Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ has noted that there is no love exist again in our midst in the world today. Speaking at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, on Sunday 23rd February, 2025, the priest stated that the need to love our enemies was echoed in the life of David in the first reading (1 Samuel 26: 2. 7-9, 12-13, 22-23) where King Saul wanted to kill David and God ushered King Saul to the hand of David but David did not kill him because he (David) was a man after the heart of God.

Such a virtue, the priest noted is lacking today in the world and more especially in politics, at homes, between husband and wife, amongst children and even in the community because we don’t have sense of forgiveness in our lives.

The homilist said forgiveness is integral in whatever we do as Christians as we are called to build solid Christian’s Community. Fr. Ikechukwu pointed out three key things to focus on in the Gospel reading. First, to choose golden rule which is: “Do unto others what you would like them do unto you.” this includes love without boundary.

Second thing is to choose to love unconditionally like Christ, who accepted to die for us sinners and thirdly, to choose to be merciful and forgiving because the heart that forgives finds joy.

The priest added that ‘you rather suffer more if you don’t forgive.” He enjoined all to grow from human passion to sacrificial passion. However, he added that Christians must still say the truth and not covering fault in the name of love or else, they must have distorted the meaning of love. “Christ is an epitome of love. The love that seeks for something in return is not love but this is what is common, barter love.”

Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu did not speak to Christians alone, but also to the consecrated persons, urging that all must pay attention to whatever they do in this world. “If I preach to you but I do not exhibit one-quarter of what I preach in my life, my priesthood is nonsense.” He said.

The cleric also reminded all that no one knows when one is going to die, hence, it is dangerous to harbor grudges. “Matured Christian should hear something and confirm but not believing same immediately. Judge does not listen to one side. Hence, Christ in Saturday’s reading asked His disciples to evaluate Himself.” He therefore enjoined all to evaluate themselves at home to know who they are truly. He cautioned the parishioners too, against avoiding the person that tells them the truth, for such person wants them to be better.

The Chief Celebrant of the day’s Mass, Rev. Fr. Arnaud Aniou, CSJ had earlier described the day’s Gospel (Luke 6: 27-38) asking all to forgive and love our enemies as not an easy recommendation but that Christians need to pray to God to enable them to be able to live their Christians’ lives in love. He also prayed for Pope Francis’ quick recovery.

Fr. Aniou appreciated the HCA members that functioned at the Mass for their brilliant performances and thanked their Animators too. The priest also presented certificate of participation to Miss Okunade Blessing and Master Dennis Andrew, who represented the parish at the Archdiocesan CYON Leadership Seminar that took place on Saturday, 22rd February, 2025 at Ijokodo, Ibadan.