Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A.
15th February, 2026.
Freedom of choice is central to our human existence. Every aspect of our lives has to do with choosing. Even when you refuse to choose, you have already made a choice. There is something beautiful about God: He gives us free will. He respects our freedom. He does not force us. But for every choice we make, there is a corresponding consequence.
In the First Reading, we are reminded: “If you will, you can keep the commandments, and they will save you.” When you keep the commandments that guide marriage, family life, work, and every aspect of your life, they will serve you and you shall live.
God has placed before you fire and water. Stretch forth your hand and take what you want.
Before a person dies physically, he first dies inside. You hear people say, “I cannot make it.” The moment you accept defeat within, the battle is already lost. But I once heard of a woman who refused to die. She had a fighting spirit.
God says: I place before you good and evil. You can choose to be: A good Christian, a faithful wife or husband, an obedient child, a responsible civil servant, a good neighbour, or you can choose the opposite. Just know this, whatever you choose carries consequences.
You can choose to serve God in His house. Some say they have no time, not for the choir, not for the charismatic group, not for any service. But choosing not to serve is also a choice. So, choose wisely.
As a counsellor, I have seen marriages crumble within months. Why Because some people married simply because their friends were getting married. Marriage is not competition. You can choose to make your marriage work.
Greatness does not happen overnight. To become somebody tomorrow is not the product of waking up one day and becoming great. It is the product of daily choices, small, consistent, disciplined choices.
You can choose to live recklessly, drinking everything you see, living carelessly. But at 35, when health problems begin, you will face the consequences of yesterday’s choices.
Marriage should build your faith and make you think responsibly about your family.
I remember when I was much younger, driving from Abuja to Apiapum in Obubra Local Government Area. I picked up a man on the road. We were driving very fast. When we reached Makurdi, he said, “Father, I want to stop here.” I asked why. He said, “Father, I have a wife and four children.”
At that moment, I understood the value he placed on his life and his family. For the rest of the journey, we drove like a snail.
When you place value on yourself, others will value you. Some of you are always present at every friend’s occasion, but when it is your turn, they do not show up. Learn to value yourself. Stop forcing yourself where you are not valued.
When you come to the house of God, do not hide. Serve. Let people talk about you. When people talk about you, it means you matter.
The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him. When you choose, He knows. So choose good. Choose to forgive your spouse. Choose peace over quarrels and fights.
Jesus says, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there. Go and reconcile first, then come back and offer your gift.”
Some of you carry people in your heart like tenants who refuse to pay rent. You keep grudges. You think you are hurting them, but you are only hurting yourself, causing yourself high blood pressure. Some even keep records, long notes of every wrong their spouse has done from January to December. Yet many have not gone for the Sacrament of Reconciliation all year.
When you choose wisely: The blessings of God will come upon you. The favour of God will rest on you. Peace will dwell in your home.
Today, God still places before you life and death, good and evil, fire and water.
Stretch forth your hand and choose life.
Compiled By Elijah Ugani