Tag: #Felix Ekpe

 

The Gospel today speaks about the Good Shepherd. Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Today, Christ goes before us as our Shepherd. The Psalmist reminds us that God is always ahead of us, guiding our path.

Even in the darkest moments, even in the grave, God is there. One thing is certain: no matter the situation, the Shepherd never abandons His sheep. Truly, the Lord is our Shepherd; there is nothing we shall want.

Fear often shapes many of our decisions. We are afraid of life, of the future, even of our vocation. Messages from social media can increase our anxiety. But today’s message is clear: do not be afraid. You are not alone; the Lord is with you.

God does not promise that we will not pass through fire or the valley of death. But He assures us that in all circumstances, He will be with us. Peter and the other disciples went through many trials. Even Jesus Himself was subjected to suffering.

We must also learn how to respond to our enemies. Do not pray for them to die. The Scripture says, “God will prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies.” Sometimes, those we call enemies are closer than we think. If you pray for all your enemies to die, you may wake up and find your own loved ones missing.

As parents and leaders, we too are shepherds. Life comes with many challenges and difficulties, but no matter what you face, trust that God will turn things around. There are moments when nothing you do seems to please anyone, do not be discouraged. God says, “Turn to me, and I will give you peace.”

When life becomes confusing, listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Too often, we listen more to friends and social media than to God. Not everyone has the authority or wisdom to guide you, turn to God. Listen to the voice of the good shepherd.

We live in a world where people can spend hours on YouTube, smiling and entertained, but cannot sit in church for even twenty minutes to listen to God. Some come to church only to find faults. Do not blame them completely; many were not raised in an atmosphere of love. They criticize and complain because that is what they have learned.

Learn to forgive yourself so that others may have peace. If you carry bitterness, you will never experience true peace. Some people are unhappy and do not want others to be happy either, but that is not the way of Christ.

Today is Vocation Sunday, and God calls us to repentance. When Peter preached, the people asked, “What must we do to be saved?” He told them: repent. Repentance, otherwise referred to as metanoia, is essential for salvation. It means a change of heart, a turning back to God.
Always have a “reset button.” Learn to forgive yourself and others.

Many people struggle to forgive themselves, and because of this, they cannot forgive others. This only makes life harder for everyone around them.

Let go of hatred. Some people hold on to offenses and seek revenge, saying, “God will punish you,” or “I will get back at you.” But revenge is not the way. You may never even have the opportunity to take revenge. Instead, choose love. Let go of offenses and embrace peace.

As a leader, you do not have to respond to everything. Sometimes, silence is wisdom. Imitate the Good Shepherd in all you do.

Even in family life, practice peace. For example, when your spouse is upset and shouting, instead of reacting with anger, respond with calmness and love. A gentle response can bring immediate peace and end the conflict.

In all things, listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Turn to Him, repent, forgive, and embrace His peace.

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed here is strictly that of the author, Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

 

My dear friends, death is a great teacher, yet many of its students are either too afraid or too distracted to pay attention in its classroom.

I once attended a funeral. Almost everyone looked frightened. People were eager for the burial to end; they could not wait for the grave to be covered. But after the burial, at the reception, everything changed people were eating, laughing, and celebrating as though nothing had happened. Then I asked myself: Is this how I will be forgotten when I die?

That day, death taught me a powerful lesson, when we die, life goes on. People mourn, yes but often, they mourn not just the loss, but what they themselves have lost. For example, when parents die, some children cry not only because they loved them, but because they have lost their defenders and supporters.

In today’s Gospel, even Saint Peter, a close companion of Jesus, denied Him three times. Lent is over, no more fasting, no more intense prayers. Many have already moved on. But not Mary Magdalene. She refused to move on like the others. She could not even sleep. Early in the morning, she went to the tomb in furtherance of the love she had for Jesus. What motivated her? What made her love Jesus so deeply? How Do We Love Jesus Like Mary Magdalene?

First, we must truly believe that Jesus has risen from the dead. Anyone who does not believe in the Resurrection is simply wasting time in church. Many of us claim to believe, yet we still act as though everything is impossible. But with Jesus, what seems impossible becomes possible. No matter your situation, there is always a turning point.

If we truly believe in the Resurrection, we should be filled with joy, not fear. Why are we still afraid? We stand before the One who conquered death and there is no need for us to be doubtful about the supremacy of Jesus in handling our situations.

As the Psalmist says: “I shall not die, but live, and recount the goodness of the Lord.” Today is not a day for long speeches, it is a day for joy, dancing, and celebration. What began in sorrow has ended in victory.

But what does it truly mean to rise with Christ? Some people mistakenly think that Jesus died to give us a license to sin. No! He took on our flesh so that we might understand how to live rightly. We must rise from evil and shine as the salt of the earth. Jesus taught that evil comes from within. Therefore, we must lift our thoughts from the grave of sin.

As Scripture says in Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Anyone who refuses to change their thinking has not truly risen with Christ. Living as Witnesses of the Resurrection.

In today’s first reading, Saint Peter reminds us that we are witnesses to the Resurrection. But if we refuse to change our ways, we are no different from Peter who denied Jesus or Judas who betrayed Him.

To make our belief real: Prioritize Jesus Christ over wealth. Do not “sell” Jesus for worldly gain, like the thirty pieces of silver. Avoid dishonesty and manipulation. Do not build your faith only on signs and wonders
Choose righteousness over convenience

May the God who conquered death on this glorious day dwell in us. May we, as witnesses of the Resurrection, find true peace in Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Compiled By Elijah Ugani

 

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today is a very unique and sacred day. The day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. A day of silence, a day of waiting, a day that carries both the weight of sorrow and the promise of joy.

We began the Lenten season in a solemn mood through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. It was a season that demanded sacrifice, discipline, and reflection. But tonight, everything changes. Tonight, we move from sorrow to joy because Christ is risen. At the beginning of this Vigil, we gathered in darkness. And then, a flame was lit. That flame is not just ordinary fire, it represents Christ, the Light of the world. A light that no darkness can overcome.

As that light spread from one candle to another across the church, it became a powerful reminder: that even the smallest light can overcome great darkness. In our world today, there is darkness, in our leadership, in our communities, in our homes, and sometimes even within our hearts. But the message of tonight is clear: The fire of Easter must not be extinguished.
That light must continue to burn in our lives, in our families, in our businesses, and in everything we do.

The Easter candle itself speaks to us: The Flame (Light) Symbolizes Christ as the Light of the World. It represents hope, victory over darkness, and the Resurrection. As the light spreads through the church, it shows how Christ’s light spreads to all believers.

The Cross on the Candle, represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. A reminder that through His death comes our salvation
The Five Grains of Incense inserted into the candle in the form of a cross represent the five wounds of Christ (hands, feet, and side), which also symbolize His suffering and love for humanity.
The Alpha and Omega. First and last letters of the Greek alphabet mean that Christ is the beginning and the end of all things.
The Year Inscribed on the Candle
Shows that Christ is present today, not just in the past.
The Wax of the Candle represents the body of Christ as it melts, it symbolizes Christ giving Himself for us.

Dear friends, no matter what situation you are facing, God always makes a way. We are reminded of the children of Israel at the Red Sea. They were trapped, fearful, confused, and uncertain. Before them was the sea, behind them was danger, but God showed up. Through Moses, He made a way where there was no way. The sea parted, and His people walked through on dry ground.

If God has done it before, He will do it again. Sometimes in life, things may seem confusing. Sometimes the people around us may not understand us. Sometimes even those who laugh with us may secretly wish for our downfall. But tonight is not a night of fear. It is a night of victory.

The Scripture tells us: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” What was rejected has now become essential. What looked like defeat has become victory. So today, we rise with confidence and declare: I shall not die, but live, and proclaim the goodness of the Lord. And you too will live to recount His goodness in your life.

Tonight, we bless water reminding us of our baptism. We are reminded that just as Christ died, we die to sin. And just as He rose again, we rise to new life. This is not just a ritual it is our identity. The bells ring again. The Alleluia returns.

For a long time during Lent, we kept silent. But now, the Church bursts into joy: Alleluia! Christ is risen! The women went to the tomb looking for Jesus… But they were told: “He is not here. He is risen.”

My brothers and sisters, this is the foundation of our faith. The Resurrection is the reason we are here. Without it, there is no Christianity. But because He lives, we have hope. Because He lives, we have victory. Because He lives, we have life.

As we celebrate this Easter Vigil, let us carry the light of Christ wherever we go. Let us be bearers of truth in a world of falsehood. Let us be light in places of darkness. Let us be hope where there is despair. We are not people of defeat. We are an Alleluia people, people of joy, people of victory, people of the new covenant.

May the light of Christ shine in your life. May every darkness around you be overcome. May God make a way for you where there seems to be no way.

And may you win all your battles. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

 

Jesus said to the blind man, “Go and wash yourself and receive your sight.” The man obeyed, washed himself, and he received his sight.

The identity of God is hidden in complete mystery. God cannot be fully understood by human beings. The more you try to understand Him completely, the more you realize how deep and beyond comprehension He is. God is the only one who can make the impossible possible. When human beings say something cannot be done, God can turn it around. He can transform nothing into something. He can take a rejected stone and make it the cornerstone. He can also transform a rejected family into an accepted and honored one.

The same God who controls our lives healed the man who was born blind. When the miracle happened, many people gathered, including the Pharisees, and arguments began. The Jews did not believe the miracle. When the disciples asked Jesus, “Was this man born blind because of his sin or the sin of his parents?” Jesus answered that it was not because of sin, but so that the glory of God might be revealed through him.

When you depend only on human beings, you will often be disappointed. But when you depend on God, you will find fulfillment.

In the first reading, we hear about the sons of Jesse. At first, nobody paid attention to the one whom God had chosen. Yet there was a king in that house..When the prophet Samuel went to Jesse’s house, the first son appeared strong and impressive, and Samuel thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here.” But God told him, “This is not the one. Look further.”

The Scriptures remind us. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. All seven sons passed before Samuel, yet none of them was chosen. Samuel became confused and asked, “Are these all your sons?”. Jesse had forgotten about David, who was in the bush tending sheep. While David was in the wilderness, God was preparing him. It was in that bush that he learned courage and strength, which later enabled him to defeat Goliath.

Sometimes God allows us to remain hidden so that we can prepare ourselves. Many young people today are in a hurry to reach the top of life. If you find yourself in a difficult or humble situation, stay there and prepare yourself. Do not rush. David prepared himself in the bush. Young people should use this period of their lives to prepare for the future, instead of moving from place to place searching for quick wealth.

When David eventually became king, he wrote in Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” He also said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” David could say this because he knew that God had prepared him and had prepared a table before him in the presence of his enemies.

It is only those who have enemies that God prepares a table for in their presence. David became a testimony of God’s mercy. He said, “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” God chose David and showed him great mercy.

The Scriptures encourage us to come boldly into the presence of God. When you dwell in the house of the Lord, extraordinary things happen. David once said, “How can I live in a house of cedar while the Ark of the Lord remains in a tent? I will build a temple for the Lord.” But God told him that one of his sons would build the temple.

David was forgotten in the bush. Your parents may forget you. Your brothers and sisters may forget you. Friends and society may forget you. But God will never forget you. Just as David was not forgotten by God, you too will not be forgotten.

When it is your turn, protocols will change for you. When David finally came before Samuel, God said, “Arise and anoint him; this is the one.” David had been misjudged by his father and even by Samuel at first. Yet God chose him.

May the Spirit that came upon David come upon you. And when the day comes for God to announce you to the world, it will not take two days.

 

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today’s readings speak deeply about thirst. But the thirst we are talking about is not only the thirst for water. It is the deep hunger and longing within the human soul. Those who truly desire a testimony must be willing to listen to the Word of God.

In the first reading, the children of Israel found themselves in the desert without water. Their thirst became unbearable, and they began to complain against Moses. They said. “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?”

In that moment, they forgot how God had miraculously delivered them from Egypt. They forgot His power and His faithfulness. Moses cried out to God in distress. “What shall I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” Their stubbornness and lack of trust became a problem even for Moses. Their attitude of disbelief ultimately contributed to Moses not entering the Promised Land.

You can stay without food for a long time, but you cannot stay without water. However, the thirst we speak about today goes beyond physical water. It is the deep craving in the human heart, the longing for something that will make life complete.

Many people try to satisfy this thirst with different things: Material possessions, relationships, pleasure, alcohol, food. But none of these things can truly satisfy the emptiness in the human heart. You may drink alcohol, but once the effect fades, you return to the same emptiness. Material things cannot guarantee lasting peace.

In the Gospel, Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well. This woman believed that her fulfillment would come through relationships with men. She had five husbands and was living with another man who was not her husband. Yet she still lacked fulfillment. She came to the well at a time when no one else was there perhaps to avoid judgment, shame, or embarrassment. The jar she carried was symbolic of the burden and emptiness she carried in her life. But that day, she encountered Jesus.

Jesus offered her something greater than ordinary water. He said:
Whoever drinks the water that I give will never thirst again. This was the living water, the grace, peace, and fulfillment that only God can give.

Many of us think our identity or validation must come from other people. Some think they can only become what God wants them to be through another person. But God has given each person a unique gift and purpose. There is something inside you that God has placed there, a calling, a mission, a purpose that no one else can fulfill.

After her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman experienced transformation. She left her water jar behind and ran back to the town to tell others about Jesus. From her test, she received her testimony. The woman who once hid from people became an evangelizer. She became a witness to the Gospel. Perhaps she could not find fulfillment in marriage because God had prepared her for something greater, to become a messenger of the Good News.

Human beings constantly desire more. When we pray for something and receive it, very soon we begin praying for the next thing. This shows that material things cannot satisfy our deepest desires. Our true satisfaction can only come from our Master, Jesus Christ. No living thing can survive without it. Even industries cannot operate without water. Many conflicts in parts of the world, especially in the Middle East, are connected to access to water. But even more important is the spiritual thirst of the human soul.

The Psalmist says, “My soul thirsts for God.” Like the Samaritan woman, we too must cry out, “Lord, give me this water, so that I will not thirst again.”

Sometimes when life does not go the way we expect, we become restless and thirsty inside. In those moments, do not turn to temporary solutions.

Only God can quench the thirst of the human soul. When Jesus satisfied the Samaritan woman’s thirst, she became a joyful witness to others.

I pray for you today that God quench every thirst in your life. May He fill the emptiness in your heart. And may your struggles be transformed from thirst into testimonies.
Amen.

Compiled By Elijah Ugani

 

Today’s Gospel presents the story of Jesus’ victory over sin and temptation in Gospel according to Matthew. The first reading presents the fall of our first parents in the Book of Genesis.

The victory of Jesus is our victory. In Him, we find strength to overcome. The fall of Adam and Eve teaches us how temptation works, the victory of Jesus teaches us how to conquer it.

Likewise, Adam and Eve were created in God’s image and enjoyed His presence, yet they were targeted. Spiritual elevation often attracts spiritual opposition.

Loneliness and Idleness: Temptation often comes in moments of isolation or spiritual carelessness. Adam drifted from God’s instruction. In the Second Book of Samuel, David fell into sin during a time of idleness. When we distance ourselves from God’s presence, we create room for temptation.

Negative Company. Eve entered into conversation with the serpent, a company God never assigned to her. Wrong company can distort our thinking, normalize sin, lead us away from God.

Negative Discussion. Temptation often begins with dialogue. The serpent engaged Eve in subtle conversation. The devil does not force sin immediately, he discusses it first.

Deception Through Half-Truth “You shall not surely die.” The devil rarely presents total lies. He mixes truth with deception. He hides consequences and exaggerates pleasure. Today, sin is often rebranded: Prostitution becomes “hookup”, Immorality becomes “modern lifestyle” Pride becomes “self-expression” and Half-truths make sin look harmless.

Seduction: Sin appeals to the eyes, the flesh and pride. Eve saw that the fruit was pleasing. Temptation often looks attractive before it becomes destructive. As warned in First Epistle of John, Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life, remains the devil’s tools.

Consent to Sin: Temptation is not sin until we agree to it. The decisive moment is consent.
Degeneration: Sin spreads. Eve ate and gave to Adam. Sin is contagious.

Guilt and Shame: After sin comes shame. Instead of running to God, Adam and Eve hid. But this season calls us not to hide, but to seek mercy.

Jesus’ Approach: Counter, Attack, Victory. Unlike Adam, Jesus resisted. When tempted to turn stones into bread, Jesus responded with Scripture: “Man shall not live by bread alone.” When tempted with pride, He refused to test God. When tempted with power and glory, He rejected worship of the devil.

Jesus teaches us: Do not dialogue with temptation. Confront it with the Word. Stand firm. Even when the devil quoted Scripture, Jesus answered correctly. The devil knows the Bible, but he misuses it.

The lessons from the temptation teaches us that: No One Is Above Temptation. If Jesus was tempted, no one is exempt.
Temptation Often Comes at Great Heights
Both Adam (in paradise) and Jesus (after fasting and divine affirmation) were tempted. The Book of Sirach teaches that, when you decide to serve the Lord, prepare for trials. No Place Is Free From Temptation, Garden, Wilderness, High mountain. Location does not remove temptation.

Temptation Is Gradual: It does not happen suddenly. It follows a sequence: suggestion, delight, consent, sin, shame. Be watchful.

The Devil Is Persistent. He left Jesus “for a time.” Temptation may return in different forms. The weapons against the Devil – Prayer, Fasting, The Word of God, Confession, Perseverance.

Victory is possible. If Jesus overcame after forty days of fasting, we too can overcome by grace.

The fall of Adam brought shame. The victory of Jesus brings restoration.
Today, Jesus wants us not hide like Adam, but to run to God. I pray for you: When the devil comes looking for you, may he not find weakness, but find you soaked in prayer, strengthened by fasting, armed with the Word, and covered by grace.

In Jesus, the victory is already won.

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Felix Ekpe, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

By Elijah Ugani 

 

Vocation is what God has entrusted to you. The Christian vocation God has entrusted to us is to be salt and light, to add value wherever we find ourselves. Salt gives taste. Light gives direction. Wherever a Christian is found, life should become sweeter and brighter.

The Call to Add Value
From the prophecy of Isaiah, we hear God’s call clearly: “Share your bread with the hungry… then your light shall break forth like the dawn. Your righteousness shall go before you; when you call, the Lord will answer.”

Our vocation is to add value, to make life better for others. This is what it means to be sweet.

Imagine a newly married couple. The wife cooks a meal, but there is no salt in the food. The food may look good, but it will not be sweet. In the same way, when our lives lack value, our presence becomes tasteless. Being sweet in Marriage.

Wherever you are, let your life be sweet. If you are a husband, be a sweet and intentional husband. A tasteless husband runs away from responsibility. He is always absent, physically or emotionally. Be a sweet wife. A tasteless wife is one who nags endlessly. When a wife is constantly quarrelling, the husband will avoid home and only return when she has gone to bed. A sweet wife knows when to keep quiet and when to speak, waiting until emotions have settled so peace can return.

Men, sometimes, are like babies. When you pamper a man, he opens his heart. When you respect him, he becomes generous with love and care. Not every woman a man raises his hand against, the value you bring influences how you are treated. Be a sweet wife so your husband will be happy to come home and relax. When there are issues, discuss them together in love. A tasteless husband allows outsiders to define his family.

Be a sweet husband. When you are sweet, your light will shine. Let Your Light Shine Everywhere Jesus said, “Let your light shine.” That includes the house of God. When you come to church and you want to dance, dance well. Some people come to the house of God without adding value. To be sweet in God’s house, you must contribute, through worship, service, and attitude.

Remember your position, you are a child of God. When you enter the house of God, leave pride and worldly titles outside. Until you appreciate yourself and what God has placed inside you, others will not appreciate you.

Take your place in your Father’s house. Add value to yourself, and people will value you. The vocation God has given you must be seen in your conduct. If no one sees what you are doing, how will they know your light is shining?

You were created to shine, so shine, and shine again. Do not neglect yourself. Let your life shine. Some husbands are ashamed to hold their wives’ hands in public. When last did you joke with your wife? When you tell her, “I am lucky to have married you,” she will laugh like a child.

Valentine is coming, love is not only about buying boxers for men. Buy something meaningful. Be intentional. There was a couple who were quarreling. Their daughter joined in and supported her mother against the father. The mother slapped the child. Why? Because marriage issues must be handled wisely, with maturity and respect.

Make your marriage sweet. Be intentional about your vocation. Add value wherever God has placed you, and you will be happy, fulfilled, and shining as salt and light.