Homilies & Reflections
One thing I ask of the Lord. This I long to dwell in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my
life.
One thing I ask of the Lord. This I long to dwell in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my
life.
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*REFLECTION FOR THURSDAY OF THE TWENTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY WEEK YEAR II*
The message of today's readings highlight the importance of keeping to one's promises. It is better to be simple and honest in our relationships than attaching promises to our interaction which we may not be able to fulfill. Faithfulness is the key to inner peace and joy.
The first reading (Ezk 36: 23-23) speaks of God's promise to give a new heart and a new spirit to His Chosen people who honestly respond to their covenantal relationship. This new heart and spirit will be warm and lively, symbolizing a life energized and empowered by God. The Word of God is the living water that cleanses our heart and brings about it's newness. Hence, the Psalmist admonishes: "Harden not your heart today but listen to the voice of the Lord." (Ps 119: 27)
In the gospel (Matt. 22: 1-14), Jesus, using the parable of the wedding feast, teaches that though salvation in God is a free gift, we must be responsible in keeping to the requirements for remaining in it and enjoying its benefits- faith and probity of life.
Dear friends, salvation and all heavenly gifts come courtesy of God's graciousness. Ours is to cooperate with the grace given; to wear the wedding garment of holiness and live responsibly.
I pray as we journey in life today, we will be able to live our lives responding to God's will. May grace abound in our weaknesses. With the newness of our hearts, may we make a decision to sincerely and constantly respond to God's invitation to do His will. Have a grace-full day!
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
The 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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