By Olivia Obijiaku
The 2024 Lenten Retreat for Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Ahmadu Bello University Zaria took place inside the church on Saturday, 16th March 2024.Anchoring the retreat, the Vice Rector of St Joseph Minor Seminary, Bassawa Zaria, Rev Fr. Benedict Nkom dwelt on the topic, ‘Discerning The Voice of God’ in leading parishioners out of their difficulties in that area of the spiritual journey.His words, “In the Abrahamic religion, the voice of God is a communication from God to human beings.
This differed from prophesy in that God had a conversion with the prophet while the voice of God could be heard by anybody regardless of their level with God. So we can say that in the Old Testament, the characteristic attribute of the voice of God are the invisibility of the speaker and a certain remarkable quality in the sound regardless of its strength or weakness (Deut.4:12).Samuel heard the voice of God but did not recognize it until he was instructed by Eli (1 Sam.3:1-11).
Gideon even heard the physical revelation from God and he still doubted what he heard to the point of asking for a sign, not once but three times (Jdg. 6:17-22, 36-40). But we have the Bible which Samuel and Gideon did not have.
All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training righteousness, so that the man and the woman of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The principles of knowing the voice of God are belonging to Him because, ‘My sheep listen to my voice’ (Jn. 10:27); spending time in studying and contemplating the Word; through our consciences; through circumstances; and in exhortations of other people.
”Fr Nkom listed sin, death, wrong teaching and theology, distraction and limiting how God speaks to one as hindrances to discerning the voice of God.
Thereafter, he attended to questions from some participants while some others shared their experiences on they heard from God, Some who narrated their experiences disclosed how they were either saved from misfortune by heeding the voice of God or how they suffered consequenes of their disobedience.
The retreat which ended with the prayer of Divine Mercy before the Exposed Sacrament also featured the Holy Mass, Confession, consultation and Emmaus Walk. For the Emmaus Walk, participants were encouraged to pair themselves with partners of their chose with whom they shared their experiences.
