SELF CONTROL; A GUARANTEE FOR CHASTITY/CATHOLIC YOUTH AND PENTICOSTALISM; A WAY OUT. By Tobe Eze

CATHOLI DIOCESE OF NSUKKA.

A TALK BY HILLARY TOBECHUKWU EZE (DAN~HILL) TO CYON DURING YOUTH WEEK.

TOPIC: SELF CONTROL; A GUARANTEE FOR CHASTITY/CATHOLIC YOUTH AND PENTICOSTALISM; A WAY OUT. 1CORINTHIANS 6:19.

Definition of Terms:

What is Self-Control? It is ability of one knowing his/her weak points. It can also be when the virtue temperate in one is working very well. Temperate is one of the cardinal virtues we have in life and it helps one to control his/herself. When one has self-control, one does not disgrace him/herself before people either through gluttony, sex, talking much, ITK and so on.

What is Chastity? It is ability of one to be faithful to a particular level or stage of life one is. A youth can be chaste as a youth, a married man/woman can be chaste as a married person and religious, priests, seminarians and every other groups that has chosen to remain chaste in life can be chaste in their different positions. Chastity is not meant only for priests or seminarians. Every person are called to be chaste. No matter your position, you have no right to sin. One person was telling after seeing a girl that came to visit me in my house that I should the girl over to him that this thing is no more meant for us. Another was also telling me when I told him to regulate how he sleeps with girls that he is not in the seminary.

My confusion here is, is the sixth commandment meant only for those in the seminary or only for priests. Chastity is call for everyone who is created by God. It is not meant for a particular group of persons.

PRAYERS AS A MEANS OF BUILDING UP CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY By Tobe Eze

PRAYERS AS A MEANS OF BUILDING UP CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY

A prayer less Christian, they say, is a powerless Christian, Hillary Eze in this piece portrays how one can build up one’s spirituality through prayer.

            “Lord teach us how to pray, as John taught his disciple” (Lk. 11:1)

INTRODUCTION

            Our everyday life is full of activities which have continued linger and encroach into another day. But owing to the fact that there is a being in control of both the past, the present and the future, it is fitting to chart our activities through him. It is good to communicate with him, converse with him each day to strengthen us for the business of the days ahead, or to know what he has in stock for us.

Understanding the importance of prayer, the apostles requested Jesus to teach the how to pray (Matt. 6:9-13). In addition, Jesus in the gospel of (Lk. 18:2) encourages, His apostles to always pray and not lose heart. It is in prayer that we can fully realize ourselves, appreciate God for his good deeds upon us and ask for more, like Oliver Twist. It is by this powerful weapon that we can recognize God as the creator, who created us in his own image and likeness, and have faith in him that he does anything we ask him, through his Son Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:14). With prayer, God shows us the way to eternal life, just as he showed Abraham in the Old Testament. Prayer is an essential tool for spiritual development. It makes us commune with God and do that, which pleases Him. Effective prayer solidifies Christian faith.

THE CONCEPT OF PRAYER

 St. Teresa of Avila, in her book entitled Life’ explained prayer as “an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who, we know, loves us”.

The catechism of the Catholic Church defines prayer as, the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God (No_ 2590) is a great religious act. It is also a concept familiar and central in every known religion though its interpretation and usage may vary from one religion to another. In the Christian context, the classical definition of prayer by the apostolic fathers, is the act of speaking to God. Therefore, prayer means the act of conversation between mortal (a man) and immortal (God). St. Bonaventure, in his own view, sees prayer as a journey from the body to the spirit; it is a journey to God.

To crown it all, prayer is a communication, union, awareness, encounter, conversation, relationship and communion with God, it is a total turning to God.

MOTHERS GIFT FROM GOD. By Tobe Eze

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF NSUKKA

A TALK TO THE CATHOLIC WOMEN ORGANIZATION (CWO).

BY: HILLARY TOBECHUKWU EZE {DAN~HILL)

TOPIC: MOTHERS GIFT FROM GOD.

Juma ọbọbiigwe ihe obụ ode nu inwere okpo nu ke.

WHO IS A MOTHER? SIRACH 26:1-4 AND 5-12 AND 13-18.

A mother is a women validly married according to her culture. Culture may be traditionally or in a Christian way. In our own contest, it is in a Christian way. A mother does not mean categorically women with children. The bible said that a woman is a companion to the man not an incubator. (Gen. 1:18). Mothers are those women who take care of a home where people are living. A mother, in the altar of wedding always promise her husband respect and every other thing. A mother is a person who takes care of the husband God gave to her and so on.

WHAT ARE OUR DUTIES?

1.       Taking care of our homes.

2.       Taking care of our husbands.

3.       Taking care of our children.

4.       Taking care of our communities.

5.       Taking care of our churches.

WHAT ARE OUR PROBLEMS WHICH CAUSE FAILURE IN RESPOSIBILITIES?

1.       Gossiping.

2.       Over busy.

3.       Unforgiving Spirit.

4.       Pentecostalism.

5.       Having many gods.

WHAT MAY BE OUR SOLUTIONS TO THESE CHALLENGES?

1.       Coming Back To Ourselves.

2.       Believing God.

3.       Facing our primary works very well.

4.       Seeking for good advice.

5.       Being in God terms with God.

6.       Prayer is the only way out.