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 WEDNESDAY OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK IN* *ORDINARY TIME YEAR II*
The cost of discipleship is the theme of today's liturgy. It is enormous and requires sacrifice- the sacrifice of some earthly comfort. While many may not need to give up the comfort of their home and bed like the disciples did, nonetheless, they must be willing to part with anything that may stand in the way of doing God's will.
In the first reading (Job 9: 1-16), Job, while responding to his friends who were pressuring him to admit his sins and ask God for forgiveness, reminds them that he has not sinned as to incur disaster, but who is he to criticize or challenge God in God's plan for him. Job admits that he can only seek God's help in accepting God's divine plan for him.
In the gospel (Luke 9: 57-62), Jesus sets the standard for those who wish to be His disciples. Discipleship requires immediate commitment and detachment. "Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God".
Dear friends, following our Lord Jesus Christ is challenging. It requires thinking about what God is calling us to do in each and every situation. There is nothing greater we can do with our lives than to place them at the service of the Lord and Master of the universe. We cannot outmatch God in his generosity. Jesus promises that those who are willing to part with what is most dear to them for his sake "will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life" (Matthew 19:29). The Lord Jesus offers us a kingdom of lasting peace, unending joy, surpassing love, enduring friendship, and abundant life. Is there anything holding you back from pursuing the Lord and His will for your life?
I pray as we journey in life today, we should make being faithful to God our priority. If we are able to put Jesus first, then all other things will fall into place. May we not give excuses to following Jesus, but always seek His help, admit our weakness and trust in His grace. May God's Word be a lamp for our steps and a light for our path (Ps 119: 105). Have a commitment-full day!
*@ Fr Francis Onwunali*
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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