WEDNESDAY

Wednesday/ Jumatano 27th May 2020.

ACTS 20:28-38

PS 68:29-30, 33-36

JOHN 17:11-19  

Matendo ya Mitume 20:28-38

Zaburi 68:29-30,33-36

Yohane 17:11b-19

Homily: Rev. Deacon. Samuel Nyonje 

Shalom. In today's readings we hear the elders being given to God. In the first reading, Paul prays for the elders that they may be strong, dedicated to the service and warn them against internal attack. In tue Gospel, Jesus prays Fr his disciples that they may be one, he commends them to the Father. 

Why are these leaders important? In the Gospel, the disciples are prepared for the hard task minus Jesus. After this prayer Jesus will be condemned, die, rise and ascend to the Father. Therefore there was need to give an account of the work he's done as sent by tue Father. He consecrate them to the truth, that through the Holy Spirit they may witness to this truth ( canon 1008).

What about unity? This is Jesus prayer, that all may be one ( John 17:21). Have we achieved this as a Church of Jesus Christ? Unity is both a gift and a duty...it's a gift because it came from God, we were given, it's a duty because we have to work out on how to achieve. 

What really causes disunity / disharmony among Christians? Among many we have the proper interpretation of the Bible, the authority of the Church and Sacraments. But all these we forget came from God. Can the Church find itself tone one? It's possible and actually this is what the Holy Roman Catholic Church work out daily. 

In the papal document Ut unum sint #9, Pope John Paul II asserts that ," to believe in Christ is to desire unity, to desire unity is to desire the Church, to desire the Church is to desire the communion of grace..." this connote that if we love Christ then unity should be our goal and not divisions.

Both the Clergy, religious and the laity should take this as a mission, like in the Gospel, Jesus accomplished his mission which is to glorify the Father, Church leases should guide the flock towards this goal, ad majore Dei Glorium ( for the greater glory of God). What kills this unity of purpose among many is the ego, pride, lack of humility, lack of understanding among many Christian churches. 

The Vatican II document teaches that the Church of Christ subsists in the Catholic Church, but she's also aware that outside the Catholic Church there are similar links of graces in other churches that conforms to hers...the Church understand this and is working to make this a reality.

It's now over 500 years since reformation, but still we question was external reformation by Luther necessary or important? Did it really solve his desires or caused him many troubles? Is it high time external reformers should rethink on this?

Let's pray today for the Church of Christ and all her shepherds as they work to unite and work for a common goal which is eternal life. 

Unity starts with me, unity is brought forth when we love each other, when we care for each other and above all when we value each other especially during this hard time of vivid-19.

samnyonje.blogspot.com

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24th May 2020

7th Sunday of Easter 

Acts 1:12-14; 

Ps 27:1, 4, 7-8; 

1 Pt 4:13-16; 

Jn 17:1-11 

Homily: Rev. Deacon. Samuel Nyonje 

Today we celebrate World's Communication Day. It's exactly 57 years since the inauguration of the official Church Document *Inter Merifica* ( Decree on social communication). 

The Church knows that if the influence of media are properly used they can be of considerable benefit to mankind. They contribute greatly to the enlargement and enrichment of men's minds and to the propagation and consolidation of the Kingdom of God. The Church still also knows that man can use them in ways that are contrary to the Creator's design and damaging to himself ( Inter Merifica #2).

In today's readings asks us to glorify God, this is the only way to share in his kingdom. So too should the channels of Communication in the 21st century. But what do we get in the contrary? Today, we've experienced the worst, especially since this pandemic was made a world concern, our media personnels have stopped to reason beyond Corona. Most channels instill fear, fake news, disharmony among other evils...some channels are politically sponsored to keep masses in political mood. Have always wondered why can't media houses air religious services unlike in political rallies where you'll see hundreds of media houses...today, unless a Church pay huge money, no media will air the service.

Dear friends, our mission on earth is to glorify God. So to glorify the Father simply means that our entire being, our thoughts, words and actions, manifest the life, love and goodness of God in and through us.

Similarly, Jesus spent his whole earthly life glorifying God the Father. He did not preach about Himself but His Father and the Kingdom of God. When we give glory to God, he gives back. Since Jesus glorified the Father, in return he glorified the Son by raising him from the dead. Most especially in the ascension, Jesus is glorified in heaven. 

In the contrary, the world seek not to glorify God, rather replace God. This we've experienced when world leaders register many atheistic organizations, funding them among other diabolical sects that are anti- God. There is so much pride, arrogance and presumptuous self-confidence in man today and mostly among the world leaders. Many have invested in nuclear war heads and bombs just to destroy humanity. There's no more value of human life and dignity. Many NGOs are against natural conception to natural death. There's a lot of abortion, creation of virus, genocide, political struggle but no one fights for God. In fact the Catholic Church has been left to glorify God as she seek to lead other Christian denominations to God.

Jesus Christ glorified God first by speaking the truth. He exposed the hypocritical teachings of the Pharisees. This ought to be the mission of World Communication, standing by the truth. Secondly , Jesus glorified the Father by proclaiming true love. Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation *Gaudete er Exultate* says that, "...holiness is nothing other than Charity lived to the full...". He came for the suffering of many, for the weak and deprived in the society ( Luke 4:16-18). World leaders use media today to fake their charity, we've witnessed when food relief is launched by Kenyas government but immediately after launched it doesn't reach the public...we find media is used to only fool masses, where food goes media can't show us.

Thirdly, Jesus glorified the Father by being life giver. He promise us eternal destiny ( 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 ). This eternal life is prefigured in our daily life...in fact our present life foreshadows our future.

We ought to stand for the truth, true love and life givers during this hard times. Please let's reach out to our friends to know how thy live, it's amicable to call a neighbor just to know how they fair on. 

As we mark this World Communication Day, we should ask ourselves if we've glorified God in our lives, faith and actions. The best channel of communication today is our lips and life. We should be tolerable media, patient media, media that loves, values life, values dignity of human person, respect religion and state. Of course when we do this the world will hate us, but St Peter exhorts us, we should not be afraid because we are sharing in the sufferings of Christ. 

May this day bring light of Christ to us to stand for the truth.

( nyonjes146@gmail.com / +254708607911 )

20th May 2020

Wednesday 20th May

ACTS 17:15, 22-18:1; JOHN 16:12-15

Homily: Rev. Dcn. Samuel Muhanji Nyonje 

Shalom people of God. 

What is a true religion? What really identifies Christians from pagans or non- Christians?

The answer to above question is from the first reading. Paul delivers his speech in Athens. Athens is a dominant place of the Greeks. They were a highly educated society and many of the philosophers would gather there to debate on existence and life.  They were keen to discover new ideas and they liked to challenge each other’s thoughts. They were not afraid to talk about the existence of God and the nature of Being.

It's in this that Paul noted the inscription in their places of worship "Unknown God". But why and how could such learned people worship a Being they don't know? Was their wisdom and knowledge from God? Such debate we still encounter in our time, does the contemporary time know the true God? If yes, how are we related to him?

Dear friends, from an ecumenical view, we all worship one God, creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible...this we attest in our creed ( nicene creed). Together with our first brothers Jews who first got the message of salvation and us in Jesus Christ, we are all destined to eternal life. We are all children of God, a chosen people called to particular mission and end which is to see God. For us Christians, unlike our dear brethren ( Jews, Muslims, Hindus etc ) we attain salvation through Jesus Christ the resurrected Lord, he's Victor over death.

In order to convince those who don't believe in Christ's resurrection we should remember what the Vatican 🇻🇦 Council declared in Nostra Aerate #2, approaching other religions with prudence and true love, keeping in mind we are people of God. This is what can help us all in our time. 

However, in as much as we come from families who profess different faith or have friends from other faiths, our disposition to the risen Lord will definitely touch many. Greeks depended much on faith, we ought to know that in the work of evangelization today, we cannot rely on reason alone. We must help our listeners to move to the level of faith.  This is why we need to pray for the assistance of the Holy Spirit. 

But who will give witness to this secularized world? In the Gospel, Jesus attest that the Holy Spirit will make him known. Unless we cooperate by the Spirit of God, our evangelization will be null.

Conversion is a process , in this process not all may attest or subscribe to our faith in Christ's resurrection. They might not be convinced about what we believe at this point in time, but we would have sown the seeds of faith, of love and of peace.   People take time to digest and understand and accept the faith.   So ultimately, we must leave it to the grace of God. The true God is attested by the Holy Spirit. Like Paul who brought the known God to the Greeks, the Holy Spirit working in us too aids us to unveil true and known God to the secularized world. 

May God in his mercy help his pilgrim Church. 

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16th May 2020

Saturday 16th May 2020

ACTS 16:1-10

Psalm 100:1-3, 5

JOHN 15:18-21 

Homily: Rev. Deacon. Samuel Muhanji Nyonje 

Theme: Be Watchful. 

Shalom people of God. In today's Gospel Jesus prepares his disciples for the hard task in future, that's , apart from the proclamation of the Gospel, they will encounter persecution. Like their master, they would face persecution for upholding their faith in Christ and the gospel values. This is the price of discipleship. This is what true Christian should expect.

In such situation, how should we deal with our opponents? First, to be victorious, we should embrace them. By embracing, I don't mean we accept that demands but use their tactics and chance to evangelize them. For instance , opponents of the Gospel today support Abortion, Euthanasia, same sec marriage etc; how should Christians deal with them? We should reach out to them without fear, firmly telling them there's a better option than their choice. By embracing we will definitely win them to Christ. 

Another way of dealing with our opponents is to fight without harm or confrontation. St Paul was not hostile, nor did he pick a fight with them. Rather, he saw this as an opportunity to bring the good news to those who desired it.  Just like in the fi st reading, Paul met an obstacle to his missionary journey, but didn't follow his plans, rather he listened to the voice of God. 

St. Paul was docile and refused to be hindered in proclaiming the gospel just because he faced some obstacles.  He would find new ways to proclaim the gospel to new territorie as lead by the Holy Spirit. Indeed, when God closes one door, He opens another door.   We must be adaptable to change.

This is the same way the true Church of Christ should see today, when the World leaders opted to close Churches, but slowly opening restaurants, Bars, Parliaments, political meetings in statehouse, cabinet plans etc...

 Instead of seeing it as an obstacle to our faith because we do not have the traditional means to encounter God, then we must take this occasion as a period for purification, a better appreciation of our faith and the liturgy.   We can find new ways to grow in our faith and spiritual life.   We must learn to adapt creatively to new challenges and obstacles.  This Covid-19 pandemic has forced us to think of a parish without boundaries, a new way of formation and evangelization. Indeed this is the Holy Spirit in work. 

Wishing you all fruitful Saturday of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God.

Rev. Deacon. Samuel Nyonje

samnyonje.blogspot.com

HOMILY MONDAY 11th May 2020

Monday of the 5th Week of Easter

ACTS 14:5-18

JOHN 14:21-26

Homily by Rev. Dcn. Samuel Muhanji Nyonje 

Theme: For the Greater glory of God

Shalom friends. In today's Mass readings, we encounter persons who deny themselves glory and instead choose to give honor to God. In the first reading, Paul and Barnabas work miracles of healing a crooked man, this is something never seen by the inhabitants of the land, therefore they thought these two were gods. They equated them to Zeus and Hermes, these were Greek gods.

We all know how Greeks honor gods, therefore they chose to bring everything and offer to Paul and Barnabas. They refused this offer and asked them to instead give glory to God so that they may turn from their sinfulness worship of idols to the worship of true God. 

Dear friends, Paul and Barnabas chose to cooperate with the Trinity, on their own they couldn't stand. How often have we found ourselves in such situation when people worship us or even ourselves worship our own gods? These two Apostles were gifted by the Holy Spirit but didn't use this gift for self gain.

We see same scenario in the Gospel, Christ Jesus says anyone who keeps his commandments and do what he asks will be loved by the Father and the one who loves the Father is loved by the Son. He asks us to cooperate with God, on our own we can't do anything.

We should know all we have, riches, favors, talents, families, gifts, positions should not glorify us but instead we should say like the psalmist today, " not to us Lord not to us but to your name give the glory." Likely, we should embrace St. John the Baptist, he strongly told his congregation he's not the one ( Messiah), but only making way for Messiah.

May God remember us in all we do, keep us safe for the exaltation of his Kingdom.

( +254708607911: nyonjes146@gmail.com)

HOMILY 8th May 2020

ACTS 13:26-33

JOHN 14:1-6 

HOMILY: Rev. Deacon. Samuel Muhanji Nyonje.

Shalom friends in the Lord Jesus Christ. Today's Mass readings invites us to have a rest. The Gospel aptly put Jesus a the fulfillment of this true rest in which all Christians find refuge and meaning. 

Jesus tells his disciples he's going to prepare a place for them where God the Father is. Here he equates the kingdom to his as the Son of God, in this he invites all to this kingdom. No one will ensure exceot through him.

Traditionally, it's the work of a slave / maiden to prepare resting place for the master, but here Jesus takes the mantle of a slave ( Philippians 2:6-11). 

He says no one comes to the Father except through him. How do we go to the Father? This means we were once with him and destroyed the relationship, it's sin that distances us from God. It's Jesus that takes us to the Father. We meet him in all Sacraments, and most of all in the Most Holy Eucharist.

Today many people are tired, not only has Corona pandemic paralyzed us, but has added more pain to poor governance, we are tired of dirty politics, worsening economy, public frauds, elections malpractices among other evils that has rendered us worry much. But Jesus tells his disciples, do not be afraid, worry not.

Catechism of the Catholic Church #847 creates room for entry into heaven those who do not know the Gospel and Christ. But it's distinct, those who don't know not willingly or by desire, but they offer true and unblemish sacrifice and worship to the Father, these are assured of eternal life. This is the reminder Paul give to the Jews in his public speech in the first reading. He reminds them of their heritage as people of God, though they killed God. But alas! He rose from the dead.

We ought not to worry, but instead embrace non-Christians for together we share the same Father and eternal. However we should evangelize by our lives... Paul is a good example, he converted. 

St. Augustine asserts that " our hearts are restless until they rest in you O God", truly our worry is passive, if only we give Christ chance, we ought not worry because we are assured of true home where we Hall have rest from all the troubles affecting us all.

Let us pray for those hard men and women who persecute the Church of Christ and Christians that through our life, they may know Christ as the way, true and life.

samnyonje.blogspot.com

3rd May 2020

GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY ( 4th Sunday of Easter )

Readings:

Acts 2:14.36-41

1 Peter 2:20-25

Jn 10:1-10 

Homily: Rev. Deacon. Samuel Muhanji Nyonje

Dear friends in the risen Lord. Shalom. Today we celebrate the Sunday of the Good Shepherd. In one way most of us have held leadership in some kind, may be at home, school, places of work etc...I don't know if today the subjects whom we serve are asked to vet us if we can really be given another time, if yes, why? If no Why?

A Good Shepherd is always thinking of how to better the life of his sheep and not his own life or his own comfort this is what Christ says in the gospel. This too was the ground for Peter's homily, not for self gain but for the good of the people.

Subsequently,the Good Shepherd must also guide and form his people in their values and vocation in life so that they can live meaningful lives. This made the audience of Peter convinced and accepted baptism.

Jesus warns us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”  This is a reference to the Jewish leaders who rejected Jesus.  Instead of leading their people to greener pastures, they took away the blessings meant for them.  They prevented the people from coming to know Christ because of being selfish.

When leaders mislead people in the truth, they too belong to that category of thieves that come to steal, kill and destroy.  Indeed, we just have to examine the values that some leaders are promoting in the world today, such as same sex marriage, abortion, making atomic bombs, manufacturing deadly virus, infringing human rights etc., if this is their goal then they are self-serving.  Their heart is not for the ultimate good of the people.

What then must a leader do? Similar question to what the crows asked Peter. For Peter, repentance of our sins, our selfishness and our blindness are the first steps towards being good leaders.  We must first acknowledge where we fail as leaders in serving our family and organization. 

Secondly, we ought to receive baptism, not just of water alone, but here to be immersed in the door that leads to Christ. This is the baptism that world and Church leaders should seek today. This baptism is for the salvation / service of all. Unless we have the heart of the Good Shepherd, the sheep will not recognize us, neither will we recognize them as our sheep because we do not know them or care for their interests.

I still believe there is a good number of good leaders in our midst. Just like Jesus, we should not expect appraisal of our good work. Rather insults, and even threats. Unlike poor and enforc e leaders who seek publicity even when giving donations, delivering their duties like CDF, FPE among other duties. 

Let's pray during this Sunday, the Spirit of Christ as in Luke 4:16-18. Let's pray for family leaders, Religious men and women, Seminarians and all clergy. May God mound them to the TRUTH.

( Rev. Deacon. Samuel Muhanji Nyonje. +254708607911. Email: nyonjes146@gmail.com. Blog: samnyonje.blogspot.com)