Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Readings:
Is 60: 1-6; Eph 3: 2-3; Mt 2: 1-12

The word of God offered to us at the solemnity of the Epiphany invites us to contemplate on the universality of God’s plan of salvation. God attracts all to Himself. Whether we refer to the three men from the Orient (East) as kings or wise men, the fact remains that they left a space in their hearts for something new. In their wisdom, they recognize the star of the newly born king. He attracts them to Himself through a star. They come from the Orient and find orientation. When they find the one who is able to satisfy the deepest desire of their hearts, they offer precious gifts. His light shines into our darkness so that we may know what we are lacking. He is the treasure we are looking for in life. The word of God invites us to search for a meaningful life. We ought to try our best and let

You are a beloved child of God Feast of the Lord’s Baptism

Readings:
Is 42:1-4.6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Lk 3:15-16.21-22

At His baptism, Jesus manifests His solidarity with humanity. He descends into human brokenness so that He may initiate a journey of healing of all brokenness. It is a moment of revelation of Jesus’ identity: He is the beloved son of God. The voice that proclaims this identity must be heard by all who are baptized, for in baptism, we all become God’s beloved children. Whoever is baptized becomes a new creature and, as St. Paul says, clothed in Christ (Gal 3:26). In baptism, we start a journey of conversion. On this journey, we strive to give up all the other small “loves“ in order to let true Love embrace us. Christians receive light at their baptism and, thus, a mission to be light-bearers in the darkness of the world. We ought to ask ourselves; Are we Christians? Then let our light shine!

Two indispensable guests

Second Sunday of year C

Readings:
Is 62:1-5; 1Cor 12:4-11; John 2:1-12

A great embarrassment was to happen at the wedding at Cana. Two guests saved the situation. Mary, the mother of Jesus turned to her son because she believed in His power and goodness. What she told the attendants is what she tells us today: “Do whatever He tells you!” Obeying the Lord brings about a change of our sappy life (mere water) into a tasteful one (wine). The Lord enters into our human troubles and transforms our scarcity into a bounty so rich that everyone can have ones fill.

Filling the jars with water is an indication that Jesus seeks the cooperation of all His followers in order to transform and save the world. If Christians carry out their duties wherever they are, they can transform the face of the earth and the world will become a place for feasting for all. However, this feast is doomed to flop if we miss the indispensable guests. Have we sent out the invitations for our guests? Let’s not forget the one for Mary and her Son, Jesus!

Announce the Gospel and not “Gossip”

Third Sunday of year C

Readings:
Neh 8:2-6.8-10; 1Cor 12:12-30; Lk 1:1-4. 4, 14-21

The The time Jesus spent in the desert helped Him to be rooted in His relationship with the Father. It was this relationship that guaranteed the purpose of His life. At Nazareth, he was able to present this purpose: to preach the good news to the poor; to set the oppressed free and to proclaim the Lord’s time of salvation. It is interesting to note that Jesus came to bring good news (Gospel). In our time, many people are used to “fake news” which is the result of gossiping. Many seem to be replacing “Gospel” with “Gossip”.

It must be clearly said that great things happen when God enters people’s lives. The oppressed gain freedom and those who are liberated will liberate others. Do you realize that you are caught up in any prison because of sin? Here is the good news: The one to set you free is knocking at the door. Allow Him in and become free!knocking at the door. Allow Him in and become free!

By Fr. Anthony Kibira MCCJ

When we celebrate the assumption of Mary into heaven, we look at God who took her in His extraordinary care. Her assumption is one of the “privileges” granted exclusively to her. We believe that God preserved her from the stain of Original sin. As mother of the Saviour, she remained a virgin and thus ever receptive of God’s abundant grace. It is right for us to say that Mary is full of grace. She understood her littleness and let the Almighty work for her and in her. At the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven.

God was at work in Mary to preserve her from the corruption of the grave. The body that bore God and participated in the battle of life has been granted the privilege of participating in the victory of the God of life. The whole person (body and soul) matters for God. This should encourage us to give diligent care to our bodies, for, though frail and perishable, they are, temples of God’s Holy Spirit.

We should not submit the body to the corruption of alcohol and other substances. If we say that Mary was full of grace, we should also ask ourselves: “What am I full of?” This motivates us to implore the Lord to fill us with His grace: “Pour forth we beseech you, oh Lord, your grace into our hearts…!” (Angelus prayer). In this way, we recognize our need of and dependence on God.

Mary is a mirror of the Church and the whole of humanity. What God did in and with her is what God wishes to do with the Church, the body of her son and with the rest of humanity. In our veneration of Mary as Mother of God, we ought not to put her only on a podium, and thus, create a distance between her and us. Yes. She was full of grace, but she allowed herself to be filled. Our veneration of her shouldn’t end with admiration, but rather with imitation.

The Church has an elaborated litany of our lady in which many attributes are mentioned about Mary. For us Christians, these attributes should be points of connection with Mary. Due to our human fraility, we may not live all the attributes, but our veneration will have some impact if we try to appropriate at least one attribute of Mary to our own style of life. It is up to each one of us to choose where to start. An example can be: “Mary, the Virgin most prudent”.

Each one of us can imitate Mary in the practice of prudence which involves seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily choices. This will help us to discern the traps of the evil one who often leads us into the corruption of sin. Mary’s assumption into heaven encourages us not to be too much attached to earthly treasures. Many times, humans want to establish themselves on earth as if they have reached their destination. The goal of our pilgrimage as disciples is heaven where we hope to enjoy the eternal union with God. Jesus Christ allows his mother to partake of His life of the resurrection.

God, who preserved Mary from all corruption, wants to preserve an “immaculate space” in each one of us, so that sin may never have control over us. This is what has been promised to all who yield their lives to Him. We ought to allow God to be in charge of our lives. In her hymn of the magnificat, Mary invites us to vacate the throne for God, or else the Almighty will cast us (who think we are mighty) away from the thrones (see Lk 1: 52). Mary lived her humility and God exalted her. What about me? Which throne in my life am I clinging to? Can I let it go so that God may take control of my earthly life and at the end of this pilgrimage; He may give me the throne in heaven?

 

Rooted in Christ

Martyrs are people who were so rooted in Christ that not even death could separate them from Him. They were not satisfied with any sort of mediocrity or superficiality in their following Christ. They understood what the Master said in his conclusion of the sermon on the mountain: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Mt 7: 24). It may be hard to appropriate the message of the Gospel to one’s life, but whoever accepts the challenge and the newness that Jesus’ message offers really builds on the rock that can’t be shaken. I just hear an invitation not only for the followers of Jesus but for all who are looking for lasting meaning in life not to be satisfied with the quick-fix answers of the world. These only foster superficiality at its best. At its worst, they promote addictions which leave many people enslaved.

Martyrs discovered a treasure in Jesus. This treasure was so precious that they were ready to give up everything (even their earthly lives) in order to possess it. The Spirit of truth guided them in their discernment so as to give up the many “goods” in order to embrace the Good (Jesus Christ). That is what conversion calls for.

The Master Himself reminds us: “No one can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” (Mt 6: 24) The challenge to be embraced, if Christians are to emulate the martyrs, is to invoke the Holy Spirit for guidance so that they can really distinguish what is from God and what is human-made.

The Apostles themselves who were the first witnesses understood that it meant to set priorities: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29). It was in the power of the Holy Spirit that they were able to give such a courageous witness.

Witnesses and not celebrities

Just as Jesus himself never wanted to be celebrated, so are his true witnesses. As we look at the witness and challenge of martyrs, we ought to keep our eyes fixed on the One they followed. Jesus never looked for fans but disciples who would be His witnesses in the whole world. The disciples of Jesus filled their areas of influence with the teaching of the resurrection (see Acts 5: 28). Those who were in power tried to silence them, but it was impossible for them to keep quiet. The witness of true martyrs disturbs those who wish to take the place of God in others’ lives. The foundation of all this is in Jesus’ own

witness to the truth which costed him life. Whoever stands for the truth must be ready to stand alone especially when the powers that be are threatened. That is why they apply the best known method of elimination. They say: “We have a law and according to this law he ought to die!” (Jn 19: 7).

Those who desire to be celebrated (celebrities) are ready to compromise the truth. Unfortunately, we have more of these in our modern society than testimonies who can empower others especially the youths. The Martyrs of Uganda, who were themselves young people, pose a challenge as to whether true values are handed over to the youths. The youths need not only skills with which they can earn a living, but also values with which they can defend their dignity and give a more humane face to society. With Christian values, the youths can avoid the superficiality that is being proposed by modern society. Martyrs are witnesses to true values.

Now and again, there are reports that fake goods are put on the markets. Of course, they must be products of fake people. Why do we have fake products? The answer appears to be in the quality of the values that are propagated. The martyrs call us to embrace Christian values like transparency which will guarantee the integrity of persons and human communities.

Yes to life and No to death

St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta (a martyr of love of the suffering neighbor) is believed to have said: “The world is full of good people. If you can’t find one, be one!” We could apply this also to the numerous unknown martyrs who stand in to support life and take on sacrifices in order to let life thrive. On the other hand, we must accept the bitter truth that there are many who are martyred by agents of death.

It becomes very painful that a lot of innocent blood cries out like that of Abel in countries in which the blood of martyrs was shed. The celebration of the martyrs should be a clear protest against the culture of death. Whereas they were ready to give their lives for Christ, we must be ready to defend life in the name of Christ who was purely pro-life, for he came so that all may have life in its fullness (Jn 10: 10). The martyrs call us to live our positive potentiality to goodness and not the brutal bestial instincts by which many lose their dear lives.

Not admiration but imitation

It is so interesting to note that humans are so much concerned about setting up monuments for those they hold in great esteem. That is good on one hand, namely to keep the memory of those who have made a positive impact to life. On the other hand, there is a danger that monuments become a kind of podium from which great people can be admired at a distance. Just as we said earlier, Martyrs don’t belong in museums, but they are a living source of inspiration. They are not only to be admired but also to be imitated. If not, we have to accept the challenge of Jesus: “Woe to you, because you build memorial for the prophets your own ancestors killed long ago.” (Lk 11: 47)

By Fr. Anthony Kibira MCCJ