you. He does not expect to see you in Enugu where you live in Aba. He does not expect to see you in the market place where you work in the bank. He does not expect to see you in the Engineering Department where you are in the Nursing department. Be where you are, and the Lord will encounter you. The apostles were from Galilee, and it was there that the resurrected Lord met with them, and they encountered him. Be calm but ready to experience this divine encounter. I wish you this encounter that reinvigorates us, encourages us, and empowers us this Easter. May you experience the power of the resurrected Jesus in your homes. Amen. I WISH YOU A SPLENDID EASTER CELEBRATION. God bless you.

TETELESTAI: THE PERFECT COMPLETION

REFLECTION FOR GOOD FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF HE LORD

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

Our Saviour has slept. Having journeyed through the way of the cross, and having being nailed on the wood of the cross, the Christ uttered his last word, it is finished (John 19:30). These words when rendered in the Greek language is just one word; tetelestai. After this one word, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Why is this word the last that the Saviour said? What is it that is finished? For whom has it been finished? These three questions form the three pillars of our reflection on this very important day in the history of our salvation.

To answer the first question, we must understand the context of the usage of the famous word, tetelestai. The expression was well known to the people John the Evangelist wrote for. He wrote in the Greek language and employed the Greek mentality in his writing. So, every Greek at the time who reads the Gospel understood quickly the message the Evangelist tries to pass on concerning the death of the Saviour. So, tetelestai was part of the everyday language of the people.

1) It was well known in temple sacrifice. It was always the case that after the scrutiny of the offering brought by the people to the temple by the High Priest, the words he used to confirm the authenticity of the offering reflects the Greek tetelestai. These words which are spoken in Hebrew are ‘The Lord accepts your offering; it is perfect’. In the context, the sacrifice is complete and perfect.

2) It is a word that demonstrates satisfaction over an artistic work. Whenever an artist finished his sculptural design, he would admire it in admiration and would say tetelestai. In this context, there is nothing extra to be added to the design. It has reached its completion.

3) It is used to express final conclusion over a job or work. When a servant or a hired labourer had completed his job he was told to do, he would say to his hirer or master, tetelestai. In this context, the servant tries to say that all the difficulties concerning the job have been overcome. The job has been done to the very best of his ability; therefore it is finished.

4) The word was well known in economic affairs. When the merchant at the market place makes some sales and gets paid for them, the words that accompany such experience are tetelestai. In this context, the deal is finished. The price has been paid in full; therefore he is satisfied.

And so, these words have deep meanings when Jesus said them. The implications deduced are as follows: The sacrifice of Himself upon the cross has been accepted by His Father in heaven. There is no need for further sacrifice. Having seen the work he was able to accomplish on earth, he was sure that there was nothing needed more to be added to the type of faith he has designed on earth. Having passed through all those difficulties and sufferings, Jesus was sure that he has done to the very best of his ability all that the Father willed that he did. Jesus has paid the full price for us; and so He dies very satisfied that it is finished. He owes no one any debt. He has paid the debt in full. We sing together: He paid the debt I could not pay, I owe the debt I could not pay, I need a someone to wash my sins away. My eyes have seen a bright new day, amazing grace. Lord Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay. These words ‘it is finished’ hence denotes perfect completion.

To answer the Second question, we need to throw our minds back to the divine plan for mankind. God desires that man live with him eternally after our earthly life. One word that summarizes this is reconciliation. Paul said in his letter to the Philipians (2:10): he has reconciled all things in Christ; things in heaven and things on earth. His purpose was to reconcile us with the Father that we may now be worthy to behold God’s face again, and God on His own part will be ready to welcome us. Reconciliation is the deal that has been done. What is reconciliation? This is the restoration of an impaired relationship. So, if we have been reconciled with God, the relationship that was destroyed in Adam has now been restored. We are no longer slaves to this sin but have become heirs to the kingdom. This task of reconciliation has now been finished. Salvation is achieved; it is finished. Nothing needs to be done. He has done all things well. This is therefore a good day for all humanity. Thus, this Friday is a good one.

The answer to the third question is derived from the second answer. Salvation is for man. It is finished that man may not be finished. He died that we may not die. He gave up his spirit that our spirit may be enlivened and saved. Humankind must therefore be so grateful for this redemption which is the highest show of love ever known in history. Consequentially then, we are celebrating the gift of love which is the background and the fruit of reconciliation. We must reciprocate this same gesture towards God. We must love the Lord with all our hearts, soul and strength, and must love our neighbours.

What have you sacrificed for that person close to you? What have you given up to enrich the one that has not? What have you nailed to the wood for the sake of peace in your home? What have you done to help relief the pains of the other person? Have you worked so hard to finish the work you have been given for the sake of the community in which you live; or do you do a half-hazard work and still claims that you have finished? We have many unfinished roads, incomplete Government buildings and projects, the debts we owe to people that we have decided not to pay. In the proper examination of ourselves under the optics of these questions, can we truly say the words of Jesus that it is finished? Be you perfect as your heavenly Father is (Mtt 5:48). We must seek perfection in whatever we do. Can a leader at the end of his/her tenure be it in the Church or State rightly say that it is finished? Oh Yes, I have finished. God bless you as we eagerly wait to rise with the sleeping Jesus few hours from now. Amen.

DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME

HOMILY FOR MAUNDY THURSDAY (MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER)

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

Today, we begin the highest point of the mystery of the Christian faith. We begin today the Paschal Triduum. The Paschal Triduum begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper and reaches its culmination in the Easter vigil, as it closes with the evening prayer of Easter Sunday. Today is known as Maundy Thursday. It is the Thursday of the Holy Week, known also as the Holy Thursday. It is the mass celebrated to commemorate the Lord’s Supper. There are two important events that are the focus of Maundy Thursday. Firstly, it commemorates the day Jesus had his last supper with the disciples, and therein instituted the Holy Eucharist, after which he commanded that it be done in memory of him. This forms the background of the Chrism Mass celebration wherein the Bishop blesses the oils of the sick, of Catechumens and of the Chrism, and wherein there is a renewal of the priestly promises. The Chrism Mass is actually a Holy Mass that celebrates the institution of the sacrament of Holy Orders which is the twin sacrament of the Eucharist. The morning section celebrates the Priesthood as the evening section celebrates the Eucharist; all in the same day.

Secondly, it commemorates the day Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, and therein showed the Eucharist and the Holy Orders as sacraments of service and ministration. The priest then is a servant who ministers at the altar of God as the Eucharist is the unction for the Christian ministration. Mind you, to minister is to serve. After the washing of feet, Jesus commanded that we do it as he has done it. The actions of Christ on this day all ended with a command to the disciples to prolong the act. Little wonder, Maundy as a word is derived from the Latin word for ‘command.’ Hence, Maundy Thursday calls to our mind the command of Jesus to prolong his life of sacrifice and service in the Eucharist. Unlike the Synoptic gospel writers, the Gospel of John has no account of the Last Supper. But we cannot because of this absence say that the institution of the Eucharist on this day has no popular attestation. The absence of the last supper is replaced with the Eucharistic gesture of washing of the feet, which opens our minds on how the Eucharist ought to transform our lives towards humility and service.

The Gospel (John 13:1-15) concludes with these wordings: for I have given you an example that you also should do as I have done to you. In the Eucharist, Jesus offers Himself. In the washing of the feet, Jesus shows us the importance of service and humility. So the Eucharist is a call on all Christians to offer oneself for the sake of others, as the washing of the feet is a call on all Christians to offer oneself in service. As He dies, Jesus leaves an instruction with his actions and commands that the disciples must continue in it. The example is in the principle. And this principle is that of love and sacrifice. We see the inseparability of the Eucharist and service in the readings of today.  The First (Exod. 12:1-18.11-14) is a prefiguration of the memorandum of the Eucharist in the New Testament. The injunction, this day shall be a memorial day and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord coincides with the Second Reading’s (2 Cor. 11:23-26) do this in memory of me. All the three are in form of command to practice events that have happened but are significant for the future generation.

God wants us to maintain the legacy of his love for us. Jesus, in the Gospel left a super legacy that has lasted for thousands of years. He expects us to continue in such a legacy. However, we must go beyond the washing of feet to understand properly what we need to practice as Christians. Jesus by his action gave an example of humility, condescension, and love; so too we must exercise these virtues and interact with one another with such lifestyle and not seeking precedence over one another with an intimidating spirit or aura. The example is one of self-sacrifice up to the point of death. Thus, we must lay down our lives for one another. To live as to have legacies, we must follow this command of the Lord. This command must be seen in the exercise of grace, of lowliness, love, humility, patience, service and obedience.

We must ask these questions: What is your legacy? For what will you be remembered after your existence? Who and who will be so keen to maintain an action or instruction of yours after your earthly existence? Many of us work to be remembered for things that pass away. They tend to regard less those virtues that make us really humans. It is when we have lived well that we can unequivocally tell those behind us to make sure the legacy you have fought to maintain does not die off.

Everyone desires to be remembered after death. There is something in us that yearns to be remembered after we die. We desire our struggle not to be in vain. A man was dying and was on his deathbed. Many people were there sympathizing with him and giving him palliative care before he finally dies. He looked up gently and saw that all the sons and salesmen he had were there. He immediately asked: why are all of you here? Who is in the shop? This story may sound funny, but this tells us how mankind wants their effort to be prolonged and not trivialized. Think of it if this story had ended this way: and he looked up gently and saw all the sons and salesmen, and smiled to them with these words –Never depart from the good you have learnt from me for I have fought well.

The problem is that some people lived in delusion of having many disciples here on earth and would even think that people would prolong their existence and maintain the legacies they thought they may have left, only for everything to crumble after their death. If wishes were horses, many merchants who struggled and became so rich here on earth would like to incarnate in their sons and daughters so as to maintain the family empire, business or legacy they have fought to keep. Some others too having seen the type of sons they have are tempted to sell off what they have as they die. A man was dying and was weeping heavily. His weeping attracted so much attention that when he was questioned, he said: I have no children to maintain all I fought for and got in life. Seeing the children’s waywardness who eagerly awaited his death, he had to instruct the lawyer to sell all his property and donate the fund to a charity organization, leaving only the house of domicile. No one wants his effort to be rubbished.

If this happens in the material world, come to think of it what happens in the spiritual realm? If we try to convert these attitudes to become spiritual, then every one of us would struggle to live a good life so as to be remembered for it. There is some form of contentment in death if one is sure that he/she has touched many lives positively. There are also regrets and pains if one sees that he has maimed many lived negatively. Jesus was sure of what he has done and how he has acted. He had the courage to tell the followers to continue with what he has left for them, because he knows that in it is power, and living our lives by this instruction gives us the same courage and equanimity with which Christ embraced death. The way we live must confront us in the face of death. May the Last supper of Christ be our strength in our last days. Amen.

THE LORD NEEDS IT!!!

REFLECTION TO COMMEMORATE THE LORD’S ENTRANCE INTO JERUSALEM ON PALM SUNDAY

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

It is Palm Sunday. It is a day in the Church’s calendar when we are reminded of the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem; a place that is known as the tomb-city of the prophets. We were reminded in Luke 19:10 that Christ came to save the lost. Now, the time for this redemption has come and the place has been decided. But why was the colt important for the Journey of Christ into Jerusalem? The inhabitants of Jerusalem having heard about all that Jesus had done in many other cities have longed for their own moment.  Jesus request for a particular donkey and dispatched his disciples with the words that if anyone intercepts them, they need only reply: The Lord needs it. The colt was important for the journey of Jesus because we are important to Him. He desires to make his entrance so explicit since he already knew that his time was almost near. The importance of the donkey for such journey does not rely on the animal itself or on luxury, but on the zealous journey couched with courage towards the salvation the Lord gains for us.

The reception offered to Jesus implies that he was already well known by the people as their messiah (a political one) who would cause their political liberation. We remember King Jehu who was offered such similar honour at his coronation (cf.2 Kings 9:13). They may have wanted to re-enact this history as to crown Jesus the political warlord for an initiation of riot. They lost it as Christ was a spiritual messiah, and that they failed to recognize. It is tragic to see the saviour and not recognize him for who He is. They spread their cloths on the road, as many cut branches from the trees (John identifies this as palm). It is from the action of this crowd that PALM SUNDAY is so named. As they did this, they heralded: Hossana in the highest heaven (cf. Mtt. 21:9). This immediately reflects the prophecy of Zechariah in 9:9: rejoice O Jerusalem and be glad for her, behold your king comes to you, lowly and riding on a donkey; on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Lastly, apart from the action of the Jews who held palm in ignorance, we now hold palms in full knowledge and awareness of who Jesus is. We are sure and are aware unlike the old that the palms we now hold are signs of our martyrdom in Christ. These are signs of our victory over suffering, pains and sin. We are victors and no longer victims. We represent those saints in Rev. 7:9 who held palm branches in their hands shouting: salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the lamb. May we enjoy this status now and always. Amen.