Catholics In Nigeria

12/10/2025

TWENTY-EIGHT SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C (OCTOBER 12, 2025)

Readings: 1st: I King 5:14-17; Ps: 97:1-4. 6-9; 2nd: 2 Tim 2: 8-13; Gos: Lk 17:11-19

Today’s scriptural readings present gratitude as a virtue for every individual to emulate. Gratitude is not alien to the human person and it is not only a religious virtue. It is an “attitude.” We should strive earnestly to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. To do that simply means that we should acknowledge that no act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted. It also means that “kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain.

Often times, we tend to take God’s salvific grace, benevolence and compassion for granted. The Psalmist of today reminds us about the need to show gratitude. It says, “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.” If we take a deep reflection and ponder upon our lives, we will have every reason to sing, “I will enter his gate with thanksgiving and his courts with praise…” – Ps 100:4. The attitudes of gratitude and thanksgiving that Naaman and the Samaritan l***r displayed in the readings today are inspiring and worthy of emulation.

In today’s first reading, God showed his compassion to Naaman through the Prophet Elisha. Naaman was an outcast because he was a non-Israelite, a pagan and a l***r, yet, God showed him mercy. Naaman understood that he was not entitled to the miracle of a supernatural cleansing and rebirth. He had to return to show profound gratitude to God and pledge his allegiance to the great God of Israel. The lesson here is that we are product of God’s mercy and favor and we should always return to God in appreciation for every act of kindness that we have received from him. By extension, we should also learn to appreciate people who do good to us.

In the second reading, St. Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful to God in bearing the sufferings and persecutions that comes with preaching of the Good news of Christ. He assures Timothy of God’s faithfulness to his people in spite of the hardships they may encounter. This is a clear indication that suffering and persecution for the sake of the Gospel is part of the cost of a true discipleship of Christ.

The Gospel presents an account of ten l***rs who were shown mercy and compassion by Jesus. Nine did not return to show gratitude but one non-Jewish l***r returned to show appreciation. Probably, the nine l***rs felt entitled that the healing was their right to claim. The one l***r acknowledged God’s mercy and love and returned to show gratitude for the favor received from Christ.

Dearly Beloved, the need to appreciate God is borne out of the need to acknowledge his greatness, supremacy, goodness, providence and compassion. Do you acknowledge that he is the one who reigns supreme in your life? Do you acknowledge that it is in Him that you live, move and have your being? Do you acknowledge that he is your provider? Do you acknowledge that he is all-knowing and all-powerful? Our total dependency on God should humble us to acknowledge the fact that we are nothing without him. The tragedy of a man begins when he lives a life without God.

As Christians, it is very important that we see God as the source of all good things. It is also important that we acknowledge that he is all-knowing. It is only with this mentality that we will not take his blessings for granted. Often times, our failures and disappointments blind us to the extent that we do not recognise or acknowledge the goodness of God in our lives. Other times, we become entitled to the extent that we take his blessings for granted like the nine l***rs who were ungrateful to Christ in the Gospel.

The truth is, there will be moments of great challenge, disappointments, delays, pains, betrayal. But, should that define us and how we relate with God? Should our disappointments bring us anxiety, depression and despair? Should our pains and sickness fill us with doubts and cause us spiritual dryness? Should delay in our petition mean that God is distant? Should famine and economic hardship mean that God ceases to be faithful? Life should not a bed of roses before we give thanks to God. Give thanks with a grateful heart.

To cultivate an attitude of gratitude is to go down on our kneels and say a prayer of “Thanksgiving.” Thank you for my family, my friends and brothers. Thank you for every day that is new. Thank you for I can know my worries can be cast on you. Today, let us learn to appreciate God for his goodness and kindness. Let us also learn to thank our spouses, parents, brothers, sisters, children and uncles especially those who have been generous and compassionate towards us. Above all, let us show our gratitude to our loving God who forgives us each time sin turns us into outcast. Every encounter with Christ is a moment of grace. Nobody encounters him and remain the same. Do you feel like an outcast, a foreigner, one whose dignity has been eaten up by leprosy because of your sinful state? Come to Christ, our compassionate and merciful saviour and you will be cleanse through the sacrament of the Church.

May your faith bring you salvation. Amen.

Fr. Michael Eihebhoria, C.Ss.R

29/09/2025

Wonderful Words of Life: Monday, 29th of Sept., 2025. The Archangels (F)
📜Rev. 12:7-12; Ps 138:1-5; Jn 1:47-51

Theme: The archangels are our helpers.

“And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” (Jn 1:51)

The archangels are the second to the last in the ranks of the heavenly beings, I mean the nine choirs of angels; Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. These heavenly beings are messengers of God. The archangels are known for specific responsibilities in the affairs of humanity. They are three in numbers; Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

Michael means great warrior. He was mentioned at different parts of scripture engaging in battles. In Daniel 10:13, "The Prince of the Kingdom of Persia has been resisting me for twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the Chief Princes, came to my assistance. I have left him confronting the kings of Persia." In Revelation 12:7, we see him again fighting war with the dragon. The second archangel is Raphael, which means God heals. He was sent to bring healing to Tobit and his family. Gabriel, the third archangel, was known to bring good tidings. This we see in Luke 1:11 and 26. Three of these heavenly beings are messengers from God to us to help us in our spiritual needs.

Beloved, we are privileged to be guarded by the heavenly beings as Christians. They are spirit, not visible to our sight but are present. Do we always have recourse to these archangels? How well do we call on their assistance? When we are in spiritual warfare, we should not hesitate to call Michael. Michael will help us to win our spiritual battles. Do not forget to always say prayer to Saint Michael the archangel. When we are sick, we should ask for the intercession of Raphael for divine healing and quick recovery. When we are expecting favor from God, ask Gabriel to bring you good news because he is the carrier of good news.

Lord, send us your archangels always to be on our side to guard us and heal us. Amen

Ss Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel - Pray for us.

Fr. Kevwe A. Unuajohwofia, C.Ss.R

14/09/2025

Wonderful Words of Life: Sunday, 14th of Sept., 2025. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.
📜Num. 21:4-9; Ps 78:1-2,34-38; Phil. 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17

Theme: Hail the Holy Cross, our only hope.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (Jn 3:14-15)

We celebrate today the triumph of the cross, the wood of the cross on which Jesus died. We celebrate a symbol of our faith. The public veneration of the Holy Cross dates back to the fourth century when St Helen, mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered it in Jerusalem. The Israelites, on their way to the promised land, lost all hope in God and Moses and began to complain. They wanted freedom without wilderness; they wanted liberation without suffering. They forgot so soon how God delivered them from Egypt. God sent a fiery serpent to bite them. The serpent brought sense to them, and they pleaded for mercy.

God asked Moses to make a bronze or brazen serpent and erect it. So that all those who look on it in faith shall be saved. Indeed, the cross was a sign of healing. Christ in the gospel makes allusion to what Moses did in the wilderness, that as Moses lifted up the serpent, so shall the son of man be lifted up the cross. When I am lifted up the cross, all who believe in me may have eternal life. The cross becomes a way of life; a lifestyle for us, Christians. Christ willingly accepted to die on the cross. Yes! He embraced suffering for our sake. He carried the load of sin; he was stung for our sake. God did not allow the Israelites to die in the wilderness, but he allowed his only begotten Son to die on the cross. God became vulnerable for us, died a shameful death, not a natural death, but God turns it around for our God.

Beloved, the cross is a symbol and a mystery of our faith. The evil could not understand the paradox of the cross. What the evil meant for evil, shame, disgrace, and humiliation God turn it around for our good. We celebrate today, the victory of the cross, our own collective victory. The exaltation of the cross means that whoever embrace it, it becomes a means of triumph for us. God lifts us from sickness, afflictions, pain, sorrow, barrenness, and death . The old rugged cross is now a means of healing. Do not be ashamed of the cross. Put the cross in your homes, offices, shops, and schools, and wear them. The devil is afraid of the cross; the world kicks against the cross display in public places. As we celebrate the victory of the cross, we pray for the grace to reject sin and overcome evil in our lives. Let us not be afraid to suffer with Christ because we, too, will share in his glory.

Lord, we embrace the power of the cross, our hope of salvation. May we cling to this cross all our days. Amen

Happy Sunday and a blessed week ahead*

Fr. Kevwe A. Unuajohwofia, C.Ss.R

07/09/2025

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C (SEPTEMBER 7, 2025)

Wis 9:13-18b; Ps: 89:3-6.12-14.17;
Philemon 9b-10.12-17;
Gospel: Lk 14:25-33

The Christian life is a journey. A journey of commitment, sacrifice, perseverance and total dependence on divine providence. As pilgrims navigating through life, we are encouraged to follow in the footsteps of the redeemer who has called us to be his disciples. However, the call to discipleship comes with a cost. A cost borne out of detachment from the things of the world and an attachment to the cross of Christ.

The first reading from the Book of Wisdom focuses on the mystery of the divine life of God. Just as the divine life of God is incomprehensive to human intellect; the search for the will of the Lord is also an unfathomable quest. The human capacity to reason above the existential reality and delve into the transcendental realm is often met by human limitation and facticity. On the human level, our faculty is weak, and our plans are shrouded in uncertainties. Left alone, we cannot understand the ways of God. But through the Holy Spirit of God that has been poured upon us, divine wisdom is given to us to help us to navigate life and reject all that might hinder us from carrying our crosses and following Christ.

The second reading from St. Paul’s letter to Philemon presents to us a witness to the cost of discipleship. On behalf of Onesimus, Paul intercedes that a runaway slave who has become a Christian be given a second chance. He is no longer to be treated as property but as a brother in Christ. This is a typical example of how discipleship can transform relationships. In Christ, we are one. The love of Christ breaks every barrier and hierarchical protocols.

In the Gospel of today, Jesus urges us to prioritise the call of the Gospel over every other form of consanguinity and affinity. The call of Jesus beckons on us all to be ready to make sacrifices by renouncing sin and detaching ourselves from the allurement of the things of this world.

Dearly beloved, discipleship is a life-long project. For anyone who places his hand on the plough and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God (Lk 9:62). True discipleship is not for the faint-hearted. To follow Jesus is not cheap. Christ paid a price as a ransom for sins. To follow Jesus is to make a fundamental option to choose him at all times. We do not choose him only when it is convenient, but we choose him because he is the way, the truth and the life. The cost of Discipleship is demanding, but it is also rewarding, for Jesus assures us that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.

Beloved, the question we need to ask today is clear:
Are you still choosing Christ above all else?
Are you tired of your cross? Do you carry your cross willingly, trusting in the grace of Christ?
Are we ready to let go of greed and all forms of selfish attachments in order to follow Jesus fully?

May Christ who has called us, empower us to embrace the Christian life that we have chosen. May Christ grant us the grace of perseverance as we carry our crosses and embrace the challenges of discipleship with fortitude and hope.

Fr. Michael Eihebhoria, C.Ss.R

31/08/2025

Wonderful Words of Life: Sunday, 31st of Aug., 2025. The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr C.
📜Sir. 3:17-20,25-29; Ps 65:4-10; Heb. 12: 18-19.22-24; Lk 14:1, 7-14

Theme: Humility; God's preference for the little people.

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 14:11)

We are invited this Sunday to reflect on the mother of all virtues, which is humility. The first reading from the collections of wise sayings from Sirach tells us that the higher one goes, the more he should be humble. In fact, it tells us many attractive things about humility; first, it brings God's favour on the individual. Second, it reveals secrets to the humble. Third, God is glorified in the humble. Fourth, humility endeared one to listen and pay attention to the word to God. Humility goes with simplicity and meekness of life.

Jesus, in the gospel, schooled his audience on the need to be humble at all times. He gave a parable as he noticed how people maneuvered to occupy places of honour at a banquet he was invited. Jesus said it is more honourable to be taken from a lower place in a banquet to a higher place than to be taken from a higher place to the lower place. Therefore, we need to be humble. Jesus equally gave an update on the guest list of people we should invite to our party and banquet. They include the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, those who are overlooked in a society that scramble for honuor.

Beloved, Jesus teaches us the wisdom of reversal as he keeps God's preference for the little people at the forefront of his teachings. Jesus was humble in everything that his life was an epitome of humility. He identified with the lowly and humble of hearts. When we are not humble, pride comes, and pride goes before a fall. When we are proud, we become boastful as if we have achieved what no one has achieved. When we are not humble, we look down on people, speak down on them, rely on our strengths, kick God out of our lives, and believe in the falsehood of ourselves. Those who are not humble stumble most times. Humility is the only virtue the devil can not practice. Humility does not mean we should live in shyness, mediocrity, or denial of God's blessings on us. When we are humble, we are available to serve, willing to support or assist the needy or poor, and we do not segregate. Humility makes us love as Jesus loves and serve as he served. Jesus meek and humble of heart make our hearts like unto yours.

Lord, we pray for the grace to be humble and live in love with those around us. Amen

Happy Sunday and a blessed week ahead.

Fr. Kevwe A. Unuajohwofia, C.Ss.R

24/08/2025

*TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR, C, (AUGUST 23, 2025)*

Readings: 1st: Is 66:18-21; Ps: 116:5-7. 11-12; 2nd: Heb 12:11-13; Gos: Lk 12:22-30

SALVATION IS FOR ALL AND NOT FOR AN EXCLUSIVE FEW PEOPLE

Salvation is a gift from God to all people irrespective of their tribe, race and color. St. Paul in his first letter to Timothy chapter 2:4 reminds us that it is the will of God that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. This verse gives us the key to the whole liturgy of today. It says that God does not will that salvation be the privilege of an exclusive few individuals. If God wills that all be saved, then salvation is a gift meant for all. And like every gift, the recipient must be ready to accept it. Unfortunately, not all is willing to accept this gift. But in his infinite mercy and compassion, God is still waiting for men and women of all nations to embrace this gift because the call to salvation is universal in character.

In the first reading, God says through the mouth of Isaiah that I am coming to gather nations of every language and they shall come and see my glory (Is 66:18). This message is sustained by our lord Jesus Christ in today’s gospel when he says that people will come from the east, from the west, from the north and south and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God in Lk 13:29. The Responsorial Psalm prompt us to our own role in all of this when the response tells us to go out into the whole world and proclaim the good news.

The second reading grounds us with the reality that this mission, though glorious is not without pain and struggle. This is why the second reading speaks of discipline. It might be painful but it trains us because without discipline no child grows into a responsible adult. Without discipline, no Christian matures into Holiness. We must be ready to walk the path of detachment and mortification.

In the Gospel reading of today, we see that this same mentality that salvation belongs to only our kind was alive in Jesus’ time. That is why someone asked him in today’s Gospel, “lord will only a few people be saved?” The real meaning of this question was, “will it be only us, the Israelites that will be saved?” Will heaven be our private inheritance? Jesus in his wisdom refuses to answer the question on their terms. He does not give statistics on who will enter or will not enter the kingdom of God. Instead, he redirects the question by saying, “try to enter through the narrow door.” In other words, salvation is not about speculation on who will or who will not make it to heaven. But about your own fidelity and decision for God. Do not waste your time counting heads of those who go to heaven but make sure that you yourself is not left outside.

Dearly beloved, do not be left out. Salvation is offered to all but not all will enter. The door is narrow but it is still open. The mountain to climb is steep but the spirit will strengthen us. The journey is long but Christ has walked it before. Today, God asks you one thing, will you strive, will you fight, will you lay aside your baggage, will you allow him to discipline you into becoming a true disciple? A true disciple is one is disciplined and unencumbered with a load of baggage as he follows the path laid down by his master.

May heavenly song, “praise the lord all you nations, acclaim him all you peoples, psalm 117” be always on our lips now and when the eternal liturgy begins. May the lord bless his words in our hearts in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy spirit. Amen

15/08/2025

10/08/2025

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR C

Wisdom 18:6-9
Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19
Luke 12:32-48

IS YOUR LAMP OF FAITH STILL BURNING?

The true test of a Christian’s fidelity to God lies in the grace of a persevering faith. The content of the teaching Office of the Church, the magisterium and the sacred tradition that we have today is a product of the unwavering faith of the Church Fathers.

The book of Hebrews tells us that faith is a journey. It is a journey of trust and oath-taking between God and those he called to be his chosen people. God called Abraham to set out for a country he has prepared for him, and he responded with a “leap of faith” without having any idea of his destination. The book of Hebrews will go further to show the unwavering faith of the descendants of Abraham. They lived by faith and died in faith despite the many trials and tribulations that came upon them.

Just like our Fathers in faith, their descendants and the saints all had their faith tested but were unwavering in their trust in God; our faith will be tested as well. Sometimes, we might experience pain, sickness, and even the death of a loved one, we should not lose heart. We should be steadfast in our commitment to God. Through the dark, stormy and cold moments, we should remain faithful to God.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to be faithful in their service to God because no one knows the hour that the Son of man will come. The words of Jesus are not meant to frighten us but to encourage us to walk the journey of faith loyally and consistently. In a world where strife, pain, and famine seem to be taking the forefront, people wonder if the hour has come?

Dearly beloved, let us not be too preoccupied with the thought of the imminent coming of the Son of man because he said he will come at a time when we least expect. We should rather focus on the daily opportunities given to us for revival and renewal in our spiritual life. It is my prayer that when the Son of man come in glory, may He find us working for his kingdom like the faithful servants described in the Gospel of today. Amen.

Fr. Michael Eihebhoria, C.Ss.R

03/08/2025

*EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)*

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23
Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Luke 12:13-21

*TRUE SECURITY LIES IN GOD AND HEAVEN IS OUR ULTIMATE TREASURE*

Every day, a Christian is faced with the reality of a passing world. A world awash with strife, pain, death and the reality of temperality. Yet, man is lost in the quest for wealth and status. In the midst of this vain quest, man gradually loses the consciousness of the reality of heaven. All indeed is vanity!

In the second reading, St. Paul tells us to live a life in Christ. A life that reflects the image of God where there is no tribal sentiments, class and racial differences. He tells us that if we strip ourselves from the attachment to the things of earth, we will be able to focus on the things of heaven.

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that a man's life is not made secure by what he posseses. The scripture says, "Whoever trusts his own wit is a fool, anyone whose ways are wise will be safe"(Prov 28:26). Most times, the undue quest for wealth brings along all kinds of ungodly behaviors like greed, avarice, bribery, manipulation, oppression, and stealing. Are these vices the kind of treasure a man claims to store up from his exploits? The Lord wants us to store up good works as treasures for the kingdom. This will grant us the true security that we desire.

In all, true security comes from the Lord and our treasure is heaven. The psalmist says, "Our help shall come from the Lord who made heaven and earth (Ps.121:2).

May the Lord grant us the grace to seek his kingdom and its righteousness. Amen.

Fr Michael Eihebhoria, C.Ss.R

27/07/2025

*SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, (YEAR C)*

Genesis 18:20-32
Colossians 2:12-14
LUKE 11:1-13

*PRAYER IS A LIFESTYLE AND THE SURE MEANS OF SALVATION*

How does one pray? Is there a set pattern of prayer? For some persons, prayer is a way of communing with God. For others, it is the raising of our hearts to God. We need to understand that prayer is a natural and spontaneous activity. Oftentimes, some people think that prayer is the exclusive reserve of their faith. It is not the case. Prayer cuts across all the various faith groups like Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, African Traditional Religion, and a host of others.

For Christians, prayer is central to our religion. It is the foundation on which our faith is built. St. Alphonsus, a model for a life of prayer wrote in one of his teachings on Prayer that "prayer is the necessary and sure means of obtaining salvation, and all the graces we need to attain it."

As Catholics, prayer should be a lifestyle. We should pray fervently and unceasingly. The disciples of Jesus saw something different about his life of prayer. They saw the intensity and consistency of his life of prayer. They saw his devotion to a life of prayer. They saw the need for solitude and personal prayer. In Mark 1:35, the scripture tells us how Jesus would leave for a lonely place to pray in the very early hours of the morning. His disciples knew that everyday he goes to draw strength from his Father in the early hours of the morning and they needed that strength too. So they asked him to teach them how to pray.

Beloved, let us strive to make prayer a lifestyle. Let us create a lasting relationship with God because he is "Our Father" and we are his adopted sons and daughters by baptism. Let us spend time with Him in prayer. When we spend enough time with Him in prayer; our hearts become one with Him and they create a kind of uniformity of wills. God's will becomes our will, when he wills and as he wills.

It is the will of God that all men be saved and come to share in his life of grace in his kingdom (Heb 10:9). May the Lord make haste to help us as we place all our hopes in Him. Amen.

*Fr Michael Eihebhoria, C.Ss.R.*

20/07/2025

*SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, (YEAR C)*

Readings: 1st: Gen 18, 1-10; Ps: 14, 2-5; 2nd: Col 1, 24-28; Gos: Lk 10, 38-42.

*BE CHARITABLE AND HOSPITABLE WITH YOUR TIME AND RESOURCES*

A central message connects the first reading with the Gospel. It is the message of "Charity and Hospitality." A true Christian must imbibe these virtues. The virtue of Charity is seen in action through hospitality. One of the basic christian values that should characterize a soul is the ability to be generous with your resources as well as with your time.

In the first reading, from the book of Genesis, the scripture describes how Abraham and Sarah were favored by God with the birth of a Son due to their hospitality to Angels who disguised as strangers.

St. Paul in his letter to the colossians expressed his fulfilled happiness for having suffered for the Church of Christ. He invites us to be charitable with our time and open our hearts and minds to accept the messages of the revealed mystery which is Christ Himself.

In the Gospel, we see a mix of charity and hospitality. On the one hand, we see how Martha displayed the traditional Jewish hospitality to Jesus by preparing him a meal. On the other, we see how Mary her sister was generous with her time as she spent it listening to Jesus.

Dear beloved, we need both the hospitality of Martha and the openness of Mary. We should strive earnestly to possess the zeal and hospitality of Martha in giving our time to people. At the same time, we should be ready to listen to people and make them feel welcomed like Mary.

In order to achieve a perfect mix of charity and hospitality, we need to open up our hearts and minds like St. Paul and Mary who desired nothing else, but to be at the feet of Christ who brings good news. In as much as charity and hospitality are sisters like Mary and Martha, our priority should be to sit at the Lord feet, hearing his word. The words of the Lord will guide us through the works that we do. Therefore, no matter how tight our schedule might be working for the Lord, it should never take away our time to listen to God daily through the scriptures. It should not take away the time to listen to our spouses, our children, friends and neighbors.

The Lord is always close to us more than we can imagine. Let us welcome him into our hearts like Martha welcomed him into her house. Let us cast away every distraction that causes anxiety and stress and cast ourselves and our challenges at the feet of him who brings good news into our lives. The only one thing that is needed is to abide in the Lord and he will abide in you. Amen.

Fr. Michael Eihebhoria, C.Ss.R

13/07/2025

*Wonderful Words of Life:* Sunday, 13th of July, 2025. The 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr C.
📜Deut. 30:10-14; Ps 69:13-36; Col. 1:15-20; Lk 10:25-37

Theme: Break boundaries and reach out to the other.

*“But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” (Lk 10:29)*

Today's readings bring us to the heart of a true religion. The first reading from Deuteronomy tells us that true religion involves obedience to the voice of God that invites us to love God with all our hearts, might, and strength. This law of God is not far away in heaven or beyond the sea, but very close to you, and it is in your heart. The law is within and doable. This is what guides our path to eternal life. What is eternal life? John 17:3 "And eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." To know God means to live and love as he does. A lawyer came to Jesus to ask him how to achieve eternal life.

Jesus decided to refer the lawyer to the law. What did the law say, lawyer? The lawyer answer was apt as he quoted Leviticus 19:18. The lawyer probe further and asked, "Who is my neighbour? This question set the pace for today's lessons. Jesus gave a story of three persons; priest, levite, and a Samaritan, who met someone that was half-dead beaten by criminals on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho. The priest and levite looked the other way in haste and did nothing, but the Samaritan had compassion and attended to the man and took the extra care to foot his hospital bills. Who is the man's neighbor? The one who cares for him. Jesus ended the gospel by telling the lawyer, "Go and do likewise." (Lk 10:37)

Beloved, who is my neighbour? A neighbour, according to the Jews is someone of the same race, religion, social class, and relative. But Jesus, in today's gospel, gives a radical definition of a neighbour. Anyone who is in need of help. Anyone created in the image and likeness of God. Anyone who needs our attention. Anyone we can access to show love and compassion. We must break away from inherited anger, quarrel, and hostility of our parents and family members to inherit eternal life of Christ. Eternal life means moving from your comfort zones and familiar grounds and showing love to God's creatures. We must learn to break boundaries and reach out to people whom we are not related to. We must learn not to look down on people. You may have your differences in religion, but that should not make us treat people less than who they are. If loving your neighbor means being disloyal to your tradition, then disloyalty itself becomes a virtue. We must treat people with compassion, love, care, dignity, and respect. We have to heal people's wounds and take them to the safe space of love and mercy.

Lord, by your grace, may we be available to our neighbours' needs and care for the vulnerable. Amen

Happy Sunday and a blessed week ahead.

Fr. Kevwe A. Unuajohwofia, C.Ss.R