By Emmanuel Enebeli
UGBOMORO,/Nigeria: As Catholic faithful observed the First Sunday of Lent, Rev. Fr. Francis Oshevire of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ugbomoro, delivered a hard-hitting homily condemning what he described as a growing culture of vanity, warning worshippers that intentional temptation is not accidental but “a deliberate act” of pushing God aside.
Addressing a packed congregation in Uvwie Local Government Area on February 22, 2026, the cleric criticized the trend he called “dressing to kill,” arguing that individuals who intentionally dress to provoke desire—whether men or women—are consciously placing themselves in the role of tempters.
He stressed that temptation should not be viewed as something passive or unavoidable but as a conscious choice shaped by intention. According to him, “At the center of every temptation is the act of pushing God aside,” adding that some people deliberately target others through their appearance, knowing the effect their presentation may produce.
Fr. Francis rejected the notion that modesty concerns apply only to women, extending his rebuke to men who attend church in revealing clothing designed to display their physiques. He said such conduct shows awareness and intent, noting that men, like women, can exploit physical attraction to draw attention.
The priest also cautioned against what he described as a dangerous misconception—that people naturally outgrow moral struggles with age. Speaking on what he termed the “sins of the flesh,” he warned that such habits can become deeply addictive if not confronted early. He urged parishioners not to postpone repentance, saying those battling personal weaknesses must confront them immediately rather than assume time will solve them.
Central to his message was what he called the “first victory” over temptation: recognizing the precise moment it begins. He explained that temptation often starts subtly through flattery, admiration, or attention that lowers a person’s guard. Instead of relying on verbal resistance alone, he advised practical steps such as distancing oneself from compromising situations and ending communications that could lead to wrongdoing.
“If you want to cut a certain sin, you must cut a certain type of communication,” he said, urging listeners to take decisive action, including deleting contacts or halting exchanges that encourage moral compromise.
Referencing Psalm 51, he reminded worshippers of King David’s confession, “My sin is always before me,” describing honest self-awareness as the foundation of repentance and spiritual growth.
Drawing parallels with Christ’s triumph over temptation in the wilderness, the cleric concluded with a Lenten charge to the faithful to rely on divine grace rather than human weakness. “If Jesus overcame temptation, you too will overcome,” he declared, calling on parishioners to use the Lenten season as a time to align themselves with God instead of yielding to the desires of the flesh.
