A Josephite priest, Rev. Fr. Justine Adeka, CSJ has cautioned Christians against focusing their attention on material things because material things are distractions.

The priest said this during the celebration of Holy Mass on Sunday 14th July 2024 at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan.
The cleric noted that the readings of 15th Sunday, Year B (Amos 7:12-15, Eph 1:3-14 and Mark 6:7-13) called on Christians on the need to always collaborate in carrying out the mission of Christ entrusted to them, as clergy or lay faithful; who also share in Christ’s mission through baptism.

The priest spoke against the attitude of Christians who see the mission as a career instead of a vocation and thus always envious of other Christians because of material things like the first reading revealed between Amaziah the priest and Prophet Amos.

Jesus in the Gospel charged the apostles to take nothing for their journey but rather go, relying on God to provide for their needs. Christ knew material things can easily make one lose focus on the mission as is common in the world today.

Fr. Adeka added that Christ sent His apostles in two to underscore the importance of collaboration in carrying out the mission.

 

Hence, if a parish priest and his assistant are not collaborating, if societies in the Church are not collaborating, or if workers in an office are not collaborating, it means someone has something to hide from the other.

Jesus knew material things would be a temptation, hence He said “No one can serve two masters.” “Hence, No detachment, No true evangelization.” That was why Christ told His apostles to shake off their legs the dust if any place will not receive them since He knew people hate the truth.” The priest added. 

He concluded by urging all to pray for the true spirit of repentance as ‘we all need repentance to avoid being like Amaziah the priest who is jealous of Prophet Amos because of material things.

Fr. Adeka urged the parishioners to embrace the important things enumerated by Saint Paul: Holiness, reverence, unity with God, blameless life, redemption, forgiveness of sin, and zeal of the Holy Spirit; not only by the priests but also lay faithful.

The day’s Mass also witnessed the unveiling of the Children and Youths Harvest theme for 2024 “Harvest of Divine Upliftment” slated for 29th September, 2024.