Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

A Josephite Priest, Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ has reminded Catholic faithful that their attitude as Catholic should be love of God and love of neighbour because Catholic religion is a religion of love and action; love of God and neighbour and to live in God and in their neighbour.

Fr. Ikechukwu, who was the homilist during the 15th Sunday in ordinary Time at a Mass in St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan on Sunday 13th July 2025 with the parish priest, Fr. Stephen Balogun as the Chief Celebrant; added that all the substances Catholic faithful needed to perfect their belief is in the Scripture.

Making reference to Jesus’ reply to a lawyer that asked Him what he must do to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, the priest said Jesus didn’t say to him ‘do this or that’ but wants the lawyer to have a love that stems from his inner being.

The homilist said that the lawyer’s question was for his desire to have his name written in the book of life like the seventy-two disciples that were sent on mission the previous Sunday, to whom Jesus told to rejoice not because the devil obeyed them but rather because their names were written in the book of life.

Like the lawyer who did not know who his neighbour is, the priest admonished the congregation to examine who they are to those living around them and also tasked them to be ready to make sacrifices like the disciples and not to be like that priest and the Levite that failed to help the man that was attacked and robbed by the brigands. “A priest by definition is another Christ and must be of service.” The homilist stated.

Fr. Ikechukwu noted that some priests are making error by thinking their duties are to preach to the people and rather than serving the people, want the people to serve them. He enjoined all to be like that Good Samaritan, an Outcast, who did not believe in God but took care of the person in need, not just for that day but even the next day.

The priest said there is no more genuine love today in the world but false love, adding that Christ went against His wish to die for us, and that we also need to make sacrifices of our time, resouces and energy like that Good Samaritan. “Being available for your brother or sister does not take anything from you, not self-sufficient.” Fr Ikechukwu concluded by saying that our life makes meaning when we live with others.