Light for the Living

  LIGHT FOR THE LIVING PALM SUNDAY – YEAR A (Matthew 21:1–11; Isaiah 50:4–7; Philippians 2:6–11; Matthew 26:14–27:66) My beloved in Christ, In a quiet community in Ihitte, Imo State, there once lived a man called Okenna, known for his calm nature and unusual way of handling matters. Whenever trouble arose in the village, people would look for him, but he would not be found. Some mocked him, saying he always avoided confrontation. But those who understood him would say, “Okenna does not run away—he waits for his time.” One year, a serious dispute broke out over land. The elders summoned all parties. For days, Okenna was nowhere to be seen, and his opponents rejoiced, believing he had no defence. Then, on the final day when the entire village assembly had gathered, Okenna appeared—quietly, confidently, and fully prepared. He presented his case with clarity, bringing witnesses and evidence that silenced every argument. What seemed like absence was actually preparation. ...

  LIGHT FOR THE LIVING FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT – YEAR A (Ezekiel 37:12–14; Romans 8:8–11; John 11:1–45) My beloved in Christ, In a quiet village in Ideato, Imo State , there lived a man called Onyeoma who was famous for one thing—he always doubted good news. If you told him, “Rain is coming,” he would say, “Let me see the cloud first.” If you said, “Your farm is yielding well,” he would reply, “Let me taste the yam first.” One day, his son ran home shouting, “Papa! Our lost goat has returned!” Onyeoma folded his arms and said, “Until that goat greets me personally, I will not believe.” The entire compound burst into laughter. An elder shook his head and said, “My friend, if truth knocks on your door and you refuse to open, do not complain that you live in darkness.”   From Signs to Glory That village humour reflects a deeper tragedy in today’s Gospel. Throughout the ministry of Jesus Christ, God had already been revealing His power through signs : ...

  LIGHT FOR THE LIVING FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT – YEAR A (1 Samuel 16:1, 6–7, 10–13; Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41) My beloved in Christ, In a village in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State , there once lived a young palm-wine tapper called Chibunna . Chibunna was not very educated, but he had one reputation in the village: he did not fear big grammar. One day, some respected elders gathered in the village square to debate a complicated land dispute. They used heavy English words that made everyone’s head spin. Chibunna stood quietly at the edge of the crowd listening. Finally, one elder turned to him and said mockingly, “Young man, what do you know about land law?” Chibunna scratched his head and replied calmly, “I may not know the law book, but I know the land.” The crowd burst into laughter. Then he pointed to the disputed boundary and said simply, “That tree has marked the boundary since my grandfather’s time. If you remove it, you are removing the truth.” The elders sto...

LIGHT FOR THE LIVING THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT – YEAR A (Exodus 17:3–7; Romans 5:1–2, 5–8; John 4:5–42) My beloved in Christ, In a small community in Mbaitolu LGA of Imo State , there once lived a woman called Mama Nkem who was famous for her sharp tongue and quicker temper. Every morning she went to the village stream to fetch water, but everyone in the village knew that if you met Mama Nkem there, you had to prepare for argument—even if you only said “Good morning.” One hot afternoon, as she struggled with her heavy water pot, an elderly traveler resting under a mango tree called out gently, “My daughter, please, can I have a cup of water?” Mama Nkem looked at him suspiciously and replied, “You want water? Do you know how far I trekked to fetch it?” The old man smiled calmly and said, “If you give me water today, I will show you where you will never suffer to fetch water again.” Mama Nkem laughed loudly. “In Mbaitolu? Water that will not finish? My brother, the sun must have beaten y...

LIGHT FOR THE LIVING SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT – YEAR A (Genesis 12:1–4; 2 Timothy 1:8–10; Matthew 17:1–9) My beloved in Christ, In a peaceful village in Ahiazu LGA of Imo State , there once lived a trader called Mama Ugochi . Mama Ugochi loved comfort. Her stall in the market had stood in the same spot for twenty-five years. One day, the village council announced that the market would be relocated to a new site closer to the main road. Everyone began preparing to move. But Mama Ugochi folded her arms and said, “My customers know where to find me. If they want pepper, they will trek.” Weeks passed. The new market flourished. Cars stopped there. Buyers increased. Mama Ugochi’s old corner became lonely except for goats and dust. Finally, her son told her gently, “Mama, blessing does not visit those who refuse to move.” Reluctantly, she packed her goods and followed the others. Within days, business multiplied beyond her expectation. Smiling shyly, she admitted, “Sometimes God relocates us to...