Anthony BAMITEKO

 

Very Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode, the Cathedral Administrator of St. Mary Cathedral, Oke Padi, Ibadan, on Mission Sunday shed light on things that really move God to make haste and answer prayers.

 

The Administrator in his homily used the first reading of the day as a case study, citing the total repentance of the people of Nineveh. "God saw the efforts of the people of Nineveh, how they put on sackcloth, fasted and being remorseful. We cannot be in sin and ask for the grace of God to abound, God forbid. Romans 6:1.' Their efforts made God to avert the wrath He initially pronounced on them."

 

"What efforts are you making to promote the gospel? How are you winning souls for Christ? The gospel of Christ proclamation is not meant only for the twelve, but for all Christians. Are you using your time and what you have to serve God? I believe in God alone cannot save you. That is why the book of James says Faith without work is dead, Fr. Akinyode noted.

 

The homilist said it was the effort of those at the wedding in Cana that made Jesus to performe the first miracle. They made an effort to fetch water and filled the twelve jars. He cited the efforts of Jesus' disciples that provided five loaves of bread and two fish as the effort that brought about the miraculous feeding of five thousand people been fed by Christ. And he added the effort of those that believed in Christ and rolled the stone that blocked the tomb of Lazarus away...

 

Fr. Julius as well admonished the congregation not to only desire good things but as well back it up with corporal works. "We all want a better Nigeria, but many of us pour our refuse on water channels. Even some will comfortably litter the roads. Throw refuse from car, bike and tricycle while our children are watching us. They will copy all these and do the same thing. Without our collective efforts, we cannot have a better nation.

 

"Your corporal works are very important. These are your efforts that attest to the fact that you truly believe in Christ gospel. Faith, prayer and vigil are not enough. Without your good works (efforts), it's like playing a penalty to throwing," the Cathedral Administrator reiterated.