By Olivia Obijiaku
Rev. Fr. Patrick Atama of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria celebrated the Mass on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. In his homily, he blamed the vices in society on the selfishness of leaders and some members of the society.
Relying on the day’s Gospel, Mark 6:7-13, in which Jesus sent the twelve apostles out with instructions not to take any purse, food, or other things along, Fr. Atama emphasized that obtaining and hoarding more than one needs in life deprives the needy of the help they require. He tasked the faithful to live simply and detach themselves from earthly things.
“Humility, simplicity, and detachment are some of the virtues lacking in our world today,” the priest observed. “The best instruction is a life of humility, simplicity, and detachment.”
Fr. Atama noted that Jesus instructed his disciples not to carry anything with them, but today, people buy and keep things they do not need, instead of reaching out to the poor. “We spend money on expensive things that do not add value to us,” he said.
The clergyman attributed the power struggles in society to leaders focusing on their ambitions and amassing wealth without considering the needs of the masses. “If we live a life of humility and detachment as Jesus commanded us, the world will not be as chaotic as it is today; it will be a better place,” he said.
Fr. Atama emphasized that Jesus is telling us to reach out to others with what God has given us. “By telling his disciples not to carry any food, Jesus is teaching them to imbibe the virtue of contentment,” he explained. “He told them to accept the food they are offered.”
The priest warned that inner peace will be elusive if one is not contented. “Many of us do not appreciate what we have until we lose them,” he said. “Live in peace with everyone, but depend on God for provision.”
Finally, Fr. Atama implored the faithful not to fight or argue with those who reject the Good News of Jesus, but to explore other people and places, charging them to do their part and leave the rest to God.
