Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Friday Week 1 of Lent - February 26, 2021

FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2021

FIRST WEEK OF LENT

Ezekiel 18:21-28

Matthew 5:20-26

KEEP UP THE GOOD YOU ARE DOING

As we continue in this lenten season, the word of God continues to encourage us not to turn to evil. Sometimes we may think that we have done so much good that God will not hold it against us if we commit a little evil. Many people especially the youths who are from very good homes and have lived good lives and have been close to God, suddenly find themselves turn to evil because of peer pressure and material gain.

The prophet Ezekiel gives a very good illustration in the first reading. If we gave been doing good and decide to turn to evil, God will judge us according to our present state. If we have been evil and decide to repent, we will also inherit the kingdom as we see the thief on the cross with Jesus did. This is why it is very important that we are in a state of grace at every moment.

In the gospel reading, Jesus tells us to pay attention to the little details around us. Before we commit sins, there are occasions that if avoided, sin can also be averted. Anger for example is a very serious vice that can lead to serious sins.

We pray that almighty God will continue to grant us the grace to be steadfast in doing what is right. God help us. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP.

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Thursday Week 1 of Lent - February 25, 2021

THURSDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2021

FIRST WEEK OF LENT

ESTHER 14:1.3-4.11.13-14

MATTHEW 7:7-12

GOD ALWAYS ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS

Have you ever been in a situation where you are very hopeless that you cannot even pray? It is only people with deep faith in God that can still pray in times of adversities.

Esther in the first reading must have found it tough before her prayer. When she remembered all that God had done for the people of Israel in the past, she was encouraged to pray. Whatever the situation is in life, let us believe that God will hear us and do something about our plight.

The words of Jesus in the gospel are very comforting. Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to you. God always answers our prayers; sometimes God's answer may not go the way we want, this is why we should be ready to accept the will of God for our lives.

May almighty God help us to trust him always even in the midst of troubled circumstances. God help us. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP.

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Wednesday Week 1 of Lent - February 24, 2021

WEDNESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2021

FIRST WEEK OF LENT

JONAH 3:1-10

LUKE 11:29-32

FORSAKE YOUR SINFUL WAYS

The prophets of the Old Testament really evoked fear in the people. The thought of the fury and wrath of God made many of them to be more serious in their dealings with God and one another. Nevertheless, many people truly repented out of love of God, knowing that what they were doing was wrong.

When Jonah preached to the people of Nineveh in the first reading, they repented from their sins and asked God for forgiveness and pardon. There is an opinion that the people who lived many years ago were more religious and more serious with the things of God, compared to our own time. Jonah did not perform any miracle to convince the people of Nineveh that he was a true prophet from God; in our time, some Christians may not take the word of God serious until one shouts at the top of his voice in prayer and work miracles.

This is also what Jesus experienced in the gospel reading. As he preached repentance to the people, many of them were asking for a miracle to prove that he is the son of God. It is our crave for miracles that has made many Christians to be led astray by magicians in disguise of religious leaders. Jesus calls us today to listen to the word of God and the voices of his priests and repent. We should not wait for the wrath of God before we forsake our sins.

May almighty God continue to minister to our hearts and help us to be conscious of the things we do. May we truly repent from our sins and put all our hope in God. God help us. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP.

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Tuesday Week 1 of Lent - February 23, 2021

TUESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2021

FIRST WEEK OF LENT

Isaiah 55:10-11

Matthew 6:7-15

THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TO PRAYER

In Christian parlance, we would see that virtues are connected for spiritual growth. Prayer is connected with a clean and pure heart. Many of us Christians are unable to pray to God because we are not well connected to him. We can only pray to God when we are one with him in spirit.

Many people compare their prayer life with that of others,  but it is uncalled for because one's connectedness with God and level of spirituality cannot be measured. It has nothing to do with facial expressions and bodily gestures as well as the length of prayer and the words used.

In this lenten season, we must pray to God, not just in words but also in the union of our hearts with him. Jesus tells us to purify our minds and hearts before meeting him, there should be no anger, no malice, but forgiveness in the wrongs done to us. We should also purify our minds and hearts. If we study the word of God more intently this season, we will be better disposed to meet God in prayer. God help us. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP.