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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*REFLECTION FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C*
"Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed" (Luke 13: 24). This is the central message of this Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. The readings of today call to guard against two positions that stand against God's plan of salvation for us being fulfilled- sin against hope: despair and presumption (CCC 2091-2092).
The first reading (Is. 66: 18-21) gives a sense of reassurance that people of all nations will be welcomed into the presence of God. As fragrant offering in a clean vessel, we shall be offered to the Lord and experience the glory of God's presence. Am I disposed for this encounter?
In the gospel (Luke 13: 22-30), Jesus instructs on making effort to remain on the way to salvation. Do not presume God's mercy and then live unexamined or lose hope and give up trying because the road is narrow and sometimes difficult. Perseverance in faithfulness shall grant you victory of entrance into the Narrow Gate.
Dear friends, the words "Disciple" and "Discipline" come from the same Latin root- *discipulus* (student). Any true disciple needs to be disciplined, walk on the Way, remain in Truth, so as to enter into Life. Jesus said: "I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved" (John 10: 9). Do not allow heaven to spring surprises on you due to presumption or despair. But with faith, hope and charity, strive to live your life as a true disciple.
I pray as we journey in life today, we will not treat God's word of correction lightly and not be discouraged when God reprimands us. For the Lord corrects those He loves and chastizes everyone He accepts as a son or daughter (Heb. 12: 5-6). May our faith in Jesus and disciplined life of a true disciple gain us salvation. Have a happy and victory-full Sunday!
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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