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.

Monday of Week 15 Year A Tobe Eze

Monday of Week 15 Year A

FIRST READING
Exodus 1:8–14, 22

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:34C11:1

THE TROUBLE WITH FAITHFULNESS.

The Israelites were faithful to their God and he was blessing them with fruitful marriages. Pharaoh and his people instead of seeking for their own way of increasing in number they were busy have evil thoughts for the Israelites. The Israelites were faithful to their God even when they were undergoing the hard labour given to them by Pharaoh and his men. Seeing that Onye Chukwu goziri na ogozigo ya they brought another way to subdue them.

Jesus in the gospel, is also disposing us for the troubles attached to following him or being faithful to him. The war Jesus is telling is that he brought to us is not ogu egbe na mma but ogu okwukwe. It is not that type we think or we see in films or the world. The war he is talking about is war of faith as St. Peter said that we should be ready to defend our faith always. The war of truth, we should say the truth always, we should stand on the truth always and fight for truth. When we tell people the truth about their wrong doings, certainly they will not be happy with us. They look for any means to fight us, to engage us in a war. It is this type of war that Jesus is talking about. The trouble with faithfulness is that people will hate us because of our faithfulness but we should remember that it is only those who are steadfast till the end will be given the unfading crown of Glory.

VIRGINS AND MASTURBATION By Brendan Amadi.

VIRGINS AND MASTURBATION by Brendan Amadi.

The Author.

I get lots of questions on masturbation most especially from ladies -yes, ladies masturbate a lot, especially virgins. Guys also masturbate. There is no debate on that. I'm not here to argue about who masturbates most, I need to deal with a serious issue.

Sexual urge for virgins is strong. What makes it stronger is the novelty, newness, the mystery and the hear says about sex.

Masturbation is fondling your genitals consistently to achieve orgasm. Ladies may stroke their clitoris while guys rub, massage or caress their penis. I decided to give explicit explanation because some ask me what masturbation is. Some ladies especially non-virgins use candles, banana, small bottles, sticks, dildos or whatever represents a penis and do solo sex (having sex by yourself).

From teenage upward, you will have a strong desire for sex. It's a sure sign you are normal and capable of having and enjoying sex in marriage. In your 20s it will be stronger and intense! You may wake up feeling horny for no single reason in the world or go hot on spotting a curvy lady! You may start noticing shapes and curves and you have to shake your head several times to keep the image off. You may get worked up on watching a romantic movie and discharge something. You check up and discover you are wet. All these are normal, you haven't committed any sin. Continue Reading

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A By Tobe Eze

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

FIRST READING
Isaiah 55:10—11

SECOND READING
Romans 8:18—23

GOSPEL
Matthew 13:1—23

THEME: MANY HEARERS BUT FEW DOERS.

Have we ever asked ourselves the question why our lives have not changed since we have been hearing the word of God? Since our childhood till now we have been hearing the word of God in Churches, homes, cars, buses, roads, morning, afternoon, evening, night and every nook and crony but we are still behaving the way we behave. If we look at our various villages, we will see that there are few pagans but we have many evils here and there. Who are those doing them? A man bought a new motorcycle, the day he bought the motorcycle, he went to a beer parlor. After drinking, he left the motorcycle there because he drank to stupor. In the morning, he started to shout that thieves have taken the motorcycle. His wife called him and told him that he did not come home with it. When he went back to the beer parlor, he saw the motorcycle safe and sound. On reaching home, he told the wife that they will go for Thanksgiving on Sunday. After mass he told the Rev. Fr. To come and bless the motorcycle. On reaching where it was parked, there was no motorcycle like that one. It was stolen in the Church. My question is, those who stole that motorcycle, are they Christians or pagans? Are they those listening to the word of God? Continue Reading

Saturday of Week 14 Year A. St. Bonaventure. By Tobe Eze

Saturday of Week 14 Year A. St. Bonaventure.

FIRST READING
Genesis 49:29–32; 50:15–26a

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:24–33

THEME: GRACE TO FACE OUR FATES.

Jacob on dying asked his sons bury him in his fathers' grave yard. His sons accepted the fate with question or rejection. Joseph’s brothers were afraid to face any punishment that will come from Joseph. They were committing without thinking about the consequence or consequences. When they have committed the sin they were not ready to accept the fate that followed it rather they went to Joseph to beg him with their father’s name. Joseph as a just man made them to know that they will not suffer as he lives. Their fate as he lives will be good. But when Joseph was dying, he made them to know that their liberation can only come from God. He disposed them for the fate ahead. He did that by telling them. “When God remembers you, promise to take my bones with you.”

Jesus in the gospel also disposed his apostles on what will befall them on the course of preaching the gospel or good news. When Joseph was disposing his brothers, it was for them to have faith in God no matter what they will pass through. Jesus also is doing the same thing today. He urges us not to fear our brothers or sisters in the villages who will not be on our sides when we say the truth. When problems come up in the village, we sell off our faith because of fear of ordinary men and women. Somewhere like Nsukka, when cases of Akatakpa, Oriokpa, Omabe, Odo, Kakpo and so on come up, we Christians will twist tthem and say. “All these are just for recreation. “ Recreation that is harmful to human life. Recreation that threatens life, what shall we call it? Let us tell ourselves the truth.

Let us ask for the grace to face our fate as Christians no matter what people will say or do. A pastor was before his wicked King to preach against wickedness. He knew that his king will not leave him after the preaching and he drafted a means. He shouted, Pastor be careful on what you preach for the king is here. After sometimes, he shouted again, Pastor be careful on what you will not say for the King of Kings is here. The choice is your, either to fear God and face the fate or to fear men and still face the fate.

Friday of Week 14 Year A By Tobe Eze

Friday of Week 14 Year A

FIRST READING
Genesis 46:1–7, 28–30

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:16–23

THEME: THE REWARD OF STEADFASTNESS.

After passing through all the troubles and trails in Egypt by Joseph and the ones his father passed through in the land of Canaan, emotional trauma he passed through when he lost Joseph, they came together again in love. What a joyful moment? When Joseph was suffering in Egypt, he trusted in God and remained steadfast. He did not shake for he knew the God that he was serving.

Jesus towards the end of the gospel said that, only those who remained steadfast till the end will be crowned with the unfading crown of glory.

Steadfastness is a virtue we should embrace in life. Let us learn to continue in our trials and life challenges. Do not stop when you are tried but stop when you are done. Let us not quit without trying. Let us learn to endure till the end for there must be the best for us. The meeting of Joseph and his father was the happiest thing that happened in their lives and this was a result of steadfastness. The end that Jesus is promising us today will be the best thing for us and it will only come through steadfastness. Let us today learn to continue. Ejighi ututu ama njo ahia.

Thursday of Week 14 Year A By Tobe Eze

Thursday of Week 14 Year A

FIRST READING
Genesis 44:18–21, 23b–29; 45:1–5

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:7–15

THEME: GIVE WITHOUT CHARGE.

Joseph was sold with charge but he was giving his brothers and family food without charge. Joseph was maltreated by his own blood brothers. What was done to him was an offence that no reasonable man should forgive that one that did it. Child trafficking. But he did not even go that side at all.

It is not all evil that have been done to us that we should pay back with evil if any at all. There are that we should give punishment for deterrent not for revenge. Joseph punished his brothers by sending them to go and fetch his younger brother so that they may not try that act they did in the first place again. We have to over look some certain things because we are one family in Christ as Joseph did to his brothers.

In the gospel, Jesus mandated his apostles to give without charge for they received without charge. The problem we face today is that some who call themselves men and women of God are no more giving without charge. What can we call them? They are now using so called gift of God as avenue for making money.

If we really received without charge, we will give without charge and God’s blessing will never leave us. A labourer deserves his wages not a labourer his wages.

Wednesday of Week 14 Year A By Tobe Eze

Wednesday of Week 14 Year A

FIRST READING
Genesis 41:55–57; 42:5–7a, 17–24a

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:1–7

THEME: GOD MANIFESTS THROUGH IMPERFECTIONS

Joseph’s brothers were regretting the bad thing they did to their brother Joseph without knowing that God was just using them to fulfill the plan of saving them from the famine that befell them. God work through the imperfect thing done to Joseph.

In the gospel Jesus himself called again imperfect men to carry out perfect work. He called tax collector whom the Pharisees regard as the worst set of people. Jesus called trouble makers and peace makers. He called the imperfect to perfect them.

God wants us to make a change whenever he wants to use us. Joseph’s brothers had a change of heart when they realized what they have done. They regretted the act and abandoned it. The apostles Jesus called in the gospel also abandoned their different ways of lives and embraced the new life of Christ.

Let us today learn to abandon our old way of living that does not please God like Joseph’s brothers and the twelve apostles that Jesus called. Let us remember that akwuro otu ebe ekiri mmanwu. Let us like the eagle that was living among chicken since its lifetime left there when it realized that, that place does not fit its kind. Sin does not fit us. Let us leave the way of sin and embrace the way of life.