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2026-07-17 - Use your second chance wisely Author: Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe

17th of July 2026
*Friday in the Fifteenth Week of the Ordinary Time, Year II*
_Isa 38:1-6,21-22,7-8_
_Mt 12:1-8_
 
 
There is a saying that "opportunity comes but once," but with God, that is not always true. Our God is a God of second chances. 
In the *First Reading*, King Hezekiah received the shocking news that he was about to die. Instead of giving up, he turned to God in prayer, wept bitterly, and placed his trust in God's mercy. God heard his prayer, healed him, and added fifteen more years to his life. What a remarkable second chance!
 
The *Gospel* also reveals the merciful heart of God. The Pharisees were more concerned about the disciples breaking Sabbath regulations than about their hunger. Jesus corrected them by saying, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." He teaches us that God's purpose is not merely for us to keep rules but to become people of love and compassion. God gives us second chances because He wants us to become better, not because He approves of our failures.
 
Many of us have experienced God's second chances. Some have survived serious illnesses or accidents. Others have recovered from financial collapse, broken relationships, or failures in life. Some have been rescued from sinful lifestyles that could have destroyed them. These are not accidents; they are signs that God still has a purpose for us. The question is: What are we doing with the extra time and opportunities God has given us?
 
In our Nigerian society, it is common to see people who receive a second chance but return to the same corrupt practices, dishonesty, or immoral lifestyles. Others make promises to God during moments of crisis but quickly forget those promises once life improves. Today's readings challenge us not to waste God's mercy. Every new day is another opportunity to grow in holiness, repair broken relationships, serve others, and prepare for eternal life.
 
A second chance is not simply another opportunity to continue as before; it is an invitation to become a new person. God is patient, but His patience calls us to genuine conversion. If He has spared your life, restored your health, forgiven your sins, or lifted you after a fall, He expects your life to bear good fruit.
 
Today, we are presented with the following messages:
 
✓Do not waste God's mercy. Every second chance is a call to repentance, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to live according to God's will.
✓Become an instrument of second chances for others. Just as God has been patient with you, be willing to forgive, encourage, and help others who sincerely desire to change.
 
God bless you



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LITURGICAL CALENDAR

UPCOMING EVENTS

2026 PRIESTLY ORDINATION FOR CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF UMUAHIA

Date: 2026-07-18 - 2026-07-18

To the Greater Glory of God!As the seed of faith continues to grow in our Diocese of Umuahia, our Diocese, through the gift of sacred vocation and the grace of Holy Orders, will ordain six deacons to the Sacred Priesthood on Saturday, 18th July 2026.The ordination will be conferred by our Bishop, His Lordship, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, Bishop of Umuahia.The deacons to be ordained are:Rev. Abraham ChighChighRev. Jude OnahRev. Okwara ChristopherRev. Ukaegbu NathanielRev. John Ogbannaya KokoRev. Makwe Emmanuel"This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." — Psalm 118:23Congratulations to our ordinands. May the Good Lord, who has called you, sustain you in holiness, fidelity, and joyful service throughout your priestly ministry. 

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logoThe Diocese of Umuahia was erected on June 23, 1958 with Most Rev. Anthony Gogo Nwaedo C.S.Sp. as its first Bishop and Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as the second Bishop. The diocese was carved out from the then Diocese of Owerri. Since its inception, two other dioceses: Okigwe (1981) and Aba (1990) have been excised from it. Its present area of about 2,460.40km2 spans six Local Government Areas: Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia and Arochukwu.

Homilies & Reflections

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