Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Thursday Easter Week 2 - April 15, 2021

THURSDAY 15TH APRIL 2021

2ND WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 5:27-33

John 3:31-36

OBEDIENCE TO GOD COMES BEFORE OBEDIENCE TO MAN

As Christians, we are faced daily with various peoples and situations that make us want to compromise the truth and our faith. We tend to do whatever it takes to please human beings so as to remain in their good books, especially when we are benefiting from them. This therefore clouds our sense of judgement and readiness to speak the truth.

In the first reading of today, we hear Peter and the Apostles reply the sanhedrin that obedience to God comes before obedience to man. Fear of God comes before fear of man. They did not care what the Jewish authority wanted them to do, all they knew was that Jesus had told them to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth.

In the gospel reading, we hear John the Baptist telling his disciples to learn from the life of Jesus the Lamb of God. He came to bear witness to the truth and did not fear anyone. His message of truth was not accepted by some people also. As a good Christian always on the side of truth and what is right, many people will hate you, but do not forget that obedience to God comes before obedience to human beings. You may look poor and unpopular in the eyes of men by doing this, but God always takes care of his own. The psalmist today tells us that God listens to the poor when they call on him.

Lord, help me to obey your word and follow your commandments no matter the pressure around me. Amen

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Wednesday Easter Week 2 - April 14, 2021

WEDNESDAY 14TH APRIL 2021

SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 5:17-26

John 3:16-21

WHY ARE WE TIMID?

Sometimes we wonder what has led to the drastic change in the way we practice our faith today, compared with those of the early Christians. The faith the early Christians expressed in the risen Lord was very exceptional. It can be compared to the faith of Shedrach Meshach and Abednego in the Old Testament who were ready to suffer for what they believed in. It can also be likened to the faith expressed by David who was ready for whatever will happen to him instead of abandoning his faith out of fear. This seems not be be the case in the practice of our faith today. Many Christians today are very much afraid to stand in the path of truth and defend their faith.  The early Christians continued to preach the faith despite being warned to stop. They were not afraid of the Jewish authorities and what they would do to them. When they were imprisoned, they were happy to have had their own share of suffering and pain. We now have Christians who are afraid of being persecuted. We want to be comfortable and can easily compromise our faith if we perceive any impending danger.

We are called today to remain steadfast in the practice of our faith,  because when we are faced with persecution and pain, Jesus whom we profess will not abandon us. He will be there to save us from the burning fire, from the mouth of hungry lions and from imprisonment and persecution.

Lord, help me to be conscious that you love and care for me, and thus, be ready to proclaim you. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Tuesday Easter Week 2 - April 13, 2021

TUESDAY 13TH APRIL 2021

SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 4:32-37

John 3:7-15

THE EARLY  CHRISTIANS WERE OF ONE MIND AND HEART

It is very important for us to ask ourselves sometimes, the difference between us who claim to be Christians and those who are not. We carry the Christian name on our heads, but are not ready to live as one. If you read the  early chapters of the book of the Acts of the Apostles which chronicles the life of the early Christians, you will get an image of what it means to be a Christian.

In some places in our world, including some parts of Nigeria, especially in the core North where the Christian faith is not tolerated, the Christians in those areas suffer a lot. This was the same situation in the early Church. All those who listened to the preaching of the Apostles and became Christians were segregated and discriminated. For them to survive therefore, the early Christians had to support themselves, put what they had together and lived like one big family. Those who had brought out what they had, some sold their lands, just to make sure they survived together as Christians.

Do we still have such attitude today? Are people not thinking more of themselves rather than the good of others? The first reading is a challenge to every Christian today, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic. Many people are suffering around us, what efforts are we making to support them? Are we even making life more difficult for others?This is a time for us to put our faith into practice and witness to the risen Lord. People do not need to worship you before you give to them, you do not need to make them feel inhuman with your statements before assisting them. Generosity is a virtue that does not go unrewarded. We will either survive together as concerned Christians, or perish together as selfish Christians.

Jesus tells Nicodemus in the gospel reading of today, that if he wants to understand the things of the world, he should pay attention to what is  happening around him. Reach out to someone today and see how happy and blessed you will be.

Lord, help us to sensitive and considerate in our dealings with one another. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Saturday Easter Week 1 - April 10, 2021

SATURDAY 10TH APRIL 2021

EASTER SATURDAY

DO NOT BE AFRAID

Acts 4:13-21

Mark 16:9-15

There have been many times in our lives that we have failed to do what is right because we are afraid of what others will do or say to us. Human beings are generally afraid to die, thus we are ready to do anything including committing sins to avoid pain and death. In the first reading of today, we see that as Christians who have received the Holy Spirit, we should face situations, especially those of persecution for the sake of our faith with courage. This is because, God who has called us and whom we serve, will never let us be put to shame.

We see in the first reading how Peter and John who had been arrested for preaching about Jesus, were released unharmed. If they had thought of the punishment they would receive, they would have continued hiding and not preach the word of God. Do not keep quiet in the face of evil, do not refuse to speak the truth because of the way you will be treated, and do not allow fear of persecution or death make you abandon the ways of the Lord.

Lord, grant me the grace to witness to you without fear or favour. Amen

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Friday Easter Week 1 - April 9, 2021

FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021

EASTER FRIDAY

Acts 4:1-12

John 21:1-14

THE RESURRECTION STORY GIVES US COURAGE TO FACE THE WORLD

There are times in life when we feel like giving up on people and ourselves. When the gospel of today took place, peter had only gone to the tomb at the news of Mary Magdalene about the resurrection of Jesus. Peter himself had not seen the resurrected Jesus and he was getting tired of waiting to see Jesus. He was giving up on Jesus.

Peter lost hope in Jesus and decided to return to his old fishing business. The Pentecost experience, as well as the encounter of Peter with Jesus at the sea in the gospel reading, led to the invigorated Peter we see in the first reading. Peter who has been afraid to even claim to know Jesus, was no longer afraid to die for the good news proclaimed by Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus should lighten our doubts and uncertainties, and give us new courage to face our unpleasant situations. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Thursday Easter Week 1 - April 8, 2021

THURSDAY 8TH APRIL 2021

Easter Thursday

Acts 3:11-26

Luke 24:35-48

THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION

The birth, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus had been planned by God, so that we can be reconciled to our father. Throughout the period of Israelite journey through the wilderness, Moses was the face of salvation and liberation for the people because he liberated them from Egypt. Nevertheless, Moses continued to make reference to the coming saviour. All the prophets of Israel promised that the day of salvation is near. In the psalms, prayers are offered for the redemption and salvation of the world.

Jesus in the gospel reading of today, makes us to understand that God does not fail in his promises to us.   Many of us are not patient for God to perfect his plans in our lives, we are easily distracted with the things around us.

Peter and John knew the scriptures very well, they understood the salvation history and plan of God, not just because they lived with Jesus, but also because they read the scriptures. Many of us do not read the word of God as part of our routine. We see how Jesus explained  the scriptures to the disciples today, to understand why things happen the way they do. Many of us may never understand what is happening around us until we read the word of God and meditate on it. God still speaks to us, and meditating on his words is one of the ways we can hear him. Engage yourself with the word of God today, and you will have many answers to solve most of your questions.

Lord, help me to cherish your word, and may I hear your voice as I meditate on it. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Wednesday Easter Week 1 - April 7, 2021

WEDNESDAY 7TH APRIL 2021

EASTER WEDNESDAY

Acts 3:1-10

Luke 24:13-35

SILVER AND GOLD I DO NOT HAVE, WHAT I HAVE IS JESUS

Peter has suddenly become the Peter Jesus called to be his disciple and the one Jesus placed over his Church. With the boldness Peter is going around to preach the word of God, it is obvious that the resurrection of Jesus has rekindled his faith and courage.

We all are called to preach the resurrected Christ to those around us too. In preaching the word of God, we see from the example of Peter and John in the first reading, that it is  both in words and actions. For the cripple and beggar who came up to Peter and John, it is obvious that he did not come to hear the word of God, but for material relief and money.

Since Peter and John are not social workers, they did not have money to give to him, nevertheless, they gave him what was more precious than money; prayer and healing.

We as Christians are therefore called to preach both with our words and actions. You may not be able to solve the problem, but you can contribute your quota. Many just need a show of concern, some just want a smile and assurance that things will get better.

The Easter message is for all of us to proclaim, how are you preaching it?

Lord, help me to assist those in need with whatever talent I have. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP