By Emmanuel Enebeli
UGBOMRO/Nigeria: The Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ugbomro, Delta State, Rev. Fr. Oshevire Francis, has urged Christians to break the cycle of hatred and bitterness passed from one generation to another, emphasizing that true fulfillment and peace can only be found in God.
Fr. Oshevire gave the admonition during his homily at the Mass for the Third Sunday of Lent, where he reflected on the biblical encounter between Jesus Christ and the Samaritan woman at the well.
Drawing lessons from the Gospel narrative, the priest explained that Jesus deliberately chose to pass through Samaria despite the deep-rooted hostility between Jews and Samaritans, a conflict that had lasted for centuries. According to him, the animosity between the two groups was sustained largely because painful stories and grievances were continually passed down from one generation to another.
He noted that the Samaritan woman was surprised when Jesus spoke to her because Jews traditionally avoided interaction with Samaritans due to historical and religious disagreements over the proper place of worship.
“The hatred between the Jews and Samaritans lasted for hundreds of years because people continued telling the stories of bitterness from one generation to another,” he said.
Fr. Oshevire warned that similar patterns of inherited hostility still exist in many families and communities today, where children grow up inheriting anger and resentment from past conflicts they never personally experienced.
According to him, lasting peace in families and society can only be achieved when individuals deliberately choose to end such cycles of bitterness rather than transmit them to the next generation.
“Not every story should be passed on to your children. Some painful stories should end with you,” he said, stressing that repeating narratives of resentment only deepens divisions within families and communities.
The priest urged Christians to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation, noting that while disagreements are inevitable in human relationships, they must be managed with love, maturity and a willingness to let go of past grievances.
Fr. Oshevire also reflected on Jesus’ offer of “living water” to the Samaritan woman, explaining that Christ was speaking about spiritual fulfillment rather than physical satisfaction.
He noted that many pursuits in life provide only temporary pleasure, comparing them to drinking a cold beverage that quenches thirst briefly but soon leaves one desiring more.
According to him, worldly pleasures, material possessions and sinful indulgences often provide only momentary satisfaction and are frequently followed by emptiness or regret.
“Anything the world offers gives only temporary satisfaction, but the joy that comes from the presence of God brings lasting fulfillment,” he said.
Quoting the Scripture in Acts 17:28, which says, “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being,” the priest emphasized that genuine peace and lasting joy can only be found in a deeper relationship with God.
He therefore called on Christians to use the Lenten season as a time of reflection, repentance and spiritual renewal, urging them to examine their lives and turn away from habits and actions that do not bring true fulfillment.
Fr. Oshevire encouraged the faithful to seek the “living water” that Christ offers — a life rooted in faith, reconciliation and closeness with God — which, he said, leads to lasting joy and spiritual satisfaction.
