Vincent OBANIYI

In a powerful homily delivered on Pentecost Sunday at Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, emphasized the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the urgent need for Christians to live as authentic witnesses of Christ. 

 

Reflecting on the significance of Pentecost, Bishop Badejo described it as the day "God did a new thing," turning the lives of confused and fearful disciples into bold proclaimers of the Gospel. "Pentecost marks the commissioning of the Church," he stated, noting that while Jesus established the Church on the Cross, it was only on Pentecost that the Church became fully active through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 

 

The Bishop reminded the faithful that Pentecost is not just a historical event but a personal call to action. "The day of Pentecost is the day we are commissioned to witness to Christ," he declared. He explained that true witnessing means people should recognize Christ in every aspect of a Christian’s life—whether at home, work, or in society. 

 

Challenging the congregation to self-examination, Bishop Badejo posed these critical questions: "What is the condition of the Holy Spirit in your life? Is it dead, alive, or lukewarm? Do you bear fruits as a Christian?" He urged believers to assess whether they contribute meaningfully to the community of God’s people, stressing that Pentecost should be a day of deep reflection for everyone. 

 

Concluding his homily, the Bishop called for a renewed commitment to the Holy Spirit’s transformative power. "Let the Holy Spirit make a difference in your life," he urged, encouraging the faithful to embrace the Spirit’s gifts and live as vibrant ambassadors of Christ in the world.