Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

Catholic faithful have been admonished to focus less on worldly possession but rather strive for heavenly possession. The parish priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun gave the admonition while sharing his reflection for the 18th Sunday in the Ordinary Time titled: “Abundant life is not in abundant worldly possession.”

Making reference to the day’s first reading (Ecclesiastes 1: 2; 2: 21-23) and the gospel reading (Luke 12: 13-21), the priest noted that human happiness is not in property gathered but in God. he encouraged all to learn to give to those in need, not in monetary terms only but even by words of encouragement as he stated that what happens between one's birth and death is very important.

Fr. Balogun condemned the attitude of those in power, who are keeping the general wealth of the nation for their future generations and thereby making life difficult for the majority of the citizens. “In fact, one of the major causes of problems/conflicts in our world today is GREED. It is a great destroyer! Some people seek happiness/abundant life in chariots, some in princes, some in money, some in power/authority, and some others in worldly possessions; but you can truly be happy, if only you live in Christ for others by acts of sincere love and service.”

The priest added that God does not condemn wealth but greediness. Hence, he enjoined all to be charitable. “In today's Gospel reading (Luke 12:13–21), Jesus tells the parable of a rich man who stored up wealth for himself, thinking he had secured his future. But God calls him a fool. "This parable reminds us that true abundance is not found in possessions, but in our relationship with God. The man had barns full of grain but a soul empty of grace. An abundant life, then, is not about building bigger barns—but about building a bigger heart." It's about living with purpose, generosity, gratitude, and faith.”

At the day’s celebration were birthday thanksgivings of Taiwo and Kehinde Adewuyi and Mrs Ogunjimi. The parish also commenced 2025 family harvest thanksgivings with the 2025 Harvest Chairperson, Mrs Paricia Adegboye and the families of Mrs Nafiu and Adebayo setting the ball rolling.

The parish priest commended the show of love and a good example exhibited by the Adegboye family and admonished other families to emulate such.

Representatives of Archdiocesan Catholic Men Organization, Messers Francis Fagbadegun and Francis Adekunle Dada from St. Joseph parish, Oke Ado were also in the parish to sensitize the parish’s CMO.