Vincent OBANIYI

As the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of St. Stephen Catholic Church, Apaara, Oyo, celebrated her annual harvest on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Rev. Fr. Benjamin Jolasun delivered a stirring homily centered on the theme of hope, prayer, and faithfulness in the context of the ongoing Jubilee Year of Hope.

 

In a message that deeply resonated with the congregation, Fr. Jolasun emphasized that women—especially mothers—are instrumental in restoring hope in families, communities, and the Church. He drew inspiration from the WAFCON 2024 Final, praising the courage and unity demonstrated by the female players, calling it a symbol of what Nigerian women can achieve when empowered by faith.

 

Using Genesis 19 as his primary scripture reference, he spoke of the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, where people lived without regard for God. Despite this, Abraham stood as an intercessor, pleading with God up to six times in the hope of finding at least ten righteous people.

 

“Our homes, our society—even our Church—can become like Sodom and Gomorrah if we turn away from God,” Fr. Jolasun warned. “If God were to visit today, would He find ten faithful women and men among us?”

 

He went on to reflect on Psalm 15, describing the qualities of the righteous, and reminded the congregation that true prayer goes beyond personal petitions. “When we fail to help others, we fall into the same wickedness we often condemn,” he said.

 

Highlighting the Gospel reading, Fr. Jolasun revisited Jesus’ teaching of the Lord’s Prayer and urged the faithful to ask, seek, and knock in persistent prayer. He challenged them to go deeper in their spiritual lives: “We care for the body but forget to take care of the soul. Our lips may say prayers, but are our hearts truly connected to God?”

 

Addressing the CWO women in particular, he called them to become models of prayer, intercession, and service. “You cannot give what you do not have,” he said. “Learn to pray deeply, so you can teach your children and others to do the same.”

 

Fr. Jolasun concluded the homily with the beloved hymn:

 

🎶 Prayer is the key,

Prayer is the key,

Prayer is the master key.

Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer,

Prayer is the master key. 🎶

 

The vibrant atmosphere of thanksgiving was evident throughout the celebration, as women in colorful attire danced forward with joy, offering their gifts to God. The harvest was marked by unity, faith, and renewed commitment to spiritual growth.