The parish priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun has reassured Catholic faithful that if and only if they have faith, they shall receive, for our God is a marvelous God, who does marvelous things at His own time and not at man’s time.

The priest said this while sharing his reflection with the theme: “We have a loving God” in the parish on Sunday, 19th January, 2025. Referring to the day’s Gospel, John 2:1-11 about the event during the wedding feast at Cana, Fr. Balogun said Mary did not give up but rather told the servants to do whatever Christ tells them; the servants too, obeyed without questioning when they were told to fill the jars with water and after drawing out the water, now wine, it was given to the steward and not the bridegroom, showing orderliness.

Hence, the priest said when Jesus steps into Christians’ situations, he solves them but they must ask through the assistance of Blessed Virgin Mary, the same way it played out in the Gospel reading, for Christ will never reject or deny His mother of anything she asks for. “God's love is a gift to all. Hence, at the beginning of this New Year, the Church puts before us the story of the wedding at Cana in Galilee (Jn.2:1-11), to reassure us of the merciful and compassionate love of God for those who put their trust in Him. Simply, "Do whatever He tells you", Blessed Mother Mary instructed. It is good to note that the miracles of Jesus are done for love, not because He needs anything from us. Can the couple in today's Gospel reading repay God for his kindness? No!!! God delivered them from public shame and disgrace. He miraculously saved them from an embarrassing situation. Our Creator is so concerned about our happiness, joy and peace.”

The cleric added, “We may look small, but our God is big. You may wait for many years but when the joy comes, you forget those years.” He enjoined Christians to always share the joy they received with others, like the Chief Celebrant of the Mass, Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ said at the introduction of the Mass, for those they lifted up today may be the ones to lift them up in turn tomorrow.

Fr. Balogun also enjoined the parishioners to always participate actively in parish programmes, for they never know where they are likely going to meet their benefactors. He added that whatever good they are doing, they should continue in doing it, for if they have faith they shall receive; as nobody can stop God when their time comes to be blessed. “Today, make greater efforts to encounter Him in the Holy Eucharist. Look up to Him and pour out your mind in faith. Keep your Hope alive this Jubilee Year of Hope! May your troubled water be turned into sweet wine; your sorrows into joy, your good works into sufficient blessings for you and your family, through Christ our Lord. Amen!

The CAN Coordinator in Ona – Ara LGA of Oyo State also admonished the parishioners to see each day as a day of blessing that should not be taken for granted, for he that does not appreciate God cannot appreciate man.

The newly wedded Mr and Mrs Anthony Oyinloye had a special thanksgiving at the day’s mass, joined by family members and the parishioners.