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2026-07-30 - The Potter never gives up on the clay Author: Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe

30th of July 2026
Thursday in the seventeenth Week of the Ordinary Time, Year II
Jer 18:1-6
Mt 13:47-53
 
Life does not always go according to plan. We all experience moments of failure, disappointment, sin, or brokenness that can leave us wondering whether we can ever recover. At such times, we may be tempted to think that God has given up on us. But today's readings offer a message of profound hope: our God is like a patient potter who never gives up on the clay. He continues to shape, correct, and remake those who are willing to remain in His hands.
 
Today's *First Reading* presents one of the most beautiful images of God in the Bible. Jeremiah is sent to the potter's house, where he watches the potter working at the wheel. As the potter shapes a vessel, it becomes spoiled in his hands. But instead of throwing the clay away, the potter patiently reshapes it into another vessel, one that is pleasing and useful. God then says, "Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done?"
 
The message is clear: God never gives up on His people. Human beings may discard what is damaged, but God restores it. We may see failure, but God sees potential. We may see an ending, but God sees the beginning of something new.
 
Many of us have experienced moments when we felt broken, after a sinful fall, a failed relationship, a financial setback, poor health, or disappointment in our vocation or family. We may think we are no longer useful. Yet God, the Divine Potter, does not throw away the clay. He patiently reshapes those who are willing to remain in His hands.
 
However, the *Gospel* reminds us that this opportunity will not last forever. Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a net that gathers fish of every kind. Only at the end are the good fish kept and the bad thrown away. God's patience today is not permission to remain unchanged. The time to be moulded is now, before the final judgment.
 
Notice that the clay had no future once it left the potter's hands. Likewise, whenever we resist God's guidance, refuse correction, or persist in sin, we become hardened and difficult to shape. But if we remain humble through prayer, repentance, and obedience, God can transform even our greatest failures into instruments of His glory.
 
Today, let us ask ourselves: Am I allowing God to shape me, or am I resisting His hands? No matter how broken your life may seem, remember that the Divine Potter has not abandoned His work. If you surrender yourself to Him, He can still make your life into something beautiful and useful for His Kingdom.
 
God bless you



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Date: 2026-08-09 - 2026-08-15

From The Chancery   Dear Brothers, happy weekend! You would recall that during the last Bishop's/Priests' Meeting, the Bishop directed that the entire diocese of Umuahia should be observing a one week prayer for *Peace* in Igbo land. I am happy to inform you that, following the directive of His Lordship, the seven days prayers will begin on the 9th of August, and end on the solemnity of Our Lady's Assumption (15th of August), 2026. Take note of the following, please: 1) Take time to explain to your parishioners about the importance of the one week of prayers. 2) Draw their attention to the fact that this is directed by the Bishop himself. 3) Remember that it is a daily evening program. 4) The color to wear is black. 5) The day begins with Rosary procession and concludes with holy Mass. 6) All are advised to make sacrifices during those days.   Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the program. Thanks for your usual understanding and positive cooperation.   Rev Henry Maduka

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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.

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