Homilies & Reflections

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2022-08-09 - FAITH – A HOPE LIVED. A reflection for the 19th Sunday in the Ordinary Time, Year C Author: Fr. Donatus Okeke

Readings: Wisdom 18:6-9; Hebrews 11:1-2.8-19; Gospel: Luke 12:32-48
 
The Church in today’s liturgy dwells on the theme of faith. According to the Second Reading, Faith is described as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). “By faith man completely submits his intellect and his will to God” (CCC 143). Without faith, it is impossible to please God – in fact, there is no Christianity without faith. Faith necessarily needs hope. Hope keeps man from discouragement and sustains him during times of abandonment. Hope cannot be, if there is no faith and faith cannot be sustained without faith.
 
The First Reading recalls God’s wonderful deeds to his people Israel, by delivering them from the Egyptians. This was a proof of God’s providence and a call for them to glorify the Lord. Thus, it became an assurance for the people to have faith in God. 
 
In the Second Reading, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews presents Abraham and Sarah as models of faith in God. Faith is the motivation behind all their actions as recorded in the scripture. In the Gospel, Jesus gives the secret of entering into heaven. He instructs us to be faithful stewards and as such, we must be always ready and alert. It is faith in God that enables us to prepare for heaven. Also:
 
 
1. Faith in God dispels fear. Fear is an indication of not having strong faith. Faith enables us to know that God is in control of every situation; even if it seems difficult, he will not disappoint. Abraham and Sarah proved this fact.
 
2.  Faith in God makes us to be conscious of the fact that we are servants of God. As faithful servants, we are called to carry out our responsibilities diligently; always being watchful, alert and ready to receive our master when he comes back. The coming of the master is to be eagerly anticipated, since he is coming to reward us. It should not be scary for the faithful and wise servants. We are called to be conscious of the fact that our master will surely come back.   
 
3. Faith in God makes us to be conscious of the certainty of final judgment and reward (praise and punishment). “that servant who knew his master’s will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating (Luke 12:47,48a).”
  
Although they are the same offence; yet the punishments are not the same. Circumstance is always considered in judging human acts. Today’s Gospel can be seen as an argument for Mortal Sin and Venial Sin. It is equally an argument for the existence of Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. This should be a great message for those who live as if everything ends in this world. 
 
Beloved in Christ, “faith makes us taste in advance the light of the beatific vision; the goal of our journey here below” (CCC 163). Do you still live as if there is no heaven, hell or purgatory? Do you still live in sin as if there is no judgment? Do you still take Christ’s Second coming for granted? Or you believe but think there is still time? Are you still sleeping? We are called to be worthy servants, whom the master will find alert when he comes back.
 
May God help us!!!



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LITURGICAL CALENDAR

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEVEN DAYS PRAYERS

Date: 2026-08-09 - 2026-08-15

From The Chancery   Dear Brothers, happy weekend! You would recall that during the last Bishop's/Priests' Meeting, the Bishop directed that the entire diocese of Umuahia should be observing a one week prayer for *Peace* in Igbo land. I am happy to inform you that, following the directive of His Lordship, the seven days prayers will begin on the 9th of August, and end on the solemnity of Our Lady's Assumption (15th of August), 2026. Take note of the following, please: 1) Take time to explain to your parishioners about the importance of the one week of prayers. 2) Draw their attention to the fact that this is directed by the Bishop himself. 3) Remember that it is a daily evening program. 4) The color to wear is black. 5) The day begins with Rosary procession and concludes with holy Mass. 6) All are advised to make sacrifices during those days.   Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the program. Thanks for your usual understanding and positive cooperation.   Rev Henry Maduka

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logoThe Diocese of Umuahia was erected on June 23, 1958 with Most Rev. Anthony Gogo Nwaedo C.S.Sp. as its first Bishop and Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as the second Bishop. The diocese was carved out from the then Diocese of Owerri. Since its inception, two other dioceses: Okigwe (1981) and Aba (1990) have been excised from it. Its present area of about 2,460.40km2 spans six Local Government Areas: Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia and Arochukwu.

Homilies & Reflections

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