A Josephite’s Priest, Rev. Fr. Arnaud Aniou, CSJ has admonished Christians to be humble in order to serve like Christ. The Priest made the admonition during the celebration of Mission Sunday at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, Oyo State on Sunday 20th October, 2024.

Fr. Aniou, who was assisted at the Mass by Rev. Stanley Uchenna Anekwe, CSJ; with the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun concelebrating stated that it is the responsibility of all baptized Christians to go on Mission of Christ and not to be left for Priests alone.

Making reference to the readings for the 29th Sunday in Year B, the Priest said “Our aim as human to occupy good position, to be close to our boss, to be successful like Sons of Zebedee were asking of Christ in the Gospel of Mark 10:35-45 is never a problem as such can happen to anyone of us.”

He added that when the passage is read from the previous chapter, where Christ was talking of His Kingship, the Sons of Zebedee thought it was going to be a kingship whereby Christ would sit on the throne, hence the demand from them; not understanding that Christ was talking of the kingship of the Spirit. This prompted Christ to then explain His leadership style as could be seen from His life and actions.

The homilist decried the attitude of our leaders in the world today, who often think while in position, others must serve them but insisted rather that service demands sacrifice and suffering; for prosperity comes with suffering.

Service, Fr. Aniou added, requires humility and self-giving in totality. He then gave three things that Christ has brought to us in this world thus: His Passion, death and resurrection; adding that passion and death cannot be jumped for resurrection and that by our Christian baptism, we died with Christ in order to resurrect with Him.

The Priest going further said many a times there are difficulties and challenges, hence, what Christians need to do is asking Christ for His Grace even before those challenges would come, by being close to God like the Sons of Zebedee wanted to be, for no one truly will see the light while in suffering.

On the Mission Sunday being celebrated, the Priest classified this into three categories, namely: Mission of action which is for all baptized Christians; Mission of Dedication to Service which is common among the priests and religious for the sake of the Gospel and Mission of Prayer, which is also meant for every baptized Christian, whether priest or not.

He stated further that Mission of Christ is like the Eucharistic Celebration in which everybody plays one role or the other, hence, he urged all to continue to pray that Christ enlightens all to strive even in our difficult moment.

There was Mission Sunday thanksgiving led by the Chief Celebrant and the Deacon. The Parish Priest, Fr. Balogun appreciated the Chief Celebrant, who has just come to stay at Ogbere Community of Josephite Congregation.