Tag: #Peter Obel Abue

Christianity or the whole idea of RELIGION is being challenged today by a demand for practical results bordering on satisfaction of basic human needs. Those who emphasize this practical religion insist that Christ did not just come to teach us how to pray and worship, he also came to teach us how to take care of the poor and needy. Although this mentality smacks of secularism and denial of the sacred, at the same token, it is not something we should ignore outrightly especially in our clime, where majority of the people are in need of basic necessities.

Jesus himself reminded us that we are “salt of the earth and light of the works” ( Matt 5:12-16). That It is to the extent we are able to show practical religion, that determines how we become salt and light. The people of Israel thought they were a Light in the world, because of their grand solemn ceremonies in the temple; they were wrong. God is interested in practical  works of mercy and love and that was the light he wanted to see shining on his people.

The Prophet Isaiah commands the people thus: share your bread with the hungry, bring the homeless poor into your house, cloth the naked, be your own brother or sisters keeper, stop pointing the accusing finger, speaking wickedness and increasing the yoke of pain and suffering for others (Isaiah 58: 7-10). These are the things that fail to make our light shine and our prayers heard (verse 9). Christianity is not just about going to church or attending grand religious ceremonies, but also about coming to the aid of those who truly need us. Unfortunately, many deceive themselves that they are religious, when all they do is fuel trouble in their families, congregations or communities; knocking heads together, causing anxiety among peoples, and heightening the problems of poor people by their half-educated principles.

If your worship of God or church attendance is not followed up with concrete acts of charity, or worse still, by wicked acts, you are a church goer who also doubles as a trouble shooter. As someone once said, No religion in the world is greater than kindness. No scripture is deeper than compassion. No ritual is holier than love.  Your beliefs may guide you, your traditions may shape you, but what truly defines you is how you treat others. Don’t just preach your religion – live its essence.  Don’t just quote verses – embody their meaning. Don’t just identify with a label – let your humanity speak louder than words. St Paul warns us that our faith should not rest on “human wisdom, but on the power of God” (1 Cor 2: 1-5). Human wisdom is when we are always rationalising, condemning and judging others at the slightest provocation; when we confuse people with our education, oratory and privileged positions. It is better to use the power of God in life because human wisdom can disappoint us.

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/With

The beatitudes are the content of Christ’s gospel and those 8 principles surely turned upside down the understanding Jesus’ listeners had of the world and society. The beatitudes give us a new understanding of Christianity and a clearer image of God’s kingdom especially as it relates to our understanding of poverty and riches. As a matter of fact, Jesus uses the beatitudes to positively change our orientation about a world that has become so avaricious, revengeful, contemptuous, arrogant and self seeking.

Jesus tells his listeners rather to choose the opposite because the poor would be rich, the hungry would be filled, and the persecuted would be rewarded. What lessons does Jesus mean to impart in this great SERMON ON THE MOUNT? As a starting point, let us consider the first beatitide: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God” (Mt 8:9).

The fact remains that Jesus always associated himself with the poor and here, he declares them, ‘blessed.’ His words remind us in a unique way that God would always take the side of the poor; that the idea of poverty does not necessarily have a negative connotation. However, due to our culture of renouncing poverty, we sometimes perceive these words negatively. It is worthwhile for us to focus on these words as we listen to this sermon. Although an average person desires to be rich (comfortable), to have people under his/her authority like the centurion in the bible, yet Christ said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” What does this imply?

To be poor in spirit has little to do with the lack of possessions. It means we must choose to renounce the accumulation of wealth as a source of happiness or blessings. Our salvation lies with God alone and not with material possessions and we must be content with having little if that would create more room for our spiritual upliftment. Even when blessed with material wealth, what matters most in our life is how we share with the poor and avoid contempt and arrogance. The scripture says in Philippians 4:19 “My God will fully supply whatever we need, in accord with his glorious riches.” Accordingly, Christians must realise that what gives us true happiness and entry into God’s kingdom is not our material wealth but a humble and contrite spirit.

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author and does not represent Theluminenews, it agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

The Magi (three wise men) were not Leaders but people well known in older times as capable of interpreting dreams and foreseeing the future by looking at the stars. When the true leader (Jesus) was born, a star appeared as a message from heaven to tell the world that something remarkable just happened and so the Magi went in search of it. The Magi’s visit really represents the yearning of humanity for a brighter future, and Jesus Christ is that light that shines in the dark, illuminating all people towards a better future. Isaiah prophesied to Jerusalem that, ” see, darkness covers the earth and thick cloud covers the people, but upon you, the Lord shines and over you appears his glory” (Is. 60:2). When Isaiah’s prophesy was finally fulfilled, the Magi came to pay homage to the new born leader (Mt 2:1-12).

The Magi represents people of the whole world who let themselves to be guided by the message of peace and love. They fell on their knees in worship of the newborn king and they did not pretend about it. We need, first and foremost, to learn to understand and reverence Jesus in our lives before we can truly recognize and acknowledge the position of those who would lead us in the society. Epiphany reminds us that Jesus is indeed the ultimate leader and we all need his light to forge ahead. Those in positions of leadership sometimes forget their utter dependence on God. Whenever a true leader emerges in a society, it is a re-enactment of the leadership of Jesus, and It ought to be characterized by humility and the presence of peace and harmony. Jesus came as a universal king and so Christian leaders must seek to be all-inclusive in their leadership.

It is not unusual to see people’s seeking attention at the emergence of a new leader. The hope is that any affiliation with the leadership, would bring them good tidings. Like the Magi, however, when we flock to Leaders and present gifts, it should not be a mere physical exercise. Instead, our gifts should show our renewed and re-energised desire to collaborate with the new leadership to bring light to the world. If we visit a leader to tell tales, malign others and incubate factions, we are only stifling the process for such a leader. True leaders should be intelligent enough to perceive this.

If our purpose of aligning with a leader is sycophantic and purely partisan, then that purpose is already defeated. Most Leaders have failed because their close associates advised them wrongly; seeking for selfish ends rather than the common good.

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue PhD, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

….Being A Sermon Delivered on First Sunday of Advent.

The Advent season has come. The season that reminds us of peace even in the midst of darkness. The prophet Isaiah describes these times using the image “pruning hooks” (read Isaiah 2: 4). A pruning hook is an instrument that was used by Israelite farmers to cultivate the land and feed the people. It is meant to remind us of growth and development, not war and discord. At the time of Isaiah’s prophecy, the kingdom of Judah was preparing for war.

Jerusalem, the capital city, was in danger of being destroyed, yet Isaiah saw a bright future; Jerusalem, far from being destroyed would be the center of the world and the starting point of movement towards universal peace (Is. 2: 1-5). Yet Isaiah sees hope, where all others see war? This prophet had the audacity of hope, the firm belief that things would get better, and so he awakened the people to turn their spears of war into pruning hooks of peace and growth through hard work. That’s the “good news” this season (advent) brings to us.

This year, no doubt has been a year full of “wars” for some. There are lots of threats from one end to another. Even now, there are threats of terror going around, bandits hiding in bushes ready to attack. Denials of Christian genocide even when brothers and sisters are being massacred in their numbers. Our security is being threatened from within and from outside.

Within our households are disagreements and discord in all corners. They are even quarrels and lots of fights among family members Yet now, more than ever is the time to turn these war instruments into pruning hooks, otherwise, we are not ready for the season. Jesus also used familiar images, not necessarily to cause fear, terror or anguish in our minds, but to remind us of the need to be VIGILANT if we must claim the peace he offers us this season (Matt. 24: 37-44). It is not going to be a walk-over. We must be VIGILIANT.

In Noah’s days, there were two kinds of people: those who failed to shine their eyes, but were concerned with enjoying themselves alone and those who were vigilant, who foresaw the coming of the flood, who heeded God’s warning and became the fathers of a new humanity (vs. 37-39). The people in Noah’s day were going on with their day to day lives, doing normal things. Some were working in the fields and grinding flour (Vs. 40-41).

Many didn’t live sinful lives but perished with the flood. Their only crime was: not “shining their eyes” to the times they lived in. they were not quite awake to prevent the Burglar (v. 43). The peace Christ offers can only be claimed with vigilance. Yes, true peace is won at a high price, and we must stand ready to claim it because Jesus offers it to us at a platter of gold at this special season of advent.

PHARISEE
(Religion of merits)

The Pharisee was an upright and honest man. He kept God’s laws. He avoided all sins. He was not a thief, adulterous and unjust. In fact he did even more than was required of him. For example, the Law prescribed fasting once a year (Lev. 16: 29), but the Pharisee fasted twice a week. The farmer at harvest time was to give the tenth part of his main crops but the Pharisee would go beyond that and pay from his own pocket for other farmers (Deut. 14: 22-27). However, in spite of his moral integrity, the Pharisee takes up the wrong attitude in the sight of God (Luke 18: 9-14). What was his mistake? He went to the temple thinking wrongly that his good deeds would merit him a good standing before God.

The Pharisee practiced a religion of merits; wrongfully thinking that because he was a man full of good deeds, he had an automatic ticket to salvation and that affected his prayer life. Anybody performing good deeds and relies solely on that to gain God’s attention, cannot merit anything in the sight of God. He must only be thankful to the God who helps him to stay on the right course to happiness. In other words, he must stay humble before God. What finally brings God’s attention to us is not our money, our good deeds, our titles, but a sincere and humble disposition before God; “For he is a God of justice who knows no favorites” (Sir: 35: 12).

The Tax Collector on the other hand! He was not the meek man that we imagine. In fact, he was an experienced thief, a heinous exploiter, a jackal. He did not steal from the rich, he exploited the poor, forcing miserable peasants to pay exorbitant taxes. Jesus was not praising the Tax Collector at all, nor does he approve of his sin. He only says that he was taking the right attitude in the sight of God. At the end of the day, that’s what matters; our attitude in the sight of God especially at prayer because a sincere attitude can turn the devil into an angel. Scripture says: “the prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal…and the Lord will not delay” (Sir. 35: 16-18).

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue PhD, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organisation the author works for.

EPHPHATHA!

By giving full attention to a deaf man and finally commanding that his ears “be open”, Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah on him through the pronouncement of Ephphatha (which means ‘Open up’). “He took him away by himself, away from the crowd… looked up to heaven and with a groan said: Ephphatha! (Mk 7:33). Here, the old order has passed away; a person long abandoned, who was depressed and dispirited has come back to life. To this very person, the Prophet Isaiah had foretold that “the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf will be unsealed, the lame will leap like a deer and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy” (Is.35: 4-7).

Today, Ephphatha will be a heavenly pronouncement on you. The period of lack in your life is ended and God will finally bring you into a season of abundance. To you who has been waiting for so long… your era of lack has come to an end. Whether it is that period you have been waiting and no one seem bothered about you, or the period when sickness, joblessness, barrenness and even sin seem to have enveloped and blinded you to the extent that you failed to see God’s light clearly enough to plot a new path for yourself in life, Jesus says “Ephphata” to you! Open up that path that someone is blocking for you in your office, your life’s calling, your family, village or organization; wherever you find yourself.

You are not meant to remain a decorator of other people for life; others will also decorate you and it is your God that says so not man. You are that very special case in God’s hands; the one Jesus would “take off by himself away from the crowd… look up to heaven and with a groan say: Ephphatha!. All you need is trust in the saving power of God, go on your knees and put your doubts aside . Remember, it is not by power or might, nor is it by your wisdom or influence. God is in total control of your life, so “Be strong. Do not be afraid…your God is coming to save you” (Is. 35: 4).

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue PhD, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

A CURE FOR DEPRESSION

Elijah was a depressed man who was running away from his shadow (1 kings 19:4-8). We often do this when faced with challenges beyond our control. Like Elijah, we feel restless and cumbersome (v. 5), with no appetite even to eat, and when we manage to eat, we feel like going to bed again (v.6). We feel hopeless and helpless and find it difficult to do our normal duties, especially when no one is bothering about us (v.7). In fact, Elijah felt like committing suicide and he said, “It is enough, Oh Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers” (v.4). His cure for depression only came as soon as he “arose and ate and drank and worked on the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God” (v. 8).

In this journey of life, depression can happen to anybody. Sometimes, things can be so frustrating that we feel like killing ourselves. Be careful! You are not alone in your struggles. You are neither the first nor last to go down the drain in this journey. I have often maintained a philosophy that can be summarised in my favourite slogan: “Life goes on!” Life must go on in spite of our many challenges. Believe it that you are not alone in your problem or difficulty. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, yes! and to us all, God offers a dose of remedies to cure our depressions. His lively words of encouragement in the scriptures are there as food to encourage us. There, he assures us that if we eat his body and drink his blood like Elijah did, we shall regain our strength.

For the past several weeks, God has been assuring us of this truth, so why not give it a trial.To cure our restlessness, God offers us a step by step procedure of walking-along with him: First, learn to depend everyday on his word, never cease to fellowship with others, always walk in love just as Christ himself did (Eph.4:30-5:2). Our problem often is not our inability to follow these paths but our tendency to always grumble and doubt if indeed it’s true that these things can give us true happiness (John 6:41-51). Remember, it’s God’s promise, not man’s. Doubt no longer, my friend. Instead, like Elijah, “Arise and eat, else the journey will be too great for you” (I kings 19:7).

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent, or the organization the author works for.

OUR DAILY BREAD

“Give us this day our daily bread”, we pray everyday (Matthew 6:11). What is this daily bread offered to us? In truth, it is the Eucharistic Jesus offered at daily Holy Mass. The international Eucharistic Congress held recently in Indianapolis, USA brought together more than 50,000 Catholics on fire for God and for this bread of life. It was a living testimony of the Eucharistic presence of Jesus OUR DAILY BREAD and how hungry our world is for HIM. Real strength can only come from the bread that God alone offers us through the Eucharist in his church.

It is true we need our daily physical food and nourishment to survive, especially in these hard times. In fact, even as we speak, many families and their children will go to bed without adequate feeding and that’s why we often think of daily bread in terms of physical food only. But the point Jesus is making is that, unless we care enough to share even the little we have with each other, we will continue to be eternally hungry. And if we feed on his body and drink of his blood, we will be better equipped to share our lives with others especially those who need us most. He alone can give us that daily bread and until we settle for it, our hunger will continue to linger (John 6:1-15).

Unfortunately, we live in a world where people care less about their neighbor’s needs, while greed and avarice, selfhood is assumed to be normative, and even often glorified. In such a world, our daily bread is only seen as food to feed our stomachs only and daily we struggle with each other as we compete for survival. Jesus makes it clear to the multitudes who were following him only for the loaves; that he offers more than physical food.

The solution Jesus offers us is this: Learn to feed each other by sharing what you have in love (see verse 11) like Elisha the Prophet shared with the man who came from Baal-shalisha; ” they ate and had some left ” (2Kings 4:42-44). This kind of love if practised in communities will lead to the multiplication of our daily bread instead of poverty and want. May we come together daily to feed on that Daily bread that lasts for ever.

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

In the biblical sense, a good shepherd is the one who listens, seeks counsel, prays and takes good care of the sheep. In a way, all human beings created by God are called to be good shepherds. Not just adults with responsibility, but anyone with a vocation in life is called to be a shepherd. For some. it is in a higher degree than others but the question for everyone should be: What kind of shepherd are you; a good or a bad one?

Zedekiah the king of Jerusalem was a bad shepherd. He listened to wrong advice and he rebelled against the King of Babylon, thus ensuring the ruin of his people. Nebuchadnezzar sent his army against him and reduced him to ruins. It was at this time that Jeremiah the prophet was preaching and he reminded the leaders of his time who were corrupt and incapable of leading the people that they should not be like Zedekiah; like shepherds who lead their flocks to destruction. “Woe to you says the Lord…you have scattered my flock…and you have not attended to them. Behold I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord” (Read Jer. 23:1-6).

It is very easy to be a bad shepherd when you listen to wrong advice. When you don’t seek the counsel of those wiser than you or when you think you know it all. No human being is perfect and that’s why they say pencils have erasers so that we can correct our mistakes and move on. The problem is that most people (especially those who attain higher position in life) neither pray nor listen to advice. What did Jesus do when he sent out his disciples and they came back with the news that they had done well? He said to them: “Come away to some lonely place and rest” (Read Mark 6:30-34). That’s what true leaders do. When they get feedback, they come away to some lonely place and pray about it, reflect upon it, before they act.

Sometimes people get so busy in life that they forget to reflect, seek advice, listen to others and do things that will positively benefit or effect the lives of the people they are responsible for. That’s not shepherding. While we seek to shield ourselves from bad shepherds and vouch to be better shepherds ourselves to others, let us realize that it is the Lord Himself that’s our ultimate Shepherd and will always lead us to greener pastures.

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue PhD, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.