Homilies & Reflections

One thing I ask of the Lord. This I long to dwell in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my life.

2025-11-16 - The day when no stone will be left on another Author: Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe

16th of November 2025
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
_Mal. 3:29-20_
_2Thess. 3:7-12_
_Lk. 21:5-19_
 
 
The last three Sundays of the Church's Liturgical Calendar are always focused on the last things; the end of the world and coming of the Lord, the last judgement and eternity in heaven or hell.
 
This year, I chose to reflect on the implications of Jesus' response to those were admiring the beauty of the temple, and were speaking about how it was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings.
Jesus said, "All that you see here, the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."
 
Recall that the temple in Jerusalem built by Solomon was so beautiful. However, it was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC headed by Nebuchadnezzar II. This happened because of their disobedience.
The second temple built by Herod was destroyed in 70 CE following a revolt by the Jews against the Roman rule. 
As beautiful as these temples were, they were destroyed.
 
Dear friends, although the destruction and rebuilding of the temple showed judgment and restoration, I think it also points to something deeper. The prophecy of Jesus about the temple and it's fulfilment tells us that no matter how beautiful, how magnificent a thing is, it is not permanent. Jesus reminds us that what we see, have and admire now, may too pass away. Do you brag with physical beauty, money, etc, they may not last forever.
 
He also tells us to live beyond appearance. Appearance alone can be deceptive. What is inside is what matters.
Then again, he wants us to live out the real essence of the temple, which are love, goodness, kindness, compassion. These will be our ticket to everlasting life.
 
Finally, Jesus wants us to recognize the cycle of life; that there is time for everything (Ecc. 3:1-4). Know that everything has it's time and season.
It is also a message of hope. The difficult moments will not last forever. After destruction, there will be a restoration
 
God's grace and a happy Sunday



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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.

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