*NOT TO US, O LORD, BUT TO YOUR NAME GIVE THE GLORY*

*“Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, ‘Stand upright on your feet.’ And he sprang up and walked.” (Acts 14:9-10)*

In today’s first reading, Paul and Barnabas fled for their lives upon hearing a rumour that a combined team of the Gentiles and the Jews were planning to molest them and stone them. Why did they run for their dear lives? First, remaining in that town would only put God to the test. Secondly, evangelisation is never forced. While sending out the twelve, Jesus said: “Wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” (Luke 9:5). In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus stated that He will manifest Himself only to those who keep His commandments. Salvation is not by force. Let us now examine today’s lessons in detail:

*1. Do Not Put God to the Test:* There is a difference between exercising one’s faith and acting irrationally (throwing caution to the wind). Unfortunately, many Christians do not know where to draw the line. Some time ago, we heard of a certain man of God who claimed he could jump into the lion’s den and be unharmed. At first, the lions left him in peace. He started shouting: “Do you see? The lions can’t harm me.” The noise rattled the lions, and one of them came from behind him and dealt a terrible blow. Remember the words of Jesus: “Behold, I send you out as sheep amid wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). By running away, Paul and Barnabas applied the wisdom of serpents. 

*2. There is a Time to Run, a Time to Fight Back and a Time to Surrender:* Running away when you can is not a sign of timidity or lack of faith; it is doing what is best. Do you know that Jesus escaped on several occasions when people wanted to kill Him? In Matthew 2:13-15, an Angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s planned massacre. In Luke 4:28-30, Jesus’ townsfolk took him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, and they wanted to throw him down headlong, but Jesus slipped through the crowds. In John 8:59, the Jews took up stones to stone Jesus, but Jesus hid Himself. Again, in John 10:31-35, they picked up stones to throw at Jesus, but Jesus escaped. However, at the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus knew it was time to surrender. 

*3. Go Where You are Appreciated:* A man and his son an old wristwatch to sell, saying: “If anyone asks the price, don’t say anything, just point out two fingers.” The boy went to the local market, where a young man asked the price, and the boy raised two fingers. The man asked: “Do you mean two dollars?” The boy took the watch to a pawn shop. When the dealer saw it, he said: “This is a classic watch; I will give you twenty dollars.” The boy took the watch to a museum, and surprisingly, someone offered to buy it for two hundred dollars. Still, the boy took the watch to an antique trade fair, and a man offered to buy it for two million dollars. Never judge your worth by the negative behaviour of others. Did Jesus remain in Nazareth after He was rejected? He didn’t need to force anyone to believe; he left them and went elsewhere. The same Barnabas and Paul who ran like thieves from Iconium became gods at Lystra. Barnabas became Zeus and Paul; they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. For healing a cripple who had never walked from birth, they could not stop the people from offering sacrifices to them. Those making life difficult for you may not know they are pushing you to glory.

*4. Have Faith; With God, All Things are Possible:* How on earth did Paul and Barnabas cure the cripple? First, they began by preaching the Word. As they preached, Paul looked at the cripple and “seeing he (the cripple) had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice: ‘Stand upright on your feet.’ He sprang up and walked.” (Acts 14:9-10). The cripple contributed to his miracle because he had faith. This is why Jesus would always say to those he cured: “Your Faith has made you well.” (Matthew 9:22, Mark 10:52, Luke 17:19). Miracles happen not because the man of God is powerful but because we had faith to expect such miracles. Do not idolise the person who prayed for you; they are only instruments. By believing, you contributed to your testimony. Remember that Jesus said: “If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” (Matthew 17:20). “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.” (John 14:12). 

*5. If You Love Someone, You Will Follow Their Rules:* In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus said: “He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me.… If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home in him.” (John 14:21,23). A man who truly loves his wife will never cheat on her and vice versa. You cannot claim to love God and still derive pleasure in disobeying His commandments. It is either you love God, or you are only interested in the benefits you gain from God – like the crowds who followed Jesus looking for bread, and when the bread was not forthcoming, they deserted Him. Our churches may be packed full, but God is interested in those who truly love Him.

*Let us pray:* Almighty, ever-living God, draw me nearer to 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. (Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin, Doctor. Bible Study: Acts 14:5-18 Ps. 115:1-4, 15- 16, John 14:21-26).*

Fr. Abu

*WE ARE BRANCHES; JESUS IS THE TREE. WE NEED JESUS; WE NEED EACH OTHER*

*“I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit because apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)*

Last Sunday, we celebrated our Lord Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for us, his sheep. Without Jesus guiding and guarding us, we would become prey to the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10). Today, Jesus emphasises our dependence on Him by describing himself as the Vine that sustains us, the branches. As branches of Jesus, the Vine, our survival depends on our ability to remain connected to Jesus. Today’s Psalm praises God in acknowledging His great deeds in our lives. When we reflect on our dependence on God, we praise Him.

Life is all about connection. No human being can survive entirely on their own. No one is an island. Just as we need to remain connected to Jesus to stay alive spiritually, we also need to be connected to our fellow human beings to remain alive. In today’s First Reading, Barnabas saved Saul from disaster by removing him from an environment of distrust. Barnabas believed in him when other disciples feared associating with Saul. We all need someone who can stand for us when the world rejects us. We need good friends. As St. John explains in today’s Second Reading, we need friends who love not merely with words but with action. There are so many lessons contained in today’s readings:

*1. Without Jesus, we are Nothing.*

Just as branches die off when cut from the tree, without Jesus, we are nothing. Jesus says: “Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” (John 15:6). Without a healthy spirituality, without a solid relationship with Jesus, everything falls apart in our lives. We cannot be successful without Jesus, be it in business, marriage, school, pastoral ministry, or name it. Without Jesus, we are like dry grass in the field, lifeless and unproductive. Someone might ask: “Father, what about those who don’t know Jesus? What about those developed countries that are not as religious as Nigeria? Are they not doing better?” I recently saw a video mocking Africans for their religiosity. 

It is important to clarify this point: Prayer does not take the place of work; it only adds to it. Prayer cannot replace work (the effective use of one’s reasoning faculties). If God has given you the ability to think, you will insult Him by refusing to think just because you have prayed. We do not pray because we cannot work (or do not want to work). Rather, we pray because we want God to bless our work. We do not pray because we lack creativity but because we want God to help us maximise our natural endowments. We pray because we know human efforts without God’s divine touch are useless. “The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6). Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches. Branches depend on the tree but do not leave all the work for it; they work just as hard as the tree.

*2. The Secret to Answered Prayers is abiding in the Word*

Jesus says: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7). There is power in the daily study of God’s Word. This is why God instructed Joshua: “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act by all written in it. You shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful. (Joshua 1:8). It is not enough that we pray; we must study the Bible daily. Jesus emphasises abiding in the Word. This means reading it over and over again. Do not say: “I have finished reading the Bible; I know everything in it.” This is like saying: “I will not eat anymore since I already know how food tastes.” Have you ever noticed how you read a passage you have read before, and it suddenly strikes as if you are reading for the first time? Do not play with God’s Word; the connecting pipe joins us (branches) with the tree. To be cut off from Jesus the Vine is to stay a whole day without reading or meditating on God’s Word.

*3. To Abide in Jesus is to Love Your Neighbour as Yourself.*

St. John would say: Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister is still in the darkness.  …  Whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know how to go because the darkness has brought on blindness.” (1 John 2:9-11). In another passage, John says: “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. By this, we know that we abide in him and he in us.” (1 John 4:12-13) How can we claim to be branches of Jesus (who is love) when we hate one another? Can a bitter leaf branch grow out of a pawpaw tree? Can we carry bitterness and hatred in our hearts and come forward to receive the body and blood of Jesus, who died forgiving His enemies?

Today’s First Reading shows us that not all Christians in the early Church were branches of Christ. 1. Those who almost ended Paul’s missionary enterprise by their poor reception and suspiciousness. 2. Those who could not forgive Paul because of his past even though God had already forgiven him. 3. Those who thought he was pretending. 4. Those who argued with him, hoping to provoke him (trigger the past). 5. Those who conspired to kill him. Sadly, we still have people like this in church today. If you hate your fellow Christians and wish them evil, you are not Christ’s branch; you are just answering a name that is not yours.

*4. Every Paul Needs A Barnabas*

Barnabas behaved as a true branch of Jesus the Vine because He knew Paul had the potential and zeal of an evangelist. Barnabas introduced Paul to the Apostles. When Paul’s life was at stake, after disputing with the Hellenists (the same group that accused the Hebrews of unfair distribution of food to their widows), the apostles arranged for Paul to be whisked away to Tarsus. Barnabas would later go to Tarsus to bring Paul with him to Antioch. (Cf. Acts 11:25). I pray for you today: May you have a friend like Barnabas – a friend who knows everything about you but sees beyond your past and your limitations, a friend who will save you when others (fake Christians) are trying to kill you, a friend who will teach you and then, allow you to shine. Do you notice that after Barnabas and Paul set out on a journey in Acts 13, not much is heard about Barnabas again? Paul’s name appears in every chapter from Acts 16-28, and more than half of the New Testament, from Romans to Philemon, came from Paul’s handwriting.

I am sure St. John referred to Barnabas when he wrote today’s Second Reading. “Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this, we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him.” (1 John 3:18-19). Action speaks louder than words. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus teaches us that it is not enough for us to feel pity for others; we must do something! Saying sorry is useless if you are not going to help. 

*5. To Abide in Jesus is to Believe and Obey His Commandments.*

Still, in our Second Reading, John writes: “All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them.” (1 John 3:24). We cannot sin while assuming we are connected to the Vine. Have you noticed a dryness in your heart whenever you are not in a state of grace? Whenever you sin, you feel ashamed like Adam and Eve, and you want to hide from God (skip prayer or avoid going to church). This happens because you have cut yourself from the Vine at that moment. Like a branch on the ground thinking it can do without the Tree, we may lie to ourselves that we don’t need God. However, the reality will soon dawn on us like the Prodigal Son. We soon realise that we have lost our source of nutrients and life. If this message speaks to your heart, it is time to reconnect. Return to Jesus; forget your past like Saul, who did not allow his past to disturb his call. Stay with Jesus.

*Let us pray:* Almighty, ever-living God, cut off from me everything and anything that takes me away from you. Wash me from all taint of bitterness, malice and hatred. 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. (5th Sunday of Easter. Bible Study: Acts 9:26-31, Ps. 22:26-28,30-32, 1 John 3:18-24, John 15:1-8).*

Fr. Abu

*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