Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Friday Week 21 Ordinary time - August 28, 2020

 

FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST 2020

MEMORIAL OF ST. AUGUSTINE

1 Corinthians 1:17-25, Matthew 25:1-13

 

BE READY ALWAYS

 

Yesterday we celebrated the memorial of St. Monica. We learnt how she was very fervent in prayer for the Conversion of her son Augustine.

Today we celebrate her son Augustine who got converted to the faith. Augustine had gone to different places in search of the truth, he joined various groups such as the Manicheans and Neoplatonism but was not satisfied. He just decided to go into the cathedral in Milan Italy and he listened to the preaching of St Ambrose who was the bishop of Milan. His preaching made a deep impression on him and he knew that it was the truth. He lived a very holy life as a priest and bishop of Hippo and he wrote many works which are still very much in use in the church today.

The words of st Paul in the first reading of today is very apt. The word of God may sound illogical, but it is the word of God and it is the truth which penetrates the depth of man. It penetrated the hardened heart of Augustine. It is more than the wisdom of the Greeks and any miracle we can think of. Let us listen and repent today as we hear the word of God. May almighty God open our minds and heart to his word. Amen. God help us.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP.

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Tuesday Week 21 Ordinary time - August 25, 2020

 

TUESDAY 25TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3,14-17, Matthew 23:23-26.

 

CONCERN FOR MORE IMPORTANT THINGS

 

Sometimes in our lives, we see ourselves getting worried over a lot of things that are not important, neglecting what is more important. In the first reading of today, we see how the early Christians were more concerned about when Jesus would come back again. They thought that Jesus was coming back immediately after his ascension, and thus there was no need to do anything again. St Paul therefore in writing to the Corinthians, warned that no one knows when Jesus will come. We therefore need to get ready everyday.

In the gospel reading, we also see the fury of Jesus against the scribes and pharisees who left the most important matters of the law and were treating little issues. The law is meant to provide an avenue to worship God better, not to condemn. The law is not as important as individual human conduct, it is meant to enhance it.

The concept many of us Christians have of heaven is very shallow. God will not judge us by our appearances. He sees the depth of man's heart. This is why Jesus says that it does not matter how clean the outside of a cup is, if it is not clean inside, it is useless. We should therefore pay more attention to preparing our mind and heart for the coming of Jesus instead of paying attention to things that do not matter. We must be ready for Jesus always. God help us. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Saturday Week 20 Ordinary time - August 22, 2020

 

SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST 2020

MEMORIAL OF THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Ezekiel 43:1-7, Matthew 23:1-12

 

MARY: QUEEN OF HEAVEN AND EARTH

 

The celebration of the queenship of the blessed Virgin Mary is intertwined with the solemnity of her Assumption which we celebrated exactly a week ago. In the first reading of that solemnity, we see in the book of revelation how mary was adorned with the moon and stars around her head.

Jesus the son of Mary as we know, is the king of kings and Lord of Lords, he is the king of heaven and earth.  As Jesus ascended to heaven, he called his mother to reign with him. Mary therefore as mother of the king of heaven and earth, is the queen of heaven and earth. It is a title that has been given to her since the early church, and she is truly our queen. God himself has glorified her and called her blessed on earth. Her virtues in life are worthy of emulation.

As we celebrate her today, let us also dedicate our lives to her immaculate heart and ask for her intercession. May almighty God grant us the grace to hold fast to him. God help us. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP