Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Dearest friends, today, Jesus Christ made it very clear to us what really forms and sustains an AFFINITY/BOND between him and any person. Thus, he affirms: “Whoever does what GOD WANTS is my brother, my sister and my mother” (cf. Mk 3:35).
Dearest friends, the above transcends our human understanding of AFFINITY and unlike our human Affinities, is open to EVERYONE who is ready to OBEY the COMMANDMENTS of God; irrespective of who you are and where you come from.
Adam and Eve LOST Affinity with God because they DISOBEYED him (cf. Gen 3:9-15). The Catechism captures the above beautifully thus: “Man, tempted by the devil, let his trust in his Creator die in his heart and, abusing his freedom, DISOBEYED God’s command. This is what man’s first sin consisted of” (cf. CCC n. 397). On the contrary, the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph GAINED affinity with God because they OBEYED him (cf. Lk 1:26-38, Mt 1:20-25). Beyond Joseph and Mary, countless men and women have gained AFFINITY with God by following the criterion provided by Jesus Christ above. Notably, Cornelius and his household, when they gained AFFINITY with God at the least expectation of the Apostle Peter, he affirms: “Now I know in truth that God is not a respecter of persons. But within every nation, WHOEVER FEARS him and does what is RIGHT is acceptable to him” (cf. Acts 10:34-35).
👉🏼Therefore, dearest friends, beyond NOMINAL CHRISTIANS, let us strive on daily basis, to form TRUE AFFINITY with Jesus Christ by OBEYING the Commandments of God. Jesus himself also said: “If you LOVE me, OBEY my Commandments” (cf. Jn 14:15).
May the Blessed Virgin Mary always support us with her powerful intercession. Amen🙏🏼
Happy Sunday and remain blessed!
(cf. CATECHESIS ‘NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE’ FOR THE 10TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (B)
READINGS: R1 Gen 3:9-15, R2 2 Cor 4:13-5:1, Gosp. Mk 3:20-35)
