Homilies & Reflections

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2025-08-25 - Do not be a stumbling block Author: Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe

n the Gospel Reading of today, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees who are obstacle to others. They prevent people from entering the kingdom of heaven and won't enter themselves. 
 
Dear friends, do you know that you can impact another's faith and life in general? Recall that Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew had earlier warned his own disciples about putting a stumbling stone in the way of others. Elsewhere, he warns them of the danger of becoming a stumbling block to others who already believe in him. He even accused Peter, the leader of the twelve, of becoming a stumbling block to himself such that he said to him, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me." The question today is, "Does my life block others from coming to know the Lord?" Does it affect the life of others generall?
 
The opposite of a stumbling block is a stepping stone. Figuratively, a stepping stone is something that helps you progress toward a bigger goal. It's often used to describe opportunities, experiences, or stages in life that prepare you for greater achievements. We must be stepping stones for others.
We are all called to be stepping stones who help each other towards the Lord rather than hindering each other from receiving the Lord.
 
Little wonder Paul in the the First Reading,  saw the Thessalonian Church as a stepping stone. He declares, ‘it was from you that the word of the Lord has started to spread… for the news of your faith in God has spread everywhere'. This means that from them, other young churches are being greatly encouraged and built up. Be a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.
 
God bless you



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LITURGICAL CALENDAR

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEVEN DAYS PRAYERS

Date: 2026-08-09 - 2026-08-15

From The Chancery   Dear Brothers, happy weekend! You would recall that during the last Bishop's/Priests' Meeting, the Bishop directed that the entire diocese of Umuahia should be observing a one week prayer for *Peace* in Igbo land. I am happy to inform you that, following the directive of His Lordship, the seven days prayers will begin on the 9th of August, and end on the solemnity of Our Lady's Assumption (15th of August), 2026. Take note of the following, please: 1) Take time to explain to your parishioners about the importance of the one week of prayers. 2) Draw their attention to the fact that this is directed by the Bishop himself. 3) Remember that it is a daily evening program. 4) The color to wear is black. 5) The day begins with Rosary procession and concludes with holy Mass. 6) All are advised to make sacrifices during those days.   Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the program. Thanks for your usual understanding and positive cooperation.   Rev Henry Maduka

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logoThe Diocese of Umuahia was erected on June 23, 1958 with Most Rev. Anthony Gogo Nwaedo C.S.Sp. as its first Bishop and Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as the second Bishop. The diocese was carved out from the then Diocese of Owerri. Since its inception, two other dioceses: Okigwe (1981) and Aba (1990) have been excised from it. Its present area of about 2,460.40km2 spans six Local Government Areas: Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia and Arochukwu.

Homilies & Reflections

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