Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The parish priest of St Francis Catholic Church, Sanyo-Soka, Rev. Fr. Jude Adeyemo has said that one of Christians’ problems is that of not believing in God. The priest said this during his reflection titled: “Let us be hopeful” at a Mass he presided over at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere on Sunday 22nd March, 2026.

The priest while expatiating on Christ’s raising of Lazarus to life after four days as read in the day’s Gospel (John 11:1-45) explained that human beings are always afraid of talking about death; even though they complain of economic hardship , yet no one is ready to die.

He, however, stated that even though one reality of grave is ‘it is over’; but even at cemetery, there is life, for so many things are going on though not clear to man.

Narrating the drama about the raising of Lazarus from the grave, the priest concluded that Jesus is a giver of life and that Christians only need to believe. Hence, he said a true Christian is known when difficulties came.

“Today, many are still living but are surrounded by resentment. Many are keeping grudges, such is living in the grave of resentment. Grave of fornication surrounds some. Some husbands and wives are not performing their responsibilities. Many are still living in sins, even at Lent. Some do not remember when last they go to confession. To lie has become normal for some. Some no longer come to Church, but go to work on Mondays. Many came for Ash Wednesday but are not going to the Stations of the Cross; meanwhile, no blessing is attached to ash received but just a reminder that we are dust and to dust we shall return.” Fr. Adeyemo asserted.

The homilist however reassured all that there is still hope of correcting themselves and come out of their grave like Lazarus, for falling is not the problem but not rising again is. He therefore prayed for the grace to enable Christians rise again from their graves of sins and return to God.

In a related development, Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ has also reminded Christians that inner peace is unattainable except in Christ. The priest stated this while directing a Lenten retreat at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, on Saturday, 21st March, 2026.

Using Matthew 5:1-12 as a guide, the retreat master recommended 3Rs that Christians need, namely: Retreat, where faithful removes him/herself from outside world into eternal world; Re-examination, where faithful finds out who he/she is and Renewing, where faithful renew their inner self as people set aside. “When you renew, you’re prepared to carry out the ordinances of God.” He said.

Fr. Vitalis explained that everything that happens to a Christian is a test of time. He added that Beatitudes of Christ is a promise but cannot be present in anyone except such person knows Christ. He enjoined the parishioners to remain faithful always.

Other highlights of the retreat were: exposition and adoration of Blessed Sacrament, prayer of the rosary, individual confession and Holy Mass to round up the retreat. The parish priest, Fr. Stephen Balogun appreciated the retreat master and the parishioners present.