Feast dem and Solemnity dem

All di 4 volume dem dey available as paperback & eBook!

The Glory of the Transfiguration

Feast of di Transfiguration of di Lord, August 6

Then Peter answer Jesus say, “Rabbi, e good say we dey here! Make we build three tents: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” E hardly know wetin e go talk, because fear catch dem well-well. Then one cloud come cover dem with im shadow; one voice come from inside di cloud say, “Dis na My beloved Son. Make una listen to Am.” Mark 9:5–7

Just before di Transfiguration, Jesus begin show Im disciples say E go suffer well-well, di elders go reject Am, dem go kill Am, and E go rise again on di third day. Dis one make di disciples fear well-well as dem struggle to understand dis revelation from our Lord wey trouble their mind. And even though Jesus stand firm with dem and even rebuke Peter because of im fear, Jesus still give three of Im disciples one very precious gift.

After plenty travelling, preaching, miracles and private talks with di Twelve about Im Passion, Jesus invite Peter, James and John make dem follow Am climb one high mountain to pray. E very likely say dese disciples no know wetin dem go soon experience. As dem dey make di hard journey wey tire person, dem go don dey think, no be only about di mighty things wey Jesus do for di past months, but also about wetin E talk concerning di suffering wey dey come. As dem dey struggle with dis matter, something happen wey surprise dem well-well: Jesus “change for their front, and Im clothes come dey shine pure white.” Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear for their front, as representatives of di Law and di prophets. Dese two people from di Old Testament appear as one way to tell dese disciples say everything wey Jesus dey tell dem must happen, so that all wetin dem don foretell about Am since long ago go come true. Maybe Jesus think say if Im disciples no go listen to Am fully, to see Moses and Elijah go help dem. But Jesus even go further. Di Voice of di Father Himself sound like thunder and talk say, “Dis na My beloved Son. Make una listen to Am.” So, if dese disciples no go finally listen to Jesus alone, or if even Moses and Elijah no fit convince dem, then di last hope na di Father Himself. And Jesus give dem dis kind grace.

Di Transfiguration na true act of mercy. Dese disciples never see anything like am before. But e very likely say na dis act of mercy finally help dem accept di hard truth wey Jesus dey try teach dem about Im suffering and death wey dey come. If di Father for Heaven Himself give witness about Jesus, then dem fit trust everything wey Jesus don talk.

As we dey read di Gospels and di many teachings wey God don give us through di Church, think whether some teachings dey wey you dey struggle to accept? Or for your own personal life, some things dey wey you know say God want make you do, but you dey find am hard to accept? When confusion enter, e mean say we no dey listen, we no dey fully hear wetin God dey tell us, or we no dey understand. And even though we no go see di Lord for Im Transfiguration with our eyes or hear di Voice of di Father with our ears as dese three disciples do, we must choose to believe everything wey God don talk, as if na di Lord for Im Transfiguration, together with Moses and Elijah, and di Father Himself dey speak clearly and directly to us. “Dis na My beloved Son. Make una listen to Am.” No be only for di good of di disciples dem talk those words; dem still dey talk dem to us.

Today, reflect on dis powerful experience wey our Lord give dese disciples. Try put yourself for di scene, so that you go witness Jesus as E change and show Im glory for di most glorious way, with Moses and Elijah and di Voice of di Father wey sound like thunder. Allow di Father to speak to you too, as E dey tell you say everything wey E don talk through di Scriptures, di Church and inside your own conscience na true. Allow dis revelation to convince you deep inside your heart, so that you no go only acknowledge say Jesus na God, but you go also “Listen to Am” for every way.

My Lord wey Your appearance change for the Transfiguration, Your glory pass wetin anybody fit imagine, and You show Your disciples small part of this glory to help them trust You more fully. Make I too trust You more completely, as I know say everything wey You don tell me na true. Abeg, remove every doubt and fear for my life, so that nothing go stop me from accepting Your holy will with all my heart. Jesus, na You I trust.

To Lose Everything and Gain More

Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, August 10

Anybody wey love im life go lose am, and anybody wey hate im life for dis world go keep am for eternal life. John 12:25

Dis na one of di many powerful things wey Jesus talk, wey fit even shock person. Similar thing wey Jesus talk dey inside all four Gospels. For dis account wey John write, e use di words “love” and “hate.” If we love our life, we go lose am, but if we hate our life, we go preserve am. When person first read am, e fit think say dem mistakenly exchange di place of di words “love” and “hate.” Person fit conclude say wetin Jesus mean to talk na, “Anybody wey hate im life go lose am” and “anybody wey love im life go preserve am.” But no be wetin He talk be dat. Wetin He actually talk na di opposite.

We must understand say dem no use di words “love” and “hate” here di way we normally dey use dem. For dis passage, Jesus dey use di word “love” to mean selfishness or to dey think only about yourself. And He dey use di word “hate” to mean to no dey seek only your own good, or to give yourself as sacrifice for others. In other words, anybody wey dey selfish for life go lose everything for di end, but di person wey truly no dey seek only im own good and dey give imself for others go gain everything for di end.

Dis deep teaching of our Lord hard to understand without di gift of grace. Our human reasoning alone fit struggle to accept say to live without seeking only our own good na good thing. With human reasoning, e easy to conclude say e far better to put ourselves above everybody. Di human mind fit conclude say na to get wealth, high position, power and everybody respect go bring happiness and di “good life.” But dis kind selfish life wey person dey think only about imself, even though e fit attract us as human beings, na actually di road to lose everything wey truly good. But na only when we allow God grace to guide our human reasoning we go conclude say to live for others instead of only ourselves na di best thing. To no dey seek only our own good mean say we dey always look for wetin go benefit di other person. E mean say we no dey sit down dey think only about ourselves. E mean say we give ourselves completely to serve God and our neighbour, no matter wetin e go cost us. We must give everything as we dey serve and love God, and na only through dis way God dey give us back more than anything we fit ever hope for.

Saint Lawrence, wey we dey honour today, na deacon and martyr for di third century. Dis great saint truly give up everything, even im own life, so e fit tell God “Yes.” As deacon for di Cathedral Church for Rome, dem give am di work to share alms among poor people wey dey in need. For August of di year 258, di Emperor issue decree say dem must kill all clergy. After dem kill di pope, dem come for Lawrence and, before dem kill am, dem ask am to hand over all di riches of di Church. E ask for three days to gather those treasures, and during those three days, e share everything wey e fit share give di poor. Then, for di third day, e present imself before di prefect. No be di material wealth of di Church e carry come, but na di true wealth. E bring poor people, people wey no fit walk well, blind people and people wey dey suffer, and e declare say di Church truly rich and say di people wey dey with am na di true treasures of di Church. Di prefect vex and sentence Lawrence to death by fire, and Lawrence freely accept am.

Today, reflect on di high Christian calling wey you don receive: to live life wey you no dey seek only your own good, but dey give yourself for others completely for every way. If you notice say na yourself you dey think about most times, try change dat habit. Turn your eyes to God and to how you go serve others. Try care more about di needs of people around you than your own concerns. Do am because na wetin Jesus dey call us to do be dis, and if He dey call us to dis kind life wey we no dey seek only our own good, then we must know and believe say e worth am for di end.

My Lord wey offer Yourself as sacrifice, You give Your precious life for everybody out of love. As You give Your whole life without holding anything back, You bring salvation to those wey go accept this glorious gift. Help me no be only to open myself to this gift wey You give freely, but also to imitate Your life wey no seek Your own gain, by giving myself to serve You and other people. Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr, pray for us. Jesus, na You I trust.

Di Assumption of di Mama of God

Solemnity of di Assumption of di Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15

“My soul dey proclaim di greatness of di Lord; my spirit dey rejoice in God my Saviour because He don look with favour on His humble servant. From today, all generations go call me blessed: di Almighty don do great things for me, and His Name holy.” Luke 1:46–49

Today we dey celebrate one of di seventeen different memorials, feasts and solemnities wey dey for di Roman Liturgical Calendar to honour di Blessed Virgin Mary. Today celebration na one of di four great Solemnities wey we dey use honour our Blessed Mother. E clear say, apart from our Lord, no other person dey receive di kind solemn honour and celebration wey di Mama of God dey receive.

Nnukwu Emume Assumption dey honour the truth say, when Blessed Virgin Mary finish her life for this earth, God take her body and soul enter Heaven to dey with her Son wey don rise from death, so that she go dey adore the Most Holy Trinity forever. Na wonderful truth to think about say her body and soul still dey together as one for Heaven, as she dey wait for that glorious day when God go create new Heavens and Earth, and when all the faithful go rise to live forever with God for new bodily form.

Even though the faithful don hold and believe this dogma of our faith from the earliest days of our Church, especially as those wey dey closest to our Blessed Mother witness her glorious Assumption, na only for November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII solemnly proclaim am as truth. He raise this teaching of our faith to the level of dogma, wey mean say everybody must hold and believe am. Part of wetin the Holy Father declare na: “…we pronounce, declare, and define am as dogma wey God reveal: say the Immaculate Mother of God, Mary wey remain Virgin always, after she complete her life for this earth, God take her body and soul enter the glory of Heaven.”

The Gospel passage wey dem quote above come from the beginning of Mary song of praise, her Magnificat. Through this song, she no only give God the greatest glory, but she still reveal who she be. Na she be the one wey “all generations” go call “blessed.” Na for her “the Almighty don do great things.” Na she go proclaim “the greatness of the Lord” for all eternity, and her spirit go rejoice forever in God her Saviour. And na she be that lowliest servant wey God don raise to the greatest glory.

Today, join the whole Church think deeply about the Most Glorious Mary wey remain Virgin always, wey dem conceive without sin, wey remain without sin throughout her life, and wey God take her body and soul enter Heaven. There, she dey adore the Most Holy Trinity now and dey intercede for you and for the whole Church. This na Nnukwu Emume of great joy! Share this joy with the whole Church and with all the saints for Heaven!

Mary, wey get glory pass all and wey remain Virgin forever, today I dey rejoice with you and with the whole Church because of the glorious things wey God don do for you. Your beauty pass every beauty, you dey Immaculate for every way, and you deserve our deepest love. As you dey now share for the glory of Heaven with your body and soul, abeg pray for me and for all your dear children for earth. Cover us with your mantle of love and always pour God mercy upon us. Mother Mary, wey God don take go Heaven, pray for us wey dey turn to you for help. Jesus, na You I trust.

Bartholomew Faith

Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle, August 24

Philip find Nathanael and tell am, “We don find the person wey Moses write about for the law, and wey the prophets too write about: Jesus, Joseph son, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael tell am, “Anything good fit come from Nazareth?” Philip tell am, “Come and see.” John 1:45–46

Nathanael, wey dem still dey call Bartholomew, react strongly to the news wey his friend Philip bring say dem don find the Messiah wey God promise. Why Nathanael react like this? Most likely, na because the Jews generally know say the Messiah wey God promise go come from Bethlehem, no be Nazareth. So Nathanael raise this doubt at once because of where he think say Jesus come from. Of course, na Bethlehem dem really born Jesus, and na later He move go Nazareth, but Nathanael no know this at once.

The first lesson to think deeply about today na say, just like Nathanael, we fit easily doubt matters of faith because we no fully understand. Maybe if Philip come talk say dem born Jesus for Bethlehem but na Nazareth He grow up, Nathanael for dey more open from the start. But most likely, this meeting happen as e happen, with Nathanael doubt at first, because the Holy Spirit, wey inspire these Scriptures, want make we learn one important lesson. The lesson we must learn na say we must no shut the door against the Truth just because we no understand something at once. Doubts no dey ever come from God. The good news for this Gospel passage na say, even though Nathanael express some doubt at once, he still remain open to wetin Philip dey talk. As Philip answer this doubt, he talk the best thing wey he fit talk. He say, “Come and see.”

Wetin dey confuse you about your life or about the many truths of our faith? If anything dey wey you dey struggle with like this, then listen to Philip words and accept them as words wey dem dey tell you: “Come and see.”

As soon as Philip bring Nathanael come meet Jesus, Nathanael quickly profess his full faith in Jesus as the “Son of God” and the “King of Israel.” Jesus no talk much to Nathanael to convince am about these truths. Jesus simply tell Nathanael say He don see am as he dey sit under the fig tree, and say He know say Nathanael na man wey no get deceit. To no get deceit mean say you no be person wey get two faces; instead, you dey very honest and straightforward. Na only the gift of grace wey dey work inside Nathanael soul fit make am recognise Jesus greatness at once. He come see Jesus and believe through the gift of faith wey dey work inside am.

Wetin Nathanael teach us be say, if we carry wetin dey confuse us come meet our Lord with faith and open heart, everything go clear. The temptation to doubt go comot from us, and we go fit get faith wey pass wetin human sense alone fit understand by far.

Today, think deeply about how Nathanael heart dey sincere and open. Carry any question and every question wey you get come meet our Lord, with the expectation say you go receive wetin you need. Faith no dey usually come through arguments wey fit convince person or detailed reasoning wey dey draw conclusion step by step. Normally, e dey come when person open im heart with purity and simplicity to God Voice wey dey speak inside our soul. But when God give person the gift of faith, e dey bring holy certainty wey doubt no fit shake.

My Lord wey love me, You dey invite all of us make we come to You, see You and get faith in You. Truly, na You be the Son of God and the King of all. Abeg open my mind to everything wey You wan tell me, so that I go fit leave my doubts behind and get faith wey go change my life for everything. Jesus, na You I trust.

To Remain Faithful Inside Suffering

Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist, August 29

Na Herod order make dem arrest John the Baptist and chain am for prison because of Herodias, the wife of im brother Philip, wey e don marry. John don tell Herod say, “E no lawful for you to take your brother wife.” Herodias keep malice for am and want kill am, but e no fit do am. Mark 6:17–19

The suffering and death of Saint John the Baptist resemble the suffering and death of Jesus well-well. Dem be cousins. John dey among the first people wey recognise say our Lord, wey be God, dey present, when e jump for joy inside im mama womb during Mary Visitation to Elizabeth. John live holy and simple life, and e accept im mission to prepare the way for the Lord with all im heart. Na im be the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets. Jesus talk about am say no person wey woman born great pass John. Because of these things, e no suppose surprise us at all say John suffering and death resemble and point ahead to the death of the Saviour of the World.

Herod dey fear John, because e believe say John na holy man of God. E put am for prison with some regret, as e know say John no get guilt. Na so too, before Pilate condemn Jesus to death, e find say Jesus no commit any crime. Pilate know say Jesus no get guilt, but e allow fear direct im choice to condemn our Lord.

For the end, na because of the hatred and evil plans of Herodias, the woman wey Herod marry against the law, dem kill John. Na Herodias anger turn weapon wey force Herod to put John to death. Na so too, na the jealousy and anger of the religious leaders for that time stir up and push the killing of Jesus. At first, Pilate, like Herod, no want condemn our Lord. But the hatred of the scribes and Pharisees wey no dey stop force Pilate to condemn Jesus, just as na Herodias hatred force Herod to kill John.

After John die, some of im disciples come carry im body go bury. Herod allow dem, maybe because e feel guilty. Na so too for our Lord: Pilate allow some disciples and the holy women carry Jesus dead body go the tomb to bury am.

For the end, the good fruit wey Jesus death produce far, far pass the crime wey dem commit against Am, beyond any measure. Na so too with John. We fit dey certain say, as a martyr, the blood wey e shed to bear witness to Christ produce spiritual fruit wey pass everything wey e don do for im public ministry.

God dey call each of us to follow our Lord example, so we suppose also draw inspiration from Saint John the Baptist. The two of dem no get guilt, but dem suffer well-well. The two of dem talk the truth, even though some people hate dem. The two of dem give their lives according to the Father plan. Jesus na John Saviour; John na only the person wey come before our Lord to prepare His way, and His servant.

Today, think deeply about how God don invite you to follow John the Baptist example by joining yourself to im Lord. The first way to follow im example na when you commit yourself to proclaim the truth according to your mission. Which mission God don give you? How E dey call you to proclaim the Gospel with courage, strength, determination and faithfulness reach the end? Think deeply too about the injustice wey dem first do John, and later do our Lord. As you dey do so, try use the lives of John and Jesus to understand any injustice wey you don suffer for life. Dem no run from injustice. Dem accept am as sacrifice and offer am to the Father for Heaven. Jesus Sacrifice bring Salvation to the World; John own na only a share for that glorious offering. Make your own offering together with dem, and no hesitate to do am with deep love and trust for the Father plan.

Lord wey get glory pass all, You invite Saint John the Baptist make e prepare di way for Your coming and Your death. E give im life as martyr, and dis sacrifice produce plenty good fruit. Abeg, give me di grace to follow im footsteps, make I faithfully carry out my mission for life with courage and strength. Make I no ever shake when injustice face me, so dat I fit accept am and make am my spiritual offering to You. Jesus, na You I trust.

Di Birth of di Mother of God

Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, September 8

“Joseph, son of David, no fear to take Mary your wife enter your house. Na through di Holy Spirit dis pikin take begin life inside her belle. She go born one son, and you go name am Jesus, because na im go save im people from dia sins.” Matthew 1:20–21

Today we dey celebrate one of di birthdays wey don get di greatest effect for di history of di world! Truly, di only birthday wey important pass dis one na di birthday of our divine Lord Himself. But today, we dey honour His mother, wey be our mother too.

Dem born di Blessed Virgin Mary enter our world without di stain of original sin. Through di gift of her Immaculate Conception, God protect her make she no experience human nature wey di Fall don damage. So, na she be di first person wey dem born with perfect human nature after di Fall, and she continue to experience dis grace all through her life, as she dey freely choose to respond to God for every step of di way.

All of us dey enjoy to celebrate our birthdays. Children especially love am, but almost everybody dey look forward to dat special day every year when family and friends go honour dem and celebrate dem for special way. For dat reason, we fit dey sure say even our Blessed Mother love her birthday when she dey here for earth, and she still dey enjoy dis special celebration for Heaven. Of course, no be because she want make dem pamper her or give her special attention make she enjoy her birthday. Apart from her divine Son, she perhaps rejoice on her birthday pass anybody else, because of di deep gratitude wey she get for God inside her soul for everything wey E do for her life.

Try reflect on di heart and soul of our Blessed Mother from di way she herself see dem. She go don dey closely united with each Person of di Most Holy Trinity all through her life. She go don know God wey dey live inside her soul, and she go don dey full of wonder and reverence for wetin God don do for her. She go don reflect on dese graces with deep humility and gratitude wey no be small. She go don see her soul and mission from di way God see dem, as she dey fully aware of everything wey E don do for her.

As we dey honour di birthday of our Blessed Mother, e still be important opportunity for each of us to reflect on di wonderful blessings wey God don give each one of us. No, we no dey Immaculate as Mother Mary be. Dem born each of us with original sin, and we don commit sin throughout our lives. But di blessings of grace wey God give each one of us dey very real indeed. We only need to work so dat we go get eyes to see dese graces. Baptism, for example, dey bring change wey go last forever to di soul. Even though our sin fit sometimes cover dat change like cloud, di change go last forever. Our souls don change. God don make us new. E pour grace inside our hearts, and we become children of God. And for di soul wey fit see di countless other ways wey God dey give blessings, gratitude na di only response wey fit am.

Today, reflect on di glorious celebration of di birthday of di Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Start by trying to rejoice in her life from di way she herself see am. Try imagine wetin she see as she look inside her own soul wey full of grace. From there, try rejoice in your own soul too. Thank God for everything wey E don do for you. Work so dat you go get eyes wey dey see dese countless graces, and allow yourself to rejoice for God’s blessings together with our Blessed Mother.

My Mother wey I love so much, happy birthday! Today I dey rejoice for di wonderful gift wey God give you for your Immaculate Conception and your birth into our world. I pray make I honour you as e suppose be today, and especially make I understand more clearly di beauty of your soul wey grace fill. Pray for me make I too rejoice for di graces wey nobody fit count, wey our merciful God don give me. I love you, my dear Mother. Jesus wey dear to me, through di heart of di Blessed Virgin Mary, na You I trust!

The Power of the Cross Wey Dey Bring Change

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 14

Because God love the world so much, E give Im only Son, so that everybody wey believe in Am no go perish, but go get eternal life. Because God no send Im Son come the world to condemn the world, but so that the world go fit get salvation through Am. John 3:16–17

If Jesus no give Im life for cross to save the world, nobody for ever see cross as something wey deserve “high honour.” Cross, on im own, na instrument of death—death wey terrible and full of violence. Na still instrument wey dem dey use disgrace and torture person. But today, people dey see the Cross as something holy and blessed. We dey hang crosses for our house, wear them for our neck, keep them for our pocket for the end of rosary, and spend time dey pray before them. The Cross don become image wey we dey hold for high honour, wey dey help us turn to God for prayer and surrender ourselves to Am. But na only because na for cross dem save us and bring us enter eternal life, all this come happen.

If you pause think about this amazing truth, say one of the worst instruments of torture and death don become one of the holiest images for earth, e suppose fill you with wonder and holy awe. To understand this truth suppose make us realise say nothing dey wey God no fit do. God fit take the worst thing change am to the best. E fit use death bring life.

Even though the celebration wey we dey celebrate today, the “Feast of the Holy Cross Wey Dem Lift High,” na first of all feast wey we take give glory to the Father for wetin E do for the Person of Im divine Son, na still feast wey suppose make us humbly understand say God fit “lift high” every cross wey we endure for life and bring plenty grace through them.

Which cross heavy pass for your life? Wetin dey cause your greatest suffering? As you dey remember am, e most likely dey pain you. Most times, our crosses and sufferings na things wey we dey try remove from our life. E easy for us to point to the crosses for our life and blame them say na them make us no happy. E easy for us to think say if only this thing or that thing change or comot, our life go better. So, wetin be that cross for your life?

The truth be say, no matter wetin your heaviest cross be, that cross get great possibility to become real source of grace for your life and for the world. But this one fit happen only if you accept that cross with faith and hope, so that our Lord go fit join am to Im own, and so that your crosses too go share for the high honour of Christ’s Cross. Even though this na mystery of faith wey deep well-well, na still truth of our faith wey deep well-well.

Today, think well about your own crosses. As you dey do so, try make you no see them as load. Instead, recognise wetin fit come out of those crosses. With prayer, see your crosses as invitation to share for Christ’s Cross. Tell your crosses “Yes.” Choose them with your own free will. Join them to Christ’s Cross. As you dey do so, get hope say God’s glory go show for your life and for the world because you freely accept them. Know say God go use Im power wey dey bring change to transform these “loads” and make them become source of high honour for your life.

My Lord wey dey exalted, I turn to You for my need, with di fullest faith for Your divine power to save. Abeg, give me di grace wey I need to fully accept every cross for my life with hope and faith in You. Abeg, transform my crosses so dat through dem, You go dey exalted, and dem go become instrument of Your glory and grace. Jesus, na You I trust.

Mother Mary’s Heart Wey Full of Sorrow

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, September 15

Jesus mama and im mama sister, Mary wey be Clopas wife, and Mary Magdalene, stand near Jesus cross. John 19:25

Our Blessed Mother, wey be the Mother of God Son, love her Son with love wey perfect. She live out every virtue to perfection. The love wey she get for her Son pass anything wey we fit ever imagine. She conceive Am through miracle, carry Am for her womb, born Am, breastfeed Am, train Am as E dey grow, and love Am all through Im life. E hard even to imagine how deep and beautiful her love for Jesus be. Normally, mama love get power, e no dey shake, e deep, and e full of tenderness. Try imagine Mother Mary Immaculate Heart and the amazing depth of love wey dey alive for her heart.

Imagine too the scene wey the Gospel passage wey we quote above describe. This mama wey full of love stand for the foot of the Cross, dey look her Son wey dem crucify, and she continue to show every virtue wey good mama get. And because e hard to understand how deep her love for her Son be, e still hard well-well to imagine how deep the sorrow and suffering inside her be as she watch the cruel things wey dem dey do Jesus. All wey she fit do for that moment na to stand by Am and stay with Am for this time of terrible agony. For that moment, she show her love through the way she remain faithful to Am.

One beautiful thing to know be say love, sorrow, compassion and suffering join as one inside her Immaculate Heart. Inside her beautiful heart, every human feeling dey, and God grace give all of them strength, so she fit give her Son the greatest gift wey she get: her motherhood. She be true mama all through her life, and for this moment, as her Son hang for the Cross, she express her motherhood to the fullest, with the perfection wey human being fit show.

All of us dey long for another person to love us. To give love and receive love na the greatest gift wey we fit give and receive. Na for love God make us, and na love dey make our life full. We fit dey sure say as Mother Mary stand for the foot of the Cross, her human heart experience the greatest fulfilment wey anybody don ever know. Her heart get this fulfilment because she show her love as mama to perfection.

Today, look well at the image of the Mother of God. Think deeply, especially, about everything wey she for don experience inside her human heart. Even though theologians fit write plenty books about this meditation, the best way to understand her heart wey full of love na to meditate with prayer. Ask our Blessed Mother to show you her heart today. Find time to sit for silence, for adoration of this holy image of perfect mama love. As you dey do so, know two things. First, know say Mother Mary get this same deep love for you. No doubt am. Her heart dey burn with compassion as she dey look you, even when you dey inside your sin. Second, know say our Blessed Mother love must fill your heart too and overflow enter other people life. All of us must allow her compassion, care, faithfulness and mercy to flow through our hearts. Who you need to love with the heart of our Blessed Mother? Seek to receive the love wey dey the heart of the Mother of God, and seek to give that love. Receive am inside you, then allow am to flow out. Truly, nothing for this world beautiful reach, or dey fill person with wonder and reverence pass, the holy image of this love.

My Mother wey no get stain of sin and wey sorrow fill im heart, you stand for di foot of your Son Cross with perfect motherly love. Your heart full of sorrow wey join with every holy virtue. Pray for me make I understand dis love more fully, so dat I too fit open my own heart to your love. As I dey do so, I pray make I become instrument of di love wey dey your heart for di people for my life wey dey suffer and wey need tender compassion and mercy pass. Sorrowful Heart of Mary, pray for us. Jesus, na You I trust.

To Dey Find Wetin Go Truly Satisfy Person

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, September 21

“Why una teacher dey chop with tax collectors and sinners?” He hear this and talk say, “People wey well no need dokita, but people wey sick need am. Make una go learn wetin these words mean, Na mercy I want, no be sacrifice. I no come to call righteous people, but sinners.” Matthew 9:11–13

Just before this passage wey we quote above, Jesus see Matthew, one tax collector, as e sit down for im tax post dey collect tax. Jesus waka go meet am and talk two simple words: “Follow Me.” Wetin Matthew do? E stand up, follow Jesus and invite Am come im house to chop. When the Pharisees see this, dem judge am and act without mercy. Dem talk say, “Why una teacher dey chop with tax collectors and sinners?” How dem react and the answer wey Jesus later give dem show plenty about the goodness of our Lord.

When Jesus talk say He “no come to call righteous people, but sinners,” no be people wey truly righteous He dey talk about. For example, apart from Jesus, the most righteous person wey dey alive that time na His dear mama. And we fit dey sure say Jesus no only call her, but she always answer Am with all her heart. But Jesus dey talk about people wey dey “see only themselves as righteous.” Person like this dey think too highly of imself, dey ignore God truth and instead choose to make im own image look great for im own eye and for other people eye. To put am simply, to dey see yourself as righteous like this na to believe lie—in fact, na to believe the worst kind of lie. Na the worst kind of lie because this sin dey make person remain stubborn and stuck inside im sin. Person wey dey see imself as righteous like this no dey see any need to repent or change im life. So, e no dey open im heart to the Word of God or allow that Word to transform am.

Saint Matthew, wey we dey honour today, dey different. Truly, e be sinner. E likely be greedy person wey hold im money too tight for heart. People no dey respect tax collectors that time because dem be Jews wey dey work for the Romans, so people see dem as people wey betray their own people. People also see dem as thieves, because dem often force people to pay more than wetin dem suppose collect, so that dem fit put some of the money for their own pocket. Because of this, plenty Jews also dey fear tax collectors, because dem know say Rome dey support dem for this work wey no follow law.

Wetin dey amazing be say Jesus go meet Matthew, the sinner and tax collector, and with confidence call am to be His follower. Most likely, Jesus fit see wetin dey im heart. He know say Matthew no happy with im life and e dey find something more. So, as soon as Jesus call am to follow Am, e clear say something happen inside Matthew soul. As e stand up follow our Lord, e show say the spiritual pull wey draw am to Jesus strong pass im desire for earthly wealth by far.

This same truth concern each and every one of us. No matter wetin dey attract us, and no matter how we dey look for wetin go satisfy us for life, the supernatural truth be say na only one thing fit satisfy us. We fit get all the money for the world, all earthly power and honour, and still, deep inside our souls, we no go find peace until we turn to Jesus and follow Am. Some people learn this truth early for life, some learn am later for life, and some no ever discover am at all.

Today, think well about how your life dey satisfy you. Something dey miss? If na so, look at the goals wey you set for your life and the things wey you put first. Wetin you dey spend most of your time dey think about, dey talk about and dey imagine? If no be our Lord dey fill your mind, your heart and everything wey you desire, then you fit expect say you no go dey satisfied with your life. If na so e be, look at the example wey Saint Matthew show us. E be saint today because e answer Jesus wey invite am to leave im life of sin and greed, so that e go follow Am for poverty. But inside that poverty for this world and as e leave earthly things, Saint Matthew come get wealth wey plenty well-well, and e go remain like that forever for Heaven.

Lord wey be di source of all satisfaction, You dey call all Your people make dem follow You. Abeg, open my mind and heart to dat call, so dat no be only to hear You, but make I also answer with all my heart. Abeg, help me to free my heart from di things of dis world wey dey keep me away from You, so dat I fit follow You anywhere You lead me. Jesus, na You I trust.

Di Angel Armies for Heaven

Feast to honour Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangel dem, September 29

“Amen, amen, I dey tell una, una go see heaven open, and di angels of God dey go up and dey come down on di Son of Man.” John 1:51

For Heaven, we go see everything as God dey see dem. Dat complete way of seeing things go glorious pass wetin words fit describe. And among di many things wey go amaze us as we see things from Heaven na di ways wey get power beyond wetin we fit imagine, wey di heavenly beings dey take part for bringing di Kingdom of God. Di Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels and Guardian Angels all dey cooperate with God’s grace, for ways wey resemble how every member of one orchestra dey work together to produce one beautiful piece of music. Na God dey direct di music, but these heavenly beings dey take part for di great fulfilment of God’s will, as living instruments of His divine grace.

Di feast of today dey honour three of di great archangels wey Scripture mention: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Di Book of Daniel for di Old Testament describe Archangel Michael as protector, and di Books of Revelation and Jude describe am as person wey dey fight satan. For Revelation, Michael drive satan comot from Heaven together with di other fallen angels. Di Book of Daniel also talk about Archangel Gabriel as di one wey explain Daniel’s vision. For di New Testament, dem identify am as di one wey appear to di high priest Zechariah while Zechariah dey offer sacrifice for di temple. When Gabriel appear, e reveal to Zechariah say im wife go born pikin, even though she don old well-well. Perhaps wetin people know Gabriel for pass na say na im dem send to di Blessed Virgin Mary to reveal to her say she go become di mother of di Saviour of di World. Lastly, di Book of Tobit for di Old Testament mention Archangel Raphael and talk say dem send am to heal Tobit’s eyes.

As we dey honour these three archangels, we fit dey sure say dem be three among di countless other angelic beings wey dey cooperate with God to bring His grace and His will into our world. Try to imagine dat deep truth. Some angelic beings dey build up di Kingdom of God by dedicating their whole existence to worship God without end before His throne. Di highest among these na di Seraphim. Other angelic beings dey build up di Kingdom by bringing God’s grace and truth to us, as dem dey act for our lives according to God’s will. Na especially di guardian angels dey do this. Di archangels, wey we dey honour three of dem today, get di special work to bring us di messages and graces from God wey matter pass.

Today, reflect on the glorious truth about all the many beings for heaven. Especially call on these three beings for heaven wey we know their names—Michael, Gabriel and Raphael—make dem stand for you before God. Call on our guardian angels and all the other beings for heaven too. As we dey do this, no be only to their loving care we dey entrust ourselves; we dey also make act of faith in God, as we dey show our belief say God don choose to use these beings for heaven to bring His Kingdom. By their own power, angels no fit do anything. But because dem dey act only in agreement with wetin God want, their work as dem dey stand for us get the same power as God’s grace, because na God dey work through dem. Recognise dem today, call on dem make dem stand for you before God, and profess your faith in the glorious work wey dem dey do to build up God’s Kingdom.

Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael wey get great glory, abeg, make una come help me. I put myself, my family, our Church and di whole world for una care, make una stand for us with love before God. Abeg, bring God grace into our lives, make us know God Word and Im holy Will, protect us from every harm and bring healing to people wey need am. Angels of God, pray for us. Jesus, na You I trust.

The One Wey Dey Protect and Guide You

Memorial for di Holy Guardian Angel Dem, October 2

“Make sure say una no look down on any one of these little ones, because I dey tell una say their angels for heaven dey always look di face of my Father wey dey heaven.” Matthew 18:10

Di truth say anjel dem dey really amaze plenty people, especially children. For holy pictures, dem dey often show di Anjel dem wey dey guard us as dem dey hold children for hand dey waka with dem. And even though dis na true, dem still dey hold each one of us for hand dey waka with us throughout our life. Na dis holy duty God give dem. As di Katekisim of di Catholic Church dey quote Saint Basil, e explain say Anjel dem wey dey guard us dey truly exist: “From when human life start until death, their watchful care and intercession surround am. ‘One anjel stand beside each believer as protector and shepherd wey dey lead am go life’” (#336).

Imagine say, for dis world, you get your own bodyguard wey go dey look after you day and night throughout your life. Dis fit make you get two different feelings. First, e go surely comfort you when danger dey near. You go know say no be only you dey, and say dem go protect you so nothing go injure your body. Another feeling wey e fit bring na say you no get your own privacy again. If somebody dey watch over you day and night, you go always know say e dey keep eye on you. E go notice everything wey you talk and do. Some people fit no always like dis. Why? Because e mean say dem dey see everything wey you do, including your sin. Fear say dem go judge you, to lose your own privacy, and other things like dat fit hard to accept.

But now imagine say dis “bodyguard” no dey judge you, e dey act with perfect love for you, e dey keep your secret perfectly, and na only your good e dey care about. Even though e fit hard to imagine say person like dis fit exist, person like dat truly dey: na your anjel wey dey guard you.

Your anjel wey dey guard you truly dey, e get sharp and powerful mind, and wetin e want join perfectly with wetin God want. God create am for only one purpose: to protect you and lead you make you fulfil wetin God want. When you sin and go astray, na only to guide you back to God your anjel wey dey guard you dey care about. When fear catch you or you dey inside trouble, na only to protect you and fill you with God peace and courage e dey care about. And even though God for fit give you all dis grace directly, without any anjel as middleman, E choose to give you dem through your own anjel wey dey guard you. Na only for Heaven we go fully understand how deep di love, protection and care wey dis anjel dem dey give us be.

Today, think deeply about how well your anjel wey dey guard you know you. As you dey think about dis truth, rejoice say somebody know you so well and love you with perfect love. Dis your anjel no only love you perfectly; God don still put great power for im hand to protect you and shepherd you make you fulfil di mission of your life. With prayer, acknowledge di great gift wey your anjel wey dey guard you be to you, and put yourself more fully for im hand as e dey act as middleman for you.

Angel of God, my dear guardian, na because of God love E put me for your care here. Stay by my side all through dis day, to give me light and protect me, to direct and guide me. Amen. Guardian angel, pray for me. Jesus, na You I trust.

To Carry the Good News Go the Whole World

Feast of Saint Luke, Evangelist, October 18

The Lord Jesus choose seventy-two disciples wey He send two by two ahead of Him to every town and place wey He plan to visit. He tell dem, “The harvest plenty, but the workers few; so make una ask the master of the harvest to send workers come for im harvest.” Luke 10:1–2

Saint Luke, wey we dey honour today, na true evangelist. As evangelist, e follow the inspiration wey come from our Lord, and our Lord use am carry God message of salvation reach the ends of the earth. And doubt no really dey say im ministry go continue to change plenty people life until the end of the world. Tradition talk say Saint Luke become martyr when dem hang am for olive tree. The New Testament identify am as doctor and as disciple of Saint Paul. Na im people recognise as the person wey write both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

People dey often describe Saint Luke as evangelist to the Gentiles. The way e write im Gospel no assume say the readers fully understand the Jewish faith and customs. So, people believe say e write am mainly for people wey no be Jewish by origin. Because of this, the life and mission of Saint Luke suppose remind us say we need to share the Gospel with everybody, especially those wey no get deep relationship with God wey dey sustain dem.

For today Gospel from Saint Luke, we read say Jesus send seventy-two disciples “to every town and place wey He plan to visit.” Na only Luke mention this sending of seventy-two disciples wey involve more people. The other Gospels only mention how Jesus send the Twelve. Even though many of these seventy-two disciples for don go Jewish areas, some for don surely go areas wey no be Jewish. The mission of these seventy-two na to prepare everybody wey dem meet for Jesus preaching and for the Kingdom of God to take root.

As we dey honour Saint Luke today and read this passage from im Gospel, e dey remind us say our Lord don send all of us. E send us to people wey share our faith, like family, friends and people wey dey the same parish with us. E send us to love dem and do everything wey we fit do to help their faith and their love for God grow deeper. But E also call us to share the Gospel with people wey never know Jesus as their Saviour. Plenty people dey wey we dey meet every day, wey never truly encounter our Lord. People dey for your life wey God dey call you to reach out to? Who you know wey God fit dey call you to share the Gospel with?

Today, think deeply about how the Gospel dey for everybody. Talk to our Lord and tell Am say you ready and willing make E use you carry Im message of salvation go meet others. As you dey do this, wait for the Lord, listen to the inspiration wey E dey give you, and answer when E call. If somebody come your mind and you sense say God dey call you to share the Gospel with that person, begin pray for the person. Pray for am every day and pay attention to any inspiration wey God give you to share Im love and message of salvation with am. No fear to be evangelist like Saint Luke. If you do so, e fit change person life for all eternity.

My Lord wey dey save, You send Your disciples for mission to share Your message of salvation with everybody. Today I especially thank You for di life and ministry of Saint Luke. Abeg, use me, dear Lord, make I follow im wonderful example and share Your glorious life with other people. Abeg, lead me and inspire me, especially to reach out to di people wey You don put for my life. Jesus, na You I trust.

Christ Send Dem Go

Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles, October 28

Jesus climb the mountain to pray, and E spend the whole night dey pray to God. When day break, E call Im disciples come meet Am, and from among dem E choose Twelve, wey E also name Apostles… Luke 6:12

Simon and Jude dey among the very few people wey Jesus Himself specially choose to be Im Apostles. The Simon wey we dey celebrate today no be the same person as Simon Peter, and the Jude wey we dey celebrate today no be the same person as Judas Iscariot. Na only small thing people know about these two Apostles. The Gospels call Simon a zealot, and this fit mean say e belong to one group inside Judaism wey stand for more radical ideas. People know Jude well as the Patron Saint of Matters Wey No Get Hope. Some people suggest say na because the early Christian faithful often dey pray to all the other Apostles before dem go pray to am, since e bear the same name as Judas Iscariot, and to pray to Jude dey remind people of that betrayer. If na so e be, then for the way God dey guide everything, since Jude become the last Apostle wey people dey pray to, e also become the last hope for many people and, because of this, the patron saint for people wey their matter truly no get hope.

One tradition talk say dem join Saint Simon and Saint Jude together for the Roman Canon, and dem also get the same feast day because dem kill both of dem together for their faith on the same day, possibly for Syria, Lebanon, or Persia. But the true details of their missionary journeys and how dem die for their faith no clear. Still, the one thing wey we know for sure about these Apostles na say dem be Apostles. Our Lord choose dem and appoint dem as two of the first bishops of our Church, and E give dem the duty to spread the Gospel reach the ends of the earth.

As we dey look am today, to be one of those Twelve wey Jesus choose na privilege wey great well well. The work wey dem do to establish the first Christian communities don bring about our universal Catholic Church wey dey all over the world. Most likely, these men no know the kind effect wey their faithful service go get for the world.

As we dey honour these two Apostles, we also dey remember say God call each of us to go out proclaim the Gospel reach the ends of the earth. Each of us dey do this for the particular way wey match the calling and mission wey Christ don put for our care. God call each of us to bring change wey go last forever for the lives of the people wey we dey serve. And if we remain faithful to our mission, we fit dey sure say the effect of our apostolic service go continue to touch the lives of countless other people until the end of the world.

Today, think deeply about how Jesus choose these two men and appoint dem as Apostles. As you dey do so, listen to God voice as E dey speak to you too. No take the importance of accepting the mission wey Jesus give you lightly. Tell Am “Yes” as you dey follow the example of these two Apostles, and know say your choice to serve our Lord for this way no go only get great effect for your own life; e go also get effect for the lives of many other people for all eternity.

My glorious Lord, You call dis two ordinary men, Simon and Jude, make dem be Your Apostles. You fill dem with Your grace, teach dem with Your Word, and send dem out to preach reach di ends of di earth. Abeg, send me too, dear Lord, to anybody wey You choose. Use me as Your instrument and help me make I always remain faithful and full of zeal, as I dey reach out to people wey need help, especially people wey no get faith and hope for dia lives. Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us. Jesus, na You I trust.

To Honour All Saints

Solemnity of All Saints, November 1

When Jesus see the crowds, E climb the mountain, and after E don sit down, Im disciples come meet Am. E begin teach dem, dey talk say: “Blessed na dem wey poor for spirit, because the Kingdom of heaven na their own.” Matthew 5: 1–3

Today we dey celebrate one of the most glorious Solemnities for our Church! Today, we dey honour every saint, whether the Church don canonize dem or not. Our Gospel passage show the path wey these saints follow enter Heaven. When dem dey earth, these great men and women live as people wey poor for spirit, wey holy sorrow fill their hearts, wey dey gentle, wey hunger and thirst to live right for God eye, wey get mercy, peace and pure heart, and wey even suffer persecution. Each of these Beatitudes end by stating the reward wey people wey live with these qualities dey receive: Heaven, comfort, satisfaction, mercy, to see God, to be God children, and rewards wey pass wetin we fit imagine for God Kingdom.

The Beatitudes dey invite us to reach the highest level of holiness. Dem no be for people wey no get strong heart or people wey their spiritual life no hot, no cold. These Beatitudes dey show us the highest level of holy life, and dem dey challenge us reach deep inside our heart. But every effort wey we put to live these Beatitudes get value here for earth and, for the end, for Heaven. Make we look two of these Beatitudes small.

The second Beatitude talk say people “wey dey mourn…go receive comfort.” This Beatitude dey make person think well. Why e holy to mourn? To put am simply, this kind holy mourning mean say you no only get holy sorrow for your own sins, but you still get this holy sorrow as you dey see the many evils wey dey our world. This one really matter today. First, e suppose clear well say we must get holy sorrow for our own sins. When you do so, e mean say your conscience dey work. And when your conscience dey work, this holy sorrow go move you to admit the wrongs wey you don do against God and work hard to change. But we must still get holy sorrow as we dey see the many evils wey dey our world. Too many times today, people dey try weaken this Beatitude by presenting acceptance of everything as something good. Dem dey tell us say make we no judge, and even though that one true when na to judge another person heart, the way the world dey present this “virtue” wey no base on God dey try lead us to take sin less seriously, as if whether sin na evil depend on person opinion. Our world wey no base on God dey tempt us to ignore many moral truths wey no depend on person opinion and wey God dey use guide us enter all truth. But as Christians, the first way we must respond na to hate everything wey our Lord teach say na evil by e very nature. And when we come face-to-face with ways of life wey no follow good moral conduct, the proper response must be holy sorrow, no be to accept serious sin. To mourn because of the bad choices wey another person make na true act of love towards that person.

The fourth Beatitude dey call us to “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” This mean say we no only get holy sorrow for our sins and for the things wey truly be evil for our world, but we still allow hunger and thirst for truth and holy life to fill us. This strong desire must become something wey dey burn inside us and move us to do everything we fit do to advance the Kingdom of God everywhere. This Beatitude dey help us overcome the attitude of not caring, and e dey inspire us to bring change even when all kinds of opposition dey. And na love and every other virtue wey follow am dey give this strong desire strength.

Today, reflect on this beautiful truth: God dey call you to become a saint. And the surest road to sainthood na the Beatitudes. Read dem carefully. Meditate on dem and know say dem dey show you how God dey call you to live. If one of these Beatitudes touch you in a special way, spend time to focus on am. Work to let these graces enter deep inside you, and God go do wonders for your life, so that one day this solemnity for our Church go truly celebrate the good life wey you live.

My Lord wey holy pass all, You dey reign now for Heaven, and You want make Your glorious Kingdom stand firm for earth. Give me di grace wey I need to seek holiness with all my heart, and especially to use wetin You reveal for di Beatitudes as di path wey I go follow. I pray make I become true saint for dis world, and make You use me to advance Your Kingdom now and for all eternity. Jesus, na You I trust.

Remembrance of All Souls

Remembrance of All di Faithful Wey Don Die (All Souls Day), November 2

“Because na this my Father want: make everybody wey see the Son and believe in Him get eternal life, and I go raise am up on the last day.” John 6:40

Yesterday Solemnity of All Saints give us chance to celebrate and rejoice because countless people wey go before us dey now enjoy the glories of Heaven. These faithful souls live lives wey stand firm for God grace, and dem don receive full purification from all sin. Now dem dey look our good God face-to-face.

Today, we dey remember say many people wey die for a state of grace no ready immediately to stand before God glorious throne and see Am face-to-face. The only way this one fit happen na if every sin and every attachment to sin don clear comot from our souls. Na only pure love must dey alive inside us if we go enter the eternal glories of Heaven. But how many people dey die for this kind state?

The Church, for her wisdom and holiness, don teach clearly through the centuries say when person leave this world go the next one while e still get attachment to sin wey no too serious, e need full purification before e fit enter Heaven. Na this be Purgatory. The Catechism of the Catholic Church talk say: “All people wey die for God’s grace and friendship, but wey their purification never complete, truly get assurance of their eternal salvation; but after death, dem dey pass through purification, so that dem go reach the holiness wey dem need to enter the joy of heaven. The Church dey call this final purification of the chosen ones Purgatory, and e completely different from the punishment of people wey don receive eternal condemnation” (#1030–31a).

For some people, to think about Purgatory fit bring fear and even confusion. Why God, for His mercy wey no get end, no just carry all our loved ones wey follow Am straight to Heaven? The answer simple. Na exactly wetin E dey do! And the road wey dey carry dem go Heaven na this wonderful mercy of their final purification.

To clean our soul from everything wey still dey tie am to sin na mercy wey pass wetin we fit imagine. Through this final purification, God dey prepare the holy souls of people wey don die for joy wey no go ever end. But this purification dey necessary because God, for His love, no want make any soul live forever with even small attachment to sin. God want make all of us dey free. The truth be say every sin wey dey our soul, even the one wey small pass, na enough reason why dem fit shut us out of Heaven. So we suppose see Purgatory as the final mercy from God wey He take remove every last load wey dey stop us from loving perfectly, so that we go spend eternity with complete freedom and joy wey pass wetin mouth fit talk. God want make na only pure love full us forever. So, when we die, God dey give us the grace to enter one final purification wey deep well well, to clean us from every small sin, so that when we see God for all His glory, we go see Him with the perfection wey He call us to. Purgatory na gift, na grace, na mercy. To pass through am go pain us, just as to overcome any sin dey pain. But the good fruit wey freedom from sin dey bring make every final purification wey we must endure worth am a hundred times and more.

Today, reflect on this spiritual truth: God want make you be saint. If you dey among those few people wey die when dem don dey completely clean from every sin, then make you know for sure say you don already finish your purgatory for this earth. But if you or people wey you love dey among the many people wey still hold on small to sin when death come, then rejoice say God never finish His work for una. With plenty gratitude, look forward to the final purification wey dey wait for you and to the freedom wey go come at last from that purification.

My merciful Lord, You want make my soul and di souls of all Your faithful people dey clean from every sin, even di smallest thing wey no perfect. I thank You for di mercy of Purgatory, and I pray make I continue to work towards this purification here and now. I also pray for all those wey don die before me and wey still need this fire wey dey purify. Pour Your mercy on dem so that dem fit dey among di saints for Heaven. Jesus, na You I trust.

When Our Lord Shocks Us

Feast for the Dedication of Lateran Basilica for Rome, November 9

Jesus answer dem say, “Destroy this temple, and for three days I go raise am up.” The Jews talk say, “Dem don dey build this temple for forty-six years, and You go raise am up for three days?” But na the temple of His Body He dey talk about. John 2:19–21

Today, we dey celebrate the Lateran Basilica for Rome, the mother church of the whole Roman Catholic Church. Dem give am to the Bishop of Rome for the fourth century, and na there the pope mainly dey live until dem build St. Peter’s Basilica, for the time wey the Lateran Basilica dey fall apart. But till today, the Lateran Basilica still be the most important church for the world, because na im officially be the Cathedral Church of Rome.

As we dey honour this church, no be only building we dey honour. Di Lateran Basilica na sign of di one true Church of Jesus Christ. Inside di church fine well-well and e dey fill person with wonder and reverence, so that e go point us to di beauty of di Church Herself wey nobody fit imagine, di Church wey be di Mistikal Bodi of Christ.

The Gospel for today show Jesus as He enter the Temple and use whip drive the money changers comot, together with the animals wey dem dey sell to make gain. As He dey do am, He shout say, “Carry these things comot from here, and stop to turn my Father house into market.” Then dem quote Psalm 69: The zeal wey I get for your house go consume me.

Jesus love His Church as His own Body—because na wetin the Church be. As His Body, He call and send the members of His Church to act as instruments for His hand, as members wey dey take part for His work of salvation. Today, no be just church building we dey honour; we dey honour the Church Herself—and this mean say we dey honour you too, as long as you be member of the Body of Christ. And this Gospel passage for today Feast dey remind us of the zeal wey our Lord get to make His Church clean.

How the Church dey become pure? Na by making Her members clean. This mean say Jesus, with perfect zeal, want drive every sin comot from your soul, to clean away the dirt wey dey stop you from doing the important work wey you suppose do as member of His Body.

Sometimes, we dey slack for our commitment to become pure. We fit easily begin feel comfortable with the sins wey we dey commit, and we fit form habits wey hard to stop. When this one happen, e good make we reflect on this story of how Jesus clean the Temple, and see am as how Jesus want clean our own soul. Sometimes, we need make something shake us, challenge us, make us face the truth and encourage us through the zeal wey no dey shake for our Lord heart.

Today, reflect on this powerful picture of Jesus as He dey clean the Temple. As you dey do so, apply am to your own life. The zeal and actions of Jesus must don shock the people wey dey sell and buy for the Temple. If you don begin feel comfortable with your sins, try allow this holy shock wake you up too. Allow our Lord zeal touch you, and know say the things wey He dey do to make you pure na acts of love. Through them, He want free you so that you go fit do your part more fully as member of His holy Church.

My Lord wey full of zeal, Your heart dey burn with deep desire to cleanse me and all Your children from sin. Your zeal dey show Your deep love and how You ready to do everything wey You fit do to make me become member of Your Bodi, di Church, more fully. Open my mind and my will, dear Lord, to everything wey You want tell me, and give me di grace to respond to di work wey You dey do to purify my life. Jesus, na You I trust.

Gratitude for Blessings Wey Nobody Fit Measure

Day of Thanksgiving, United States

“No be ten people receive cleansing? Where the other nine dey? Na only this foreigner come back to thank God?” Then He tell am, “Stand up and go; your faith don save you.” Luke 17:17–19

Na through faith wey e show as e give thanks, e receive salvation! Wetin better pass to reflect on today, as we dey celebrate the national holiday of Thanksgiving!

Even though Thanksgiving Day no be specifically holy day for the Church, to dey give thanks na important part of our Christian faith. Today Gospel show this, as Jesus heal ten people wey get leprosy. And we need to take note of how all of them respond. Nine of them receive healing and go face their business; dem no return to the One wey heal them to thank Am. But one return. This one man, wey leprosy suddenly leave, return to Jesus, give Am glory, fall for His feet and thank Am. This man na foreigner, na Samaritan, but e show faith wey all of us must try to imitate. We see this Samaritan faith because e know say no be only to get grateful heart for the grace of healing; e also need to show that gratitude.

As we dey celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we remember say, among all the things wey we must give thanks for, nothing dey more important than to thank God for the graces wey He don give us, wey nobody fit measure. But as the story show, e dey very easy to overlook how important e be to respond to God blessings. Na only ten percent of the people wey get leprosy respond by showing thanks like this. So today, e go help us to examine the many reasons wey we suppose give thanks, and make effort to show that gratitude to God.

First, God create us out of love. This no be small gift. Na the first gift wey He give us, and many times we dey treat am as if e no mean anything. God no need to create us. He no need to create you. But He do am. And the gift of life, the gift of soul wey no fit die, na something wey we must never overlook and wey we must always rejoice for.

Second, through the Incarnation inside the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, God enter our human condition wey sin don bring down. As He do this, He raise our fallen human nature reach height wey nobody don ever know before. Human nature and divine nature unite for the Person of the Son of God wey become man, wey also be Son of Man. We must give thanks for this gift wey we no earn, wey dey fill us with wonder and reverence.

Third, we know the rest of the story. God, for the Person of the Son wey become man, suffer, die and rise again. As He do this, He make am possible for every sin wey we don commit to clear away. As we die with Am, He invite us to rise with Am. And as we rise with Am, He invite us to share for His glory for Heaven.

Lastly, for each person life, we dey receive graces wey nobody fit count every day. But like children wey dem don spoil, many times we dey overlook these blessings and treat them as if dem no mean anything. To give examples here no go enough. If you want get grateful heart, e dey necessary make you learn to see these blessings for your own life. Too many times, na our struggles and pain we dey focus on. But blessings plenty, and the more we turn to our Lord and surrender ourselves completely to Am, the more the blessings dey flow.

Today, reflect on the attitude wey you get towards the many blessings wey God don give you. Start by thinking about the main blessings: God creation and the acts of love wey He use save us. From there, try reflect on the many small ways wey God don dey with you, guide you, strengthen you and bless you plenty. If you no dey see these things clearly, then use today to listen with full attention so that God fit reveal them to you. As you see your blessings, respond like this one man wey receive healing from leprosy. Turn to Jesus, give Am glory, fall for His feet in prayer and thank Am. As you do this, you go full with the same faith wey dey bring salvation, wey this man receive.

My Lord wey get open hand pass all, You don give me blessings wey pass wetin I fit imagine. I know say I no go ever fully understand how good You don be to me, and I no go ever fit thank You enough. Abeg, fill me with heart wey dey thank You. Help me to see Your work for my life and to respond to You like this one leper. Jesus, na You I trust.

Di Eyes of Our Lord

November 30, Feast of St. Andrew, di Apostul

As Jesus dey waka near di Sea of Galilee, E see two brothers, Simon wey dem dey call Peter, and im brother Andrew, as dem dey throw net inside di sea; dem be fishermen. E tell dem, “Make una follow Me, and I go make una fishermen wey go dey catch people.” Matthew 4:18-19

Today, we dey honour one of di Apostles: Saint Andrew. Andrew and im brother Peter na fishermen wey go soon begin another kind of fishing. Dem go soon become “people wey dey catch human beings,” as Jesus talk. But before our Lord send dem for this mission, dem first need to become people wey dey follow Am. And this one happen as na our Lord first be di fisherman wey catch these men.

Notice say for this Gospel, Jesus just dey pass and He “see” these two brothers as dem dey work hard for their fishing work. First, Jesus “see” dem, then He call dem. This way wey our Lord take look dem na something wey we suppose think deeply about.

Think about this deep truth: our Lord dey look you all di time with divine love, as E dey wait for di moment wey you go turn your attention to Him. E no dey ever stop to look you, and di way E dey look you deep well-well. As E dey look you, E dey long make you follow Him, make you leave every other thing so that you fit hear Im gentle invitation—not only to follow Him, but also to go out after that and invite other people to join di journey of faith.

As we begin this Advent season, we must allow di call wey Andrew and Peter receive to become our own call too. We must open ourselves to notice Jesus as He dey look us, see who we be, know everything about us, and then speak to invite us. He dey tell you, “Come follow Me…” This na invitation wey must enter every part of your life. To “come follow” Jesus mean say you go leave every other thing behind and make following our Lord di only purpose of your life.

Sadly, plenty people no dey pay much attention to this call for their lives. Na few people dey hear Am speak, and di people wey dey answer even fewer; di ones wey dey answer by surrendering their whole lives fewer still. Di beginning of Advent na opportunity to check again how you dey answer di call of our Lord.

Today, reflect on how Jesus dey speak these words to you. First, think well about whether you don tell Am “Yes” with all di strength of your soul. Second, reflect on di people wey our Lord want make you invite to join this journey. Who Jesus dey send you go invite? Who for your life dey open to His call? Who Jesus want draw come meet Himself through you? Follow di example of these Apostles as dem tell our Lord “Yes,” even though dem no understand everything wey this go involve straightaway. Tell Am “Yes” today, and dey ready and willing to do anything wey come next for this glorious journey of faith.

My dear Lord, I truly dey tell You “Yes” today. I hear You dey call me, and I choose to answer with all di generosity wey I get, as I surrender myself completely to Your holy and perfect will. Give me di courage and wisdom wey I need so that I no go hold anything back from You and Your divine call for my life. Jesus, na You I trust.