John ESENE

Continue from Pt.1 of last Sunday.

    The saying that, “Charity begins at home!” should not be overlooked because it is very relevant when you look at it from family point of view. God has giving you a family of His choice as a gift to you just as He made you a gift to them too! He has plans for each member of your family and if you function accordingly, you will all reap the harvest joyfully and be a model to many. 

      In your natural family, it is expected that you love all members of your family bonded by love. This will enable you prepare for the mission for which you are created. As you grow up, you are exposed to members of your family just as they too are exposed to you. There is no gain saying that you too can be a parent tomorrow!  So, appreciate your family irrespective of your tribe, culture and financial disposition.

     Nobody is perfect but if you have knowledge, do not boast of it, rather teach others especially your relations and they too will teach you where you lack knowledge. Jesus taught many people during His mission and as a Christian you should do same with the talent given to you.

     If you see your relation falling, be ready to lift him/her rather than mock him/her. You too may have reason to fall another day and will need someone to lift you up. In our case study of today, we have two children from one family who were abandoned when death evacuated their parents unexpectedly. 

    Those who are favored should not neglect their relations and the less privileged and go all out to celebrate alone. The wealth bestowed on you should enable you reach out to others especially your relations and the needy. Lily was 18 years old and her brother 12 years old when they lost their parents in a motor accident and they had no one to cater for them. She had to take on the role of mother and father to her brother, working long hours to provide for him. Despite the challenges they faced, she was determined to give him the best life possible and she did.

     The story of Lily and her brother teaches us several valuable lessons about grief, perseverance, and the power of love. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, we can find the strength to carry on and make a difference in the world.

     It also underscores the importance of family and the bonds that hold us together, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. It highlights the power of trust and the potential for redemption, showing us that second chances can lead to remarkable transformations and acts of heroism.

     Some people are in the habit of exposing their relations outside when they have problems rather than discuss same within the family for possible solution. It has been said that “Loose lips indeed sink ships. They also sink souls”. If you are strong, protect the weak, do not oppress them. 1 Thess. 5:14 says, “We urge you, our brothers, to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone”.

     Those of you who are blessed among the family should extend or become a blessing to others as you sojourn together in life. See your blessing as a gift from God who created you with a plan for you. When Andrew met Jesus, “At once he found his brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah.’ Then he took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “Your name is Simon, son of John, but you will be called Cephas (Peter).” John 1:41-42.

      So, like Andrew, if you’ve succeeded, create opportunities for your relations as Andrew did to Simon (Peter) his brother. The Apostles James and John are also from one family. So, when you see something good, your first point of call should be your family as exhibited by the apostles enumerated above, depending on the situation though.

    When Our Blessed Mother Mary and Her Spouse Joseph were assigned to cater for Jesus as their Child, they did not hesitate but abandoned everything and complied. We have a lot to learn from the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Mother Mary and Joseph guided the Child Jesus jealously like the apple of their eyes. At one time, they had to escape to Egypt with the Child Jesus when King Herod was anxious to get rid of Him. They dedicated their lives to His mission and successfully completed their assignment to the glory of God. We too are called to follow their examples. Parents, care for your children as special gifts from God.

    Parents let us see your positive influence in the lives of your children. They are to learn from you the necessity to respect others, appreciate themselves and other people, to work hard as they live. You are also to ensure they have moral values to enable them fulfill the purpose for which they are created. “We first learn how to show love and respect for life; we are taught the proper use of things, order and cleanliness, respect for the local ecosystem and care for all creatures. In the family we receive an integral education, which enables us to grow harmoniously in personal maturity” Laudato Si 213.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    April 26, 2026 was a special day for Iroko family as Baba Peter Sunday Iroko-Daniel clocked 70 and they all came to celebrate him in his parish, St Francis Catholic Church, Sanyo-Soka, Ibadan on Good Shepherd Sunday.

     The Parish Priest, Rev, Father Jude Adeyemo thanked the family for seeing their father as a Good Leader. He reminded us that the Scripture says life spine is 70years but 80years for the strong. He also thanked the Celebrant for his efforts to truly lead his pasture this far and wished him more grace to live up to 80 and beyond.

    The priest reminded his parishioners that it their responsibility to be good shepherds; to ensure they do their best to lead their flock to God who assigned that responsibility to them. The Irokos later invited the parishioners to their home for unexpected reception to boost their joy! We thank God for this noble family!