Wednesday August 28, 2024

Matthew 23:27-32

Jesus said: ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who are like whitewashed tombs that look handsome on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of corruption. In the same way you appear to people from the outside like good honest men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Ever wonder why they went after him? This kind of talk will get you killed. You know it is easy to sit back and cheer Jesus on as he goes after the Pharisees and Scribes. The more courageous thing I think is to ask how this applies to us. As I have often said, we don’t go to church so that we become experts at identifying the sins of others. We go because we want to improve our lives. So is what our Lord says true about me?

We are invited here to let our spirituality go deep. Playing church is easy, being church on the other hand requires a lot of inner work. May we all become experts at catching ourselves when our actions and inner thoughts do not represent the God we serve.

Monday August 26, 2024

Matthew 23:13-22

Jesus said: ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who shut up the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces, neither going in yourselves nor allowing others to go in who want to.

I just don’t understand how it is already August 26th. I tell these days are moving faster in my opinion. For our spiritual practice today I want us to draw our attention to self awareness. Following the spiritual practices of many leaders I do have to say that the more we are aware of ourselves the holier we become. Now if you are a good catholic you are already thinking of your deficiencies. What can you do better? How about we change it up. Are you aware of the good news about yourself. I heard this prayer a long time ago and I have returned to it many a time. “Lord help me accept the truth about my life no matter how good it is.” Try that one and see how the divine begins to shine in you.

Fr Chibundi

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus began to speak to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son’s wedding. He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come.

Jesus really had a difficult time with the Pharisees and Scribes. They, for some reason, never warmed up to his message. It required a massive move from their preconceived ideas of the divine to this God who was very comfortable living right next to the mess that touches people’s lives. They just could not get on board with this.

Today let us think of the Pharisee within. What is too much or too far for you? I remember years ago when a Jesuit priest stood up in church and preached that God loved us as we are. But he took it too far. He said “you do not even have to change anything…”

See for years we were told we had to change everything about us. We were told our African names had to be changed and we had to adopt “holy names.” Our customs had to be abandoned and we were to adopt European ways… Then this Jesuit showed up and declared “ your names are beautiful, your customs are a gift to the church.” Imagine the shock!!

Let us pray today for those who will not come because of how the message was presented or because of some events in their lives that makes them feel unworthy. Just come as you are!

In the passage above, the king later sent messengers to everyone. He wanted the banquet hall filled.

Tuesday August 20, 2024

Matthew 19:23-30

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you solemnly, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Yes, I tell you again, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.’

I wonder what he would say about a rich church? Is it hard for it to recognize the coming of the kingdom?

There is another passage that comes to mind here for me. Remember these words “come to me you who have heavy burdens and I will give you rest.” Today I think we are invited to become aware of the “other stuff” we carry around. If we look close enough in our own lives we all need to let go of stuff and be filled only with God’s presence. The rich young man went away sad for he had many possessions he could not let go. Do you think it is time to put the hurt down? Do you think it is time to let go of self obsession? What is your “thing” that you are rich in but robs you of life?

Monday August 19, 2024

Matthew 19:16-22

There was a man who came to Jesus and asked, ‘Master, what good deed must I do to possess eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is one alone who is good. But if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said, ‘Which?’ ‘These:’ Jesus replied ‘You must not kill. You must not commit adultery. You must not bring false witness. Honour your father and mother, and: you must love your neighbour as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these

Did you just do what I did after I read this passage? Did you look up the 10 commandments and go “wait…. that is not even 10 or the most important ones?”

We can all agree that our Lord knew the commandments and he was driving home another point as he addressed this young man. The passage continues and Our Lord says to the young man “Go sell all that you have and give to the poor then come follow me.”

You know ….. there truly is a time for everything under the sun. We are being introduced here to a time for detachment. We spend our lives building, gathering, pursuing but to grow in the spiritual life one has to learn to be an observer too. We have to detach ourselves from everything that gave us identity and find new meaning in having only God. Let go, let God and let’s go!

Friday August 16,2024

Matthew 19:3-13

Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and to test him they said, ‘Is it against the Law for a man to divorce his wife on any pretext whatever?’ He answered, ‘Have you not read that the creator from the beginning made them male and female and that he said: This is why a man must leave father and mother, and cling to his wife, and the two become one body? They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.’

How does this passage read to us in our times. It is this: DO NOT USE PEOPLE! During the time of our Lord, there was no such thing as women rights or human rights. The question of slaves does not even come up if you think about it. St Paul simply asked slaves to obey their masters. So we have come a mighty long way as a society. I think our Lord says everyone has intrinsic value and cannot be, should not be discarded willingly.

Let us hold in prayer all those who have been devastated by divorce and we pray too for those in difficult relationships.

Wednesday August 14, 2024

Matthew 18:15-25

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain any charge.

Relationships are complicated. It used to be that we would have to explain that but nowadays most people get it at “it’s complicated.” Here is what our Lord says, do everything you can to save the relationship. Go to church, have the family meeting, call a friend do all this because losing a relationship is losing a window into heaven. Fix it.

I also have known in a very powerful way that the God thing sometimes is to move away. Trust me moving away from someone could be the most difficult thing you will be called to do. But you can’t keep fighting a losing battle and becoming mean yourself. Spare the relationship with your soul and walk away, maybe run away from narcissists.

However first try and try again to save it. Give it time, distance or whatever is needed BUT know when to walk away. And please do not walk away in anger after blasting them. Be calm and say it in a gentle way……

Monday August 12, 2024

Matthew 13:17-28

One day when they were together in Galilee, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men; they will put him to death, and on the third day he will be raised to life again.’ And a great sadness came over them.

Which part did they hear? More importantly which part of the above passage stands out? If you are anything like me, it is usually the bad news that sticks in my head. He will be handed over, he will die. That is it!!! That is the only part I hear. There is also good news here. One that will last forever—- he will be raised to life again. This second part is forever. This is our joy, our help that he rises from the dead.

Here is an exercise for you today. Start training your mind and spirit to grab on to good news, to positive things that happen in your life. Here is some good news for you—— you are ALIVE!

Wednesday August 7, 2024

Matthew 15:21-28

Jesus left Gennesaret and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Then out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, ‘Sir, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.

The thing that strikes me in this reading is of all things, the names of places. Gennesaret, Tyre and Sidon, Canaanite. I know some of you already get it. These are not holy places. A little reading of scripture will reveal to us the kind of people who lived in these places. The Gennesaret for example we find a guy there possessed by a legion of demons.

Jesus goes there though. He goes to the ends of the earth to bring his grace. Maybe via this reflection or through your church the Lord has arrived. I want to pray for any who may feel not worthy of his visit. You are worth the journey!!!

I am so glad he came to Zambia for me, he searched and found me. I think he has done the same for you!!

Tuesday August 6, 2024

Mark 9:2-10

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them.

The transfiguration is an important event in the gospels but it cannot be taken in isolation. What do I mean by that? Yes it was impressive, mesmerizing to see Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah. It must be an out of this world experience to hear the voice of God, no doubt about that.

What makes this episode preach for me is what happens right before they go up the hill. Our Lord says he is going to die. Remember that! The first passion prediction. Peter rebukes the Lord and steps in front of him. Then our Lord says to his good friend “Get behind me satan! This whole thing is in the Bible. What an episode it is. Obviously everyone is mad about this, they are not talking. They did not leave their houses for this!!!!

Question, how do you do with disappointing news about your future. Do you fall into a depression? Lock the door and drink? We all have gone through this kind of events.

Our Lord takes three people who are having the hardest time. He takes them up the mountain, takes them to God in prayer. He wants them and us to know this: life may be spiraling out of control but know that GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL.

Friday August 3, 2024

Matthew 13:54-58

Coming to his home town, Jesus taught the people in their synagogue in such a way that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did the man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? This is the carpenter’s son, surely? Is not his mother the woman called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Jude? His sisters, too, are they not all here with us? So where did the man get it all?’

So one of his brothers - James became the first bishop of the church of Jerusalem which by the way was the mother church. When St Peter and St Paul got into a theological argument, the church of Jerusalem called a council. This was the first council ever called and it was in the year 70AD. James the just sat the boys down and slapped them on the wrists. Now if you truly want to know how Jesus felt, you should read the letter of James in the New Testament. Very very practical. James was also described by Josephus, an early church historian as, James the brother of Jesus who was called the Messiah. I know I am over explaining this but it is so important to see how involved Jesus immediate family was. It makes our Lord relatable. He had family, people he could “call.”

The Catholic tradition sometimes has gone out of its way to isolate Jesus and Mary. I think this is a mistake. Yes maybe they were his cousins or half brothers. But the good book and early tradition never says that. This became an issue after the doctrine of the immaculate conception.

Ok enough church politics. Our Lord came home and they were shocked at his transformation. You know, when our kids come home from camp, college, or after a while, don’t you pinch yourself and ask, “is that my child?” Today we are invited to take a moment and really look at the marvel of our kin. These days I step back and say “is that my wife? How did I get so lucky?” Marvel at the radiance of those next to you.

Thursday August 1, 2024

Matthew 13:47-53

Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds.

I would have loved to be there when he said this. I would have loved to see their facial expressions, their utter shock that he would liken the pristine Kingdom of God that was conjured up in their minds with a dragnet cast into the sea. Now Zambia does not have a sea, so I know nothing about throwing a net in a sea. But we have rivers and lakes and if memory serves me right, when you throw and drag a net you bring in some mud too. I remember going to the Kafue or Zambezi river and the smell sometimes would be enough to kill an ox.

Anyway, sometimes church is not pretty. Sometimes there are misunderstandings and areas of growth. The question is can we see that God is in control even when our lives drag in the ugly.

The beauty of Jesus’s God is this: God is right in the midst of it all. The good, bad and ugly of our lives. God is in it!!!! God is it!!!

Wednesday July 31, 2024

Matthew 13:44-46

Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.

He goes off sells everything he has… pause and read that again. Finding God or rather letting Grace touch our lives is the most important action we can ever take for the good of our lives. Because truly when you have God, you will not waste your energy on superficial relationships and cheap arguments. You will just rise above it all.

You want to find the kingdom of God? Spend some time with old people. I love them. Most of them are not attached to things or status. They will tell you the truth you need to hear. Sometimes we like to hear that truth and other times it stings. But these our seniors have discovered the Kingdom. Some of them it has been through church going and other the great teacher has been the hard knocks of life.

Find God and you will have found everything.

Monday July 29, 2024

John 11:19-27

If you had been here, my brother would not have died,

Martha was clearly upset. She and her sister had sent word to Jesus that his best friend was dying. Jesus however did not rush back to go save Lazarus. No he delayed and things got worse for Lazarus. By the time Jesus gets to this village the smell of death has settled in.

If you had been around…? Death scares people, it scares us because we are going into the unknown or we think it as the end. What if we reimagined it as the moment of embrace, the moment of being in Gods loving presence fully. Most of you know how fascinated I am with near death experiences. For years I have watched the documentary “To heaven and back” by Anderson Cooper. I never get tired of the story of Dr Mary and her revelation. Basically none of us dies until our mission here on earth is complete.

If you had been here my brother would not have died.. Oh Martha if you only knew what death is.

I know death hurts, I know it’s scary and I hope we don’t meet for a while but I am reminded today there is more to it than what the church told me.

Love you

Fr Chibundi

Wednesday July 24, 2024

Matthew 13:1-9

Jesus left the house and sat by the lakeside, but such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat there. The people all stood on the beach, and he told them many things in parables.

We do not find this style in Matthew a lot but here and there it shows up. In the Gospel of Mark, whenever Jesus is about to say something very important, St Mark puts Jesus in a boat. St Matthew has a different style: The Jesus of Matthew goes up a mountain whenever he has something super important to say. We do not have the time here to explain it all but just to notice it.

The kingdom of God is like a seed that falls on many different kinds of soil. I always wanted to be the fertile soil that gives no resistance to the presence of God. But the truth is, our lives are all at different stages. An alcoholic who is not ready to listen even if put in the best rehabilitation center it is a waste of money. They have to be ready. Sometimes when you and I are going through rough times we may not be ready to hear that God has a plan. So I want us today to practice patience with ministry. Just plant the seed and do all you can to protect. She will get it someday.

Peace!!!

Tuesday July 23, 2024

Matthew 12:46-50

Jesus was speaking to the crowds when his mother and his brothers appeared; they were standing outside and were anxious to have a word with him

I know there is some “holy” slant to this reading but for me it is one of Jesus most painful episode. People thought he had gone mad. Pause and think about that. They thought he should be taken to a psychiatric hospital. Why? He was talking out of his head. That is a very American way of saying it by the way.

Back in the old country we still see mad people walking around. They get their food from waste bins, their hair is unkept, and they go around having conversations with people who are not there. There is a saying among my people that death is kinder than being mad. Anyway you get the point. This is as bad as it gets.

So they called his mama to come and get him. A word to the wise here …. Don’t call mama.

At some point in your life, you will be misunderstood. It is coming if you have not already undergone it. I want you to be calm through it all. Heck you might also misunderstand yourself.

Years ago Ms Kay May placed her hand on my chest and said with tears in her eyes. “Never ever doubt yourself father, you are doing God’s work.” Now I am crying. We shall talk tomorrow.

Love ya

Friday July 19, 2024

Matthew 12:1-8

Jesus took a walk one sabbath day through the cornfields. His disciples were hungry and began to pick ears of corn and eat them. The Pharisees noticed it and said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing something that is forbidden on the sabbath.’

Oh gosh these Pharisees are exhausting. They just could not wait. They could not wait to criticize. You know there is something wrong with someone when they cannot wait to throw something in your face.

It could be that the disciples broke the Law but in the grand scheme of things where does eating corn the wrong way stand? Listen, the disciples were hungry and they helped themselves. I don’t think God lost sleep over it.

Maybe today we are called upon to be gentle with our selves. Who do you think your biggest critic is? For most people it is themselves. That has its benefits. It makes us better but sometimes it can paralyze us. Trust me if you miss mass to take care of a loved one, God does not lose sleep over it. Just mail in your envelope

Love you

Wednesday July 17, 2024

Matthew 11:25-27

Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children.

What sort of things? What has he revealed to villagers like myself. Well you were breathed into existence at this point in history for a reason. That you have a beautiful song to sing which no one can. That selling yourself short does no one any good!

Yesterday I was sitting in a room full of very talented people. Under my breath I said, who would have ever thought that someone from the Lenje tribe would be rubbing shoulders with these men and women. If only they knew the struggle. Friend today I want you to think of the beautiful things God has revealed to you. I will start: Build strong relationships, they will carry you!!

Monday July 15, 2024

Matthew 10:34-11:1

Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.

Karibu!!! That’s a word you will hear a lot in Zambia and East Africa. Karibu is not only a word, it is a disposition of the Eastern and Southern Africans. It means WELCOME. Really each nation has its own ‘disposition’ to this spirit of welcome. In America it is the hug! In the Near East, I think it’s the word Shalom or Salamu Alaykum. You too have your own special way of showing God’s generous love.

Many years ago when I was a wee little boy growing up in Africa, we were always taught to be kind to the stranger, to offer them water or wash their hands. We did that with a certain faith that the Gods live among us. To this day I hold that belief. However I have become a little more cautious. Life has happened between then and now and something has been lost. Today’s readings remind me to pray for the gift of welcome especially the welcome of people who do not believe the same things i believe. This spirit of unwelcome of other people and ideas is going to be the death of us.

Someone told me years ago that “if your God loves all the people you love and hate all the people you hate, then you have created a God in your image and likeness.”

Welcome the other and make some room in your heart. This is the toughest thing you may be asked to do but you have shown that you can do difficult things.

Lots of love

Me

Thursday July 11, 2024

Matthew 10:7-15

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘As you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. You received without charge, give without charge. Provide yourselves with no gold or silver, not even with a few coppers for your purses, with no haversack for the journey or spare tunic or footwear or a staff, for the workman deserves his keep.

And yet my biggest worry every month is “did we balance the budget?” “How do we keep our doors open for years to come?”

What I have learned over the years is to be resigned to the Will of God. The Lord does indeed provide. Look at this beautiful community we have. By a miracle we have lived year after year. Yes Fr Chibundi have a little faith