*WHATEVER YOU ASK IN JESUS' NAME, CONSIDER IT DONE*

Saturday, 27 April 2024. 

Readings: Acts 13:44-52, Ps. 98:1-4, John 14:7-14

*“I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14)*

We witnessed a profound metamorphosis in Saul's life a few days ago. As the Christians gathered to pray and fast in Antioch, the Holy Spirit spoke, saying: “Set apart Barnabas and Saul to the work which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2). This marked a significant turning point in Saul’s life, a journey that led to his name change from Saul to Paul. In Acts 13:9-11 we read: “But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, ‘…behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.’ Immediately, mist and darkness fell upon him, and he sought people to lead him by the hand.” This was the last time the Bible addressed him as Saul, a testament to the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. 

As Saul, he persecuted Christians, but as Paul, he fearlessly and fiercely defended the Church to the extent that, in today’s First Reading, the Jews (who knew him as Saul) became envious of him, and they conspired to throw him out of their city. Imagine the best player of a particular football club switching to another club for free and coming home to score goals against the club that raised him. Once again, this is the story of the power of God, with whom nothing is impossible. Jesus throws some light into this supernatural power in today’s Gospel when he said: “If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14). Let us examine some lessons contained in today’s readings:

*1. Even If the Invited Guests Do Not Come, the Party Must Go On:* In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus gave a parable about the guests invited to a wedding ceremony, but when it was time, they failed to attend. Some gave flimsy excuses; others beat up the servants who only came to remind them about the wedding. The Master, in annoyance, then told the servants to bring in as many people as they could find to the wedding banquet. This parable is exactly what plays out in today’s First Reading. Paul and Barnabas spoke first to the Jews, but the Jews reviled them and contradicted everything they said. Meanwhile, the Gentiles gladly accepted the message and glorified God, and many believed. God’s will must be done. His plans must come to pass. If we also behave like the Jews, God will work with others who are willing. 

*2. The Name of Jesus is the Most Powerful Name on Earth:* Writing to the Philippians, Paul declares: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:9-11). In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says: “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it… if you ask anything in my name, I will do it…” By saying, “I will do it,” Jesus wants us to know He is God and mediator. He is the destination and the road we must follow to get there. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6). Without Jesus, we are lost. Without Him, we cannot know the truth, and no life exists. 

*3. The Power of Faith in Prayer:* In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:12-14). These words of Jesus underscore the importance of faith in our prayers. Before you start praying, read these verses again and again. If possible, memorise them and repeat them in your heart daily. Do you believe you can do greater things than what Jesus did on earth? Do you trust God will do whatever you ask in Jesus’ Name? Praying without faith is like running on the spot; you exert much energy but no movement. Let us strengthen our faith in the power of prayer, for it is through faith that we truly connect with God.

*Let us pray:* Almighty, ever-living God, increase my faith in the power of your name. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

*Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Saturday of the 4th week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 13:44-52, Ps. 98:1-4, John 14:7-14).*

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

*LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED*

*“Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1)*

In today’s first reading, we read a part of St. Paul’s sermon to the believers at Antioch of Pisidia. This was his first recorded sermon in the Acts of the Apostles. Interestingly, the man who once persecuted the faith became its greatest promoter. As long as you have God on your side, even your greatest enemy today can become your best friend tomorrow. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says: “Let not your hearts be troubled.” (John 14:1). Is it possible to live without worries? How can we avoid being troubled in our hearts? This brings us to today’s lessons:

*1. Life Always Gives Us Reasons To Worry:* The first key to overcoming worry is to know that problems never end. A popular pidgin English proverb is: “This life no balance. Wahala be like bicycle.” It means: While solving one problem, get ready for another one. Worrying is a natural reaction to life’s challenges, but you can decide to be calm. Jesus was in a boat with his disciples, and “there arose a great storm on the sea so that the waves swamped the boat, but He was asleep. And they woke him, saying, ‘Save, Lord; we are perishing.’ And He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” (Matthew 8:24-26). Jesus was not expecting his disciples to panic despite the great storm. Don’t wait for your problems to be over before permitting yourself a good night’s sleep.

*2. How Do We Turn Off The Worry-Machine in Us?* Jesus answers: “Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms.” In other words, the cure for constant worry is faith in God. Remember that the book of Hebrews defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). To have faith is to be assured of God’s protection even when all you see with your eyes is danger. To believe in God is to be convinced that God sees and knows what to do regardless of your present circumstances. A good athlete exercises faith to win a race by visualising themselves holding the medal even before the race starts. To have faith is to pray and work, trusting that God will bless your work and make it fruitful. Refusing to work after praying is not a sign of faith; it is putting God to the test and refusing to exercise wisdom.  

*3. In My Father’s House Are Many Rooms:* The second part of Jesus’ statement on how to stop worrying is to remind ourselves that this world is not our final destination. We are pilgrims on earth. Jesus once gave a parable of a man whose land yielded in abundance. The man was excited because his dreams came to pass; his problems were over. It was time to enjoy it because he wouldn’t have to work again. However, that same night, God demanded his soul. (Cf. Luke 12:13-21). While working to achieve your perfect life, remember that you must leave everything behind one day, and where you are going is better than where you are now. Jesus has prepared a place for us, and He will take us there when our time comes. If you must worry, worry about whether you are in a state of grace to enter heaven. Don’t worry about anything that will not matter once you die. Funnily, those are the things that give us sleepless nights. “Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ … Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek his kingdom and righteousness first, and all these things shall also be yours.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

*4. Even The Things You Don’t Like Are Working For Your Good:* In today’s first reading, St. Paul says: “Brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognise him nor understand the utterances of the prophets read every sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning him.” (Acts 13:26-27). In other words, by hating and rejecting Jesus, the Jews helped to fulfil all the prophecies about Jesus. Do you know those making life tough for you right now are pushing you closer to your destiny? Only in hindsight have I realised that my worst moments were times of growth and great progress. One day, you will thank God for blessing you with the kind of troubles you have now.

*Let us pray:* Almighty, ever-living God, increase my faith and cast away my fears and worries. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

*Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Friday of the 4th week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 13:26-33, Ps. 2:6-11, John 14:1-6).*

Fr. Abu

*WRAP YOURSELF IN HUMILITY: LESSONS FROM ST. MARK*

*Thursday, 25 April 2024. 

Readings: 1 Peter 5:5-14, Ps. 89:2-3,6-7,16-17, Mark 16:15-20

*“And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name, they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)*

Today, we celebrate one of the great heroes of our Christian Faith. Mark was a personal assistant to the first Pope, St. Peter the Apostle, and the Gospel he wrote was based on what he heard Peter preach as they travelled on the mission of evangelisation. 

In today's first reading, Peter even refers to Mark as a son. Mark was not just an assistant but a man who humbly served the mission by applying his talents and gifts. Perhaps Peter had him in mind when he wrote about our need to clothe ourselves with humility.  

Indeed, one shining virtue we should all have is humility. Without it, we cannot learn from others or grow. We should never do anything to attract praise or exaltation to ourselves; let us allow God himself to exalt us. 

It is believed that Mark was among the Seventy that Jesus sent out two by two to go into the surrounding countries in Luke 10: 1-20. As Luke narrates, the seventy returned rejoicing and declaring how the evil spirits obeyed their bidding. 

This is the same reality Mark conveys in the concluding part of his Gospel passage, which we read today. “And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by signs that attended it.” (Mark 16:20).

As we can see, miracles are signs that accompany and confirm the message, not vice versa. Jesus asked us to go and preach everywhere, but he didn’t say to go and work miracles everywhere. Today’s Christianity has turned things around: No one says, “Come and hear the word of God;” instead, what you hear is, “Come and receive your miracle.”

Any place where miracles are happening yet the word of God is not preached or given little attention and time, we must be on guard for native doctors, magicians, and occultists have taken over the miracle business. 

All we are called to do is preach. Let Jesus work miracles according to His will. Mark says, “The Lord worked with them confirming the message by signs…” No one can claim any miracle, but Jesus is the only one who works miracles.

According to scripture scholars, Mark was the first person to write a Gospel as early as 64 A.D. Matthew and Luke copied from him, accounting for the deep similarities in the three Gospels. 

Saint Mark’s journey with Saint Peter and Barnabas is recorded in Acts as they travelled through Cyprus and Rome carrying the Word. Church writings accredit Saint Mark with founding the Church in Alexandria and consequently serving as bishop there.

 

*Let us pray:* Almighty, ever-living God, use me to spread your word like Mark the Evangelist. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

*Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Saint Mark, Evangelist - Feast. Bible Study: 1 Peter 5:5-14, Ps. 89:2-3,6-7,16-17, Mark 16:15-20)*

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu

*THE GREAT COMMISSIONING AT ANTIOCH*

*“I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46)*

Antioch represents an important turning point in the history of Christianity. Yesterday, we read that: “The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number that believed turned to the Lord.” (Acts 11:21). This news prompted the church at Jerusalem to send Barnabas to them, who, in turn, brought Saul from Tarsus to Antioch. Not only did the church in Antioch experience exponential growth in number, but it was also a place where believers behaved like Christ such that it was at Antioch that people were addressed as Christians for the first time. 

In today’s First Reading, we learn that under the guidance of Barnabas and Saul, Antioch was a vibrant church, a community of prophets, teachers, and prayer warriors. “While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”(Acts 13:2). This is the first recorded instance of the Holy Spirit speaking directly, not just to one person, but to an entire congregation; everyone heard and understood the Holy Spirit’s message. There was no confusion – a shining example of the light that Jesus Christ spoke about in today’s Gospel passage. How do we position ourselves to hear from the Holy Spirit today? In other words, how do we take advantage of the light that Jesus brings? This brings us to our lessons today: 

*1. Never Neglect Prayer:* The Church in Antioch was a prayerful community. If we desire to hear from the Holy Spirit, we must devote time to prayer and fasting. Without prayer, we are powerless against our enemies. Without prayer, we cannot hear from God (spiritually deaf). Without prayer, we cannot see the hand of God in our lives (spiritually blind). Without prayer, we cannot speak blessings over our lives (spiritually dumb). Prayer is the only real master key; it opens both physical and spiritual doors. It also gives us insight into spiritual realities. Jesus is God, yet during His life, Jesus devoted so many hours to prayer to teach us that prayer is the source and summit of spiritual refreshment. Jesus asked the disciples: “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40). Do you think giving God an hour daily is too much?  

*2. Accompany Prayer With Fasting:* The Church in Antioch prayed and also fasted. When we fast, we involve our whole body in prayer. Fasting deepens our hunger and thirst for God. Fasting helps us control the desires of the flesh. St. Paul says: “I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). In other words, fasting enables us to develop self-control. Fasting also helps to quieten the noises about us so that we can hear more clearly from God. In Luke Chapter 2, we read that Anna, the prophetess, worshipped God with fasting and prayer and never left the temple. Like Simeon, Anna immediately recognised Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus also began his ministry with forty days of prayer and fasting. If you want to hear from God, pray and fast.

*3. Obey God’s Commandments, Let Your Light Shine:* The church in Antioch was a beacon of light because they were true Christians; they lived as Christ did. If you want to hear from the Holy Spirit, there should be no contradiction between what you externally profess and what you do. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says: “I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If any one hears my sayings and does not keep them… the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day.” (John 12:46-48). When we keep God’s word, we become lights to the world and more importantly, God opens our eyes to see beyond the ordinary.

*Let us pray:* Almighty, ever-living God, teach me to discipline myself to hear more and more from you daily. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

*Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Wednesday of the 4th week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 12:24-13:5 Ps. 67:2-3,5-6,8, John 12:44-50).*

Fr. Abu

*WHAT HAPPENED AT ANTIOCH?*

*“The works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep.” (John 10:25-26)*

On Easter Sunday, Mark tells us that Jesus “appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.’” (Mark 16:14-15). When Jesus spoke these words, his disciples thought that by “the whole creation”, Jesus meant the Jews living in different parts of the world. They thought that Jesus’ goal was to reform Judaism or, at most, establish a branch of Judaism. The disciples still saw themselves as Jews; they visited Jewish synagogues and prayed with them even though the Jews did not believe in Christ. At this time, Christians were called as “the believers.”

Yesterday, we read that the circumcision party criticised Peter for associating with the Gentiles. They became silent when Peter explained how he saw the Holy Spirit descend upon them. Today’s First Reading tells us after the dispersal (following the death of Stephen, who was killed for arguing with Jews about Christ), some believers went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, preaching the Gospel only to the Jews. At this point, they still didn’t understand that Jesus came to save humanity and not just the Jews. However, something happened at Antioch that would change history forever. This brings us to our lessons today.

*1. God Can Use A Negative Situation to Bring Great Good:* Tertullian says, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” Whenever the church is persecuted, what usually follows is exponential growth and increase. This is a life principle. We make more progress during adversity than comfort. But for Saul’s persecution, the Christians (believers) would have probably remained in Israel. Stephen’s martyrdom was painful yet bore fruit; Philip discovered his gifts as he carried the Gospel to distant lands, Saul became a convert, and as we see in today’s reading, the message reached the Greeks at Antioch. Does this mean we should be praying for negative situations? No. Rather, we should not despair when bad things happen because God is always with us.

*2. What Happened At Antioch?*: Firstly, “the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number that believed turned to the Lord.” (Acts 11:21). This teaches us that the success of evangelisation depends on God. The believers who took the Gospel to Antioch were not exceptional (their names are not even mentioned). When the news of the huge number of converts reached the Church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to ascertain if this news was true and encourage the believers. God’s hand was upon the believers at Antioch because God wanted the Gospel to reach the whole creation. Those who argue that Christianity is a white man’s religion (foreign to Africans) do not understand that Christ died not just for the Jewish nation but for all humanity. More still, Christianity is not even a white man’s religion. The white-skinned missionaries who brought the faith to Africa were themselves converts.

*3. What Happened At Antioch?* Secondly, it was at Antioch that the disciples were called Christians for the first time. The Church in Antioch was vibrant because it was a church of converts. Barnabas knew Antioch was the best place for Saul’s faith formation after converting to the faith. Converts do better than traditional Christians. They are on fire for God; having willingly left their past lives behind, they do not mind going to extreme lengths to live out their faith. Converts are like persons falling in love for the first time; there is no pretence. The believers were called Christians because they lived like Christ. Sadly, today, many neither believe nor behave like Christ, yet they assume they are Christians just because they attend Church services. Hence, Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

*4. The Sheep of Christ Do Not Doubt:* To understand what happened at Antioch, let us examine today’s Gospel passage. The Jews saw all the signs Jesus did but were not convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. They told Jesus, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answered: “I told you, and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name bear witness to me, but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:25-27). The Christians in Antioch never met Jesus in person; they probably didn’t see the signs, but when they heard Christ's voice through the missionaries' lips, they recognised Christ and followed Him. As the saying goes, “Never explain yourself to anyone because your true friends do not need it, and your enemies would never believe it.” Jesus did not explain himself to those asking. He said: “You are not my sheep.” Child of God, are you the sheep of Christ? Why do you still doubt? Why are you still scared of the future? Why are you worried about your enemies? Jesus says: “They shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.”

*Let us pray:* Almighty, ever-living God, may my actions not betray my faith in you. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

*Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Tuesday of the 4th week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 11:19-26, Ps. 87, John 10:22-30).*

Fr. Abu

𝟱 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗚𝗢𝗗 𝗜𝗡 NIGERIA

These are the  five ‘Servants of God’ on the path to sainthood in the Catholic Church in Nigeria. 

Servant of God is the first of four stages before one is declared a Saint. The ‘Servants of God’ are:

1. Fr. Abraham Anselm Ojefua: founder of the Order of Knights of St Mulumba, died in 1988, aged 78. 

2. Bishop Michael Eneja: third Bishop of Enugu Diocese from 1978 to 1996, died in 2008, aged 89.

3. Archbishop Gabriel Gonsum Ganaka: second Bishop and first Archbishop of Jos from 1974 until his death in 1999, aged 62.

4. Vivian Uchechi Ogu: 14-year old Catholic girl who resisted being sexually defiled by armed robbers and was killed (in Benin City archdiocese) in 2009. She is a native of Enyiogugu in Aboh Mbaise LGA of Imo State (Ahiara Diocese)

5. Fr. Aaron Ejikemeuwa Ekwu: priest of Awka Diocese, ordained in 1965 in Vienna Austria, served in Austria and Nigeria and died in a fatal car accident in 1989, aged 53.