HOMILY FOR FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A, 22nd FEBRUARY, 2026

 

Readings: Gen. 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Ps. 51; Rom. 5:12-19; Matt. 4:1-11.

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED BY THE THINGS OF THIS PASSING WORLD?

There is no doubt that our world is full of so many things and these things can be very captivating. The beautiful and captivating thing of this world can make one to forget about the reality of life. The desire to have them does not have any limit. Hence, every day of our lives we are faced with the choice of having them without any limit and be destroyed or the fear of losing them and uphold our sanity. This choice can really be tempting. So today being the first Sunday of the Holy Season of Lent, the Holy Mother Church calls our attention to these struggles.

Lenten season as we know is a period set aside by the Church for the renewal and rediscovery of oneself, given the daily struggle against sin and temptations which darkens our spiritual life. So Lenten season is another chance for us to reconnect to God, to be reconciled with Him and to find our place once again in God’s loving grace. It is a time for us to turn away from the excessive desire for worldly possessions. It is a time to turn away from greed and so many temptations we find in this world, and focus our attention instead on God.

Hence the Church is offering us the opportunity during this Holy season to reflect on who we are, our mission and our purpose in this world. The Holy season of Lent is a moment of deep reflection, a season that prepares us for that great event of Easter. It is a season when listening to the Word of God leads us to develop some inner attitude that helps us becoming more aware of our Christian obligations. It is a period when the Church invites us to enter into a journey of repentance and penance that will lead us to reconciliation, forgiveness and restoration.

This Lenten journey is marked in a special way by three traditional dimensions that is: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These three traditional dimensions were demonstrated by Jesus in our Gospel reading today. Where Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit, was led to pray and fast for forty days in the wilderness and there he was tempted by the devil, just the same way Adam and Eve where tempted by the devil.

We can recall that in the beginning of time, God created everything all good and perfect, and He made the first man, Adam and his companion, Eve, to live in the wonderful Garden of Eden. This means that mankind, all of us were actually meant to live with God in the fullness of God’s grace and love, to enjoy the wonders of God’s providence and blessings forever. However, this was not the case because we fell into sin as we were unable to resist the temptations to sin, which the devil, disguised as a snake, brought upon Adam and Eve as we heard in our first reading.

Here we see how Satan first approached Eve and tempted her with the temptation of desire, the desire for the forbidden knowledge that God has expressly forbidden for man to have. That is, eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And Satan being very cunny, convinced them that the fruit of the tree did not seem to be harmful, and how eating from the tree would bestow great knowledge upon them and made them to be like God. Through this temptation, Satan planted the seeds of pride and greed in the hearts of humanity.

So Jesus, who has come to redirect the hearts of humanity back to God, was also tempted by the devil during his forty days prayer and fasting in order to distract him from his mission. Here Jesus was tempted to doubt God's care and providence like the Israelites deed, to gain power through false worship and test God's protection. These forty days recall Israel's forty years ugly experience in the wilderness because of disobedience.

Hence, these forty days of Lent, the Church calls us to spend gracious time with God through prayers and fasting, so that, we can obtain the grace to overcome the sins and temptations we encounter everyday of our lives. Observing how Jesus responded to these temptations, can help us in our own spiritual battles against the human endless desire for power, fame, money and pleasure. This story also shows how the devil can use the Scriptures for his evil purposes. Telling us to be careful because the Scriptures can be wrongly interpreted and used for selfish motives.

Therefore, we are called to imitate Jesus in prayer. For through prayer we make room for God in our lives and express our desire to enter into a deep friendship with the Lord. So, it is important for us to spend more time with God just like Jesus, bearing in mind that we cannot live by bread alone, we need the spiritual food of God's Word. Thus, we are called to withdraw from the world in order to encounter God and truly profess our faith in him.

This is what St. Paul in our second reading today calls us to do. We are to imitate Christ who resisted all the efforts of Satan to tempt him and prevent him from fulfilling his mission. Christ is indeed the New Adam who has come to show us that it is indeed possible for us to overcome sin and the temptations to sin, as he himself resisted the three temptations of the devil. But many of us continued to sin because, we do not have enough faith in God, and the devil knows this very well.

Dear friends, what will you do when you are tempted by the things of this passing world? Will you fall for it or will you resist it? Today, God is calling us in this Holy season of Lent, to come back to him. The world has taken us far away from him; it's time to come back. Sin has separated us from God; it's time to reconcile with him. Greediness, slot, unforgiveness, love of power and money, over ambition, unhealthy friendship have separated us from God; it’s time to come back to him. It is time to say am sorry Lord, am sorry for having deviated from you. It’s time to let go of hurtful feelings, malice and the bitterness in our hearts. It’s time to say yes to God and no to all the distracting things of this world.

It’s time to love, it’s time to share with one another, it’s time to bear with one another's failings. What is stopping us from embracing this opportunity? Is it fear of the future? Or fear of failure or death?

Fear not, for the Psalmist tells us that God will have mercy on us and create a pure heart in us and put a steadfast spirit within us. Thus, God is calling us to repentance; he is offering us a new life. He is offering us the opportunity to gain our life back and obtain the grace to overcome sin and temptations. Don't miss this opportunity; don't let it pass you by.

LET US PRAY: Almighty God, as we return to you and embrace the events of this Holy season, give us the right disposition to embrace grace of this season and fill our hearts with joy, peace and love. And for those who find it difficult to live the Christian life, may they learn to draw strength and grace from Jesus so to resist the devil’s temptations and all of his empty shows. We ask this through Christ our Lord. wishing you a fruitful Lenten season.

Homily For Saturday after Ash Wednesday, 21st February, 2026

 

Readings: Is. 58:9-14; Ps. 86; Luke 5:27-32

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LET GO OF YOUR SINFULL OCCUPATION AND EMBRACE YOUR TRUE MISSION

Jesus who on account of his mission to save humanity had to make choices of people who would be his instruments of evangelization in the world. No doubt Jesus had been calling people from different works of life to be part of his mission, but today’s call and choice of Levi, also known as Matthew, a man identified with sinners because of his work as a tax collector, was quite strange to some people.

Little wonder in in our Gospel passage today, Jesus called a tax collector named Levi to follow him, and he obeyed, leaving everything behind and following him. The call of Levi differs from the call of the other apostles because Levi was a tax collector a profession that is labelled to be sinful since the collectors extort excess taxes from the people for personal profit and enrich themselves at the expense of their fellow citizens. They are thus held in great contempt.

However, to follow Jesus, Levi must abandon his ugly but lucrative job. By so doing, he needs to also cut himself off from his old network of friends. So, it seems likely that, in a spirit of joy, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to a great feast in his house and his fellow task collectors were present.

But the Pharisees felt bad and offended about Jesus sharing a meal with such kind of people regarded as "sinners". So, they complained to his disciples, but Jesus had to correct this notion when he said: "It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.

Here we heard the innermost desire of Jesus for sinful humanity in need of salvation. The call of Levi is like the call of each of us, a choice that demonstrates Jesus' desire for sinners to repent. For all he desires is mercy and not sacrifices, repentance and not pride. Jesus is calling us to repentance, he is inviting us to make a fundamental choice for God just like Levi, who though sinner, rose and followed Jesus at his call for repentance, we too are to respond to this invitation without delay. Let Levi be an inspiration and hope for all sinners.

Dear friends, the task collectors were seen as dirty, unworthy, wicked, corrupt and evil people who were generally shunned by the rest of the society. The Pharisees looked down on them and they severely criticized Jesus for eating in the house of Levi. But they failed to realize that just like the tax collectors, they were sinners in need of God’s mercy.

The truth is that all of us are sinners who have been privileged to have such a loving, caring, compassionate and merciful God, who is always willing to embrace us and heal us from our afflictions of sin. For we are sinners who have been called to a new existence with God, to embrace a new life filled with God’s grace and free from the corruption of sin. Because God despises our sins, but not we sinners.

Hence, we are called to let go of our sinful occupation in order to embrace a more glorious one. For God has promised us through prophet Isaiah in our first reading, that if we do away with the yoke of sin, the clenched fist, the wicked word, if we give our bread to the hungry, and relief to the oppressed, then our light will rise in the darkness, and our shadows become like noon.

Therefore, as Christians during this season of Lent, we should draw ourselves closer to God by asking ourselves how are we responding to God's call for repentance. How are we relating with those we judge to be sinners, what efforts are we making to convert sinners? Remember, we are all invited to follow Jesus along the way of salvation and not to condemn or judge anyone.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, despite our sinfulness, you called and chose us to be instrument of your salvation to all humanity. Give us the grace to make good choices that will help us to respond positively to your call for repentance and evangelization. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful weekend.

Homily on Friday after Ash Wednesday Year A, 20th February, 2026

 

Readings: Is. 58:1-9; Ps. 51; Matt. 9:14-15

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

THE TYPE OF FASTING THAT PLEASES GOD AND YIELDS POSITIVE RESULTS

Fasting is one of the spiritual exercises we do during this season of Lent. Fasting as we know is the willful refrainment from eating for some time as a means of getting our minds focused on God our creator while realizing the reality that our lives are not self-sufficient. Fasting helps us realize just how fragile we are and how much we depend on things beyond ourselves.

Fasting is not just about putting on sackcloth and ashes on oneself as were customary in the past to show repentance and regret, but more importantly, fasting must be aimed at encountering God which brought about a change of heart from within and not just the outside that repel us to charitable deeds.

Hence, today prophet Isaiah in our first reading tells us to fast with the right intention and purpose. This is not just in fasting but also all other sorts of observances and practices during this Lenten season. We must have the right disposition and direction as we move along through this time of purification and repentance. This Lenten season is a good time for us to reorientate ourselves and our lives, as we seek to redress our sins and our past wicked ways of life and embrace once again God’s love and mercy. For that is the kind of fasting that pleases God and yields positive results.

 Thus, in our Gospel passage today, the disciples of John the Baptist criticized Jesus and his disciples for not fasting as the Law of Moses has prescribed fasting on certain days as a custom which they observed with great passion and zeal. The Pharisees fasted and did all that because they wanted to be praised for what they had done and they liked it when others looked up to them for their piety and commitment.

But Jesus tells his disciples that they should not fast with such intention, rather fasting must be for a purpose and should be done at the proper time. He said to them: Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them. But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

This is because, Jesus is the groom and as long as he is around, it would be inappropriate for his disciples to fast. However, a time will come when the groom will no longer be with them, then they will surely fast, telling us that fasting should be done at the right time for the right reasons.

Moreover, being in a relationship with Jesus is more important, because, what the bridegroom is to the bride, that what Jesus is to the souls of all who believe in him. So Jesus is teaching us that the Kingdom of Heaven is not a matter of ritual or ceremonious fasting or feasting. But is about building a personal relationship with God who loves us personally and unconditionally.

Dear friends, we can make the best use of this Lenten season by turning not just our sins but our whole being towards God through fasting. We should not let ourselves be distracted by the vanity of the things of this passing world. This is a time we are called to humble ourselves before God and refrain from all the corrupt ways of life, pride, greed and ambition which lead us to sin and death. This type of fasting is what pleases God and yields positive results. Therefore, through our fasting let us sincerely repent from our sins and make the best use of this opportunity that God has given to us.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we deny ourselves the pleasurable things of this world through fasting, may we open up our hearts to you and sincerely reject all our sinful habits and so embrace the life of holiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless you.

Homily For Thursday after Ash Wednesday Year A, 19th February, 2026

 

Readings: Deut. 30:15-20; Ps. 1; Luke 9:22-25

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

A CALL TO EMBRACE THE SACRIFICIAL NATURE OF CHRISTIAN FAITH

Reflecting on the continuous hostility, persecution and influential powers of the things of this world, I think is time for us to think twice about our faith as Christians, and whether we are ready to live out our faith in the midst of these ugly situations in our societies, which are not stopping soon, for it is getting tougher every day. Thus, if we are willing to live up to our Christian faith and obligations, then we need to make a radical decision towards our discipleship in a personal and radical way.

Concerning this radical decision, we are called in our first reading today, to make choices between life and death, blessing or curse. And we are encouraged to choose life, so that we may live in the love of the Lord our God, obeying his voice and following him; for in him consists the true meaning of life. Therefore, we are to choose that one path that leads to life, while rejecting those that lead to evil and death.

Similarly, this same choice was presented by the Lord Jesus to his disciples in our Gospel passage today, as he revealed to them what he would have to endure for the salvation of humanity, how he is to be betrayed and made to suffer, crucified and die on the Cross, a most painful and humiliating death. In the end, he said that those who believe in him should take up their crosses daily and follow him. That though they may lose their lives physically in the eyes of the world, they will gain it in the eternal glory that is to come.

Dear friends, as we journey through this Lenten season, Jesus is presenting the same choice to us, for we have to choose between enjoying all that this world has to offer us, all the materialistic pursuits and excess desire for the pleasurable things around us, all the pursuits for excess money, possessions and wealth, the accumulation of vain fame and glory which in reality are separating us from God and Jesus is calling us to turn away from these worldly things and embrace the way of the Cross that teaches us to love, to sacrifice, to forgive, to embrace peace, to share with one another for in it we attain holiness of life.

Therefore, we are called today to deny ourselves the pleasurable things of this passing world in order to take up our Cross and follow the Lord. It’s time to make a radical decision to sincerely and faithfully follow Jesus. But how much are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of following him? Why are we finding it difficult to follow Jesus? What are those habitual desires and possessions that are holding us from making this radical decision today? Thus, it is time to come to God with all our hearts, for tomorrow may be too late.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we decide to journey with Jesus today, help us to make the right choice by embracing the way that leads to life while rejecting our excess desire for the pleasurable things of this passing world which have weakened our hearts towards you. May the cross of Christ be for us a shining example in our daily struggles, so as to hold firm in our faith, despite all the sufferings and persecutions we may encounter. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day.

Homily For Ash Wednesday Year A, 18 February, 2026

Readings: Joel 2:12-18; Ps. 51; 2Cor 5:20-6:2; Matt. 6:1-6.16-18

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHY WE MUST RETURN TO THE LORD WITH ALL OUR HEARTS

There is no doubt that the situation of things in our world today has made us so busy. We are so busy that sometimes we do not remember to examine our conscience to know how far we have separated ourselves from God. We have forgotten that every day is an opportunity to return and come close to God. So, today being Ash Wednesday we are called to return to God as we begin a new journey towards our God.

It is the day we begin our forty-day Lenten journey that leads us to the joy of Easter. And as tradition may have it, the beginning of Lent is marked with the blessing and imposition of Ash on our forehead. This act of putting on Ashes symbolizes our human fragility, filth and mortality which is in dear need of God’s mercy and redemption. Calling us to remember that we are dust, and unto dust, we shall return but will raise us again.

So, being a season of sober reflection on the journey towards our God, we are called for a change of attitude and behaviours during this Lenten season. In fact, in our first reading, prophet Joel calls us to return to the Lord with all our heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. Here, he emphasises the phrase “with all my heart”. This means turning to God from the depths of our thoughts and feelings, from the roots of our decisions, choices and actions.

The prophet further tells us to return to the Lord our God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, ready to relent of evil. More so, in our Gospel passage today Jesus gave us the regulations we need to follow in order to faithfully return to God as he calls us to be careful not to parade our good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this we will lose all reward from our Father in heaven.

But the question that comes to mind is, with the pleasurable things of this passing world, is it possible for us to truly return to God with all our hearts? I believe so because there is a force say Benedict XVI, that does not reside in our hearts, but that emanates from the heart of God to us. It is the power of God’s mercy and grace. Therefore a return to the Lord is possible with God’s grace which is a reality in our lives only when we let his grace penetrate our inmost being.

Hence St. Paul tells us in the second reading, that we cannot let this holy season pass us by, because it is offered to us as a unique opportunity that reminds us about the high cost of the reconciliation offered to us at the cross on which Jesus was hung. Hence, the call to return to God with all our heart in this Lenten journey leads us through the cross, following Christ on the road to Calvary, which demands the total gift of ourselves.

This call is a way in which we learn every day to come out more and more from our selfishness and our closures, to make room for God who opens and transforms the heart through constant listening to His Word and making it the light that illuminates our paths. This we do following the three fundamental practices of almsgiving, prayer and fasting as a sign towards the Lenten journey of returning to God with all our heart.

Dear friends, knowing that we are dust and unto dust we shall return, what is keeping us from returning to the Lord who has the power to raise us again? What is That ugly attitude that often separates us from our God and one another? Oftentimes we promise to return to God but lack the courage and discipline to fulfil that promise.

So, this season is another wonderful opportunity to decide to return to the Lord. I don’t know what sin you are struggling to overcome. I don’t know how grievous our sins are. I don’t know how far we have separated ourselves from God. All I know is that God’s mercies are greater than whatever sin we may have committed. All we have to do is to make that bold decision to return to him who loves us so much and always willing to welcome us whenever we come back to him and this why we must return to him with all our hearts

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we make up our minds to journey towards you these forty days, may your grace be with us to help us utilize the opportunities you are offering us, especially to repent and strive to live a holy life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a grace-filled Lenten season. 

Homily For Tuesday Sixth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 17 February, 2026

 

Readings: James 1:12-18; Ps. 94; Mark: 8:14-21

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHY WE MUST PRAY FOR THE GIFT OF UNDERSTANDING?

One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is the gift of understanding, which is the ability to perceive an idea or situation mentally, to know and comprehend the nature or meaning of things. Hence, understanding is seen as a gift of God and it is to be prayed and desired by all.

Understanding has a moral character which one has to sought and learned. Understanding, then, involves the cognitive, the spiritual, and the moral. While human efforts are required, the ability to understand comes from God and the true test of understanding is obedience to God.

However, Jesus in our Gospel passage today was disappointed at his disciples’ inability to grasp what he was saying to them or who he really is. They failed to understand what he is capable of doing in their midst. Hence he asked them over nine questions which they failed to understand. We can imagine them asking what is it that we do not yet understand?

But they had been witnesses to two extraordinary events done by Jesus: the feeding of five thousand people with five loaves and four thousand with seven Loaves. Yet they do not seem to have grasped the implication of the miracle they had witnessed nor the divine identity of Jesus who had made it possible.

Thus, Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand?” This question, reveals that the disciples are really in need of the gift of understanding, which is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that is given to us to make sense of what is happening around us all the time.

Dear friends, the fact remains that we all need the gift of understanding just like the disciples in our Gospel today. For often times, we are confused about so many things going on in our lives even concerning our faith, our families, our work, our vocation and every other things around us.

Little wonder St. James in our first reading today says: make no mistake about this, my dear brothers: all that is good, everything that is perfect, which is given us from above; it comes down from the Father of all light; with him there is no such thing as alteration, no shadow of a change. By his own choice he made us his children by the message of the truth so that we should be a sort of first-fruits of all that he had created. Therefore, let us ask God the Father to send the Holy Spirit for an increase in the gift of understanding.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, you are the source of all understanding, help us to understand you better and as we struggle with our daily activities endow us with an understanding heart, so as to break down the walls of confusion that press on in our heart. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Do have a blessed day.

Homily For Monday Sixth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 16 February, 2026.

Readings: James 1:1-11; Ps. 119; Mark: 8:11-13

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHY THERE IS NO SIGN FOR THIS GENERATION?

Oftentimes people want to see signs before they can accept or believe whatever we have to present to them. And sometimes people ask for signs just to discredit someone’s efforts. This is the case with the Pharisees in our Gospel passage today, who asked Jesus for a sign in order to test him. But Jesus with a sigh that came straight from the heart said, ‘Why does this generation demand a sign? I tell you solemnly, no sign shall be given to this generation.’

This response was as a result of pride which has blindfolded the Pharisees who refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah that very sign that they seek. Jesus presents to us the final recommendations of the end time, pointing out that he is the greatest sign of all time. But this is what the Pharisees want to discredit out of pride and ego. This kind of character is what is destroying humanity today causing problems and troubles.

Little wonder, St. James in our first reading today teaches us to be hopeful and joyful in times of trouble. He advises us to tGIVEN ake care in times of trial, and let patience guide all that we do. That we should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, rather we should as for wisdom to make the right use of it. We need faith to understand how this works.

This is what the Pharisees lack in our Gospel reading today when some of them demanded that Jesus should display some mighty work of God as a sign that God's reign has arrived. They refused to accept the miracles that Jesus had accomplished, missing the significance of these works as a manifestation of God's presence. Hence, Jesus left this faithless people, without satisfying their desire for any sign from heaven. Because of their lack of faith, they did not recognize Jesus as that “heavenly sign.”.

Dear friends, pride can make us blind in such a manner that we will continue to seek signs even when things are clear in our lives. And Jesus is saying that amid proud people, no sign will be given. But, what signs are we seeing around us today? How can we interpret the signs of this time, the signs that tell us that this world is passing away? Do these signs make us dread the second coming of the Lord or do we joyfully embrace it in anticipation?

Hence, Jesus warns us not to waste our time seeking for signs, rather we should be prepared, and we should remain firm in the faith. He reminds us that he is the only sign that can be given to humanity. Therefore, we are not to be like the Pharisees who are looking for signs, especially in times of trials, rather we should seek wisdom to make things right.

LET US PRAY: Lord Jesus, you are the sign that we seek, as we embrace your word today give us the grace to be humble in order to follow you our Lord and Saviour. And as we carry out our task this week, may your favour be with us now and always. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed week ahead.

Homily For Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, 15th February, 2026

Readings: Eccles. 15:16-21; Ps. 119; 1Cor.2:6-10; Matt. 5:17-37

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

A CALL FOR A DEEPER VIRTUE TOWARDS FULFILLING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS

There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who sacrifice to ensuring that things workout well and those who sacrifice to destroy things. Which one do you belong to and which one do you want to belong. To belong to those who want things to workout well requires a deeper virtue towards fulfilling the commandments of God and brings new light and hope to humanity as we heard last Sunday.

Hence, every moment of our lives, without realizing it, we continue to be one with Jesus the light of the world. Little wonder this Sunday, Jesus calls us for a deeper relationship with him and with one another in a more righteous manner. Thus he says to his disciples in our Gospel reading today, “Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. For unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Why? Because Jesus expect more from his disciples. So when he say their righteousness should surpass that of the Pharisee, he meant that they should be right with God, they should be right with their brothers and sisters, and with the whole world.

He says, “You will follow as I do. You will be people who will rely, not just in the law but in faith as well. That is, a faith in God, a faith in him, a faith in each other, and a faith that will move life closer towards the love of God and neighbours.

This is a call for a deeper virtue. It means that the Old Testament is now being fulfilled in the New Testament that calls for deeper love. Telling us that love is the beginning, love is the middle and love is the end of everything. Now we can understand the reason behind the teaching of Jesus concerning breaking the ten commandments as: killing, reconciliation, adultery, lying and swearing.

Here, Jesus emphasized that these commandments especially the second commandment which deals with using the name of God in vain, also the fifth which has to do with respect for human life and the sixth commandment which has to do with the sanctity of the human relationship which forbids not only the acts of adultery and fornication but all appetites to them, all lusting after sexual object, for this is the beginning of the sin.

In fact, the lust of conceiving it is a bad step towards the sin, for as far as the heart can do it, there is nothing but convenient opportunity for the sin itself to be carried out. So all approaches toward gratification of this sexual appetite such as: touching and feeding the eye with the sight of it where further satisfaction can be obtained is forbidden. Because such looks and behaviour are very dangerous and destructive to the soul and Jesus said that it is better to lose the eye and the hand than to give in to this sin, and perish eternally in hell.

Also, Jesus addressed the notion of divorce in marriage and it’s controversy, by referring us to the fundamental principle of marriage. Here Jesus emphasized on the real intention of God about marriage and celibacy, that they are two forms of life that help us to value human sexuality as gift from God. He ruled out divorce by placing men and women on the same level; no longer could a man opt to divorce his wife. Today there are lots of problems in family due to lack of understanding of what marriage truly means.

It is quite interesting to realize that social, economic and political factors are major determinants that shape the youth’s present understand of marriage, as we see the youths giving importance to changing trends in marriage such as: single parent, inter-caste marriage, living in relationship or cohabitation, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender marriages, etc. Hence, marriage for them is more of a social phenomenon than spiritual union and physical companionship. So this is part of what Jesus is addressing today

Hence, he speaks of "fulfilling" rather than "abolishing" the law and the prophets as we have it in our Gospel passage today and he added that: “the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.

Here, Jesus points out that keeping and teaching the commandments of God is the sure way of deepening our relationship with God not just here on earth but also in heaven. Little wonder in our first reading, we are made to know that if we wish, we can keep the commandments, because to behave faithfully is within our power. For God has set fire and water before you; put out your hand to whichever you prefer. Man has life and death before him; whichever a man likes better will be given him.

And St. Paul in our second reading said: we have a wisdom to offer those who have reached maturity: It is a wisdom that none of the masters of this age have ever known, or they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory; we teach what scripture calls: the things that no eye has seen and no ear has heard, things beyond the mind of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him.

Dear friends, Jesus has not come to abolish the laws, but to complete and fulfilled them. So he demands a deeper relationship from us not like that of the Pharisees who display their piety before others. No, Jesus wants more from us, he wants us to know that the laws that God gave to us is meant to lead us to Him and not for us to stray from Him.

Therefore, it is time for us to turn once again to the Lord our God, with all our strength and gifts. It is time for us to truly live our lives with a renewed spirit of faith. We are called to deepen our relationship with God and to embrace His love with all sincerity in order to reciprocate that love to the world through loving our neighbours. By so doing the world may see clearly and live once again by faith in God and faith in each other especially in country where people are suffering.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we struggle everyday towards holiness and perfection, may we be guided by the Holy Spirit and strive to remain towards the path of righteousness and ever to go back to our sinful and ugly ways of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed Sunday celebration.

Homily For Saturday Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 14th February, 2026. The Memorial of SS. Cyril and Methodius, and St. Valentine’s Day

 

Readings: 1Kings 12:26-32.13:33-34; Ps.106; Mark 8:1-10

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

CELEBRATING THE POWER AND VICTORY OF LOVE OVER HUMAN SELFISHNESS

When God created humanity, he entrusted all his creation to us and gave us regulations to follow in order to ensure successful fulfilment of this responsibility. But out of pride and selfishness we disobeyed God’s instructions and regulations. Hence, we separated ourselves from God, where we should have remained and enjoying the bliss of God’s presence, just as we heard in our first reading today.

For we heard how Jeroboam out of greed and selfishness separated himself and the people entrusted to him from God by creating for himself a golden image in replacement of the living God. Such conduct made the House of Jeroboam a sinful House, and caused its ruin and extinction from the face of the earth.

This is how we often behave and separate ourselves from God and are heading towards destruction and suffering. Nonetheless, God has not abandoned us in our downfall. He is still compassionate, caring and loves us even in our imperfections and our disobedience, for his compassion for the sufferings of humanity is so great. This is evident in our Gospel reading today, where Jesus reveals his compassion towards humanity. This compassionate love of Jesus in it’s historical and physical solidarity with human suffering, springs from the love of God the Father for his creatures..

Here, Jesus had compassion on the people who had been with him for days listening to his words. He then says to his disciples that there is need for him to give them something to eat before sending them away less they may faint on the way since some of them have come a long distance. This compassion of Jesus is meant for us to spread it throughout the world in a practical way by our ways of life.

This what we see in the lives of SS. Cyril and Methodius, and St. Valentine whose memorial we celebrate today. For all over the world people are celebrating especially young people, we are celebrating what they called the valentine’s day. A day we celebrate love. But today we are celebrating not just love, but the power and victory of love over human selfishness. The seed of this celebration comes as a result of the ugly event that happened on February 14, around the year 270 A.D., when Valentine, a holy Roman Catholic priest, who lived in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, was executed.

But the questions that comes to mind are: why was he executed and how does this ugly event relate to what we are celebrating today? According to history, what happened was that under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns and the emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. So the emperor discovered that men of Rome were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.

Thus, to deal with this problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. But Valentine a priest of Rome, realizing the injustice of this declaration by the emperor, defied this order and continued to perform marriages rite for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, the emperor ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. This ugly event was carried out on February 14, around the year 270.

However, in 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius, in honour of this St. decided to put an end to the Feast of Lupercalia, which was a pagan celebrate of the god of fertility in the name of love, though in an immoral way that is not acceptable to Christian faith. So in order to replace this feast with something more acceptable, the Pope declared that February 14 be celebrated as St. Valentine's Day in memory of his sacrificial passion for love among the people. And gradually, February 14 became a date for the celebration of love which is often expressed in different ways such as exchanging love messages, poems and simple gifts such as flowers to our loved ones.

Thus, Valentine celebration reminds us of the gift of God's love to humanity. For God loves unconditionally and sacrificially, he loves us till the very end. So, we have to also love one another the way God loves us. We must know that Valentine day is not a carnal celebration of love. But more of sacrificial and spiritual celebration. That is why as Christians we do not celebrate Valentine in a carnal or selfish manner or the sinful way the world celebrates it in the name of boyfriend and girlfriend, committing immorality, fornication and adultery in the name of love, which of course is not love, but lust.

Therefore, Valentine’s day for us should be a day we protect and promote true love for one another. It is a day we remember how much we care for one another and what we are to one another. It is a day we build up and nurture long-lasting love, friendships and good relationships with one another.

Dear friends, God has not abandoned us even in our imperfections, he still cares about us. All he wants from us is to be faithful to him and be compassionate to one another. But how strong is our compassion towards others? Do we know people who are helpless and need some help? Let us look at them for a moment and imagine Jesus looking at them. How does he sees them? Have I ever felt helpless? Do I feel the need of Jesus’ help in some part of my life?

Today, like Jesus, each one of us are called to reach out to people around us who are really in need of our assistance. This includes our family members, our neighbours, our colleagues and others who we encounter in life. The truth is that, you may be the only person who can brings the love, help us healing and compassion of Jesus into their lives.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, our fragile and contingent nature propelled by pride and sins have always bring about our downfall, but you have never abandoned us. As we embrace your love and compassion, give us the grace to look at people around us with the compassionate eyes of Jesus and be of help to them the best we could. Amen. Have a peaceful weekend and happy Valentine's day .

Homily For Friday of The Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 13th February, 2026

 

Readings: 1Kings 11:29-33.12:19; Ps.81; Mark 7:31-37

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LORD, THE WORLD HAS MADE US DEAF AND DUMB, COME AND OPEN OUR EARS AND TONGUES ONCE AGAIN

Reflecting on the ugly events in this world, especially how people pay attention to the things of this world at the expense of the things of God. How the world has engaged our attention to herself that we have now become deaf and dump to things that concerns our spiritual life. Yes we go to Church as often as possible, we engaged in one spiritual activity or another.

But the questions are, do we really listen and hear God speaking to us through those activities? Do we still see the hands of God in what we do? Are we really convinced of what we do in the house of God? Are we confused about our faith as a result of ugly events and scandals? The world really want us to be deaf to the word of God and mute to speak the great things God is doing for us.

This is evident in our first reading today, where we heard the consequences of paying deaf ears to God’s instructions. For Solomon in his old age let’s his hearts be separated from God because of the lost for the ugly thing of this passing world. So today we heard how his kingdom was divided and separated from him because of his sin. In a similar way humanity are constantly paying deaf hears to the instructions of God by allowing herself to be deceived by the serpents of this passing world and as a result of this ugly attitude, we are separating ourselves from the presence of God out of pride and selfish desires.

Thus, today in our Gospel passage, we heard how Jesus dramatically and figuratively heals us of our deafness and dumbass caused by our constant embracing of the sinful things of this passing world. Hence, when the deaf and dumb man was brought to Jesus for healing. He took the man aside, puts his fingers in his ears, touches his tongue with spittle, looks up to heaven and prays, " Ephphatha! Be opened".

Immediately the man’s ears were opened, his tongue loosed and he is able to speak plainly. This same words are use during baptism while touching the ears and lips of the baptized, a gesture that signifies the spiritual openness of one’s heart to God’s words.

Dear friends, out of pride and greediness we have often separated ourselves from the presence of God and as a result have become deaf and dumb to his teachings and instructions. Hence, we all need to have our ears opened so that we can hear and understand fully the message of Jesus and share it to the world.

I don’t know how far we have separated ourselves from God as a result of sin, I don’t know how deep our deafness and dumbness are, all I know is that today God is saying to us, fear not, have courage for the eyes of the blind shall be opened, ears of the deaf unstopped and the tongue of the mute shall sing for joy. All we need is to trust God no matter the affliction we are passing through in this world, for he is able to save us from them all.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, our strong desire for the things of this passing world has made us so deaf and dumb towards your words. Let us hear your voice once more saying to us “Ephphatha, be opened”, so that we can hear your words deep down our hearts and joyfully proclaim it to all humanity. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. It's Friday, as you go about your activities, may the joy of the Lord be your strength.

Homily For Thursday of The Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 12th February, 2026

Readings: 1Kings 11:4-13; Ps.106; Mark 7:24-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

ACCEPTING WHO YOU ARE IN PRAYER SO YOU CAN BE ELEVATED

In our society today, most people hardly accept who they are. For these days people spent all their resources and energy trying to convince others of what they are not by seeking their approval. What happens is that, at the end they will lose their nerves and other people will convince them that what they are doing doesn't have any value and because of that they give up their dream.

This is not the same with the syrophoenician woman in our Gospel passage today, who when approached Jesus pleading for the restoration of her daughter did not give up even when her request was not granted immediately.

For we are told that Jesus entered a house in Tyre and Sidon and did not want to be recognized. It is then that this Gentile Syrophoenician woman came to him and prostrated herself before Jesus and begged him to exorcise the evil spirit in her daughter.

But Jesus’ answer seems somewhat strange when he said: “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” However, the woman responded, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps. Her humble and powerful faith were immediately rewarded and her daughter was healed.

This story portrays the anticipation of the future faith of the Gentiles who will later become Christians. However, the irony of this passage is that, in Israel Jesus was trying to convince people that he was the Messiah, as he was being challenged to prove it with a sign.

But here in Gentile territory he met a woman who was convinced he was the Messiah and he could not discourage her efforts. Nonetheless, his apparent attempt to put her off was just a test, of which her great faith was proven by accepting her humble background and persistency in her request.

She accepted the place of a “dog” as a Gentile in relation to Israelites been the chosen children of God to whom the message and grace of the Messiah came first. Though she accepted that she may not be able to sit down at the Messiah’s table and eat with the “children,” but she should be allowed to pick up some of the crumbs of unmerited mercy and grace of God for the sake of her daughter.

Dear friends, we must learn how to humbly accept who are and be more persistent in our quest and desire for something. We must stop wasting valuable time trying to prove who we are not, let us first accept who we are in faith, then, work hard to improve who we want to be in relation to our faith in God. Let our faith in God help us to accept who we are. Whatever we want to do, let us have faith in God and in ourselves, and be determined because, faith, determination and sacrifice are the secrets of any success in life.

Therefore, tell yourself today that you can get that which you desire, when you plan for it, work everyday for it, then you will begin to see a different face in the things you do. The truth is that people are rewarded in public for things they do for years in private.

So, let us learn from this syrophoenician woman who accepted who she was and was determined with faith to achieve her dream through humility and persistency. Let us not be like King Solomon in our first reading who failed to remain faithful to God in his old age.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, the syrophoenician woman accepted her humble background with great faith in your Son Jesus, as we humbly make a leap of faith today, with determination and sacrifice towards our dreams in life, may you grant our hearts desires through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed day. 

Homily For Wednesday Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A , 11th February, 2026

 

Readings: 1kings 10:1-10; Ps.37; Mark 7:14:23

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

UNDERSTANDING THE DENGER OF DEFILING THE PURITY OF OUR HEART

From the scriptures, we heard how God has entrusted to humanity his wonderful creation with the following instructions: ‘You may eat indeed of all the trees in the garden. Nevertheless of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you are not to eat, for on the day you eat of it you shall most surely die (Gen. 3:3). But we have often failed to keep this instruction out of pride and greediness which have corrupted our hearts and as a result most of our ugly attitudes are the fruit of this corrupt heart and these often separate us from God.

Little wonder in our Gospel passage today, Jesus makes it clear that we are not defiled or separated from God, by external things, such as the kinds of food we eat, but by the sins of the heart, evil intentions and sinful actions which we entertain in our hearts. Telling us that physical activity of the human person does not defile a person because the physical is being controlled by the inner interior being of the person. For when the interior life of a person is corrupted by sin, then the fruit of this corruption is manifested in the physical activity of the person.

For just as a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so will a corrupt heart bring forth corrupt fruits, corrupt appetites, passions and covetousness and immoderate desires for the passing things of this passing world from which comes wickedness; malice, hatred, and a delight in mischievous actions, deceit; Lasciviousness; that filthiness and foolish talk which darkened the soul.

Hence, Jesus teaches us that from a corrupt heart comes the desire for fornication and adultery. And all these comes from within our hearts, especially it’s the corrupt nature that brings about the carnal mind, the evil treasure in the heart which defile the human person and render one unfit to communion with God. Because they stain the conscience; and, if not mortified and rooted out, will send us out of our heavenly kingdom.

Thus, the defilement we ought to avoid is not from what entered our mouths as food, but from what comes out of our mouths, which shows the goodness or wickedness deep down in our hearts. For the human heart is the source of every good and evil deeds. Hence, the pollution of the human heart is very dangerous, for in it comes all the powers and faculties of the soul. So there is need for us to know that lustful and sinful thoughts of the heart defiles the human person and makes one abominable in the sight of God.

Dear friends, we must ensure that our hearts are constantly purge of all these corruptions in other to bear good fruits of love, forgiveness, compassion and holiness. For it is only when this occurs that there will be need for a new hearts and right spirit to be formed and created within us for having repented and received the pardoning grace of God. Because nothing will last in the soul more than the regenerating graces of the Holy Spirit which gives sight to the heart darkened by sin in order to effectively lead others to the truth that illuminates their hearts from the darkness of sin and death.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, the human hearts have been corrupted and darkened by sins. As we struggle to constantly purge our hearts from sin and corruption, may you, create a pure heart within us so that we can bear good fruits of love and holiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day.

Homily For Tuesday of The Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 10th February, 2026, The Memorial of Saint Scholastic

Readings: 1 King 8: 22-23.27-30; Ps.84, Mark 7:1-13

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

SEPARATING THE TRUE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD FROM HUMAN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Oftentimes, we find it difficult to separate the commandments of God from human traditions. This no doubt plays out in our making and interpreting of laws and it has great consequences in our relationship with God and our neighbours just as we have it in our Gospel reading today, where we heard how the Pharisees multiplied religious laws and rituals to such an extent that it was impossible to know them all, talk more of observing them. So Jesus accuses them of neglecting the true commandment of God over their petty regulations.

These petty laws and traditions were highly detailed but unwritten human laws which the Scribes and Pharisees regarded as having the same binding force as the Law of Moses. However, Jesus was not totally against these laws and regulations. What he was against was the legalism by which the mere observance of some external actions were equated with being a devout lover of God. Hence he reminds them of the quotes from the prophet Isaiah saying: “this people honours me only with lip service, while their hearts are far from me. The worship they offer me is worthless; the doctrines they teach are only human regulations.” (Is 29:13).

Hence, Jesus goes ahead to illustrates the hypocrisy involved in this ugly attitudes by showing how some supposedly devout people neglected the basic responsibility of respect and care for parents by claiming that they had consecrated all that they owned to God and the temple, while in fact they are keeping it for their own personal use. So for one to declare something to be “Corban,” an offering devoted to God, when his parents are in need, is in direct conflict with the commandment of God that says: honour your father and mother.

 Here, Jesus made it clear that the real commandments of God is the unconditional love of God and neighbour which is evident in our first reading where we heard Solomon after building a house for the Lord expressing his reverence and love for God and his chosen people saying: hear the entreaty of your servant and of Israel your people as they pray in this place, hear; and, as you hear, forgive.

This is important as we celebrate the memorial of St. Scholastic. For she was deeply prayerful and faithful to God. She was the twin sister of St. Benedict.

Dear friends, as we examine our hearts to see if we have in anywhere engaged multiplication of laws and regulations . We should never engage ourselves in such behaviour. Therefore, we should examine ourselves to see if there are elements of the Pharisee in us and these happen whenever, we focus our attention on laws while neglecting the spirit of the law which is the real focus of today’s Gospel.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, out of pride and greediness, we have often neglected the true meaning of your commandment of love but hold on to unnecessary human traditions which lead us into destructive criticism of others. Help us to change this ugly attitudes in order to embrace your teaching on love and humility. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day.

Homily For Monday of The Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 9th February, 2026

 

Readings: 1kings 8:1-7.9-13; Ps.132; Mark 6:53-56

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

EXPERIENCING THE HEALING TOUCH OF JESUS

From the beginning, we were told that God created everything so good and perfect. But out of pride and greediness, humanity have destroyed and keep on destroying the good things that God has entrusted to us. As a result of this humanity are suffering the consequences of our destructive actions which manifest in different from such as: natural disasters, illnesses, diseases, afflictions, slavery and troubles.

But time and time again, God though not pleased with this destructive nature of humanity, has not stopped to restore humanity back to it glorious state. This gracious act of restoration is made more evident in the life and mission of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to redeem us through the path of humility and love.

Little wonder in our Gospel passage today, we heard of the great works of Jesus who was then at Galilee, ministering to the people who came to him seeking to be healed from their various illnesses, diseases, afflictions, slavery and troubles. People kept on bringing their sick ones to him and many people who had faith in him were healed by merely touching his cloak. This passage summarizes what Jesus was doing for the people. It indicates the tremendous desire of the people to be healed and made whole by Jesus. Thus, the presence of Jesus brought Joy and relieve to them.

Dear friends, God really cares about us, for no matter the situation we may find ourselves, we must know that the touch of Jesus heals and restores everything. Therefore, we all are called to embrace the loving touch of Jesus and cooperate with him in his work and mission of healing and restoration of humanity.

Hence, let us discern what we all can do in order to contribute even in little ways, to ensure the restoration of humanity and all God’s creation which we are destroying by our lives and actions. Let us learn from Solomon in our first reading today whose goal was to build a house for the Lord and ensure peace among the chosen people of God.

So, let us seek to renew our faith in God and grow stronger in our love and devotion towards him. The people in our Gospel today rushed to Jesus with their needs and their hopes because they recognized him. Maybe we need to follow their example by bringing to him those things in us that are still in need of healing and restoration.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we submit our lives into your care, let your healing touch restore us once again, and so experience restoration in our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed week.

Homily For Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, 8th February, 2026

 

Readings: Is. 58:7-10; Ps. 112; 1Cor.2:1-5; Matt. 5:1-13-16

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SALT OF EARTH AND LIGHT OF THE WORLD?

Reflecting on the ugly situation in our families, societies and the world at large, especially in our country today, where life has become short, brutal and hopeless, no money in circulation, no light, no food, no water, no good roads, not much to be proud of in this country. Every day we experience so much wickedness and hatred around us, and we all seem to be keeping quiet about it.

Now we all have to face the reality before us, both small and great, rich and poor, learned and unlearned, young and old, good and bad, holy and sinful. Because we have lost our dignity as God’s chosen people who are called to be light and salt to the hearts of humanity who are consumed in the darkness of greed, corruption and sinful things of this passing world.

Hence, today our attention is drawn towards the very essence and nature of our lives as Christians and our mission in the world. This is well illustrated by the theme of light and salt.

In our Gospel passage today, we heard from Jesus the famous parable of the salt of the earth and the light of the world. When Jesus taught this parable, his audience consisted of Israelites, the chosen people of God, who possessed the Word of God and were expected to be salt and light in the world, but had failed. So, gradually, throughout his teaching, Jesus tried to deepen these ideas of salt and light to each one who decided to follow him. He wanted them to understand the grace and purpose of their mission in the world.

That is why, during our baptism, we are given salt as a sign of God’s life in us and are commanded never to lose or forget the life and joy that God has given us to share with others. Similarly, we are given candlelight which we are to keep brightly burning as a flame of faith in our hearts as we journey with others towards our heavenly kingdom.

Therefore, every Christian is called by God to influence the world around them positively, just like St. Paul in our second reading, when the said: I came among you in great ‘fear and trembling’ and in my speeches and the sermons that I gave, there were none of the arguments that belong to philosophy; only a demonstration of the power of the Spirit. And I did this so that your faith should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God. So when Jesus used the illustrations of salt and light, he was pointing out what our lives as his disciples should be. And as we know, both salt and light have properties which have a great effect on things around them.

No doubt the scriptures contain different references to salt. Oftentimes it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification. Salt, as we know, is used to enhance flavour, it preserves, purifies things, salt distinguishes Identity, adds Values to things, it’s inexpensive but valuable, necessary for life, it is a basic identity of believers, it is either we use it or lose its effects. Thus, to be salt means to deliberately seek to influence the people in our lives by showing them the unconditional love of Christ through good deeds.

Also, light in the scriptures is a symbol used to mean awareness, knowledge, and understanding. Light clarifies, Illuminates, Inspires, defeats darkness, shines brightly and freely, it guides, stimulates and motivates, provokes action, irritates those in darkness, confirms truth, purifies and exposes sin. Light makes us warm and assures us of safety, and also facilitates progress. Hence, to be light means to be a witness to others concerning the truth of God's Word and love for humanity.

Consequently, Jesus clearly defines the role of Christians in the world as that of salt and light. Salt preserves the faith and gives flavour to human life. Light illuminates darkness and reflects the glory of God. However, most of us Christians have failed to appropriate these benefits, privileges and responsibilities of being salt and light to humanity. As a result, many people suffer because we have failed to be the light and salt in our dark and tasteless societies and families.

This is because we have continued to embrace the things of this passing world and are spoiled by its destructive ways. We have forgotten that we are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men. We have forgotten that we are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden.

Dear friends, the questions before us today are: Are we still the light of his world? Are we still the salt of this country? Are we still the light of our societies and offices? Are we still the salt of our families, organisations, and institutions we find ourselves in? If the answer is yes, how come we have not been able to illuminate our families, our societies and our country that are sinking into the deep darkness of sin, corruption and greediness?

How come we have failed to give that taste of love, joy, goodwill, integrity, honesty, holiness, compassion to our tasteless and corrupt families, societies and our country Nigeria where life has become short, brutal and hopeless, no money in circulation, no jobs, no light, no food, no water, no good roads.

Why have we failed to be the salt and light of this nation? Why have we chosen to mingle with darkness? Why have we chosen to remain silent and lose the sweet taste of love and goodwill God has given us? Is it the case that Christians are not involved in making policies in our societies and implementing those policies? I don’t think so, for I know we are involved, but we have forgotten who we are, so we have been thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men of darkness and lawlessness.

So, the core message today is that each and every one of us as disciples and followers of Christ the Lord must be ready to do and be what he has taught and commanded us to be. If we call ourselves Christians and yet we are incapable, unwilling or fail to do or be what we have been called to be, how can we be that salt or light then? Are we not like the hypocrites who believe in one thing and yet act differently? Remember, if we lose the value and taste of who we are, the world will trample upon us because we will be good for nothing.

But, how can we then live our lives so that we may truly reflect God’s light and relevant salt in our dark and tasteless society? It is by doing what we heard in our first reading today taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah ( 58:7-10), where we are told to share our joy, happiness and blessings with others. We have to stand up and speak out in the midst of injustice and corruption. We have to stand and uphold the truth of our faith no matter the cost.

We have to do the best within our capacity by utilising our gifts and talents, using them to touch other people’s lives through our sincere and genuine show of love, care and concern for one another, so that our light may illuminate the path of others who are still dwelling in the darkness of uncertainty and sin. Therefore, let our presence bring happiness and joy to the lives of people around us who are suffering and yearning for love and compassion.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as we struggle every day to truly carryout the mission entrusted to us, give us the grace and courage to dedicate ourselves, our time, our energy and effort to becoming true light and salt in our dark and tasteless families, societies, country and the world at large. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Happy Sunday.

Homily For Saturday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 7th February, 2026

 

Readings: 1Kings 3:4-13; Ps.119; Mark 6:30-34

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LET US BE LEADERS WITH A LISTENING HEART

 

Humanity is constantly in need of one thing or another; we are never tired of searching for things that will satisfy our desires for both physical and spiritual well-being. This is even worse with the ugly situation in our world today where humanity seems lost, confused and sick as a result of our greed and selfish desires. This can be likened to the situation and condition of the people in our Gospel passage today, to which Jesus and his disciples devoted time trying to attend.

 

But when the situation kept increasing, Jesus said to his disciples, " You must come away to some lonely place, all by yourselves and rest for a while, for there were so many coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat. As they went through their boat, the people went after them on foot. So as Jesus stepped ashore, he saw a large crowd, and he took pity on them, for they were like sheep without a shepher,d, and he healed their sickness and taught them for a while.

 

Here, Jesus fulfils his role as the expected messiah who is to liberate his people from all kinds of diseases. The teaching and healing touch of Jesus reveals to us that God is faithful to his promises. This healing and wholeness are offered as a sign of the presence of God’s kingdom among his people. This is very important because God has never abandoned his people for he will always send helpers or leaders who will stand in for the good of his people.

 

One such leader is the person of Solomon in our first reading today. Solomon having succeeded his father David, asked God in prayers saying: “Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil, for who could govern these people of yours that is so great?” God was very pleased with this request and granted him more than he requested which made Solomon one of the greatest kings the world has ever known.

 

Dear friends, humanity needs leaders with listening hearts and discerning spirits just like Solomon, for the hopeless and ugly situation in our world today are good indication that we are just floating in this world like sheep without a responsible shepherd. Thus, we need to come to Jesus our true and Good Shepherd. 

We must make sure that nothing comes between us and the love of Jesus our Lord, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. For these are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us so much.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we are lost in this passing world, as we come to you in need of your love and direction both physically and spiritually, make us responsible leaders with listening hearts and guide us once again towards the path of truth, love and fulfilment even amid all the confusion in our world today. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed weekend.

Homily For Friday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 6th February, 2026. The Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions

  

Readings: Eccl. 47:2-13; Ps.18; Mark 6:14-29

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LORD GIVE THE GRACE TO STAND FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE

One of our great musicians, Lucky Dube, in one of his albums said that he who stands for the truth will always stand alone. This is the case with John the Baptist, whose head was the prize for the truth he told Herod and Herodias, as we heard in the Gospel passage today. 

This terrible crime, which points to what is done to Jesus in his Passion, demonstrates how good people, especially when they struggle for justice, are condemned to suffer at the hands of greed and powerful people who become very cruel. As a result, the innocent suffer.

 

The root of the whole problem is that King Herod made an unwise promise out of pride, but finds it difficult to change his mind and admit that he was wrong. He did not plan to execute John that night. He was persuaded by Herodias to do so, because he was a weak man. He is a slave to the opinion of others; he feared the people who revered John; he also fears the reaction of his guests if he should retract his oath. Thus, the head of the innocent, who was in prison for speaking the truth was sacrificed. 

This is the same with St. Paul Miki and Companions whose memorial we are celebrating today. They are the Holy Martyrs of Nagasaki in Japan. These twenty-six Martyrs of Japan were crucified on a hill, now known as the Holy Mountain, overlooking Nagasaki.

 

Among them were priests, brothers, and laymen, Franciscans, Jesuits, and members of the Secular Franciscan Order; there were catechists, doctors, simple artisans, and servants, old men and innocent children, all united in common faith and love for Jesus, their good Shepard. They remained faithful to the very end and faced martyrdom with courage and so received from Jesus the crown of true and everlasting glory.

Dear friends, in a world full of corruption and injustice, how far can we stand for the truth we professed? Or like Herod, how often do we make unwise promises out of pride? When we make bad decisions, how quickly are we able to change our minds, to admit that we are wrong? If today we happen to be one of Herod’s guests, what would have been our reaction? Will I have protested or stayed silent? So how do we react, when we see others suffering injustice? 

 Perhaps, today we can think of all the victims of truth in our societies, the vulnerable, the innocent in our society and all those who are exploited and used to achieve the ends of others. These ugly events in our society, how are we confronting them? Do we have the courage to speak up or protest, even at the cost of our heads and our lives? So, let us learn to remain firm in speaking the truth, just like John the Baptist and King David, whose praises we heard in our first reading today.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, give us the grace to stand for the truth and help us never to make unwise promises, direct our intentions and guide our words so that we may grow in compassion for the innocent victims in our families, societies, country and the world at Homily For Friday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 6th February, 2026. The Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions 

Readings: Eccl. 47:2-13; Ps.18; Mark 6:14-29

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LORD GIVE THE GRACE TO STAND FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE

One of our great musicians, Lucky Dube, in one of his albums said that he who stands for the truth will always stand alone. This is the case with John the Baptist, whose head was the prize for the truth he told Herod and Herodias, as we heard in the Gospel passage today. 

This terrible crime, which points to what is done to Jesus in his Passion, demonstrates how good people, especially when they struggle for justice, are condemned to suffer at the hands of greed and powerful people who become very cruel. As a result, the innocent suffer.

 

The root of the whole problem is that King Herod made an unwise promise out of pride, but finds it difficult to change his mind and admit that he was wrong. He did not plan to execute John that night. He was persuaded by Herodias to do so, because he was a weak man. He is a slave to the opinion of others; he feared the people who revered John; he also fears the reaction of his guests if he should retract his oath. Thus, the head of the innocent, who was in prison for speaking the truth was sacrificed. 

This is the same with St. Paul Miki and Companions whose memorial we are celebrating today. They are the Holy Martyrs of Nagasaki in Japan. These twenty-six Martyrs of Japan were crucified on a hill, now known as the Holy Mountain, overlooking Nagasaki.

 

Among them were priests, brothers, and laymen, Franciscans, Jesuits, and members of the Secular Franciscan Order; there were catechists, doctors, simple artisans, and servants, old men and innocent children, all united in common faith and love for Jesus, their good Shepard. They remained faithful to the very end and faced martyrdom with courage and so received from Jesus the crown of true and everlasting glory.

Dear friends, in a world full of corruption and injustice, how far can we stand for the truth we professed? Or like Herod, how often do we make unwise promises out of pride? When we make bad decisions, how quickly are we able to change our minds, to admit that we are wrong?? If today we happen to be one of Herod’s guests, what would have been our reaction? Will I have protested or stayed silent? So how do we react, when we see others suffering injustice? 

 Perhaps, today we can think of all the victims of truth in our societies, the vulnerable, the innocent in our society and all those who are exploited and used to achieve the ends of others. These ugly events in our society, how are we confronting them? Do we have the courage to speak up or protest, even at the cost of our heads and our lives? So, let us learn to remain firm in speaking the truth, just like John the Baptist and King David, whose praises we heard in our first reading today.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, give us the grace to stand for the truth and help us never to make unwise promises, direct our intentions and guide our words so that we may grow in compassion for the innocent victims in our families, societies, country and the world at large, through Christ our Lord. Amen.  God bless you.