By Olivia Obijiaku
Parishioners of Immaculate of Mary Parish (IHP), Fegge Onitsha have been discouraged from being agents of the devil, like Judas Iscariot who cooperated with the tempter, to betray his Master for thirty pieces of silver. Also citing Pilate, who chose friendship with Caesar over standing with Jesus; and Peter, who denied Him three times, despite his promise of unconditional solidarity, the Associate Parish Priest of IHP, Rev.Fr. Peter Areh, implored them to seek Jesus of Nazareth who does not disappoint those who trust in Him.
He leaned on “Who do you seek?’ on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, in catechizing that, though some people do not understand why the Day is called Good Friday, despite all that Jesus went through, the Day earns the name among other reasons, because, it was the Day that Christ made the greatest sacrifice ever done for humanity; the Cross of Good Friday would pave way for the glory of Easter Sunday; it is about what Jesus did and not about man did; and His death brought salvation to mankind.
Leading them further, he explained, “Judas was a disciple of Jesus, but he was a businessman, looking for an opportunity for business transaction. He thought that Jesus would disappear, so that he could have the money, but Jesus refused to disappear. This is how the devil deceives people. Are you like Judas, looking for an opportunity to steal? Are you like Pilate, looking for earthly pleasure and condemning the innocent? Are you like Peter, who denied Jesus? Do not allow him to use you!”
“Are you looking for Christ the Saviour? Are you looking for Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus of miracles and magic? If you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who will give you eternal life, who will give you the Kingdom of God, then you must conform yourself. If you are looking for Him, you are going to lose certain things. Let us not be like Judas who was disappointed in the end. Carry your cross and follow Jesus. Let us stand with Him, so that we will raise with Him in glory.”
Fr. Areh reminded them that Jesus left everything in heaven: His Divinity, Sonship, Kingship, Power and became Man for the salvation of the world, and in order to meet men at their points of needs. He nudged them to be patient when things do not work as they pray, as Jesus was, because, “Even when everything is silent around you, it does not mean that God is silent. He is working behind the scenes.”
