FR REMI HOMILIES/REFLECTIONS AND SERMONS

Reflection/Homily for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time.  Feast of St. Andrew (Apostle) 30th November 2023 Romans 10:9-18. Psalm 19:2-3,4-5. Matthew 4:18-22.  St. Andrew, the brother of St. Peter was a native of the town of Bethsaida in Galilee and a fisherman by profession. Being first a disciple of St. John the Baptist, according to St. John's Gospel, he later joined Jesus and also brought Simon his brother to Jesus. According to today's Gospel, Andrew was among the very first disciples of Jesus to be called to become Apostles. He was called together with his brother, Peter. In calling them, Jesus promised to make them fishers of men (cf.Matt.4:19). Immediately, they left their nets and followed him (Jesus)" (Matt.4:20). It is most probably they don't know what they were in for in following Jesus, but we can say that the immediacy of their response could save as an example of how to perceive true treasure in the ne life that our Lord is giving to us Christia

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 34TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 29TH NOVEMBER 2023 Daniel 5:1-6,13-14, 16-17,23-28; Daniel 3; Luke 21:12-19 Holy things/persons must be treated Holy Two days ago, we saw how King Nebuchadnezzar, after conquering Jerusalem, attempted to force it to reject the worship of God and embrace the worship of the Babylonian gods. The people of Jerusalem were God’s own people. By subjecting them to such religious injustice, King Nebuchadnezzar was desecrating holy persons. Thanks to the Grace of God in Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah by which they were able to withstand and overcome such taboo. In today’s first reading, King Belshazzar of Babylon became guilty of the sin of his Father, Nebuchadnezzar. He too desecrated what is holy. The vessels of gold and of silver which Nebuchadnezzar looted from the temple in Jerusalem was turned into mere cups for the feasting of King Belshazzar together with his lords, wives and concubines. Nebuchadnezzar abused

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 34TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 28TH NOVEMBER 2023 Daniel 2:31-45; Daniel 3; Luke 21:5-11 The Redeeming Power of Persevering Faith Today’s first reading presents us the victory of persevering faith. In the first reading of yesterday, we saw how King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Jerusalem. As is typical of every war, the conqueror takes possession of the conquered territory. The conqueror will also take back with it, the finest possessions of the conquered territory both in terms of human and material resources. Thus, yesterday, King Nebuchadnezzar said to Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch: “bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, handsome and skilful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding, learning and competent to serve in the king’s palace…” That was how Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah found themselves in the palace of the king of Babylon. To ensure holistic co

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 34TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 27TH NOVEMBER 2023 Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Daniel 3; Luke 21:1-4 The Sacrifice of the Poor In today’s gospel, Jesus evaluated the offerings of the people. His criteria for evaluation is very much different from that of men. Jesus is not concerned about the size of the offering but the intention of the giver. It is the giver’s intention that gives meaning to the offering; size can be deceptive. The poor widow is said to have given more because out of her poverty, she put in all the living that she had. What an act of great love! Her offering was more sacrificial than that of the rich who gave more in quantity but less in percentage. Since she made more sacrifice, she actually loved more. It is the greatness of her love that Jesus actually commended. It is not the case that size of our offering does not matter. When love is our motivating force, size becomes secondary. If this poor widow had more, she would have given more

Reflection/Homily for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe Year A 26TH November 2023 Ezekiel 34:11-12,15-17. Psalm 23:1-2a,2b-3,5,6. 1 Corinthians 15:20-26,28. Matthew 25:31-46. Theme: A King Who Saves. The Solemnity of Christ the King is the grand summary of the entire Christ-saving mystery. This Solemnity brings the liturgical to a close. During the year, we have celebrated the mysteries of the life of our Lord. Now, in the end, we contemplate Christ in his glorious state as the king of all creation and of our souls, minds, and wills. The Catholic Church has established this celebration to remind this our modern age of its supernatural destiny. This idea was echoed by Pope Pius XI in 1925. Both the first reading and the Gospel speak of separating sheep from goats. It is a distinction used by God, who has only one criterion: how we love others. In the first reading, prophet Ezekiel was called by God to instruct and console the Jewish exiles in Babylonia. This ex

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 25TH NOVEMBER 2023 1Maccabees 6:1-13; Ps.9; Luke 20:27-40 The Defeat and End of Evil Who says that evil triumphs over good, that light will not emanate at the end of the tunnel, that the suffering of the just will know no end? Who says that the might of man will not turn into weakness? Since Monday this week, the first reading has been presenting us with the suffering of the just under King Antiochus. This king wanted to replace the God of Israel by forcing the people into idolatry. He subdued the people and erected idols on the altar in Jerusalem, a sign of mockery against the God of Israel. He slaughtered anyone who refused to bend to his wills and caprices; he grew powerful by his own strength and must have said to himself “might is right”. In today’s first reading, the strength of man was brought to naught. The one who promised to keep alive anyone who obeys him became too weak to live; the one who thought that

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 24TH NOVEMBER 2023 1Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59; 1Chron.29; Luke 19:45-48 Cleanse the Temple in its Entirety The temple was the center of life for the Jews. It was their pride and their heritage. It gave them that exclusive feeling that they are the people of God. It was one reason and place that could gather all the people together. When Jesus mourned their admiration of the temple it was not because the temple itself bore no significance but because the people’s worship was not authentic. It is the inauthenticity of their worship that is displayed in today’s gospel reading. Since the temple could bring together the entire people, some saw it as an opportunity to sell their goods. They must have thought to themselves that there is no other better place to access many customers than in the temple. Their sense of worship was distorted by economic gains. Many Christians, having come across Jesus’ reaction, tend to think t

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 23RD NOVEMBER 2023 Macc.2:15-29; Ps.50; Luke 19:41-44 Work for True Peace! Peace is one thing everyone needs and works towards. In fact, people will naturally avoid whatever will jeopardize their peace because without peace, nothing else will make sense to man. The readings of today enlighten us on what makes for true peace. It is one thing to desire peace, but it is another thing entirely to know how to attain true peace. Peace means a state of serenity. But we will be mistaken to think that this serenity is achieved when one’s life is totally free of rancor. We may want to think that lack of problem is peace of mind. This understanding is not only incorrect, but also misleading. It is never possible that the human person is entirely free of every form of rancor. Little wonder it is often said: _wahala no dey finish_ . We will be peaceful not when troubles are absent but when we learn to differentiate between whom we sho

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 22 NOVEMBER 2023 2Maccabees 7:1, 20-31; Ps.17; Luke 19:11-28 Do not Reject Jesus In today’s gospel, two different parables were related simultaneously: the parable of the rejection of the king and that of the unproductive servant. Jesus told these parables to instruct those who misunderstood his mission and will thus be disappointed with his soon departure. Rather than be disappointed, the parable of the unproductive servant teaches us what the Lord expects of us in his physical absence. The meeting point of both parables is that condemnation awaits those who reject the rule of God. This parable is apt as we prepare to celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King in few days to come. When we reject the rule of God, we automatically disqualify ourselves from living under the grace of God. The first parable gives us one form of rejection: to hate God’s commandment and consider them too demanding. With such attitude, w

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR I (PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY) Macc.6:18-31; Ps.3; Luke 19:1-10 Make the first move to reach Jesus In the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus in the today’s gospel reading, it was first mentioned that this Zacchaeus was a Chief tax collector and rich before it was mentioned that he climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. There would have been nothing so special about Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus, if he was not a high profiled personality. Generally, people with disabilities are aided in one way or the other to make up for their disabilities. But in the case of Zacchaeus, it was humility that was purely at work. Being famous and rich means that Zacchaeus was already use to being treated specially. If he were to attend an occasion, nothing less than the best seat would be given him. But then, this Zacchaeus already acknowledged the greatness of Jesus from what he had learnt about Him. It is normal

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 20TH NOVEMBER 2023 1Maccabees 1:10-15.41-43.54-57.62-64; Ps.119; Luke 18:35-43 The Help of God is Irreplaceable In today’s gospel, we see the encounter between Jesus and the blind man. The name of the man is not mentioned but only his condition. While we are not certain of the reason for this omission, we are however certain of the fact that the man’s condition teaches us something about Jesus. For reason of his condition, the blind man became a beggar. He could not earn a living and so had to depend on the charity of others. Even as he lived a life of begging, he still was not satisfied. He wanted something more than daily bread. However, not until he heard that Jesus was passing by, his innermost intention was not known, namely, to receive his sight. Most probably, he never made this request to any of those who gave him alms irrespective of how rich they may be, because, he knew the limit to man’s help. What he des

Reflection/Homily for 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 19th November 2023 Proverbs 31:10-13,19-20,30-31. Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. Matthew 25:14-30. Theme: "Using Our Talents Wisely" The first reading gives us the example of an ideal woman who is an industrious woman. She is far more precious to a man than all the jewels he could collect. Her husband can put all his trust in her; the care and management of his home is in safe and capable hands. Not only will she not waste his property, but she will also add to it by her industriousness. She will provide for her own family, but will have enough to help her needy neighbours. She is always prepared to do things pleasing to God. As we draw closer to the end of this liturgical year, the Catholic Church calls our attention to put into consideration the eternal truths in the second reading. Our encounter with the Lord will arrive without warning, like a thief in the night. No matter how prepared we think we are

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 18TH NOVEMBER 2023 Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9; Ps.105; Luke 18:1-8 Prayer works: do it always In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches us the need to be persistent in our prayers. This is an invitation to trust in God wholeheartedly. This teaching first assures us that God answers prayers. Prayer is indeed the raising up of our minds and hearts to God. It is not a make-belief or an exercise in futility. If there is a man to pray, there is a God to answer. This teaching further educates us on the need never to stop praying irrespective of what may be our experience in prayer. Prayer will not always give us what we request for, the way we request for it and when we expect to receive our request. However, that should not make us think less of prayer as ineffective or as one of the many options that man could adopt. We must never approach prayer with the attitude of someone who is attempting one of the numerous solutions to a par

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 17TH NOVEMBER 2023 Wisdom 13:1-9; Ps.19; Luke 17:26-37 Salvation is Personal The gospel of today continues the lesson taught by that of yesterday, namely, that the coming of the kingdom of God will not be associated with perceptible signs. Men and women will be about their normal daily routine when the end will eventually come. Therefore, we must already be ready. Going further, Jesus used an illustration to demonstrate the judgmental nature of the second coming of Christ. He said that two men will be in one bed, one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding together, one will be taken and the other left. What this means is that human relationship does not interfere with the judgment of God. We will be judged not on the basis of our relationship with people but on the basis of our relationship with God. When you are close to high profile persons, you are said to be connected. One who is connected gets

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 16TH NOVEMBER 2023 Wisdom 7:22-8:1; Ps.119; Luke 17:20-25 Christianity is not a Game As the liturgical year comes to an end, the readings, repeatedly, are reminding us of the end of our individual lives. Does this continuous reminder make sense to us? How can a man who is hail and hearty, having a good business and family, made to cast his mind on the end of his life? There seem to be no sign around him that his end is eminent. Maybe such reminder will make more sense to a dying person or at least a bereaved person. The point here is that, unless things around him suggest so, man is not willing to think about his end. This situation has given rise to the mentality that the end of the world will be associated with some signs for identification. To assume that the coming of God’s kingdom will be associated with signs is to practice Christianity in self-deception – a Christianity that is not aimed at entering into a r

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 15TH NOVEMBER 2023 Wisdom 6:1-11; Ps.82; Luke 17:11-19 God cannot be limited by our Expectation The gospel reading of today focuses on thanksgiving. From the story narrated, we realize that it is possible to receive God’s gift and that gift will not bring us salvation. For God’s gift to bring us salvation, we must develop an attitude of gratitude. However, when we reflect more on the action and reaction of the ten leapers, we learn something more than thanksgiving. At first, they all met Jesus asking for mercy. They understood that Divine Mercy encompasses all goodness just as heaven is the mercy of God. When Jesus asked them to go show themselves to the priests, they obeyed. Why then will nine of them not find it necessary to return and give thanks after been cleansed? Most probably, they could not draw a connection between their encounter with Jesus and their consequent healing. Maybe for them, Jesus turned down

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 14TH NOVEMBER 2023 Wisdom 2:23-3:9; Ps.34; Luke 17:7-10 Life in Christ God cannot die and so whatever is kept in the hands of God cannot die too. The first reading of today consoles and assures us that when our souls are in the hands of God, no torment will ever come near us. By this statement, natural death was implicitly defined. Since the righteous cannot escape natural death, it therefore means that natural death is not a torment. The first reading went on to say that it is foolishness to see death as an affliction. It does admit that death brings about departure and separation and so, will be accompanied with some pain. But this separation is not a thing of torment to the dead. What torment then is the author of the book of wisdom referring to that will not come upon the souls of the righteous? It is eternal damnation. Eternal damnation is torment because it is pain-unending; the pain of living outside of God’s

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 13TH NOVEMBER 2023 Wisdom 1:1-7; Ps.139; Luke 17:1-6 Sharing in the sin of others Sin has a personal character but can be communicable. This is the lesson Jesus is teaching us in today’s gospel reading. When someone sins, he/she is responsible for it, for it was he/she that freely acted wrongly. However, others can share in that same sin in many ways. To share in the sin of another is not like sharing a drink so that each person only gets some quantity. When a person shares in the sin of another, the same amount of guilt is apportioned to all parties involved. Therefore, when you cause someone to sin, you are as guilty as the person who sinned. It is not a matter of “no bi me do am”. For example, a doctor who carries out abortion, is as guilty as the lady who procured it. We share in the sin of others when we directly or indirectly tempt them to commit sin. The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us nine (9) ways

Reflection/Homily for 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 12th November 2023 Wisdom 6:12-16. Psalm 63:2,3-4,5-6,7-8. 2 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Matthew 25:1-13. Theme: Be Prepared Always. As we draw closer to the end of this liturgical year, the Catholic Church is reminding us of the reality of the end. From now on, most of our readings will be centred on death and judgment. Today's readings hinge on the theme of "seeking or waiting for God with confident expectation," and it is wisdom, the first reading, that really sets the tone. The author of the Book of Wisdom exhorted his Jewish audience to seek wisdom because the proper end of all learning is moral living. Wisdom is presented as a woman because both in Hebrew (hokmah) and Greek (sophia) wisdom is  a feminine noun. To be constantly awake, we need wisdom and common sense, and that is what the first reading is saying. "Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her and is found by

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 31ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I 11NOVEMBER 2023 Rom.16:3-9.16. 22-27; Ps.145; Luke 16:9-15 Use your resources well The gospel reading of today is a continuation of that of yesterday. Jesus told his disciples a story in which a dishonest steward is praised for being astute. Today, Jesus continues to draw out virtues that are worthy of emulation from the action of the steward namely: using unrighteous mammon to make friends for yourselves. The premises on which this is built is the fact that mammon will not last forever and that there are things greater and of more value than mammon. Money is nothing compared to companionship both with God and with fellow humans. So as the steward used the money at his disposal to build human relationship, it is something commendable. Now, the one way money can enhance relationship is when it is used as instrument of charity. So when Jesus asked that we make friends with unrighteous mammon, he is invariably asking

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 31ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I 10TH NOVEMBER 2023 Rom.15:14-21; Ps.98; Luke 16:1-8 Be a channel of God’s blessings In the first reading of today, Paul recounted with great joy what the grace of God has achieved through him particularly amongst the gentiles. He bore personal witness to his hardwork amongst the gentiles, not building on any foundation but from scratch. He has been able to preach the gospel both in words and in deeds; he has been able to persevere even when preaching was most difficult. Was it necessary that Paul should make this boast? Since all that he achieved was by the grace of God, was he supposed to speak proudly about them? The narrative of Paul is not out of place. Paul would have been wrong if he had never acknowledged that it was the grace of God that worked through him. Paul clearly called himself a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He saw himself as a servant who only acted as he was instructed. However, Paul was

REFLECTION/HOMILY ON THE FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF ST. JOHN LATERAN BASILICA YEAR I 9TH NOVEMBER 2023 Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12; Ps.46; 1Cor.3:9C-11:16-17; John 2:13-22 The Dignity of God’s Temple Today, we celebrate the feast of the dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica. To dedicate something means to reserve it strictly for a particular purpose. Thus, dedicating a Church means that the Church has strictly become a house of prayer, a secluded place where men seek the face of God and find it. A dedicated Church ought not to be used for any other purpose. One question that readily comes to mind is: why is the dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica made a general concern? The answer is not far-fetched. This Basilica is “the Mother and Mistress of all the Churches in the city and in the world”. It is the Episcopal seat of the Pope and so it ranks even above St. Peter’s Basilica. Consequently, this celebration, in a unique way, puts forth the four marks of the Church. It is because the Chu

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 31ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 8TH NOVEMBER 2023 Romans 13:8-10; Ps.112; Luke 14:25-33 Dare to Love In today’s first reading, St. Paul summarizes the whole commandments as Love. When we make it a duty to love, we will invariably be observing all the commandments. This is because the aim of all the commandments is to make us act rightly towards God and man. But what does it mean to love? Does it mean to please others at all cost? Am I loving someone when I say YES to all that the person demands of me? The gospel reading of today answers these questions. The commandment to love implies that first of all, God must be prime in our scheme of things. In loving our neighbour, we must not hate God. Jesus asked that we hate our family members. This means that if loving them will amount to displeasing God, we must choose to rather displease our relatives. This therefore defines the love St. Paul talked about in the first reading. Loving someone does not mean pl

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 31ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I 7TH NOVEMBER 2023  Romans 12:5-16a; Ps.131; Luke 14:15-24 We Belong to One Another Man is able to unite with God (conversion) when God makes a movement towards man and man in turn, makes a movement towards God. Without any of these movements conversion will not be actualized. In today’s gospel, this fact is further buttressed. In it, Jesus uses the parable of the Banquet to assuredly say that God never fails to make a movement towards man. He continues to call man to himself through different ways. This is symbolized in the preparation of a banquet and the sending out of invitation. God so much desires that we partake with him in the eternal banquet. An invitation is different from summon. The latter is coercive in nature. When God invites us, he does not force us; however the concerns of this world will always coincide with God’s invitation. We cannot honour both. Therefore, to honour one is to turn down the other.

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 31ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I 6TH NOVEMBER 2023 Romans 11:29-36; Ps.1319; Luke 14:12-14 Authentic Charity At face value, today’s gospel is a difficult one. Jesus is asking us not to invite those we are familiar with when we prepare a banquet but to invite the poor, the lame, the blind and so on. However, on closer look, we discover that Jesus was not primarily teaching on the class of people to be invited to a banquet. Such a teaching will ordinarily have no bearing for our salvation. Basically, Jesus was inviting us to embrace the proper way of doing charity. For charity to be charity, it must be done with all selflessness. When selfishness (in whatever colour it presents itself) accompanies our act of giving, it becomes investment, no longer charity. For every investment both capital and profit is expected. When we honestly access ourselves, we realize that more often than not, what we have done as charity were actually investments because we h

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR THE 31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A 5TH NOVEMBER 2023 Malachi 1:14b-2:2b.8-10; Ps.131; 1Thess.2:7-9.13; Matthew 23:1-12  _Practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do_ (Matt.23:3) Overcoming the scandal of bad examples! In the gospel reading of today, Jesus addressed the crowds and his disciples concerning the scandal of bad examples. This address became so necessary not only because the religious leaders of that time constituted bad examples to the people but also because we will never cease to hear and behold the scandal of bad examples till the end of the world. Bad examples become scandalous when they emanate from the most unsuspecting sources. Most times, these sources are those who ought to be epitome of the ideal; they are those from whom we expect the most; they are those to whom much have been given and from whom so much is expected. When such persons fail to give out what is expected of them, it is shocking; if they are not found

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I 4TH NOVEMBER 2023 Rom.11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29; Ps.94; Luke 14:1, 7-11 Have a humble opinion of yourself Jesus watched with displeasure how people who came to dine in the ruler’s house were sitting in places of honour and he told them a parable. The parable was aimed at teaching us to have humble opinions about ourselves and desist from underrating others in our minds and attitudes. Those who were invited to the marriage feast and took for themselves places of honour, are first and foremost, honourable themselves. They dared to take the places of honour because they presumed that if at all other honourables were invited, they were the most honourable. Their action was influenced by the feeling that they are the best amongst others and so whatever is the best is rightfully theirs. This is a common temptation for persons who are exceptional in one area of life or the other. The moment it gets into our heads that we are

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I 3RD NOVEMBER 2023 Rom.9:1-5; Ps.147; Luke 14:1-6 Get striped for Heaven’s sake On many occasions, the Scribes and the Pharisees have sought for loopholes in the teachings and actions of Jesus so that they could have a case against him. Their goal was to find him wanting in the face of the Law so that they could easily get the support of the people and the affirmation of the roman authorities for his condemnation. So, in the gospel reading of today, they watched him intently to see what he will do with the man who had dropsy. They had planned within their hearts that should he heal the man, it will be interpreted as work which is forbidden on the Sabbath. Unfortunately, they could not publicly testify that the Law forbade healing on the Sabbath. So it means that they wanted to maliciously bend the law by interpreting healing as work in order to suit their evil caprices. Such evil intent has continued till this day. A

REFLECTION/HOMILY ON THE COMMEMORATION OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED 2ND NOVEMBER 2023 Wis.3:1-9; Ps.23; Romans 5:5-11; Matthew 5:1-12a Pray for the Dead Today, we commemorate all the faithful departed. We do so first because, our faith teaches us that in death, life is not ended but changed. So, our departed love ones have not gone into extinction but have transcended into immortality. If this immortal state is not in heaven then it is in agony. Second, we believe in the communion of Saints. The Church comprises of the triumphant, the militant and the suffering Church. None of these is entirely isolated from the other. Yesterday, we celebrated our communion with the triumphant Church; today, we are celebrating our communion with the suffering Church. In yesterday’s celebration, we asked for the intercession of the Saints. Today, we specially fulfil our obligation to pray for the dead. We are able to pray for the dead because God in his infinite mercy has not reserved judgment to two extrem

REFLECTION/HOMILY ON (THE SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS) 1ST NOVEMBER 2023 Rev.7:2-4,9-14; Ps.24; 1Jn.3:1-3; Matt.5:1-12a Sainthood, My Goal! “If anyone wants to serve me, he must follow me, and where I am there also is my servant. If anyone serves me, the Father will honour him” (John 12:26). It is a common practice for people to have role models. These models are those who have excelled in a chosen carrier in life and so constitute motivators for some others. To have someone as your model means to keep the success of the person in view so that in the future you too may achieve what the person has achieved. As Children of God, today, we celebrate our collective role models: the Saints. They constitutes role models because they once lived in our existential conditions of life. This is what differentiates Saints from Angels. Angels never existed in bodily form on earth and so never experienced the existential conditions of live. On the other hand, Saints were once here on earth with us. Their