The Assistant Cathedral Administrator of St. William’s Cathedral, Lafia, Rev. Fr. Samuel Innocent Ogbole, has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith and embrace spiritual transformation amidst the challenges bedeviling the country.
Fr. Ogbole, who made the call while delivering his Sunday homily, assured Nigerians that God will ultimately deliver the nation from its socio-economic troubles.
Reflecting on the First Reading from the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 25:6–10), which promises a lavish banquet prepared by God on His holy mountain, he drew a direct line between ancient struggles and the severe realities currently confronting the nation.
Addressing a packed congregation, Fr. Ogbole noted that the prophet’s promise of divine intervention speaks directly to the plight of Nigerians today.
”The first reading speaks of the mountain that God provided for His people, where He will destroy all that bothers them. This is deeply relevant to the current situation we find in our country, Nigeria; insecurity, inflation, poverty, bad leadership, unemployment, poor health infrastructure, and herdsmen attacks,” Fr. Ogbole declared.
He reminded the congregation that despite these overwhelming hardships, the prophetic message remains one of ultimate relief: “Through Prophet Isaiah, God has asked us to rejoice, for He will surely deliver us from all our problems.”
Delivering his reflection on the day’s Gospel (Matthew 22:1-14), the Parable of the Wedding Feast, the clergyman emphasised that God continually extends an invitation of salvation and eternal life to everyone, both good and bad.
He, however, warned against indifference and the failure to present oneself appropriately prepared before God.
Highlighting the parable’s climax, where a guest was cast out for lacking wedding attire, Fr. Ogbole cautioned the faithful against holding onto ungodly attitudes while claiming to accept God’s grace.
”Today, God is inviting us to His banquet, and we need to change our ways from a life full of vengeance to a life of forgiveness, and from a life of pain to a life of peace and joy,” he exhorted.
He questioned the congregation on their willingness to shed persistent vices: “How long will you keep on with that bad habit? When are you going to accept the transformative change of God?”
Drawing strength from the Second Reading (Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20) and the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 23), Fr. Ogbole urged believers to remember that true joy comes from God and must be reflected in daily living, especially within families and communities.
”Our life is given to us by God, and God has always been there for us. Do not let the joy die. The Lord’s banquet is full of happiness and joy, yet today many are still living in envy, jealousy, greed, fear, doubt, disappointment, and anger,” he observed.
He made a passionate plea to families to serve as beacons of harmony and reconciliation during these trying times: “Spouses should bring back joy into their marriages. Children, bring back joy to your parents. Now is the time to bring joy to the people around us.”
Fr. Ogbole concluded the homily by reminding Christians that while earthly circumstances may be dark, the strength provided by Christ enables believers to master every trial and remain rooted in divine hope.
