Today's Liturgy with Fr Innocent

Today's Liturgy with Fr Innocent the instrument of peace

25/01/2026

THE GREAT LIGHT
This Sunday presents the light of God dispelling the darkness of our lives. All the readings point to the fact.

It is rare to see the message of any Sunday captured succinctly by the Responsorial Psalm.

The psalm is one of the Psalms attributed to David himself. He declared that 'The Lord is my Light '.

There is a lot to learn from the life of David. His early life was plunged in obscurity as he stood at the end of the line of more than a dozen sons! He didn't even get the last born's treatment.

But God has a way of picking people that everyone else would never have thought were eligible to be used by God. David was one of such people.

when Samuel came to the house of Jesse to pick someone to be king, David was the last person on his list. in fact when he saw the first born of Jesse, he was moved to anoint him. But God said, 'no! do not look at the appearance'. Everyone else looked more like a king than David.

David came from such a dark background that even his father Jesse did not prefer or tried to promote him.

It was only the light of God that revealed the intrinsic quality of David. Even though he lived in obscurity and mediocrity, the light of God revealed what God has already deposited in him - royalty. When David looked at his rise, he must have been moved to declare that 'The Lord is my light'.

This is a big lesson to all of us that when God chooses you, you don't need to promote yourself. You don't have to try to make a name, stage or platform for yourself or force yourself in; Or move in the right clique, connections or people to achieve his purpose. In fact, the things you look for have already been put there for you by God. All you need is the light of God to reveal it to you.

May the light of Christ illumine our hearts.

Happy Sunday to you
Revd Innocent Ikwu'oche Atama

11/01/2026

JOHN'S ROLE AND YOUR ROLE

A lot of people today are struggling with the person that they should be and what others expect of them. The negative outcome is that if you get into a position that is not meant for you it will either destroy you or you will destroy that position. Ecclesiastical jurisprudence holds that if you attempt to fulfill a role greater than you, then you are not supposed to occupy the office that you occupy.

God has a role for each one to play and has fashioned each person to fulfill that role.

The problem is that sometimes we feel we are running out of time. As a result, there is anxiety, fear and pressure. People handle this pressure in different ways: some try to be what they are not. In doing this, you try to s***f out everybody around you who is becoming what you wish you were.

Envy, jealousy, depression, anger, transfer of aggression, drinking all fall into place because we are not progressing as we should. Worse still, there is no time.

John, in this Sunday's gospel's reading, was also running out of time. and pressure was mounted on him by those who came to him for him to declare who he was.

Here is someone who is younger than John; whose ministry began far later than John's; who seem to be socializing and enjoying life while John's life was of a more austere and puritan nature. At this point, he could have uttered a critical statement about Jesus - calling him out or dragging him or even passing negative comments in style to denigrate his ministry. But John conquered himself by speaking well of his competitor. His humility became a participation in the plan of God enfolding in the proclamation of Jesus the Savior of the world. A lot of us have become hinderances in the plans and purposes of God because we lack the humility to accept God's blessings and favours on other people's lives.

God does not do one course. That people are blessed does not mean that God does not have other role for you to play.

Also, not having the primary role does not imply that you cannot make an impact in the role that you fulfill. You can still stun your beauty as the chief bridesmaid (even if you are not the bride!). It is even better to be an excellent Sergeant than to be a terrible General.

Try and be in church this Sunday as God blesses his people.

Happy Sunday from
Revd Innocent Ikwu'oche Atama

04/01/2026

THE MANIFESTATION OF THE ROYALS

This Sunday is known as Epiphany (Greek word for 'manifestations'). Manifestation, according to the Advanced Learners' dictionary, is to 'show clearly'.

The narration is about three groups of Kings. The first set of Kings are three who came from the East by the guidance of a star, the second is a mediocre King who remains in his territory and because he isn't moving, he has the draining job of protecting his reputation and throne. The third King is both the destination of the star and the star and the eternal king unfolding more glaring in the eyes of men.

Like the first Kings, we all journey towards Jesus, our guilding light. Not by popular opinion, not by our desires, ego or wants, not by our battles and struggles. But following yonder star.

These three kings decided to bond with their fellow king not knowing that he was of a different calling, purpose and approach. It is not good for a man to be alone but some social connections drain the star in your life. Choose your friends carefully. Some friends are not really propellers. They rather slow you.

Many Christians have lost their faith in God because of their need to relate and bond. Not every successful and popular person is good and upright. So many narcissists are in power today who manipulate and control narratives about themselves that what you hear is always not what is the case.

Herod is the type of those kings who keep the form of religion but deny its power. So many Herods are heading nations, societies and institutions today. Even churches today are being headed by many narcissists whose only administrative policies are to avoid scandals and manipulate the system so that only sycophants can be heard and seen.

Herod is a shrewd gossip who wouldn't consult his books and experts until he had gossiped with his clique first. He is ready to kill to maintain his position and massage his ego. Many of us have become Herods who are living in past glories and wouldn't tolerate any younger person to break that record. Most Nigerian politicians do exactly that and unfortunately, men of God are falling into this too.

The three kings came to the place where baby Jesus was laid. There and then, they realized that they should not have sought Herod's help in the first place.

I pray this Sunday that God should filter those who give us counsel. May we not fall to Herod. May we also not become Herods seeking to protect our past glories without making any effort to move forward and dealing with people who challenge us.

I wish you on this very first Sunday of the year a Very rewarding year that will manifest all the blessings and gifts of God in you even when people try to hold you down.

Happy New Year, Happy New Month
Happy Sunday
And happy new You

From Revd Fr Innocent Ikwu'oche Michael Echetehe Atama

21/12/2025

Unpacking Matthew 1:18-24

The story of Joseph’s is often reduced to a mere footnote but it shows insights into the nature of righteousness, justice, and mercy.

When faced with Mary’s unexplained pregnancy, Joseph planned to “divorce her quietly” (Matthew 1:19) for the sake of justice. This reveals to us a complex interplay of law, culture, and character.

In the Jewish society of this time, an unmarried girl’s pregnancy was a grave scandal, often assumed to be the result of lust and fornication. It was a capital offense (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). It isnt far from our contemporary society except for the capital punishment. If there is a sexual scandal today, even men and women of God indulge in the gossip.

Joseph, a “righteous man” (Matthew 1:19), was legally entitled to expose Mary publicly, seeking justice that could have led to her stoning. Or at least, get his compensation. Yet he chose otherwise.

Joseph’s decision to “divorce her quietly” shows a nuanced understanding of _hesed_ (loving-kindness) over strict legalism. He prioritized mercy over public vindication, opting to spare Mary the trauma of shame and possible death. This act of grace was not weakness but anticipating God’s own _hesed_ in Christ.

Let's take a practical example of the example of the trending story of a particular pastor and his Doris: apply the Joseph's attitude and see how much sacrifice Joseph made.

Nowadays we seek to drag even priests and bishops for their seeming mistakes and misgivings.

True righteousness often demands we choose compassion over the urge to “set the record straight.” Jesus later taught this in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38-42).

Joseph’s decision to shield Mary’s dignity teaches us how we should approach other people’s mistakes, vulnerabilities and weaknesses.

An angel later revealed in Matthew 1:20-21 that God’s justice transcends human schemes. Sometimes, the highest justice is trusting God to vindicate.
God’s justice is not about retribution but reconciliation (Romans 3:26).

What “pregnancies” are you facing?
Are there situations where you’re tempted to seek “justice” at the cost of someone’s inner peace and joy?

Righteousness isn’t about winning arguments; it’s about reflecting God’s heart.

Next time that someone has hurt you so bad, seek healing and mutual growth over compensation and vindictiveness.
I wish you a refreshing worship and a joyous yuletide.

_And don't forget to go easy on the eating and drinking; it is Jesus's birthday not yours!_

Revd Innocent Ikwu'oche Atama

07/12/2025

HERE OUR GOD COMES

Otukpo Catholic Diocese remembers Bishop Orgah on his 25th anniversary of his death. He is remembered for many things. But what was so intriguing to me was his question, 'what have you done to qualify you for breakfast?'

Everyone needs help and gifts (probably because it is free). But nothing is free even in Freetown!

Even to receive grace, we must be prepared and positioned to receive. Our God will come again to help us but the condition is to be positioned to receive.

Imagine a scorching desert landscape, with the sun beating down relentlessly. The air is thick with the smell of sand and dust. In the distance, the sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds can be heard.

This reminds us of Genesis 3:1ff where God visited Adam and Eve.

It's been 400 years since the last prophet, man Malachi, spoke to the people of Israel. Since then, there has been a deafening silence. The people have been waiting, longing for a word from God.

And then, suddenly, a figure emerges from the wilderness. His name is John, and he's been living in the desert, eating locusts and honey, and wearing a cloak made of camel's hair.

John's message is simple yet profound: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!" (Matthew 3:2). He calls the people to turn away from their sins, to be baptized in the Jordan River, and to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Messiah.

one day, Jesus appears on the scene. he's come to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.
Here our God comes to save us

It is God's love that makes him intervene in the difficult situations of his children to give them hope, peace and patience.

However, to receive this subsidy, we must also prepare a road fit for our God who comes

At Christmas, our God comes with help for our difficulties. But we must be prepared and positioned to receive by convicting ourselves of our sins and turning from them. Then our God will come.

As you go to church to worship, repent of those sins and prepare to receive him when he comes.

Happy Sunday
From Revd Innocent Atama

30/11/2025

THE END FROM THE BEGINNING

In our major seminary days, a lot us were in the choir including Revd Fr Francis Atama PhD and a lot of other colleagues. We were preparing for the Christmas Carol pageant and we put in a lot of preparations and rehearsals to make a very captivating outing.

When all the work was completed, we remembered that we hadn't gotten a marching in song. We got a popular gospel acclamation (Gospel bells). Fr Victor Jamahh did a wonderful harmony and it became so beautiful and still hits the mark each time. Choresters were heard rendering this beautiful harmony.

On the day of the presentation, as we matched in, Gospel bells was so powerful that the audience stood up in appraisal and awe at such magnificence of beautiful music by an all male choir. By the time we reached the podium to sing, the worshippers clapped for a long time with the spirit of expectation.

When the hysteria had died down, we got down to business proper. I hate to remember what happened next. The experience was so disgraceful. The choir was as if we were disconcordant frogs croaking in a funeral home. Some choristers scampered through the side doors. The few brave ones still marched painfully to the back in humiliation and shame. As soon as we exited the hall, Fr Francis just passed a comment that I will never forget! He said, ' _if you had gone up the way you came down, you would have come down the way you went up!"_ (Please read it carefully again)

This Sunday marks a new begining of another liturgical year in the catholic church - the first Sunday of Advent. Ironically, the readings are talking about the end from the very beginning. Isn't that confusing?

The Gospel of this Sunday from
Matthew tells us to prepare for the end by being vigilant and ready. He says, "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life" (Mathew). In Nigeria, we know how easy it is to get distracted by the worries of this life. We worry about fuel scarcity, inflation, genocide, Trump's invasion and political instability. But Jesus is telling us to focus on what really matters - our relationship with Him.

Not to derail in our purpose, As we begin this Advent journey, we must keep in permanent view that Jesus is coming soon at an unknown time. Let us prepare our hearts and minds to receive Him. When we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail. There is no last hour crashing.

If we always remember how the end will be from the beginning, we will end with joy.

For if we go up the way we were to come down, we will come down the way we were to go up

Happy advent preparations and a refreshing Sunday

Revd Innocent Ikwuoche Atama

23/11/2025

A KING IN NiGERIA?
A king is a male ruler of any independent state. The gender is inconsequential to this discussion. what is important is that a king has absolute power and supremacy over his subjects and dictates even matters that seems to be irrelevant to that absolute supreme power.

What we have now are (often) three frontiers of government: the legislature, the judiciary and the executive. governance is broken down into these three.

This morning, many preachers in Nigeria will find it very hard to teach about the kingship of Christ because it has become obvious that most Nigerian Christians don't see patriotism as a virtue. We are ready to blame the government for every thing that goes wrong even for moral decisions taken by individuals and whoever becomes patriotic is automatically seen as an enemy. Of course, they seem to have legitimate reasons for this. How can you explain kingship to minds whose patriotism and obedience is conditional? How can such persons be trained or convinced to submit to a government with absolute power that even in the midst of difficulty and pain , loyalty and patriotism is still required

Accepting the kingship of Christ is a very challenging thing. It means that our manner of speaking, Our mood of dressing, our choice of food and drinks, our moral decisions, our economic struggles, our political adventures, our social parochialism and our ethnic profiling are all going to be dictated by the laws of Christ alone and also unconditionally!

Coincidentally, the Catholic Bishops conference of Nigeria has agreed that the Eucharistic procession of Corpus Christi be transferred to this day and we will use the occasion to tell the world that Christ is our king, we are his subjects and that our loyalty is total and our patriotism is sure.

I wish you a safe and grace filled Christ the King Sunday

Fr Innocent

15/11/2025

THE DANGEROUS END

Everything has an expiry date. When you look at the glamour of the most beautiful, the sanctity of the holiest and the strength of the strongest, it will surely come to its end.

The old , weak, fragile and even fearful old woman was once a very curvy, succulent, beautiful and attractive girl!

What seems to elude us is that fact that everyone and everything will surely come to an end, no matter how costly or beautiful. This is what Jesus points out in this sunday's Gospel. Even the power of position and the privilege of leadership will end and anyone who is not preparing for the end, is preparing to end.

Unfortunately, the devil is also aware that the end is very important! That is why the fiercest battle takes place at the end. Haven't you noticed the commotion and confusion when someone is about to die? Or when the final interment is about to take place? The final step is often the toughest and the labour of child birth is more painful than the nine months of continuous discomfort.

The only thing that sustain and last through is endurance. Every Christian ought to build his or her stamina to endure pains, difficulty and setbacks. It is only our endure that will win us our live at the end.

I wish you a happy Sunday

Fr Innocent

10/11/2025

THE DIDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA

1. The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome. It is the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome - the Pope. It ranks first among Rome's four Major Basilicas - St. Peter's Basilica, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

2. At its initial consecration in 324, Pope Sylvester I dedicated it to the Most Holy Saviour. In the 9th and 12th centuries, Popes Sergius III and Lucius II added John the Baptist and St John the evangelist to its title, respectively.

3. The feast of its dedication commemorates the journey of God's people and His divine and faithful care. The vision of the prophet Ezekiel in the first reading embeds the baptismal washing of the faithful, by which our hearts are turned toward the east for the rising Sun of the resurrection.

4. The gospel reminds us that while our human flesh desires marriage and biological reproduction, the resurrection frees us from marriage. Marrying seven husbands could fail to produce children, but the Spirit dwelling in our hearts does not fail to multiply holiness and inspire commitment to God's will.

5. Let us pray, on this feast of the didication of the Lateran Basilica, that God, who has been pleased to call His Church the Bride, may grant that the people who serve His name may revere Him, love Him and follow Him, and may they be led by Him to attain His promises in heaven.

26/10/2025

*As the subject becomes the Object*

The parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee is full of several ironies and twists.

The way the Pharisees are presented in the Gospels wasn't exactly how the Jews of JESUS's time saw them.

They were regarded as Sacred elders sworn to uphold the religion and laws of the Jews. They were the elites and custodians of the religious practices and teachings.

Here is presented a religious leader who actually practiced what he preached. He kept the law. He wasn't lying!

His error was the negative comparison. Firstly, 'I' dominated his prayer (at least 5 times). He became the subject of the prayer! This was not supposed to be just a prayer. A Jew could prayer on the roof of his house, mountain tops, desert or open space . But to go to the temple or even a synagogue is for the purpose of worship. In worship, God is the Subject. The worshipper is the Object in the accusative as the tax collector.

Many Christians today have become the subject of worship. They want to determine how they worship. Too many 'i' condition their worship! "I don't tolerate long preaching!" 'the choir is too dull!" "I don't have clothes to wear so I can go to church"

So many only go to church not to worship God but to celebrate an event or honour self or another. They draw strength from condemning other people and showcasing those people's faults.

A lot of these religious people go home who are not at peace with God or justified by him. A true Christian is humble enough to admit his or her own blames and faults.

When you go to church this Sunday, make sure that God is the subject so that you come back home at right with God and enjoy his peace

Happy Sunday from
Revd Innocent Ikwu'oche

18/10/2025

Fear God and regard Men

Although our focus this Sunday should be persistence in prayer, a little confusion in the parable brings out a lot to learn.

Why would the judge's no-nonsense stance not take the pride of place?

The objectivity and rigidity of the law applies to the administration of justice and not to the attitude of the judge. Every principle requires strict adherence but we must always remember that we deal with human beings and not machines. Anyone who fails to look at the application of administration without the milk of human kindness is a narcissist. We have a lot of these narcissists in our society today who pride themselves that they don't fear God or regard men.

But God always has their match. Normally, it's someone who don't seem capable or able.

Finally and most important, We must remember that persistence guarantees results.

I pray that every new day brings it's new opportunity.

Happy Sunday from Fr Innocent

Address

Otukpo

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 13:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 13:00
Thursday 09:00 - 13:15
Friday 09:00 - 12:00

Telephone

+2348108564066

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Today's Liturgy with Fr Innocent posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category