Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Saturday Easter Week 4 - May 1, 2021

SATURDAY 1ST MAY 2021

ST JOSEPH THE WORKER

Acts 13:44-52

John 14:7-14

MAY THE LORD BLESS THE WORKS OF OUR HANDS

As we enter a new month today, the Church calls us to reflect on the personality of St Joseph the husband of Mary as a model for all workers. In 1889, pope Leo XIII had set Joseph as the model for all workers. Joseph as we know was a very hard working man as a carpenter. With his work, he was able to take care of Jesus and Mary. In most countries, including Nigeria  today is regarded as workers day and it is a public holiday.

We are called today to take whatever we do to earn a living very seriously because God blesses the works of our hands. It is a day to ask ourselves whether we are doing the right work and are exerting much energy into it. You cannot be doing what is wrong and expect God to bless it for you. It may seem good and enticing but at the long run it will be a disaster. Many people do not want to work but want to excel. St Paul tells us in 2 Thess 3:10, that those who do not work should not eat. This is to encourage everyone to try their best to work for what they eat. Nevertheless, we are also encouraged to assist others, especially those who either have no work or are unable to work becauseoftheirconditions. 

God has called us to become co-creators with him. Whether you build a mansion or a chair, whatever profession you embrace or the type of work you do, what matters is your conscience and zeal for the work.

As we enter the month of May today, let us also not forget that it is the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We should intensify our devotion to her this month, that God should bless the works of our hands. Amen

Happy new month.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Friday Easter Week 4 - April 30, 2021

FRIDAY 30TH APRIL 2021

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF AFRICA

Acts 1:12-14

John 2:1-11

Today the Church once again calls our attention to our blessed mother. She is a mother who is concerned about the plight of her children. The Church in Africa today call on Mary our mother to continue to intercede for us. Our Lady is always praying and always wants the best for her children. She was united with the Apostles in prayer in the upper room in Jerusalem when they were afraid. She continued to console and comfort them. The popular story of the wedding in Cana as we see in the gospel reading, is an obvious proof that our Mother Mary wants the best for us even when we do not even ask her.

Together as Africans today, we acclaim her as our queen and mother and ask for her intercession as we fight against all the vices and wills around us.

Please endeavour to pray the rosary today and ask for her intercession.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Thursday Easter Week 4 - April 29, 2021

THURSDAY 29TH APRIL 2021

MEMORIAL OF ST CATHERINE OF SIENA

FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 13:13-25

John 13:16-20

GOD CAN MAKE USE OF ANYONE

Many of us may have seen a video that went viral last year, about a mad man who was preaching in the street, calling people to repent from their sins. When those listening to him offered him money, he refused it and told them to give it to the poor. It is obvious that not many people took him serious because of his mental state. It also happens in our society; some people may just suddenly repent from their sins and get converted to the faith, but we may not take them serious because of the life they had lived. How will you feel if a notorious armed robber or kidnapper or a terrorist suddenly enters the church or street and begins to preach? This was the image of Paul among the early Christians. Paul was very brutal to the Christian faith and wanted to eliminate it because he thought it was a deviation from the Jewish faith. I wonder how the people will be feeling today to hear him preaching, explaining the scriptures from the time of Abraham to that of Christ.

There are many people who we have written off in life and think that they are already doomed and are of no use. St Paul in his letter to the Romans, 2:11, tells us that God has no favourite. He can use anyone to accomplish his plans and goals. God has not given up on anyone just as he did not give up on Paul.

St Catherine whom we celebrate today, entered the third order of the Dominican order in her teenage years. She received a vision to leave her secluded life, and engage in more active life in 1370. She wrote many correspondences including to Pope Gregory XI, telling him to reform the church, the clergy and the papal states. She wrote many doctrinal and spiritual books. She died in 1380, and she was declared a doctor of the church in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter - April 25, 2021

SUNDAY 25TH APRIL 2021

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY AND VOCATIONS SUNDAY

 Acts 4:8-12

1 John 3:1-2

 John 10:11-18

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Today the 4th Sunday of Easter, is usually known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The gospel reading is that of John 10 where Jesus proclaims himself as the good shepherd. It is also a day we pray for and encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that God should send people after his own heart to lead his flock.

In every human society, it is very important to have leaders, it is of more importance to have good leaders who care and are concerned for their people. Some leaders can go as far as laying down their lives for their subjects.

For us Christians, Jesus is our leader and shepherd. God has assured us through the prophet Isaiah 49:15, that even if a woman should forget her suckling child, he will never forget us.

In the gospel reading of today, Jesus tells us that he is the good shepherd, and he tells us what is expected of us as shepherds. Some years ago, it was very easy to compare the love of God for us with the love of Fulani Herdsmen for their cows. The image of Fulani herdsmen today has been bastardized as they are now portrayed as thieves and kidnappers. Fulani herdsmen were known for their love for their animals, they lead them to green pastures, give them water, protect them against dangerous animals and even communicate with them. Their cows hears their voice and act accordingly. They are very close to their cows that they smell like them. This is the same care and love Jesus shows us. He wants us to trust and believe in him. We should not listen to other voices, because they are thieves and robbers who have come to feed on the sheep.

This is why St John tells us in the second reading of today that we are privileged to be called God's children  because he has lavished us with much love, including sending his son to die for us.  The parable of the lost sheep always reminds us that God does not want anyone to be lost, and that he cares for every human soul. This is why Jesus says in the gospel reading that there are other flocks which do not belong to the sheep fold. We pray for our separated brethren, that God will help them to hear the voice of the true shepherd sent by God.

In the first reading of today, we see Peter as the shepherd of the people, explain to the then that it was through the name of Jesus whom they had killed that he healed the cripple at the gate of the temple. He told them to repent of their sins and accept Jesus so as to be welcomed back into the sheep fold.

On this day therefore, we pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that God should inspire young men and women who will be good shepherds after his own heart to continue his work of human salvation so that everyone can hear the true voice of God and come into the sheep fold. We pray for all those in formation, that God will continue to speak to them daily and mold them for his work.

We thank God that we have shepherds in the Church who are leading us back to God our father. We pray for those who are not under true shepherds, that they may hear the voice of the true shepherd today and enter the fold.

Pray for your shepherds today as well, that they may be people after the heart of Jesus.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Saturday Easter Week 3 - April 24, 2021

SATURDAY 24TH APRIL 2021

THIRD WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 9:31-42

John 6:60-69

TRUTH IS BITTER BUT BETTER

Nothing has divided the Christian faith in history more than differences in doctrines. We see different Christian bodies preaching different things and different interpretations about the same gospel of Christ. Some self acclaimed men of God even attack and insult others from their pulpit. The Catholic Church has received more of the attack and criticisms because of our traditional way of worship. A particular pastor of a church once uttered some words against the Pope, but the reaction that followed even from non-Catholics shows that he merely showed his ignorance of history and simple secular world events.

As the early Church imwas starting gradually, we see Peter in the  first reading of today, moving from one city to another to strengthen the faith of the people, and it is very important to him that the right teachings are taught. This is because once people learn an error, it is more difficult to correct it.

There are some things that do not need that words should be painted when they are taught. Many people do not like the Catholic Church because she does not always tell them what they want to hear, but truth that will challenge them to live a better life. This is why in the gospel reading of today, many people left Jesus when he preached to them because he told them the truth. Teaching the right thing is very important, even though it makes us hated and unpopular.

Let us pray today for our separated brethren, especially those who have been misled by wrong doctrines and have hated the Catholic Church for no reason, that they will re-trace their steps and come to know the truth. We also pray for ourselves, that we may be always ready like Jesus and St Peter to stand on the side of truth. Amen

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Friday Easter Week 3 - April 23, 2021

FRIDAY 23RD APRIL 2021

THIRD WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 9:1-20

John 6:52-59

MAY GOD REDIRECT OUR FOCUS

It is very possible for us to be very convinced in whatever we are doing, and not fully aware that it is the wrong thing. It is also very ironical to see that many people who commit evil, do so with the whole of their strength. 

We see in the first reading of today, how St paul who had approved the killing of Stephen some days ago, went to various towns and villages to put many Christians to death for believing in the name of Jesus. The Jews did not want the Christian faith to grow at all. Jesus who knows how zealous Paul was, converted him and called him to mission. It is very interesting to see that St Paul exerted so much energy in the work even more than most of the Apostles called directly by Jesus. He suffered more, and in his writings, it is seen clearly that he understood the scripture very well, and the Holy Spirit was fully with him.

If only we can use a little of the energy we exert in doing evil to do something good, we will truly be happy because God will be present in our lives.

There is a call for self evaluation today, you may be doing evil today, hoping to achieve good; only God can redirect your steps and focus.

Lord, help me to know what is good, and the strength to do it. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Thursday Easter Week 3 - April 22, 2021

THURSDAY 22ND APRIL 2021

THIRD WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 8:26-40

John 6:44-51

THE WORD OF GOD IS ALIVE AND ACTIVE

Have you ever read a book for a long time without understanding it? It takes people different length of time to comprehend what they read and some need a lot more explanation to grasp what they read.

If this is the case with ordinary writings written by men, one can imagine how difficult it is to understand that which has been inspired by God. Many people read the bible like a novel and do not understand it. The bible is not what you understand after 6 months or a year study. To understand the bible, one needs to first understand the context in which it was written, the time and people it was written for as well as what the author actually had in mind when writing. If this is not done, the bible will just be like any other novel.

In the first reading of today, we see that the Eunuch had spent the whole day reading the prophecy of Isaiah, how Jesus would come into the world and suffer and die without complaining or resisting his adversaries. If you are not trained in Biblical Exegesis and interpretation, you should like the Eunuch, seek the help of someone who has been trained rightly to explain it to you. Many people have been led astray by half baked bible interpreters who claim to know everything in the bible after 3 months in a bible school.

It is encouraged that we read the word of God daily, nevertheless, we should not read it like any other book and we should not interpret it the way we want or how it suits us. Every single sentence in the scriptures has it's own meaning. This is why the author of the letter to the Hebrews says that "the word of God is alive and active, it cuts more finely than any double edged sword " (Hebrews 4:12).

Lord, may your word continue to brighten our paths as we journey to you daily. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Wednesday Easter Week 3 - April 21, 2021

WEDNESDAY 21ST APRIL 2021

THIRD WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 8:1-8

John 6:35-40

EVERY SITUATION IS FOR A PURPOSE

I once visited a friend who was in prison for a crime he never committed as it was later discovered. What baffled me when I saw him in prison, was the calmness and positive mind with which he stayed there. Other inmates spoke so highly of him that he is a very religious man. He led them at prayers in the morning and evening, and he  read the bible to others and try to explain it to them. Asking him how he was able to still preach the word of God and practice his faith in that situation, he said that God knew that he was there, and had sent him there for a purpose.

This is the situation I see with the early Christians and Apostles. Sometimes, tough moments come our way, but they are geared towards a greater good. The scribes and pharisees have started a fierce persecution of the early Christians who entered every street corners to preach the word of God to all  who cared to listen. With this came persecution as we see in the lynching of STEPHENS in the first reading of yesterday. The persecution of the Christians made many of them to run to different parts of the world. With this, they carried  the gospel and the church with them, just as my friend carried the gospel to the prison. Therefore, the Church which was only in Jerusalem, now entered different parts of the world. Every ugly situation we find ourselves is a very good opportunity to witness to the faith. God works in mysterious ways and he will never abandon those who hope and trust in him.

Lord, help me to see the good on all situations of life no matter how difficult they are. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP.

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Tuesday Easter Week 3 - April 20, 2021

TUESDAY 20TH APRIL 2021

THIRD WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 7:51-8:1

John 6: 30-35

TRUTH IS BITTER, BUT BETTER

Have you ever been persecuted for saying the truth? Have you been brought to limelight for doing what is right or condemning what you know is evil and unjust? One obvious truth is that human beings do not like to hear the truth even when it stares at them in the face. Truth hurts. In the first reading of today, we hear Stephen preach the truth to a people who had closed their minds to the truth. Stephen was not interested in knowing how the elders and the scribes were feeling about his preaching, he did not notice that their eyes were turning red in annoyance during his speech. He was only interested in saying the truth that he was looking up to heaven and saw Jesus sitting at the right hand of God.  His witness to the truth cost him his life today. Those who are afraid of persecution and death cannot walk the path of truth.

It is true that sometimes it is good to present truth euphemistically, and in a noble way, nevertheless, when you are afraid to witness to the truth for fear of being rejected and persecuted, you are already on your way to compromising your values.

In the gospel reading, we see Jesus not economical with the truth that he is the bread of life. He did not care whether many of his followers will leave him or whether he will be reported to the scribes and pharisees. It is more profitable to speak the truth and die, than to be alive, covered in the shadows of lies and deception.

Lord, grant us the grace to fear you and do your will rather than compromise our faith. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Saturday Easter Week 2 - April 17, 2021

SATURDAY 17TH APRIL 2021

SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 6:1-7

John 6:16-21

WE SHOULD NOT DISTORT WHAT IS IMPORTANT WITH IRRELEVANT THINGS

The church continued to spread with the experience of the resurrection of Jesus and the Pentecost. The Apostles have continued to move round the surrounding cities to preach the word of God, and the number of Christians continued to increase.

The more the number of people, the more demand, as well as those to be taken care of. It is possible too that many of those who joined the Christian sect would have done so because of what they would gain, since the distribution of food was also involved. It got to the point where some people began to complain that food was not enough for them. It is possible that the complaints were true; those who shared the food may just be settling their own people and neglecting others. This was becoming a serious issue that it was distorting the preaching of the gospel. This led to the selection of seven young men who were ordained  deacons, to take charge of the poor and the distribution of food to the poor and needy among them.

In our church today, some of these things still happen. We quarrel because of food and drink, whose turn it is to sweep the church, and so on; and we bring these irrelevant quarrels and squabbles that we should have resolved ourselves to the priest, thereby, affecting other more important activities that need attention. Issues of food and drinks should not bring quarrel in the house of God. Many people have left the church because of quarrels about food and drinks. When we allow material things as such to divide us in the house of God, we are not true Christians.

Lord help us to concentrate on things that are of more importance, do not allow us to turn away from you because of irrelevant things. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP.

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Friday Easter Week 2 - April 16, 2021

FRIDAY 16TH APRIL 2021

2ND WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 5:34-42

John 6:1-15

JESUS MULTIPLIES OUR LITTLE EFFORTS

Most times in our lives, we are discouraged to do some things because we think we cannot complete them alone. We are even afraid to begin it, and many people are not ready to assist others because they believe that the number of those who need help are many.

Jesus knew that preaching the word of God is not only about words, but also about action when the need arises. As Christians, we should be ready to compliment our words with actions when we are able to.

Jesus understood this very well in the gospel reading of today. He knew that the people were tired after listening to his preaching, and were hungry. When he asked Philip how to get food for the crowd, philip was discouraged because of the number of people. At the end of the day, we see that it was the 5 loaves and 2 fish of a small boy that fed the crowd. It is possible that if the boy knew that his little food was to be shared among the crowd, he would not have released the food too because it was like nothing among the number of people.

Jesus therefore is not asking for so much from us today, he just wants us to offer the little we have and can afford, he himself knows how to multiply it and feed his children. Do not lose faith, do not be discouraged.

Lord, help me to know that the good I do, no matter how small, is what you want as an encouragement to others. God help us. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP