Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Dearest friends, do you know that the same role that NOAH’S ARK played in helping to save some persons from being destroyed by the FLOOD (cf. Gen 6:13-22) is the same role that the CHURCH is still playing in helping to save persons from the destruction of the WORLD? I will tell you how.
But before then, do not forget that when we talk about the WORLD, we mean:
“The false maxims of the world and the society of those who love the VANITIES, RICHES and PLEASURES of this world better than God” (cf. CCD n. 350).
Also, when we talk about the CHURCH, we mean: ‘the Church founded by Jesus Christ himself and that is the CATHOLIC CHURCH’ (cf. Matt 16:18-19, CCC n. 846).
👉🏼Having understood what we mean by the WORLD and the CHURCH, it is now easier to understand what we said earlier about the NOAH’S ARK and the CHURCH. Now, Jesus Christ founded the Church on St. Peter and the rest of the Apostles and entrusted the SEVEN SACRAMENTS to the Church. Through BAPTISM, which is the first of the seven Sacrament and the gateway, people enter the Church (cf. CCC n. 846). Through the Sacraments of Penance/Confession, the Holy Eucharist, etc., these persons who have entered through Baptism are NOURISHED and SUSTAINED against the ERRORS of the WORLD. The above idea is beautifully expressed by the Catechism thus:
“To reunite all his children, scattered and led astray by sin, the Father willed to call the whole of humanity together into his Son’s CHURCH. The CHURCH is the place where humanity must rediscover its unity and salvation… She is that bark which “in the full sail of the Lord’s Cross, by the breath of the Holy Spirit, navigates safely in this WORLD.” According to another image dear to the Church Fathers, she is prefigured by NOAH’S ARK, which alone saves from the FLOOD” (cf. CCC n. 845).
👉🏼Therefore, dearest friends, you and I would be risking our salvation if we fail to take seriously the opportunities that God offers to us on daily basis through the CHURCH. Now that we have begun the LENTEN SEASON, how seriously are you taking it (i.e: the Prayer, Fasting/Abstinence and Almsgiving)? Do you still go to CONFESSION frequently? When was the last time you received the HOLY COMMUNION?, etc.
We pray the Blessed Virgin Mary to always support us with her powerful intercession. Amen🙏🏼
(cf. CATECHESIS ‘NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE’ FOR THE 1ST SUNDAY OF LENT (B);
READINGS: R1: Gen 9:8-15, R2: 1 Pt 3:18-22, Gosp. Mk 1:12-15)
Happy Sunday and remain blessed!
