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.
One thing I ask of the Lord. This I long to dwell in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my
life.
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11th of August 2022
Thursday in the 19th week of Ordinary Time, Year 11
(Memorial of St. Clare)
Ezek. 12:1-12
Mtt.18:21-19:1
*Love him totally, who gave himself totally for your love*(St. Clare)
I welcome us to the liturgy of today wherein we celebrate the memorial of St. Clare(1195-1253), born in Assisi Italy. Influenced by St. Francis of Assisi and against her parents wish, she fled to Porziuncola chapel below Assisi, and joining the Second Order of St. Francis, she received her vows in 1212. She lived a life of service to God and humanity, focusing on a life of poverty, love and prayer, and professing Jesus as her only spouse.
The readings of today reminds us that following God is action packed and which hinges on obeying His words.
While Ezekiel was told to express in action the judgement God will exact on the people, Jesus tell Peter in the gospel to live, love and forgive beyond measure. He thus tells us to forgive in an unlimited manner.
Dear friends in Christ, the liturgy of today celebrates the magnanimity of God's love. This is a love that surpasses human logic. The number seven is a number of perfection. Jews at the time of Jesus were required to forgive a person three times. Jesus tells us rather to love without measure. He calls us not to hold back kindness.
•We see this love of God manifested in the life of the Israelites. However, this love was at a point taken for granted. Most of the time, God's love have been greeted with hatred and unforgiveness. This reflected in the first reading and of course the gospel. The readings tells us that God will exact judgement on those who do no respond to his love, and those who are unforgiving like the wicked servant of today.
•Finally friends, let us remember that we all are debtors, we are sinners and as such, we should look upon others with the eyes of mercy. A particular Psalm we pray during the compline captures this, "If you O Lord should mark our guilt, who will survive?."(Ps. 130:3)
_May we respond to God's love and forgiveness, and extend it to others._
*Every blessings*
(Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe)
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
The 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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