By Patrick Wemambu
Worshippers at the St. Paul’s Chaplaincy, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka in Delta State have been told that they are a gift to the world. Rev. Fr. (Dr.) James Urien, Chaplain of the Church made the declaration Sunday while celebrating Mass in commemoration of the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.
His words; “God the Father gave Jesus Christ as undeserved gift to the world. The gift of salvation is opened to everyone who believes. This is an example we need to emulate. You (my parishioners) are, therefore, a gift (blessing) to the world. Do something significant in your lifetime. Make the difference for which you will be remembered.
Your birth is not by chance. Your present position in life is not a mistake.”
He continued; “You are meant to bless the world with yourself. The wise men came with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. You must gift yourself to the world. Offer your talents, treasures, time, abilities, energy etc to improve the lives of others. It can come as a song, writing, speech, skill, innovation, fashion, spirituality, care, lifestyle, love, charity, etc.”
What does the Epiphany of the Lord mean? The homilist asked, retorting that it is God’s self revelation. Portraying Jesus as the saviour of the world, the preacher reiterated that the feast shows the universal dimension of salvation.
While arguing that in every religion, there is the notion of God but not of the full revelation in Jesus Christ found in Christianity, the Chaplain enthused that Jesus revealed Himself to the Gentiles by the means of a star. The mode of worship and approach might be different but there is a sense of God – he observed, avowing that the Epiphany revealed a new insight to God.
Just as the congregants of the St. Paul’s Chaplaincy learnt that the God made man that has come to dwell with humanity was revealed by Angels to the shepherds, they were informed that the Magi – Casper (Ethiopian), Balthazar (Persian) and Melchior (Asian) representing the three races known to the ancient world – discovered Jesus by interpreting the star.
Fr. Urien spoke on the theme of learning how to give to God; “We are good at receiving from God but not good at giving. Whenever we give, our giving should be meaningful and sacrificial. It should cost us something (2 Sam. 24:24).
Not every giving is worth the name. The Bible says in Jn 3:16 that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. God gave His best to the world. The Magi gave significant gifts that were valuable. We too must present our gifts but not necessarily gold, frankincense and myrrh. The best gift to God is not money but ourselves in worship.”
Inquiring about the motive of giving, the cleric regretted that sometimes people give to please themselves – to satisfy ego, to be praised, to show appreciation, to improve a situation or to get a blessing. He appealed to individuals to learn to give for the right reasons.
The Sermonist identified the three groups of people in the Epiphany story. The first group: Herod (Haters – people who hate you because of your progress). Your progress is making them uncomfortable, he posited, explaining how Herod wanted to kill Jesus (Hatred). Disclosing that a man killed his wife, three children, mother and brother in-laws on the suspicion that they were plotting against him, Fr. Urien warned that haters are star killers who must be avoided.
The priest carried on with his analysis; “The second group in the Epiphany story are the priests and the scribes who ignored Jesus (Indifference). They knew the truth but were more interested in their selfish motives. As close as Bethlehem is to Jerusalem, they did not go to see the infant king. These people will not help unless it is in their favour.
“The third group: The Magi and Shepherds (Givers).They acknowledged the star in Jesus and adored Him. These were elders bowing low to the infant king. A demonstration of humility. We do same to our priests that we are older than. This encounter made them surrender their treasures. We need to belong to the third group by worshipping and offering our gifts of homage to God.”
Since individuals are gifted with gifts which make them unique, they would do well to be mindful of the people around them as they can either accelerate or ruin their gifts – Fr. Urien stressed. He noted that Samson was so gifted that he could not listen but ended up camping with his enemies.
The seven people Christians need for their gifts to manifest were highlighted; “Critics: Critics fight the gift. They are confrontational. They don’t hide it. Critics tell you what your friends will never tell you and help you in discovering your abilities. Clinicals: They are indifferent people. Neither for or against the gift. They are not supporting you and they are not fighting you. Their role is to distract you from the gift.
Celebrators: They are your fans. They admire your gift but will not take any responsibility for your person or gift. If someone promises something better, they will leave you.”
Cheerleaders who praise you and assure you of being present always were said to belong to the fourth category. Aside encouraging you the most because of your gifts, cheerleaders are very good in motivating.
The homilist proceeded with the other people needed for gifts to manifest; “Champions: These are people who succeeded. They fight to protect the gift and the gifted. For example, Peter, James and John followed Jesus as their champion. They are people you are vulnerable to. They inspire you to be at your best. Coach: The person that guides you. Life coach or mentor. They tell you the truth. They are not your friends per say but mentors. They ask you difficult questions to know your purpose. They are disciplinarians. They will train with you until you become the best version. Christ: He is the giver of the gift and sustains the gifted who are faithful to Him.”
Conversely, persons to be avoided for gifts to manifest were given to include deceivers, doubters, dictators, distractors and demoralizers. For people requiring those to help shape their paths, they were advised to hold on to friends, families, foes, fans and financiers.
Tips on how to manifest individual talents were given by the officiating pastor; “Identify your gift and stop making excuses.
Believe in your ability and take a bold step.
Learn from others and practice.
Turn your obstacles to stepping stones. Know the kind of people you associate with. Pray to God for the grace to succeed.
Focus and make the needed sacrifices.”
