By Olivia Obijiaku
Reflecting on the Gospel text in which Jesus disclosed that His mother, brothers and sisters are those who do the will of God, Rev. Isaac Illah tasked parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria to fulfill the conditions that Jesus laid down for Christians. He explained that it is not enough to be identified as Christians, teaching that one’s life and attitude must represent Christ to be counted among his family members.
“Anyone can claim to be a Christian.” The deacon said. “But the requirement is that the person must take up their cross and follow Jesus. So, we must do what Jesus asks us to do in order to be true Christians. You know the things that are against our relationship with God. When you do the will of God, you become true brother, true sister, and true mother of Jesus Christ. So, you can call yourself a Christian. No doubt about it. But as long as your life and attitude are not representing Christ, you are not a brother to Him.”
On the Parable of the Sower, the homilist encouraged them to struggle and fall on a fertile soil. He acknowledged the challenges that confront such decisions, even as he reminded participants that Jesus instructs them to avoid the broad one and struggle through the narrow road that leads to eternal life.
“If we are a seed, then, we have to struggle to fall on a good soil, because if you fall on a rocky soil or on the pathway, there will be a problem. A lot is happening in the world, distraction of the world. It is going to be very difficult to bear good fruits if you fall on a rocky soil, the thorns or on the pathway. It is not easy to fall on a fertile soil because there is enjoyment in the world. The road to enjoyment is very broad. But Jesus is telling us to avoid that road in order to have eternal life.”
Rev Illah told them that people will to testify to whether or not they fall on a good or a rocky soil or among the thorns, no matter how long they pretend. He cautioned against straying from the path of heaven, their home, so that they do not lose their roots or even forget how to go back there.
