Rev. Isaac Illah of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria has reminded parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Ahamdu Bello University, Zaria of the need to live a transformed life. He gave the task in the parish on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, while hinging his homily on the readings of the day. He implored them to allow transform their faith to transform their lives for good.
The homilist linked that the people in the first reading (Amos. 5:14-15, 21-24), failed to change despite the warnings from the Prophet Amos, as those in the Gospel sent Jesus away from their territory because they were more concerned about their economic loss than the freedom He granted to the two possessed men. He then summed that both reactions from the people are as a result of hearts that resist true conversion.
“Jesus sent two men free from demonic oppression.” The deacon said. “He healed them, gave them purity and gave them freedom. You could expect the people to rejoice. But they made Jesus to leave their territory. They cared more about their own loss than the freedom of the two possessed people.
“We go for Mass, sing, but our hearts are far away from God. It is possible to be present in Mass but absent in commitment, because many Christians practice false piety. When people see them, they are very religious. But deep inside, they are something else. It is possible to know what is right but chose to continue with what is wrong. It is very possible to encounter the truth, but because you are uncomfortable with the truth, you decide to be comfortable with convenience.”
“God wants a transformed life. He was angry with the people during the time of Amos because they were religious but not righteous. They prayed. They sang. They danced but their lives were not changed. There was injustice, dishonesty and compromise. Your faith should change how you live, how you treat others and how you make your daily choices. Do not be like those who worship God but will not change. Do not be like those who see Jesus but send Him away. Instead, let Him in. Let Him change you.”
