TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (B)

READINGS AT MASS TODAY

Jos. 24:1-2,15-18

Psalm 34

Eph 5:21-32

Jn 6: 60-69

Theme: LOSING FOLLOWERS 

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO... 

Today, Jesus lost almost all His following. To be precise, from more than 5,000 followers to 12 disciples and the question was: "What about you, do you want to go away too?" Losing followers is a great tragedy in the world of celebrities and social media. In their world, a huge following is a mark of success and one must do everything humanly possible to keep and please the crowd. 

Interestingly, Jesus was not bothered at all by this drastic loss of followers. He instead turned to the remaining twelve and asked if they also wanted to go. The loss of the crowd did not stop Jesus from telling them the hard truths about Himself and life (the true source of life). He was simply not a crowd-pleasing person. He will not force people to follow or stay with Him neither will He pretend to be what He is not to keep His following.

Likewise, Joshua in the first reading did not want to force anyone to follow and serve YHWH. He had made his choice: he and his household would serve God. It was up to the tribes of Israel to also take their stand. 

Beloved, following, and serving God is not a wholesale affair. The Church of God (Community of true believers) is not in any popularity contest. It, therefore, does not assess its worth based on the number of followers but by the proclamation of the Good News and witnessing to the truth.

Today, most people in our society assess their worth based on the number of followers on their social media handles and platforms. True Christians however must move from “crowd following”, “bread searching” and “bread eating” followers to discipleship. The only factor that contributes to this drastic and life-changing movement is the question Peter addressed to the Master, "to whom shall we go?”

At the point where we realize we have no other than Jesus in this life, we become Christians.

PRAYER

Lord, we have no other God but you. To whom shall we go? Please grant us the grace to focus on eternal matters. Amen.

May God bless you.

-Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.

Gospel Reflection - Changed By The Eucharist

 

Jesus said to the crowds: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” John 6:51

It must have been somewhat shocking to the people who heard Jesus say this for the first time. Immediately after Jesus said this, we read that “The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’” Jesus addressed their confusion even more directly by saying, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” Those who were confused must have become even more confused, and those who believed must have deepened their faith as they heard Jesus teach so clearly and profoundly.

Of course, Jesus was speaking about the Eucharist. The Eucharist is truly His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. We know that. We believe it. But from time to time, it is a helpful spiritual practice to revisit our Lord’s very direct and definitive teaching. On the deepest level, the Eucharist will always remain a profound mystery of faith. How can we eat His flesh and drink His blood? To someone without faith and without a basic understanding of the Eucharist, this teaching seems shocking and unbelievable. In fact, it’s easy to understand how some of the first hearers of this teaching quarreled among themselves in confusion. For that reason, we must listen to Jesus’ words with the spiritual gift of understanding so that we are not among those who are confused. Understanding is a gift of the Holy Spirit that opens our minds to the deep spiritual truths Jesus is revealing. If we attempt to listen to this teaching using our human reason alone, we will never understand.

When you consider Jesus’ teaching on the Holy Eucharist, what do you understand and believe? Especially consider what goes through your mind when you attend the Holy Mass and go forward to receive Communion. What normally takes place within you at that moment? Some come forward distracted or even disinterested, paying more attention to the others around them than to the Eucharist. Others simply go forward out of habit because that’s what they have always done. Some see the Eucharist more as a symbol of our sharing in God’s banquet. But some come forward with a deep spiritual hunger and thirst for God, receive Him in faith, love Him deeply as they consume Him, and are filled with hopeful anticipation that their reception of this holy gift will transform them interiorly and set them more firmly on the path to holiness. Which person are you most like?

Believing in the Holy Eucharist and receiving it with the utmost faith and devotion will only happen when we believe. But believing doesn’t come automatically. It first requires understanding. And understanding will only come when we allow our minds to engage the mystery and teaching of Jesus, ponder it, contemplate it, penetrate it and open ourselves to God’s gentle and revealing voice. Words do not suffice to explain this mystery. Prayer that opens oneself to the voice of God alone suffices.

Reflect, today, upon how you approach Holy Communion each week. Start by thinking about the last few times you went forward to receive our Lord in this way. From there, think about how deeply you understand that moment. Is it transforming for you? Are you among those who hunger and thirst for Jesus? Do you notice the spiritual effects that take place within you as a result of your reception of the Eucharist? If so, then deepen your faith by committing yourself to a more prayerful participation in the Mass the next time you attend. If not, then try to step back and examine that which you actually believe, are confused about or do not believe. There is no greater gift we will ever receive in life than the Eucharist. Believe it with all your heart, and the Eucharist will change your life.

My Eucharistic Lord, I do believe; help my unbelief. I thank You for the very gift of Yourself, given to me in the reception of Holy Communion. Please continue to teach me about this Gift, dear Lord. Open my mind to understand so that I will always come forward to receive with the utmost faith, love and hope. Jesus, I trust in You.

New Bishop for Wa Ordained

 

Most Rev. Francis Bomansaan, M.Afr. was on Friday, August 2, 2024 consecrated and installed the fifth Bishop of the Wa Diocese at the Wa Sports Stadium by Most Rev. Philip Naameh, Archbishop of Tamale, assisted by Most Rev. Paul Bemile, Emeritus Bishop of Wa, and the Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC).

The Mass was presided over by His Eminence Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, President of the Academy of Sciences at the Vatican and concelebrated by members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and many Priests from and outside the Diocese.

Cardinal Turkson prayed that God would grant the new Bishop wisdom to be able to shepherd his flock. He also urged the people of Wa to always pray for their Bishop.

The homilist, Most Rev. Peter Paul Ankgyier, Bishop of Damongo Diocese asked the new Bishop to be there for everybody and not allow a group of people to hijack him. He also urged him to be the voice of the voiceless, to be for the poor and for justice.

He called on the faithful especially the Priests of the Diocese to respect their Bishop and to co-operate with him because it is not the people who choose a leader but God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

He urged the Priests, Consecrated Men and Women and the lay faithful to work with the Bishop, co-operate with him, respect him and help him keep up the good work of his predecessors.

The Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, President of the GCBC, in a Goodwill message congratulated Bishop Bomansaan and pledged their unflinching support for him and his Episcopate.

He said the GCBC was confident that he would make an invaluable contribution to the Conference and bring new insights to its work and its discussions, assuring him of the Conference’s support as he begins the learning process of a Bishop.

“As your senior brothers in the episcopacy, we are confident that you will lead the people of God with wisdom, compassion and unwavering faith,” he stated, adding that “We are particularly eager to collaborate with you in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing our Church at this time in our country’s life.”

Rev. Father Stanley Lubungo, M.Afr, Superior General of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), observed that the appointment of Most Rev. Bomansaan was a testament to his unwavering dedication, deep faith and exemplary leadership within the Society of Missionaries of Africa and in the Church. 

“Your pastoral wisdom, humility and vision have been a source of inspiration to me, to our General Council and to many, and I have no doubt that you will shepherd the faithful of Wa Diocese with the same passion and love”, he said.

Bishop Bomansaan thanked the Priests, faithful and the entire Catholic community for the love shown him since his appointment by Pope Francis.“You have shown me love and I promise you, I accepted this appointment out of obedience and service to you in the Diocese. And I want to say, I give you my whole heart, (and) my whole being as far as I can to my capacity and ability,” he stated.

Pope Francis appointed Bishop Bomansaan as the new Bishop of Wa Diocese on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. He succeeds Cardinal Richard Kuuia Baawobr who died after a short illness in Rome on November 27, 2022.

Until his appointment, he was the Vice Superior General, Generalate of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), Rome, Italy.

Born on January 19, 1962 at Kaleo in the Wa Diocese, the Bishop was ordained into the Priesthood on May 27, 1991.

He has since his ordination held a number of positions including in Charge- Bethany Centre (Recovery Centre for Priests and Religious- coming out of addictions and other challenges in Ministry) – 2021-2022; Novice Master/Rector – International English-Speaking Novitiate, Kasama, Zambia – 2012-2019; Provincial Superior- Ghana/Nigeria Province, Tamale, Ghana – 2005-2011; Formator/ Bursar, St. Edward’s College/Missionaries of Africa Theologate, London, United Kingdom – 2004-2005; Vocation Director for Missionaries of Africa in Ghana & First Councillor to the Provincial Superior for Ghana/Nigeria, Tamale, Ghana – 1999- 2003; Missionary/Vocation Animation/Formator, Missionaries of Africa Formation House, Lublin, Poland – 1995-1998 and Curate, Itumba Parish, Mbeya archdiocese, Tanzania – 1991-1993.

Some courses and studies he has undergone including Psycho- Spirituality Counselling/Accompaniment of Addicts- Institute for Sexuality Studies- Chicago, USA – 2019-2020; Psycho-Spirituality- Institute for Sexual Studies, Chicago, USA – 2011-2012; Spirituality and Accompanying Ignatian Retreats- 8 days and 30 days/ Spiritual Accompaniment/Direction-Rainhill Jesuits Centre/lnstitute, Rainllill, Liverpool, United Kingdom – 2003- 2004; Religious Formation Ministry/ Leadership [Formators (Loreto I louse, Irish Missionaries Union) Dublin, Ireland – 1998-1999; Counselling/PsychoIogy- St Anselm Institute, Margate, England, United Kingdom – 1994-1995 and Theology- Missionary Institute, London, United Kingdom (Affiliated to the University of Leuven) – 1988-1991.

Source: Catholic Standard

 

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (B)

READINGS AT MASS 

1 Kgs 19:4-8

Psalm 34

Eph 4:30-5:2

Jn 6: 41-51

Theme: WHEN THE JOURNEY IS TOO LONG

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO... 

In today's first reading, Elijah expressed his tiredness about life. He was on the fringe of giving up. He felt neglected, exhausted, and afraid. Like every human being, Elijah had reached the point where he could not go on. He could no longer continue the journey all by himself. He needed something (an external strength) to keep him going and that extra nourishment and strength came from no other than God. 

As a response to his cry for help, God sent an angel to nourish him in the desert. This nourishment (bread and water) from above refreshed him and sustained his journey for forty days and nights. Strengthened by the food, he walked to the Mountain of God.(1 Kgs. 19:8). 

In the Gospel, Jesus Christ told the disturbed crowd clearly that He is the nourishment from above A critical and crucial nourishment that surpasses any other earthly nourishment. He said: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever (Jn 6:51).

Beloved in Christ, those who walk the journey of life without nourishment from above cannot make it to Horeb (the Mountain of God). The journey of life can sometimes be rough, tough, and scary. Like Elijah, we are often tempted to give up.

Most of us are giving up simply because we are tired. We have tried all we could in our little human strength and like Elijah, nothing seems to change. We are malnourished. This journey is getting too long. Of course, the journey will be too long unless we get up and eat something! 

Dearly beloved, a Christian does not give up on life no matter how difficult and long the journey is. We cannot give up because we believe in a God who does not give up on us. He has given us Jesus Christ, the living bread from above, An eternal inexhaustible source of nourishment to tap into when the journey becomes long and impossible. He alone is a nourishment from above for those who want to survive. We must turn to Jesus Christ for nourishment and a renewed purpose to forge ahead until we reach Horeb, where nothing but the glory of God awaits us. 

PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, when the journey is long and exhausting when I do not think I can continue anymore, nourish and refresh me. I trust in you because you are a God who does not give up on your children. Amen.

May God bless you.

-Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, August 11, 2024.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (B)

READINGS AT MASS

Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15

Psalm 78

Eph. 4:17, 20-24

Jn. 6:24-35

Theme: THE FLESHPOTS OF EGYPT

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO... 

Israel's desire for the things and pleasures of the past (the _fleshpots of Egypt_) turned them into a nagging nation and prevented them from looking ahead to the promise of a better land of freedom. They are quick to complain at the sight of a minor challenge forgetting all the wonders that God had performed for their sake. Indeed, focusing on the past and inferior pleasures of life makes us ungrateful and short-sighted.

Jesus Christ, in today's Gospel, perceived a false motive in the crowd's search for Him (...because you ate the loaves and had your fill). They searched not for the spiritual gift of salvation but for bread to eat and satisfy their physical hunger. Like the _fleshpots of Egypt_, bread that did not satisfy was what they desired and preferred. In His effort to give them a new orientation, Jesus asked them to seek after the right and permanent things in life. Do not work for food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, He said. (Jn 6:27). 

Beloved in Christ, the _fleshpots of Egypt_, delicious though they may be, cannot satisfy us. The good food and pleasures of our past sinful lives and the physical slices of bread of this world cannot satisfy our hunger. The more we focus and reminisce about them, the more they prevent us from seeing the great things that God is doing for us and the wonderful place that He is leading us.

In the Second Reading, St. Paul cautions the Ephesians not to fill their minds with pointless things. He calls on them to renew their minds and their whole personalities in Christ. For St. Paul, the old personality without Jesus Christ has been corrupted through deceitful desires. 

Unfortunately, most of us, like the Israelites and the crowd in the gospel, are running after the wrong things in life. We spend so much time brooding over the past and the worldly pleasures that we have left behind. These desires cannot give us the required satisfaction in the Lord. They blind us to the goodness of God and prevent us from becoming new in Jesus Christ. 

Sadly, even those of us who appear to be running after Jesus Christ (the present-day Christian), often do so for the wrong reasons. And when we find Him across the sea and say to Him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" Jesus will certainly answer us, "...you are looking for me not because you saw the signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill". A Christian, dear friend, must focus on and desire the right and important things of life; the things that lead to eternal life.

We must leave our past and its worldly pleasures behind and focus on a better future with Christ. 

PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, the seeming goodness of my past life continues to entice and prevent me from committing myself totally to you. Grant me your grace to be able to break away and seek the satisfaction that lies in you. Amen.

May God bless you.

-Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, August 4, 2024.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.