Peter ESANMAH

               Fr. Bonaventure in his homily invited all to really look at what God has sent to save the world. “From the prophet Isaiah, we hear God’s promise that His servant will be a light to all nations, not just to Israel. And in John’s Gospel, we hear the Baptist’s urgent cry: “Look, there is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.”

 

The priest said the Lord first called Israel to be His servant, to gather their scattered people and bring glory to His holy name. But even then, God’s heart was always bigger than borders or bloodlines –Fr Bonaventure said that salvation must reach to the ends of the earth.

 

                 He explained that God’s love is for everyone. God’s plan of salvation extends beyond any single nation, tribe, or group. From the very beginning of Israel’s call, God intended His love and redemption to embrace all peoples.

 

The cleric explained further that in the Gospel, John the Baptist introduced Jesus to the Jews as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” The word “Lamb” was familiar ground for his listeners – what was revolutionary was associating this symbol with God Himself since the Jews knew well the lamb’s significance in their faith:

 

          Lastly Fr Bonaventure said Christians have Roles to Play. ‘Just as Jesus came as the perfect Lamb of God, we are called to live and give of ourselves like Him.’

               Similarly, the Church celebrated Mrs Veronica Jimoh as she had her 60th birthday thanksgiving after which a photograph was taken with the priest after the Mass and laity quiz commence with each representative from each society in the Church.