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2026-08-01 - The danger of keeping the wrong company Author: Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe

1st of August 2026
Saturday in the seventeenth Week of the Ordinary Time, Year II
Alphonsus Liguori)
Mt 14:1-12
 
 
Today, we thank God for the gift of a new month and for the many graces He has bestowed on us. We also celebrate the Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, a bishop, Doctor of the Church, and founder of the Redemptorists. His life of holiness and courageous witness to the Gospel encourage us to remain faithful to Christ. With that spirit, let us reflect on God's word today.
 
The readings today invite us to reflect on a truth that many people learn only after painful experience: the company we keep can shape the person we become.
 
In the *Gospel*, Herod was not naturally inclined to kill John the Baptist. In fact, he respected John, listened to him, and even feared him because he knew he was a righteous man. But Herod surrounded himself with people who encouraged his worst instincts. Herodias harboured hatred for John because he exposed her sinful relationship. Her daughter became the instrument of manipulation, and the guests at Herod's birthday banquet became the pressure that prevented him from doing what he knew was right. One wrong influence after another led to the execution of an innocent man.
 
The *First Reading* presents a striking contrast. Jeremiah also stood before powerful people who wanted him dead. Yet some elders and Ahikam defended him because they recognised that he had spoken God's word. Good people in Jeremiah's life became instruments of God's protection.
 
These readings remind us that the people we allow into our lives can either strengthen our faith or weaken our character. A friend can encourage honesty or normalise corruption. Colleagues can inspire integrity or lure us into fraud. Many young people have joined cults, drug abuse, internet fraud, or criminal gangs simply because they wanted to fit in with the wrong crowd. Likewise, many have discovered their vocation, deepened their faith, or turned their lives around because they met people who challenged them to become better.
 
As St. Paul later writes, "Bad company corrupts good morals" (1 Cor. 15:33). The reverse is also true: good company cultivates good character.
 
Today, let us ask ourselves: Who is influencing my decisions? Who has my ear? Am I becoming more like Christ because of the people around me, or am I drifting away from Him? If the company we keep draws us away from God, we need the courage to step back. If it draws us closer to Christ, we should cherish and cultivate those relationships.
 
As we begin this new month of August, we pray God to grant us the wisdom to choose companions who lead us to holiness and the courage to be that kind of companion for others. Amen.
 
Happy New Month and God bless us all



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LITURGICAL CALENDAR

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEVEN DAYS PRAYERS

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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