The Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Lafia, Bishop David Ajang has called on the Christian faithful to cultivate a disciplined spiritual life by prioritising God’s word over distractions of the modern world.
In a Sunday homily on the theme, “Listening,” the Bishop emphasised that the human anatomy itself serves as a divine hint for how we should conduct our lives.
“God made us with two ears and one mouth because he wants us to listen more and talk less,” Bishop Ajang noted.
Drawing lessons from the first reading in Genesis 12:1-4, the Bishop highlighted the patriarch Abraham as the ultimate model of active listening.
He said God commanded Abraham to leave his past behind to go to an unknown land “flowing with milk and honey.”
Turning to the Gospel of Matthew 17:1–9, the Bishop recounted the Transfiguration story, where the voice of God commanded the disciples: “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.”
“Today God speaks to us through his words and we are told to listen. We are expected to read the Bible every day. During Lent, make readings of the day a priority especially as we fast. Read the word of God because it is through his words that God speaks to us,” he added.
Bishop Ajang reminded the faithful that God’s voice is not limited to scripture alone, saying that God speaks to his people through Ministers including the Pope, Bishops, and Priests.
The Bishop urged the congregation to value the homily regardless of their personal feelings toward the preachers.
He specifically challenged parents to be open-minded, noting that God can speak through children even those who may not be the preferred.
The Bishop stressed the need for a quiet time to create an environment where God can be heard, saying, “talk less and listen more.”
He pointed to specific vices, such as alcohol and a general lack of discipline, as destructive forces and warned the youths about technology.
The Bishop further encouraged those who hear God’s voice to share their experiences and act as missionaries to those outside the church and prayed for the community for God to grant them ears that listen.
