By Emmanuel Enebeli
UGBOMRO/Nigeria: The Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ugbomro, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Rev. Fr. Francis Oshevire, has called on Christians to cultivate the discipline of listening to God in the face of growing global uncertainty and personal struggles.
Delivering his homily during the Mass marking the Second Sunday of Lent on March 1, 2026, Fr. Oshevire warned that rising tensions among powerful nations and the increasing capacity for mass destruction should remind humanity of the fragility of peace and the urgent need for prayer and spiritual reflection.
“We live in a world where some leaders boast of weapons capable of destroying the world several times over,” he said, noting that current global rivalries among major powers should push believers toward prayer rather than fear. “We must pray that wisdom prevails over aggression and that no nation makes the mistake of unleashing destruction that would consume humanity.”
Drawing from Scripture, the cleric stressed that true security is not found in physical escape or material preparations, but in obedience to God’s voice. He pointed to the biblical example of Abraham, who left his homeland at the age of 75 without knowing his destination.
“Abraham did not have clarity or certainty. He only had a call — ‘Go to the place I will show you,’” Fr. Oshevire said. “That is faith — moving without full clarity, trusting the One who has called you.”
He noted that Abraham’s journey represents the spiritual journey of every believer, explaining that God’s call often demands sacrifice and the willingness to leave behind familiar comforts.
In the same vein, he referenced the experience of Jesus’ disciples, who were not only taught about the Kingdom of God but were invited to encounter it. According to him, their later courage and conviction came from what they had seen and experienced firsthand.
“At a defining moment, a voice from heaven said, ‘Listen to Him.’ Listening is not passive hearing. Listening means paying attention and obeying,” he said.
Fr. Oshevire lamented that many Christians hear the Word of God without practicing it, allowing distractions to override spiritual commitments. He emphasized that true listening must influence daily choices, including the decision to abandon harmful habits and embrace moral transformation.
He acknowledged that listening to God is often difficult due to what he described as the “hardness of the heart,” recalling the struggles of St. Paul, who confessed to doing what he did not wish to do.
“But the challenge remains,” he said. “Do we listen and practice, or do we listen and ignore?”
Highlighting Abraham’s 25-year wait for the fulfillment of God’s promise, the priest said obedience produces enduring legacies, noting that billions across Christianity, Islam and Judaism today trace their spiritual heritage to the patriarch.
“Whenever God calls someone, there is always something to leave behind. You cannot fully follow God while clinging to what holds you back,” he stated.
Fr. Oshevire reminded the congregation that spiritual growth demands repentance and change, stressing that transformation is possible for all.
“Human beings are full of possibilities. Growth is possible. Freedom is possible,” he said, urging believers to draw strength from God’s grace.
Quoting St. Paul, he concluded with a message of hope: “My grace is sufficient for you,” praying that God would grant Christians the strength to overcome weaknesses and remain steadfast in their journey of faith.
