Fr. Ken's Pastoral Care

Readings: Ezekiel 2:2-5; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and Mark 6:1-6.  REJECTION AND DISCOMFORT OF A PROPHET: WHO WILL SPEAK FOR US?    Sometimes we find in our communities, organizations, institutes and societies things going wrong and everyone keeps to himself or herself, especially when the wrong comes from those in higher authority. We prefer to suffer in silence because we are afraid of the consequences of speaking up, which could result to rejection or being stigmatized as rebellious. Probably we want everyone to like us and have good things said about us. Today’s liturgy draws our attention to the discomfort of the prophetic mission. The voice of the prophet should never go silent in the midst of evil. If not, evil will triumph over good and darkness over light.   The first reading gives a clear picture of the prophetic mission of Ezekiel. The Spirit of God entered into him and said, “ Son of man, I sent you to the sons of Israel, to a nation of rebels, who h...

We stand for life Readings: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15 and Mark 5:21-43.  DIGNITY OF HUMAN LIFE: ARE YOU FOR OR AGAINST IT?   Among important issues involving the dignity of human life with which the Catholic Church is concerned, abortion takes center stage, since its victims remain the most vulnerable and defenceless members of the human family. Recently (on Friday, June 18), the Bishops’ conference of the United State voted to draft a statement on the Holy Eucharist to admonish Catholic politicians including President Joe Biden, who personally opposes abortion but supports a woman’s right to choose. This view appears contradictory and is against the Church’s doctrines on pro-life. In Nigerian, killing has become the order of the day. In view of this, the Church draws our attention this Sunday to reflect on the life God has given to humanity. We have no right to take the life of another; rather we should support whatever enhances life. ...

The storms of life Readings: Job 38:1.8-11; Psalm 107; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 and Mark 4:35-41.  THE DROWNING BOAT!    I commend those who came out for the peaceful protests on June 12 as regards the state of the nation, which is in a sinking level; they are heroes of today and have proven not to be afraid of any threat from political thugs, hoodlums, police officers or military personnel. In view of this, today’s liturgy draws our attention to the storms of life, which bring fears and panic. The readings point to the nature of the sea and its attributes. Amidst this, Christ wants us to understand that he is still the Lord of the land, the sea, the sky, and the creator of the heavens and the earth.   In the first reading, God answered Job from the whirlwind. The idea that God answered Job depicts that Job had been praying for God’s intervention over his crises/storms, and the whirlwind is associated with the divine presence of God. In the previous chapter, Eli...

Cedar Tree Readings: Ezekiel 17:22-24; Psalm 92; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 and Mark 4:26-34.  THE CEDAR TREE AND MUSTARD SEED   Recently we celebrated World Environmental Day (5th June) and attention has been drawn to challenge of deforestation in some parts of the world. Today’s liturgy draws our attention to two great plants: the cedar tree and the mustard seed to communicate the message of the Kingdom of God. The first reading represents a big, powerful and exultant tree, while the Gospel gives us the humble beginnings of this tree from the mustard seed.   In the first reading, the Lord says, “ I myself will make a spring from the lofty top of the cedar, and I will set it out .” In this, God promised He has not finished with Israel and her kings, he promised to crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one , and replant it on the high and lofty mountain. The tender one is the Messiah, the Son of God. Isaiah 11:1 says, “ There shall come forth a Rod from ...

Body and Blood of Christ Readings: Exodus 24:3-8; Psalm 116; Hebrew 9:11-15 and Mark 14:12-16.22-26.  THE OLD AND NEW COVENANTS   Today’s solemnity calls us to reflect on the Eucharist. It reminds us of the wonderful gift of God to us through Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Traditionally it is celebrated on the Thursday or Sunday after Trinity Sunda y with a procession of the Body of Christ. For pastoral reasons (the month of June is the season of rain), the Church in Nigeria has her procession at the end of the liturgical year, with the feast of Christ the King. It is a day of thanksgiving for the institution of Holy Communion on Maundy (Holy) Thursday. In today’s celebration, we recall the paschal sacrifice, the covenant we have with God, to be in communion with one another and with Him, in order to participate in the heavenly banquet.   The first reading describes the ceremony of the old covenant. A pattern was followed, which was, listening to the w...