Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Dearest friends, the EPIPHANY we are celebrating has a very significant message for you and I. This message is that: if you and I open up our hearts and accept and live out the message of Jesus Christ, we would also attain salvation. Thus, the Catechism affirms that the EPIPHANY is the manifestation of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Saviour of the WORLD (cf. CCC n. 528). In the Magi (i.e, the Wise men from the East), we see the possibility of searching and finding Jesus Christ by anyone who earnestly desires him. Remember also the story of CORNELIUS and his household (cf. Acts 10:31-48).
It is quite unfortunate, dear friends, that while a number of persons who have not embraced Jesus Christ and his message of salvation are yearning for that, others who had this privilege, perhaps from their earliest years, are now abandoning their faith in Jesus Christ. You can see that around you and all over the internet. Such persons should always remember the words of the Scriptures thus: “Those who RUSH to other gods MULTIPLY their SORROWS” (cf. Ps 16:4).
Now, when the many followers of Jesus Christ were abandoning him because of his SOUND TEACHING, Jesus asked his Apostles this question: “Do you also want to go away?” Then SIMON PETER answered him: “Lord, to whom shall we go to? You have the WORDS of ETERNAL life” (cf. Jn 6:67-69).
Therefore, beloved friends, let us always live in appreciation to the Salvation that Jesus Christ has brought for us by living in conformity to his teachings and never allow the waves of Immorality, Secularism, Relativism, Atheism, etc. to eclipse us.
May the Virgin Mary always support us with her powerful intercession. Amen🙏🏼
(cf. CATECHESIS ‘NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE’ FOR THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (B);
READINGS: R1: Is 60:1-6, R2: Eph 3:2-3a. 5-6, Gosp. Matt 2:1-12)
Happy New Year!
