Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

As the Church celebrated the 33rd Sunday in Year C, which is the second to the last Sunday in the Church’s liturgical year, Rev Fr Arnaud Aniou, CSJ has assured the faithful that God is not yet done with them even though the readings for the Sunday called attention of all to the end of some realities of our lives, namely; Sins, evils, pains, persecution or uncertainties that do not help the Christians’ faith.

      Reflecting on the theme “The victory in Christ” at St Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, the priest assured that there is victory for those who are faithful to God; THERE IS HOPE AS God encourages us not to give up and that God is not yet done with us, no matter the difficulties of life.

Fr Aniou, who was the Chief Celebrant at the Mass stated further that even though Pope Leo XIV is going to celebrate a Mass on January 6, 2026 to close the celebration of Jubilee Year of Hope that should not be the end for Christians to hope in God.

   Referring to Jesus’ warning to His disciples when asked about the sign of an end time that they should always be prepared.

Fr Aniou pointed out three important words of Christ to His disciples; that the end of time is certain when material things and people will be destroyed, for material things are, but nothing, though Christ is not against having material things. That they should not be deceived for many fake preachers will come using His name but they are truly not for Him and Christ’s promise of giving His faithful, the wisdom of speaking. Those words the priest added gave Christians hope about what we believe.

In conclusion, Fr. Aniou stated that the end time is not yet here, even though it seems so. Hence, he urged all not to cultivate the habit of laziness like the second reading of the day states that those that do not work should not eat.

Other events at the day’s Mass were Family Harvest Thanksgiving and the launching of the 2025 Harvest & Cultural day celebration’s brochure. The celebration proper is slated for 7th December, 2025.