OKPANAM/Nigeria: Christians have been encouraged to cultivate a deeper understanding of the Scriptures as a pathway to strengthening their relationship with God and living lives that reflect Christian values.
The charge was given by Rev. Fr. Andrew Mozia during his homily at the Sunday Mass held at the Catholic Mass Centre, Maris Schools, Amachai, Okpanam, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel, the priest said a genuine knowledge of God’s word equips believers to develop a closer relationship with their Creator and remain steadfast in their faith.
According to him, the word of God remains living and effective, stressing that Christians should trust in God and willingly submit to His will.
Fr. Mozia said believers should strive to become like fertile soil in the biblical parable of the sower by allowing God’s word to take root in their hearts and produce positive results in their daily lives.
He urged worshippers to examine themselves by considering how they receive and respond to the message of the Gospel, warning against attitudes that encourage fault-finding, spiritual weakness and susceptibility to temptation.
The cleric also called on Christians to demonstrate sincerity, avoid envy and make productive use of their God-given talents in service to humanity and the Church.
Quoting the teaching of Jesus Christ that “whoever has will be given more,” he encouraged members of the congregation to remain faithful and committed in using their gifts for God’s glory.
The Mass also featured a thanksgiving session by parishioners and the inauguration of the Executive Committee of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at the Mass Centre.
Mrs. Ngozi Okolo was inaugurated as Coordinator of the society, while Mrs. Rita Anigbo, Mrs. Charity Ejakpomovi, Mrs. Esther Omoko and Mrs. Izuka Regina were sworn in as members of the executive committee.
Before the close of the service, Rev. Fr. Mozia, on behalf of the Catholic Mass Centre, expressed condolences to Comrade Fidelis Egugbo and his family over the death of his father-in-law, Mr. Okwa Johnson Ugbeleme, who died at the age of 81.
