Persecutor of Faith became Preserver of Faith

Fr. Marcel’s Bulletin Message on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

Today, we have the option to celebrate the feast of the conversion of a great apostle. Instead of celebrating the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, we decided to celebrate this amazing worker in the Lord’s field. This great apostle was a Jew, of the tribe of Benjamin. He received the name Saul at his circumcision. He was from Tarsus.
Today, we celebrate the feast of one who, after a record of brutalizing and persecuting the early Christians, converted to Christianity and became known as apostle Paul. As Saul, he was a zealous Jew. He surpassed all his equals in zeal for the Jewish law and their traditions. He was well educated. He had a hand in the killing of St. Stephen (regarded as the first known Christian martyr). After the murder of Stephen, the priests and magistrates of the Jews were satisfied, and consequently raised a violent persecution against the Church in Jerusalem, in which Saul was a passionate leader. By the virtue of the power he had received from the high priest, he dragged Christians out of their houses, loaded them with chains, and thrust them into prison. These Christians were scourged in the Synagogues to compel them to blaspheme the name of Jesus Christ. By the violence he committed, Saul’s name became a household name- as a terror to the Christian faithful. During this era of intense persecution against the Christians, their persecutors led by Saul also seized the Christians’ estates and what they hold in common. Yet all these could not satisfy the fury of Saul. In the fury of zeal, Saul applied to the high priest and the Sanhedrin for a commission to take up all Jews at Damascus who confessed Jesus Christ, and bring them bound to Jerusalem, that they might serve as public examples for the terror of others.
But God demonstrated the powerful mercy and patience he had for all sinners. While on the road to Damascus to annihilate the Christian Community there Saul was blinded by a brilliant light and he heard the voice of Christ saying to him “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” This experience of the Lord became the turning point in his life. His journey to Damascus was no longer to arrest and kill the Christians. He journeyed to Damascus a blind man. He was later cured and attended to by Ananias. He was also baptized and later took the name Paul. The new name represents the new life he has found in Christ. Paul later became one of the chief founding voices of Early Christianity. St. Paul worked tirelessly for Jesus Christ. He fell in love deeply with Christ, and never stopped talking about the grace of forgiveness of Jesus. The same passion with which he persecuted the Christians was also the same passion with which he preached, taught, fought and defended Christ, Christianity and Christians. His books- 13 in all form the bulk of the New Testament of the Bible.
Brethren, the magnitude of Paul’s transgression, such as his attempts to wipe out Christianity completely teaches us that any sinner may be forgiven no matter how horrible his or her sins are unless the person does not want to be forgiven. None of us is a finished product. God is not yet tired of us. Any time, any day, God is ready to forgive us.
Note this, St. Paul, as Saul was a sincere and dedicated religious man. He was an expert in the law and faithful to his Jewish religion. He persecuted the Christians because he believed they were distorting God’s law. By following the letter of the law, he was opposing God. He later realized that God’s grace revealed in Jesus Christ is the core value that shed light on the meaning of law. St. Paul did not advocate lawlessness, but rather a NEW LAW, and that is, the Holy Spirit living in our hearts.
Dearest beloved, let’s not celebrate today’s feast simply as a remembrance. Conversion is not a one-time or one-day experience. It should be an ongoing experience. By ongoing conversion, I don’t mean daily deliberate moral transgression and daily show of contrition. Was it not the same St. Paul who asked “Should we go on sinning so that grace may abound?” Ongoing conversion calls for daily renewal. It calls for constant evaluation of our life so as to know where we truly stand before God. It calls for a daily deliberate movement towards God. We cannot possibly experience God too much. We can never be satisfied with our knowledge of God which is deeply rooted in an experiential relationship with him. Daily conversion enjoins us to go deeper with the Lord. When St. Augustine went deeper in his relationship with God, he exclaimed:
Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things which you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you they would have not been at all. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace.
St. Paul as Saul, who persecuted the Christians with all his might experienced conversion. As he enters into a deeper relationship with God he also exclaims in Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Convinced that he has worked so hard for the sake of the kingdom therefore assured of blessedness, St Paul declares in 2 Timothy 4: 7-8 “I have fought a good fight of faith. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. What is waiting for me is the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, but not to me only but to all those that love his coming.”
It was the same Paul we are celebrating today that declares in Philippians 1: 21 “For to me, to go on living is Christ, and to die is gain.”
As one who experienced the power of mercy and forgiveness, as one who knew the power of redemption, he reasonably proclaimed in Romans 8:1-2, “There is therefore no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
Brethren, real conversion should lead us to a full appreciation of God. Honest conversion leads to an honest love of God. We are converted to love him above all things, above all places and above all persons.
We may give the impression that we are right with God, but when alone with the self and alone with God, we tell ourselves the truth. It was the great philosopher Socrates who said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”
As we celebrate the power of God’s mercy and compassion, as we celebrate the Conversion of St. Paul, let’s ask the Lord for the same zeal and passion St. Paul had in preaching the gospel. Remember, the greatest and lasting gospel we can ever preach is with our own lives.
God bless you!
Fr. Marcel Emeka Okwara CSsR
Associate Pastor

Fr. Marcel’s Bulletin Message for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time of the Year, January, 18, 2009

Dearest beloved, as we return to Ordinary Time of the year, John the Baptist in today’s Gospel from John 1: 35-42 calls our attention to the presence of Jesus, the Lord of life. Seeing Jesus walked by, John says, “Behold the Lamb of God.” John the Baptist as the forerunner of Jesus announced his presence. He was, as it were, saying to us, “Here comes the Lamb of God.” “Here comes the one you are looking for”, “He is here.” As soon as John the Baptist said that, two of his disciples who heard him left him and followed Jesus. Even though Jesus asked them what seems to be an embarrassing question “What are you looking for?” He did not fail to offer them an invitation of love and experience of love “Come and See.”

But the question of Jesus “What are you looking for?” should not be understood literally. It is a question addressed to someone who is lost, wandering in a desolate and lonely road. It is a question addressed to someone who is lost in the wilderness. Jesus found him wandering about and asked “What are you looking for?” “What are you doing in this lonely road?” As someone really lost, looking for shelter, looking for water, looking for food, looking for security, the two disciples of John asked “Rabi, where are you staying?” As one full of mercy and compassion, Jesus did not insist they answer his question; he rather invited them “Come and see.” If you think you are lost, the Lord will find you. If you know someone who is lost, the Lord will find him or her.

Brethren, the Lamb of God is here. He is present in the Word of God. He is present in the Eucharist. He is present in each of us. He is not excluded from us; he is not far away from us. He is already with us.
“What are you looking for ?” Jesus asked. For most lovers, it is difficult to tell their beloved what exactly they are looking for from them. The disciples of John did not answer that question, and Jesus himself did not probe further and insist they answer the answer the question. Rather, he offered them an invitation of love and experience of love “Come and see.”
Are you hungry and thirsty? The Lord says to you, “Come and see.” Are you sick? He says to you as well “Come and see”. Are you depressed and frustrated? “Come and see.” Is all you see darkness and failure? “Come and see” Whatever your life situation may be, the invitation of Jesus to you today is “Come and see.” As it is said in Latin Veni, vidi, vici meaning “I came, I saw, I conquered.” With Jesus by your side, you will come, see, and conquer all your troubles.

May Mother Mary pray for us!
May St. Alfonsus Ligouri intercede for us!

"What Are You Looking For?"

What are you looking for?
Fr. Marcel Emeka Okwara CSsR
Homily on the Second Sunday of the Ordinary Time
Holy Names Catholic Church
Memphis, Tennessee, USA
January 18, 2009

Today’s Gospel presents us with an all important question that we cannot possibly ignore. The desert preacher, John the Baptist continues to tell us about Jesus. Last Sunday being the Baptism of the Lord, he says of Jesus “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.” During the season of Advent, the same John the Baptist says he is the “voice of one crying in the desert” urging us “to make straight the way of the Lord.” Remember that when John was asked by the priests and Levites, “Are you the Messiah?” His response was No! Then he was questioned further, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” Responding to that he said, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me…”

Brethren, today John saw Jesus walked by and quickly pointed out “Behold the Lamb of God.” The word “Behold” means “See”. The word “Behold” or “See” has a connection with the question of Jesus to the two disciples of John that left John to follow him. Today’s Gospel (John 1: 35-42) says as soon as John revealed the identity of Jesus, two of his disciples who heard what he said immediately left him and followed Jesus. But Jesus’ question seems embarrassing. When he saw them coming after him he turned and asked “What are you looking for.?”

One may not be wrong to say that the disciples of John had followed John so that through him they might encounter the Messiah. And one may not be wrong to say that John himself knew the intention of his disciples. They were looking for the Messiah. They were looking for Life; they were in search of everlasting life; they were searching for deliverance and salvation; they were searching for peace, satisfaction and fulfillment. John knew this; therefore, the moment he saw Jesus coming he declares “Behold the Lamb of God?” meaning, see the One you have been looking for; see the Reason you have been following me; see your deepest yearning and heart’s desire. As soon as they heard that, they left John and went after Jesus. They learnt from John that he (John) was not the Messiah. John was a stepping stone to encountering the Lord. John was a guide to find Jesus. These disciples of John, as it were, were desperately looking for Jesus, the Prince of peace.

The question Jesus asked the two disciples of John was an opportunity for them to declare their intention. When Jesus turned and saw them following him, he asked, “What are you looking for?” These disciples have experienced the holiness and the righteousness of John, yet, they were not satisfied. John may be holy; John may be righteous; John may be exemplary; but he is not the source of holiness and righteousness. He is not the origin of all that is good; therefore the need to search further for the Source. John was a good man, but he is not the ultimate good. His disciples wanted to identify with the One who came from heaven- the Son of God. But the question of Jesus may have startled and dumbfounded them. If you notice, they did not answer the question; they dodged it. They rather answered Jesus with another question “Rabbi, where are you staying?”

The question “What are you looking for” was unanswered by the disciples of John. The question appears a simple one, but it is not. I have been asked that question in different fashions by some friends and visitors. Severally, I have been asked “Why did you become a priest?” “What are you looking for in the priesthood” “Does it mean you will not marry and have children”; “Is there any fun in the priesthood”; “How on earth are you doing in this kind of life”; “Don’t you think you are wasting your life”; “Are you happy being a priest”; “Are you permitted to at least have a girlfriend”; “Oh hell, don’t tell me you are a priest, you are too young for that miserable and lonely life?” Like the disciples of John, often times I found myself grappling to answer my questioners. I have variously answered with another question like “Is human life all about marrying and getting married?” But questions like “What are you looking for in the priesthood” and “Why did you become a priest?” are questions I have struggled most to answer.

“What are you looking for?” is a relevant question for all Christians and all people. In those times when life seems like a wilderness and in that wilderness we are simply wandering about, lost most of the time. In our wilderness wandering, the Lord of life, Jesus Christ turns to ask us “What are you looking for?”

Psalm 40 (which is part of today’s Responsorial Psalm) is a prayer of a wanderer like us. It is about waiting and crying and hoping for the redemption of the Lord: “I waited, waited for the Lord; who bent down and heard my cry.” It is about being in the pit of destruction, being lost and lonely. But the Lord, out of the mud of the swamp, drew me out and set my feet upon a rock, and then made my steps steady and secure. Psalm 40 is about running around in all directions; it about wandering in a deserted place. But the Psalmist says “Happy are those whose trust is in the Lord, who do not turn to idolatry” (Psalm 40: 5).

Ultimately, Psalm 40 is about being found by God. Lost in the wilderness, we cannot find ourselves. It is God who finds us. It is God who bends down and listens to our cry. Psalm 40 is about a God who finds us even when we are lost. The lost person is lost. He is lost because he cannot find his way. Psalm 40 is about the miracle of being found by God and then listened to by God. God turns towards us like Jesus turns towards those two wandering followers, and ask them a question that paused them “What are you looking for?”

We are looking for faithfulness, salvation and steadfast love. In a world of infidelities, of lies and deceits, the Psalmist tells us that God is a sure foundation, that God is faithful, that he is our Shepherd, he is the one who sets our feet upon a rock making our step secure. The question of Jesus “What are you looking for?” speaks of a wanderer looking for something. It also speaks of being found by the Lord. Lost in the wilderness, God finds us. Jesus turns and asks “What are you looking for?”
- We are looking for a God who is faithful. We are looking for a God who bends down and listens to our cry. We are looking for a God who remembers the forsaken, the lonely people, the abandoned and the helpless. We are looking for a God who listens even to dead people. We are looking for a God who is not silenced and who cannot be silenced by anything. We are looking for a God who listens to the crying blood of those murdered recklessly. Killing someone does not silence their cries to God. When Cain killed his brother Abel, God said to him in Genesis 4:10 “Listen, your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground.” We are looking for a God of justice. God hears the cries of injustice from the ground, from the desolate pit.
- We are looking for a God whose steadfast love never ceases. We are looking for a God who says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” We are looking for the One who can never fail us. We are looking for a God who we trust. A God who listens to us; a God will always hear voices that sound like that of Jesus, who said from the cross “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” God listens to all those who are oppressed and marginalized, those trampled upon to the ground.
- Church, what are we looking for? We are looking for a God who is always faithful, who will never forget us even as we wander around, confused and lost. We are looking for a God who is not just faithful to us alone but whose faithfulness “will reach to the ends of the earth.” As a Church, we demonstrate God’s faithfulness by reaching out to others, by making phone calls to our brothers and sisters when we don’t see them again in Church, by asking how they are doing, by inviting them to a fellowship meal. God’s faithfulness is partly demonstrated by us to others- friends, family and strangers.

“What are you looking for?” Jesus asked. For most lovers, it is difficult to tell their beloved what exactly they are looking for from them. The disciples of John did not answer that question, and Jesus himself did not probe further and insist they answer the answer the question. Rather, he offered them an invitation of love and experience of love “Come and see.”

*Are you hungry and thirsty? the Lord says to you, “Come and see.”
Are you sick? He says to you as well “Come and see”.
Whatever your life situation may be, the invitation of Jesus to you today is “Come and see.” As it is said in Latin Veni, vidi, vici meaning “I came, I saw, I conquered.” With Jesus by your side, you will come, see, and conquer all your troubles.

May Mother Mary pray for us!
May St. Alfonsus Ligouri intercede for us!

Fr. Marcel Okwara’s Bulletin Message on the Baptism of the Lord

Dearest beloved, as the season of Christmas and Epiphany comes to a close, before we begin the Ordinary Time, the Church presents us with an episode from the life of the Lord Jesus to reflect and contemplate: his baptism by John the Baptist. The baptism of Jesus Christ marks the inauguration and the beginning of his public life and ministry. The simple catechism teaches that baptism washes away Original Sin and personal sin. But of sins against God, Jesus had none since he himself is God. Of sins against the Law, he also had none since he himself was the author of the Law of Moses.
The baptism of the Lord by John the Baptist is noteworthy because it is in this event that the Old Law (represented by John the Baptist) and the New Law (which the Lord himself begins) meet. This event is also remarkable because it profoundly shows the humility of the one Jesus himself talks about in these words: “Truly I say to you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11: 11). This event demonstrates the incomprehensible humility of Jesus our Lord. In his humility, he went to John to be baptized. In John’s humility he said to Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you and do you come to me?” And remember that John the Baptist had before now described Jesus as the One “he (John) is unworthy to untie the straps of his sandals”. Humility is always a virtue! Unfortunately, our contemporary world tries to undermine this great virtue. Many of us understand humility as weakness; the humble man or woman is pushed aside as a weakling. But to underscore and highlight the necessity of this rare virtue, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen once said “There are virgins in hell, but there is no one in Hell who is humble.”
It is commonly said that the baptism of our Lord Jesus is the figure of our own baptism. But if his baptism is the figure of ours, then it is not only because baptism cleanses us of original sin, since Jesus didn’t have it. Like Jesus, baptism places us on the royal road of the Holy Cross, the road which Jesus was the first to walk and which he covered with his own redeeming Blood. Saint Paul wrote in Romans 6: 3-4 “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in the newness of life.” The new life which baptism gives us is life in the Spirit.
Brethren, as we celebrate the baptism of the Lord, let us renew our commitment to always follow the Lord in humility. Jesus was completely obedient to his Father hence during his baptism the Father spoke from heaven “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased”. If God were to speak about you today, will He say the same thing He said of Jesus? What will be the Father’s account of you? Will He also said, “This is my beloved son, this is my beloved daughter, with whom I am well pleased?” Think about it!

Lord, Re-Baptize Our World Again

Homily On the Baptism of the Lord 

Fr. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara CSsR 

Holy Names Catholic Church Memphis, Tennessee 38107

Today, we celebrate the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today Jesus, although sinless and guiltless, entered into the waters of baptism. Today, he humbled himself by allowing John the Baptist to baptize him. John initially refused to baptize him with the argument that it was he (John) that needs to be baptized by Jesus. Sisters and brothers, today we celebrate the baptism of the One John himself describes as “mightier than himself”, the One John describes further as One he is not even worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. It is very important to understand that Jesus does not necessarily need a baptism. As the only Begotten Son of God, he does not need a baptism. As the Son of Mary, who (Mary) was preserved from the stain of original sin, who was immaculately conceived for the sake of Jesus, he does not need a baptism. As One who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, he does not need a baptism. As the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, therefore God, he does not need a baptism. As the One through whom everything came to be, as the Creator, he does not need a baptism. The one who says of himself, “I and my Father are one” cannot need a baptism. The bright morning star, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the Prince of peace, the Holy one of Israel, the one described by the Book of Revelation as “the One who is, who was and who is to come” cannot need a baptism. The one described by Sacred Scripture as “The same yesterday, today and forever” cannot need a baptism. Since Sacred Scripture says “he was like us in all things but sin,” it there means he does not need a baptism. The One who came from above, who knows the Father, who reveals Him to human beings cannot necessarily need a baptism. If Jesus didn’t need a baptism, why then did he submit himself to the baptism of John? 

Why did he submit himself to John the Baptist to be baptized? John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance; repentance from sin. Since John the Baptist’s baptism was for repentance from sin, and Jesus was sinless, therefore needing no repentance; it there means he needed no baptism. The Lord was not affected by the guilt of Original Sin. He had no personal sin either. Yet, he submitted to the baptism of someone who declared that he was unfit to bend low and untie the straps of his sandals. Why? By submitting himself to baptism, the Lord Jesus entered into a profound solidarity with the human race. This solidarity is not just a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the pains of so many people. Jesus came down to our level and experienced exactly what has been our lot. He made a firm and persevering determination to commit himself to the common good of all persons. Solidarity is linked to love for others especially the poor. What took place on the cross started in the River Jordan, the place of Jesus’ baptism. The Lord went down with us (in the water of baptism) that he might go up with us on the cross- the place of victory. The profound message of Good Friday began today we are celebrating the Baptism of the Lord. The love the Lord demonstrated today by going down with us in the waters of baptism reached its height, it zenith, its apogee on Good Friday. Baptism brings forth newness. It is a sacrament that washes away both original and personal sins, makes us children of God and members of the Church; it gives us the grace to follow the Lord daily. Baptism ends the cycle of sin. It ends a cycle of tragedy and pain. Baptism begins a new era. It begins a new era of hope, joy and fulfillment. Baptism reconciles us with God and with one another. Baptism brings forth healing and regeneration. Baptism brings about restoration of the locust years. Baptism is the numero uno Sacrament. It opens the door for other Sacraments. Without it, one cannot receive the other sacraments. It is the gateway to freedom. Baptism, as it were, establishes a new order, a new world, and faith-filled world. It reminds us that God loves us! 

Today, I want us to ask the Lord to baptize us and our world again with the Holy Spirit. If baptism begins a new era, if baptism ends a cycle of tragedy, if baptism reconciles us with God and with one another, then our world is in dire need of another baptism of the Holy Spirit. If baptism brings freshness and newness, then our world needs another baptism of the Holy Spirit. The New Year 2009 has just started. The year 2008 ended not so well for many people. It is a year many people will not easily forget or forget so soon. It is a year that will go down into the annals of the world history as the most dramatic year. It was a dramatic year because of the uncertainties, fears, anxiety, depression, and bitterness that characterized the year. It was a dramatic year that the preacher-dreamer’s dream became a reality. It was indeed a historic year when America demonstrated that despite its dark-spots of history, she is ready to live according to the creed of its founding Fathers. The year 2008 will be remembered as the year that the world experienced an economic meltdown. Wall Street crumbled and went down on its knees consequently leading to the collapse of the Main Street. The year 2008 exposed the massive greed and selfishness in the financial institutions. Giant companies like AIG, Lehman Brothers, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac became beggars on the street of Jerusalem. The three auto-giants: GM, Chrysler, and Ford went begging like beggars in the time of Jesus. The year 2008 exposed the weakness of capitalism, the vulnerability of a nation that relies so much on deregulation. The year 2008 teaches us in a most concrete way that the rich can also cry. The year 2008 fed our world with what we never asked for or bargained for. Economic recession hit the world heavily. The once economic buoyant nations like our country America, Germany, Japan, Russia, France etc. officially declared recession. Due to this economic meltdown, Spain asked all foreigners without resident permit to leave their country. To encourage foreigners to leave for their homeland, the government even included incentive- their trip back to their countries will be paid for by the government. Apart from the financial crisis of 2008, there were also environmental crisis. It was in 2008 that cyclone heavily devastated the country of Myanmar. It was in 2008 that a monstrous earthquake wasted human lives and property in China. It was in 2008 that Russia recklessly invaded Georgia its neighbor while brandishing its arrogance and disrespect for the sovereignty of a sovereign nation. It was in 2008 that the current war between Israel and Hamas started. In 2008, my country Nigeria witnessed the highest incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping and social misbehavior. It was in 2008 that a fierce and voracious religious riot broke out in Nigeria between the Christians and Moslems thereby claiming hundreds of lives and property worth millions of Naira. No nation on earth was spared the unwanted free gift of pain and agony ranging from natural disasters (earthquakes, landslide, tornadoes, thunderstorms, Tsunamis etc) and man-made disasters (political unrest, economic recession, social unrest). In 2008, while many parents kept vigil at night due to worry and anxiety and uncertainty of the future, their children cry to school not so sure whether they will be able to finish their education. In 2008, while big companies and other businesses wind up due to credit crunch, the human being which is always the subject of labor forgo their work which enables them provide for their families and dependents, contribute meaningfully to the enhancement of human society and also derive fulfillment associated with labor. The loss of work affects not only the person that works but also those that depend on his or her labor pay and to the society at large. The year 2008 will be remembered as the year that some God’s children had to chain themselves to the pillars or the walls of their houses to prevent being thrown out by the home-owners or the insurance companies. It will also be remembered as the year that a financial mogul by name Madoff lived up to the true meaning of his name when he made off with both individuals and cooperate money. Another year has just started. 

As we celebrate the baptism of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we pray that he baptizes our world again with the baptism of the Holy Spirit just as John the Baptist has predicted “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” We need this baptism again, but not in sacramental form. We need this renewal; we need the newness the Holy Spirit brings. We need change in our world. If we cannot control or stop natural disasters, we can at least reduce or get rid of man-made disasters. We can at least handle the situations created by natural disasters when they occur. We can take care of people inflicted by these earthquakes and tornadoes better. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the baptism of fire. We need this fire to burn out the greed in us, the selfishness that made us overlook those we ought to cater for. We need this fire to burn out the greed that brought Wall Street on its knees. Our world needs this fire to burn out those things that lead nations to war like terrorism and illegal invasion. Jesus went down into the water of baptism with us so that he may take us up to the cross of victory. May his words on the cross “It is finished” reconcile people with people, nations with nations, and human beings with God.

This homily was written in the Carribbean Island of St. Kitts and Nevis where I went to spend the New Year with my younger brother.