“Beloved: You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was destined before the foundation of the world but was made manifest at the end of the times for your sake.”
Excerpt, First Reading, Wednesday 29th May 2024 – 1 PETER 1 : 15-25.
So, history has it that, before the advent of Christianity, people in the world were predominantly idol worshippers.
Recall the letters of Saint Paul to Timothy? He cautioned him to be weary of a certain Alexander a cooper smith who vehemently anatomized him – 2 TIMOTHY 4:14-16.
Recall also his sermon to the Areopagites at Athens, “For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god. ‘ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” – ACTS 17:23-31.
In Africa, we too, also had our various fetish practices which were mostly represented by carved wooden or clay images which our people of that era referred to as representing their gods.
Also, there were other wicked practices like the killing of twins as well as killing innocent people in the name of using them to escort a monarch who passed on.
Others were compelling a widow to pass the night alone in a room with the corpse of her deceased husband as well as making her drink the slimy water used in washing the corpse.
There were yet other social practices like getting a wife for a man who has come of age but probably living in a distant land. The supposed wife would be sent to him and the total strangers will hence live as husband and wife.
Regrettably, we still have such practices even up to this day happening. These fetish acts are going on not just in Africa but in all the continents of the world as you read this.
It is regrettable because, it could be excused during those era when we were still ignorant. However, to what can we attribute it to now that the world has known better and it has since been proven that such practices are futile and the deities are mere images without any consequences? – “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. – EXODUS 20:3-4.
Nevertheless, my dear friend, while we may decry such fetishes, we too, in some ways may still be indulging in idols or idolising.
At those fetish platforms, when an unauthorised person touches any item there, it is always regarded as a desecration and abominable. Such a person may or would be required to undergo some penance or make some sacrifices of do the both.
Now, come the era of the smart phone 📱 In the home where there’s possibly just the husband and his wife, each of them their smart phone is akin to such fetish platforms of yester-years.
Our phones are now so guarded that they have now assumed the nuances of demi-gods in our life.
The way an avowed idol worshipper would cringe when someone goes near his deities is how some of us are now affected when our spouse touches our phone.
This is despite that we have protected the phone with passwords. Yet we still fret when our supposed better half touches our phone.
The phone is usually the last thing we touch before turning in at night and the first thing we touch once we get up.
My dear friend, now that you are married, what is that thing we are doing so secretive that makes our phone to be so prohibitive to our spouse?
If between God and man we are aware that the cause of our action is not honourable, then it must not be lost on us that we are just courting a disaster that is just waiting to happen.
Today is another best opportunity to come out clean 🙌 or desist from our dishonorable ways for the sake of our sanity and that of our spouse and for the good of our nucleus and nuclear family.
When it happens, as it will most definitely happen, we mustn’t go blaming the devil. Na we bi our own devil gan-gan.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
Living A New Life
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Excerpt, First Reading, Tuesday 28th May 2024 – 1 PETER 1:10-16.
So, we all must have been conversant with this saying, “Old habits die hard.”
Then, there is this similar one, although, it’s a bit sarcastic, it goes thus, “If you take monkey wear am suit and you carry am go London come back, e go still behave like monkey.”
Some of us are very adept to change and we seamlessly adjust and conform very easily and flexibly. It is nevertheless, not so with yet some of us.
Today’s teaching is therefore, about those of us who are non-conformists or rigidly averse to change.
To such among us, we hear comments like, “Na so we been dey do am bifor.” Others are, “Na so we dey do am.” Meaning, that’s how we are used to doing it.
To some of us, in our former ways of life, Sundays are special days for ‘jollification’ (merry making). Therefore, we are adorn our Sunday special garments and fill our pockets with all we have been gathering through the week and set aside for this special day.
Some of us who still has a bit fear of God will first go to church and from there straight to the place of planned jolification for that week.
At the end of the day, some of us, na our head we dey take waka reach house. Whereas, to others, na carry dem dey everly carry dem come back house.
And for the ‘babarest’ (the legends) of them all, na dia nahim morning dey meet dem.
Those of us in this kind of league, we don’t necessarily need to have any money of our own in order to ‘jolificate’. All we need to do is just to be present. Others in the ‘brotherhood’ who filled their pockets we have us taken care of. As the saying goes, “The more the merrier.”
Needless to go on and on about that kind of life now that we are saved.
We have been saved from financial recklessness, as well as from been an embarrassment to ourselves and from constantly disgracing of families.
Now, are we not supposed to cut off frequenting all those ‘joints’ that we usually go to ‘soak’ our lives away?
Of course we should, because, when we pray that we shouldn’t be led into temptation, we too must be careful not to lead ourselves into temptation.
At this rate, no one is saying one should put an end to jolification o. Nevertheless, with this our new found life, we must certainly make adjustments to our time – T, operation – O and place – P.
In today’s teaching, the Apostle Peter is saying, now that we have been saved, once we close from church on Sunday, we should just ‘jejeli’ head home with our family and ‘jolificate’ together with whatever we have.
Dear friend, behold the old ways of life has passed and are gone, behold our new way of life. We must embrace it and remain holy just like Christ Who ransomed us is also holy.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
Even A Little Matters A Lot
“You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” At that saying his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Monday 27th May 2024 – MARK 10:17-27.
So, those of us who are very wealthy in the true sense of the word and are equally very humble and down to earth should and must be respected. As a matter of fact, such a persons should be revered, as some people would even tend to fear them.
Whereas, to some of us, having some change in our bank account as well as a few coins in our pocket, that, obscures our fair sense of judgement and gives us some kind of a feeling of omnipotence.
To those kinds among us in the first reference, the wealth is just a means to and end, to be used just to make life more fluid. They are aware that it is ephemeral, so, it can finish or waste away. However, life as well as the inter-personal relationship between one person to another is invaluable, therefore, it is and should be most important.
To the second kind of us, we assume the wealth to be our world and security, therefore, we guard it with our life and turn our back to the rest of the world.
As such, we become knowingly or unknowingly arrogant, unfeeling and recalcitrant to the feeling and plight of others around us. We tend to feel the world lives to satisfy us.
It is to those of us that Christ Jesus refers in today’s teaching.
If our wealth obscures us from the plight of the needy, we too are guilty.
Now, the term ‘wealthy ‘isn’t and shouldn’t be reserved only for the likes of Elon Musk and Aliko Dangote.
When we have any piece of clothing in our closet or boxes that we haven’t used for (to be fair and realistic) upwards of 36 months, then, we possibly do not need them. We must find those whom such clothing would be useful to and give them.
If we can spare 10k, 5k, even urgent 2k and pittance like just N200 to those in dare need, ‘without drastically hurting our livelihood,’ then we too are wealthy, therefore, we should and must render such help whenever the need arises and we are capable of it.
Sometimes, we get scared that what we give could be used to fetishly get at us. That is hogwash, nevertheless, if we fear too much, there are yet other proxy avenues that we can reach the down trodden with the little that we have to give.
There are such bodies like the Salvation Army. In our various Catholic Parishes, we have the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.
Dear friend, if and whenever we can, we kindly should.
Some children in a suburb not really far away from us could be struggling with life for the lack of malaria medication that costs not more two thousand Naira.
There are children right now going to school practically bare feet for lack of rubber sandals that may cost not more than one thousand two hundred Naira.
HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, said a child passed on in the arms of the mother who was waiting on queue to have audience with the emir during Palace session. The cause of death was later found out to be malaria. The emir said he wept.
My dear friend, can we now also see what the little that we too can do will go a long way?
We must remember that charity atones for many sins.
A little matters a lot.
Have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week ahead.
#HAPPY_CHILDREN’S_DAY! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Monday 27th May 2024 – MARK 10:17-27.
So, those of us who are very wealthy in the true sense of the word and are equally very humble and down to earth should and must be respected. As a matter of fact, such a persons should be revered, as some people would even tend to fear them.
Whereas, to some of us, having some change in our bank account as well as a few coins in our pocket, that, obscures our fair sense of judgement and gives us some kind of a feeling of omnipotence.
To those kinds among us in the first reference, the wealth is just a means to and end, to be used just to make life more fluid. They are aware that it is ephemeral, so, it can finish or waste away. However, life as well as the inter-personal relationship between one person to another is invaluable, therefore, it is and should be most important.
To the second kind of us, we assume the wealth to be our world and security, therefore, we guard it with our life and turn our back to the rest of the world.
As such, we become knowingly or unknowingly arrogant, unfeeling and recalcitrant to the feeling and plight of others around us. We tend to feel the world lives to satisfy us.
It is to those of us that Christ Jesus refers in today’s teaching.
If our wealth obscures us from the plight of the needy, we too are guilty.
Now, the term ‘wealthy ‘isn’t and shouldn’t be reserved only for the likes of Elon Musk and Aliko Dangote.
When we have any piece of clothing in our closet or boxes that we haven’t used for (to be fair and realistic) upwards of 36 months, then, we possibly do not need them. We must find those whom such clothing would be useful to and give them.
If we can spare 10k, 5k, even urgent 2k and pittance like just N200 to those in dare need, ‘without drastically hurting our livelihood,’ then we too are wealthy, therefore, we should and must render such help whenever the need arises and we are capable of it.
Sometimes, we get scared that what we give could be used to fetishly get at us. That is hogwash, nevertheless, if we fear too much, there are yet other proxy avenues that we can reach the down trodden with the little that we have to give.
There are such bodies like the Salvation Army. In our various Catholic Parishes, we have the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.
Dear friend, if and whenever we can, we kindly should.
Some children in a suburb not really far away from us could be struggling with life for the lack of malaria medication that costs not more two thousand Naira.
There are children right now going to school practically bare feet for lack of rubber sandals that may cost not more than one thousand two hundred Naira.
HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, said a child passed on in the arms of the mother who was waiting on queue to have audience with the emir during Palace session. The cause of death was later found out to be malaria. The emir said he wept.
My dear friend, can we now also see what the little that we too can do will go a long way?
We must remember that charity atones for many sins.
A little matters a lot.
Have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week ahead.
#HAPPY_CHILDREN’S_DAY! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
Sacredness of the Marriage Institution.
“Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Friday 24th May 2024 – MARK 10:1-12.
So, this is ☝️ Jesus Christ Himself speaking against divorce in marriage.
Unfortunately, the issue of divorce is now even minor in our world compared to things we are now referring to be like the sacred institution of marriage.
While Christ emphatically talked about marriage with reference to him and her, maintaining the indissolubility of this sacred institution, the world has since gone pass making common the sacred instruction of indissolubility and we are presently grappling with the heresy of him and him as well her and her in what some people now suppose it to be a marriage.
It is so much disturbing, in that, even preacher men who should know better and lead by example in upholding the sanctity of the institution of marriage have been severally involved in the imbroglio of divorce, thereby giving it vent to fester and multiply.
Dear friend, marriage is a sacred institution ordained by the Almighty God. Only the death of a partner brings it to end when it is validly contracted and consummated.
Then comes the worrisome devilish act of same set union that is fastly gaining traction and support from high places, thereby supposedly making a mockery of the sane minds who choose to practice the union of marriage in its natural course.
Dear friend, many reasons have been advanced for the now multiplicity of divorce cases and the devilish act of gay unions. Nevertheless, none of such reasons or opinions is tenable.
Dear friend, God permits only the union of a male man and a female woman in the sacred institution of marriage.
Therefore, anything short of the☝️ above, the people are just actors pretending to be in a supposed marriage or sometime that is like a marriage
The simple instruction goes thus, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – MATTHEW 6:33.
My dear friend, if and when we take serious the biblical instruction from the Gospel according to Matthew☝️above, we will not be busy giving excuses to permit such excesses.
Folks, have a fantastic day and a pleasant weekend.
#The_Blessed_Virgin_Mary _Help_of_Christians! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Friday 24th May 2024 – MARK 10:1-12.
So, this is ☝️ Jesus Christ Himself speaking against divorce in marriage.
Unfortunately, the issue of divorce is now even minor in our world compared to things we are now referring to be like the sacred institution of marriage.
While Christ emphatically talked about marriage with reference to him and her, maintaining the indissolubility of this sacred institution, the world has since gone pass making common the sacred instruction of indissolubility and we are presently grappling with the heresy of him and him as well her and her in what some people now suppose it to be a marriage.
It is so much disturbing, in that, even preacher men who should know better and lead by example in upholding the sanctity of the institution of marriage have been severally involved in the imbroglio of divorce, thereby giving it vent to fester and multiply.
Dear friend, marriage is a sacred institution ordained by the Almighty God. Only the death of a partner brings it to end when it is validly contracted and consummated.
Then comes the worrisome devilish act of same set union that is fastly gaining traction and support from high places, thereby supposedly making a mockery of the sane minds who choose to practice the union of marriage in its natural course.
Dear friend, many reasons have been advanced for the now multiplicity of divorce cases and the devilish act of gay unions. Nevertheless, none of such reasons or opinions is tenable.
Dear friend, God permits only the union of a male man and a female woman in the sacred institution of marriage.
Therefore, anything short of the☝️ above, the people are just actors pretending to be in a supposed marriage or sometime that is like a marriage
The simple instruction goes thus, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – MATTHEW 6:33.
My dear friend, if and when we take serious the biblical instruction from the Gospel according to Matthew☝️above, we will not be busy giving excuses to permit such excesses.
Folks, have a fantastic day and a pleasant weekend.
#The_Blessed_Virgin_Mary _Help_of_Christians! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
Championing Delinquency.
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Thursday 23rd May 2024 – MARK 9:41-50.
So, sometimes, our actions or inactions cause other people to fall into sin unwillingly, but sometimes, quite regrettably, wilfully, too.
For example, stopping at the traffic light, the vehicle we are driving could be higher than the ones behind us. If after waiting for some seconds and we decide to just charge through, we have erred before the law.
That singular act may bring about series of other reactions.
The vehicles behind us unaware that the light hasn’t turned green yet and having not checked, may also follow the erring vehicle.
This may cause accident, bringing about several damages and even threat to life.
In all of this, the erring vehicle may have wriggled it way out of the traffic logjam that may have ensued and has since gone.
Rest assured, any of us who so does such would definitely share in the wrath of that sin as well as any death that may occur, to talk less of the law.
When we have upper hand on others and we tend to become bullies, we could be affecting the psychological well-being of our victims.
And when these victims in future become socio-paths or psycho-paths and start affecting the society wrongly, rest assured, we share in whatever sins they perpetrate.
Even those of us who dress flagrantly, we are equally culpable.
In our thinking and opinion, we could be dressing for ourselves, to make us feel good. Nevertheless, the world is not blind. Of course, the rest of the world may turn a blind eye to us, though, we could have already abused the sensibilities of all those who deliberately chose to turn a blind eye to us.
Since sinning also includes our thoughts, when those whose sensibilities we have abused start harbouring sinful thoughts as a result of what they saw of our dressing, rest assured, we will most definitely share in their sinfulness.
When a child in our home gets up in the morning and doesn’t greet any of their elderly ones, we must correct that child. If we notice this and are less concerned or deliberately refuse to correct that child, we have not only sinned by our inaction , we also share in the delinquency that may arise from the dismal nurturing of the child.
That’s why, my dear friend, when we do penance, we pray for the sins we have committed knowingly and unknowingly, from our thoughts, actions and inactions as well as omissions.
Dear friend, Christ Jesus in today’s teaching says of us so guilty, that it is better if a heavy millstone were tied round our neck and we are thrown into the sea.
This☝️ is heavy, mark it and take note.
May God grant us the grace to avoid leading others to sin knowingly and unknowingly from our actions and inactions.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Thursday 23rd May 2024 – MARK 9:41-50.
So, sometimes, our actions or inactions cause other people to fall into sin unwillingly, but sometimes, quite regrettably, wilfully, too.
For example, stopping at the traffic light, the vehicle we are driving could be higher than the ones behind us. If after waiting for some seconds and we decide to just charge through, we have erred before the law.
That singular act may bring about series of other reactions.
The vehicles behind us unaware that the light hasn’t turned green yet and having not checked, may also follow the erring vehicle.
This may cause accident, bringing about several damages and even threat to life.
In all of this, the erring vehicle may have wriggled it way out of the traffic logjam that may have ensued and has since gone.
Rest assured, any of us who so does such would definitely share in the wrath of that sin as well as any death that may occur, to talk less of the law.
When we have upper hand on others and we tend to become bullies, we could be affecting the psychological well-being of our victims.
And when these victims in future become socio-paths or psycho-paths and start affecting the society wrongly, rest assured, we share in whatever sins they perpetrate.
Even those of us who dress flagrantly, we are equally culpable.
In our thinking and opinion, we could be dressing for ourselves, to make us feel good. Nevertheless, the world is not blind. Of course, the rest of the world may turn a blind eye to us, though, we could have already abused the sensibilities of all those who deliberately chose to turn a blind eye to us.
Since sinning also includes our thoughts, when those whose sensibilities we have abused start harbouring sinful thoughts as a result of what they saw of our dressing, rest assured, we will most definitely share in their sinfulness.
When a child in our home gets up in the morning and doesn’t greet any of their elderly ones, we must correct that child. If we notice this and are less concerned or deliberately refuse to correct that child, we have not only sinned by our inaction , we also share in the delinquency that may arise from the dismal nurturing of the child.
That’s why, my dear friend, when we do penance, we pray for the sins we have committed knowingly and unknowingly, from our thoughts, actions and inactions as well as omissions.
Dear friend, Christ Jesus in today’s teaching says of us so guilty, that it is better if a heavy millstone were tied round our neck and we are thrown into the sea.
This☝️ is heavy, mark it and take note.
May God grant us the grace to avoid leading others to sin knowingly and unknowingly from our actions and inactions.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
Abazi Kusasa – By the Grace of God.
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and get gain”; whereas you do not know about tomorrow. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and we shall do this or that.””
Excerpt, First Reading, Wednesday 22nd May 2024 – JAMES 4:13-17.
So, there is this saying that is quite common with elderly people, especially when they speak to younger ones. Its simply goes thus, “Tomorrow is pregnant.”
Such a statement always brings to mind the admiration one has for some African names, like, “Onyemaechi” (who knows tomorrow) – Igbo language, Nigeria.
Others are, “Orfega” (who knows or none can tell the future) – Tiv language, Nigeria. Abazi kusasa (who knows tomorrow) – Zulu language, South Africa. Etc
The truth is that, the Almighty God is the only One Who knows tomorrow from today. This is rightly so because, He is the Supreme Being and the Owner of creation.
This is the very reason why we have imported into our moral lexicon some religious injunctions like advised by the Apostle James in today’s teaching.
Therefore, when we will refer to or talk about the future, some of us do usually add, “By the grace of God” or “By God’s grace” or ‘God willing” or “By the will of God.”
Some Muslims will always say, “Insha Allah” when they refer to or talk about the future. This also directly translates as, “By the grace of God.”
Since we have no power over how tomorrow could be shaped, we therefore, should and must base all our intentions and plans through the grace of God.
Anything short of this is folly, since as mortals, we are just a breathe away from making or not making tomorrow.
Dear friend, it isn’t being over-religious when we use such expressions ☝️ above in our every day lives. It’s simply been realistic. This is just because we don’t know tomorrow.
Nevertheless, the Almighty God, He alone Who knows our tomorrow from today has assured us that we shouldn’t bother about tomorrow. Rather, we should have faith and believe, cast our lots on Him and commit our tomorrow unto Him. Orfega, Insha Allah, tomorrow go beta.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#SAINT_RITA_OF_CASCIA! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
Excerpt, First Reading, Wednesday 22nd May 2024 – JAMES 4:13-17.
So, there is this saying that is quite common with elderly people, especially when they speak to younger ones. Its simply goes thus, “Tomorrow is pregnant.”
Such a statement always brings to mind the admiration one has for some African names, like, “Onyemaechi” (who knows tomorrow) – Igbo language, Nigeria.
Others are, “Orfega” (who knows or none can tell the future) – Tiv language, Nigeria. Abazi kusasa (who knows tomorrow) – Zulu language, South Africa. Etc
The truth is that, the Almighty God is the only One Who knows tomorrow from today. This is rightly so because, He is the Supreme Being and the Owner of creation.
This is the very reason why we have imported into our moral lexicon some religious injunctions like advised by the Apostle James in today’s teaching.
Therefore, when we will refer to or talk about the future, some of us do usually add, “By the grace of God” or “By God’s grace” or ‘God willing” or “By the will of God.”
Some Muslims will always say, “Insha Allah” when they refer to or talk about the future. This also directly translates as, “By the grace of God.”
Since we have no power over how tomorrow could be shaped, we therefore, should and must base all our intentions and plans through the grace of God.
Anything short of this is folly, since as mortals, we are just a breathe away from making or not making tomorrow.
Dear friend, it isn’t being over-religious when we use such expressions ☝️ above in our every day lives. It’s simply been realistic. This is just because we don’t know tomorrow.
Nevertheless, the Almighty God, He alone Who knows our tomorrow from today has assured us that we shouldn’t bother about tomorrow. Rather, we should have faith and believe, cast our lots on Him and commit our tomorrow unto Him. Orfega, Insha Allah, tomorrow go beta.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#SAINT_RITA_OF_CASCIA! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
Servant Leadership
“What were you discussing on the way?” But they were silent; for on the way they had discussed with one another who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the Twelve; and he said to them, “If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Tuesday 21st May 2024 – MARK 9:30-37.
So, a man who has got a family (some men, to be precise), allows his needs to take the backseat and put forward the needs of their family as a priority.
Such men can manage a pair of shoes for upwards of five years without changing them.
Even their inner wears like vests and boxers are mostly worn. Yet they still manage them, washing them carefully by themselves so that another person may not tear them in the name of washing.
Nevertheless, their children still have the best of their required needs.
The children’s school shoes and uniforms are always usually complete and in perfect order.
Each child with neat set of new inner wears for each day as well as quality and good looking church clothes.
Even when he may just manage two meals per day, he would always ensure that other members of the family have at least three meals each day, together with in-between snacking.
He could even be the family laundry man and some how the barber as well.
Not forgetting that he would also be expected to do some bit of carpentry, electrical and plumbing works at home.
Also taking up other tasks like a massager, First aid, impromptu cook and the likes.
When he has a car, it automatically becomes the family’s own and he unofficially becomes the family driver.
Tasks like school runs, refilling cooking gas, market and hair dressing shop drop off automatically will be part of his chauffeuring assignments. Else, he may have to surrender his car for the family.
Even when he gets another car for the family, he will constantly be constrained to sometimes hop on a commercial motorcycle because his car was used to go out as fuel was completely used up in the other car.
Yet, with all these, he is still expected to remain a superman who never falls sick and an emotional masseur of the family.
That,☝️ my dear friend, is what it takes to be the greatest of all, the leader and the head. It is the service and servant of all Christ Himself makes reference to in today’s teaching.
Therefore, to those of us who are presently caught in such labyrinth, rest assured, we are just being leaders in the true sense of the word.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! ##Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Tuesday 21st May 2024 – MARK 9:30-37.
So, a man who has got a family (some men, to be precise), allows his needs to take the backseat and put forward the needs of their family as a priority.
Such men can manage a pair of shoes for upwards of five years without changing them.
Even their inner wears like vests and boxers are mostly worn. Yet they still manage them, washing them carefully by themselves so that another person may not tear them in the name of washing.
Nevertheless, their children still have the best of their required needs.
The children’s school shoes and uniforms are always usually complete and in perfect order.
Each child with neat set of new inner wears for each day as well as quality and good looking church clothes.
Even when he may just manage two meals per day, he would always ensure that other members of the family have at least three meals each day, together with in-between snacking.
He could even be the family laundry man and some how the barber as well.
Not forgetting that he would also be expected to do some bit of carpentry, electrical and plumbing works at home.
Also taking up other tasks like a massager, First aid, impromptu cook and the likes.
When he has a car, it automatically becomes the family’s own and he unofficially becomes the family driver.
Tasks like school runs, refilling cooking gas, market and hair dressing shop drop off automatically will be part of his chauffeuring assignments. Else, he may have to surrender his car for the family.
Even when he gets another car for the family, he will constantly be constrained to sometimes hop on a commercial motorcycle because his car was used to go out as fuel was completely used up in the other car.
Yet, with all these, he is still expected to remain a superman who never falls sick and an emotional masseur of the family.
That,☝️ my dear friend, is what it takes to be the greatest of all, the leader and the head. It is the service and servant of all Christ Himself makes reference to in today’s teaching.
Therefore, to those of us who are presently caught in such labyrinth, rest assured, we are just being leaders in the true sense of the word.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! ##Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
All Ethiopians Now Know Him.
“Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, . . . . . . . . . . . .When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed; but they had certain points of dispute with him about their own superstition and about one Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.
Excerpt, First Reading, Friday 17th May 2024 – ACTS 25: 13b-21.
So, things, issues, just like people that will turnout big, huge, largely enormous, usually begin small.
“It all starts with a spark” as the saying goes,l as we all must have heard.
Take for example a neem (dogon yaro) tree, its seed that is planted that grows into that giant of a tree is as small as a groundnut’s single cotyledon – the main inner edible part.
Naturally, creation always favours small and humble beginnings.
Conception of a human person happens immediately at the mingling of the sperm with an ovum(egg).
Now, it may interest us to know that the length of the human sperm is around 55-65 µm, while the size of an ovum(egg) is approximately 0.12mm.
And at the time of fertilisation, the size of the zygote (the union of the sperm and egg) is about 0.7 mm in diametre.
Simply put, the size of the human sperm and that of an ovum as well as the zygote are each like the size of a seed of millet grain.
Suffice to say, that was you and I, until we grew to our present sizes.
So, it was in today’s teaching, though, Jerusalem was a Roman colony and rulers such as Festus were supposed to be abreast with all that happen in all Roman colonies, the name Jesus Christ was yet to make an impression with Festus and his guests.
Remember that was how it was too, with the Ethiopian eunuch that the Apostle Philip preached to,
““Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” ACTS 8:30-35.
The fire about Jesus Christ was flaming up gradually and spreading effectively like a tiny seed that grows into a gigantic tree, until it reached our part of the world.
And, it has been preserved and sustained from then until now.
Dear friend, the name and the story of Jesus Christ may seem strange to Festus and the Ethiopian eunuch of that era, nevertheless, it is and should no longer be strange to the ‘Festuses’ and the Ethiopians of today’s world.
My dear friend, know Christ Jesus and have life and have it in abundance.
No Jesus, no life! Know Jesus, know life!
Folks, have a fantastic day and a pleasant weekend.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
Excerpt, First Reading, Friday 17th May 2024 – ACTS 25: 13b-21.
So, things, issues, just like people that will turnout big, huge, largely enormous, usually begin small.
“It all starts with a spark” as the saying goes,l as we all must have heard.
Take for example a neem (dogon yaro) tree, its seed that is planted that grows into that giant of a tree is as small as a groundnut’s single cotyledon – the main inner edible part.
Naturally, creation always favours small and humble beginnings.
Conception of a human person happens immediately at the mingling of the sperm with an ovum(egg).
Now, it may interest us to know that the length of the human sperm is around 55-65 µm, while the size of an ovum(egg) is approximately 0.12mm.
And at the time of fertilisation, the size of the zygote (the union of the sperm and egg) is about 0.7 mm in diametre.
Simply put, the size of the human sperm and that of an ovum as well as the zygote are each like the size of a seed of millet grain.
Suffice to say, that was you and I, until we grew to our present sizes.
So, it was in today’s teaching, though, Jerusalem was a Roman colony and rulers such as Festus were supposed to be abreast with all that happen in all Roman colonies, the name Jesus Christ was yet to make an impression with Festus and his guests.
Remember that was how it was too, with the Ethiopian eunuch that the Apostle Philip preached to,
““Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” ACTS 8:30-35.
The fire about Jesus Christ was flaming up gradually and spreading effectively like a tiny seed that grows into a gigantic tree, until it reached our part of the world.
And, it has been preserved and sustained from then until now.
Dear friend, the name and the story of Jesus Christ may seem strange to Festus and the Ethiopian eunuch of that era, nevertheless, it is and should no longer be strange to the ‘Festuses’ and the Ethiopians of today’s world.
My dear friend, know Christ Jesus and have life and have it in abundance.
No Jesus, no life! Know Jesus, know life!
Folks, have a fantastic day and a pleasant weekend.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
When Odds Unite
“Desiring to know the real reason why the Jews accused Paul, the tribune unbound him, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.
But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; with respect to the hope and resurrection of the dead I am on trial.”
And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided.”
Excerpt, First Reading, Thursday 16th May 2024 – ACTS 22:30; 23 :6- 11.
So, at one point or the other, we must have heard the expression, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend. So, it was the case☝️above in today’s teaching, between the Sadducees and the Pharisees who despite their differences, united because of a perceived foe who they found in the Apostle Paul.
By the way, who were even these peoples?
Sadducees were upper-class wealthy men mostly from Jerusalem who made up the Jewish aristocracy. Pharisees came from all economic classes but were distinguished by their rigid adherence to specific behaviour prescriptions arising from their interpretation of the ambiguities in the Torah. – SOURCE: Sturdy.com
Okay, from the reference☝️above, it’s quite evidence that these are a people that have their very distinct differences and nothing would easily unite them safe for a common cause like getting rid of the Apostle Paul.
It’s just like how politics temporary bridges the schism between the upper class and the peasants during political campaigns.
At such a time, those who fly in planes and ride in darkly tinted 4wheel drive vehicles will suddenly flood our neighbourhood and start pretending to be trekking around on our streets and pretending to eat roasted corn as they walk on the road, just like we do.
However, in today’s case☝️with Apostle Paul, they weren’t pretending.
Now, here once again is the efficacy of prayer. Though Paul may have prayed all night for God’s intervention, nevertheless, when he got to the Tribunal and his eyes beheld those seated there, he quickly prayed an arrow prayer to God for Divine intervention . Hence, his wisdom of bringing up the dissenting issues that divides these peoples.
Dear friend, even if it is just a matter of seconds grace that is available to us, we can still pray the arrow prayer as did Paul in today’s teaching and miracles would still spring on in our favour.
My fear friend, it is true, prayer changes things.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; with respect to the hope and resurrection of the dead I am on trial.”
And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided.”
Excerpt, First Reading, Thursday 16th May 2024 – ACTS 22:30; 23 :6- 11.
So, at one point or the other, we must have heard the expression, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend. So, it was the case☝️above in today’s teaching, between the Sadducees and the Pharisees who despite their differences, united because of a perceived foe who they found in the Apostle Paul.
By the way, who were even these peoples?
Sadducees were upper-class wealthy men mostly from Jerusalem who made up the Jewish aristocracy. Pharisees came from all economic classes but were distinguished by their rigid adherence to specific behaviour prescriptions arising from their interpretation of the ambiguities in the Torah. – SOURCE: Sturdy.com
Okay, from the reference☝️above, it’s quite evidence that these are a people that have their very distinct differences and nothing would easily unite them safe for a common cause like getting rid of the Apostle Paul.
It’s just like how politics temporary bridges the schism between the upper class and the peasants during political campaigns.
At such a time, those who fly in planes and ride in darkly tinted 4wheel drive vehicles will suddenly flood our neighbourhood and start pretending to be trekking around on our streets and pretending to eat roasted corn as they walk on the road, just like we do.
However, in today’s case☝️with Apostle Paul, they weren’t pretending.
Now, here once again is the efficacy of prayer. Though Paul may have prayed all night for God’s intervention, nevertheless, when he got to the Tribunal and his eyes beheld those seated there, he quickly prayed an arrow prayer to God for Divine intervention . Hence, his wisdom of bringing up the dissenting issues that divides these peoples.
Dear friend, even if it is just a matter of seconds grace that is available to us, we can still pray the arrow prayer as did Paul in today’s teaching and miracles would still spring on in our favour.
My fear friend, it is true, prayer changes things.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
Akin to Parenting
“Paul said to the elders of the Church of Ephesus, “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you guardians, to feed the Church of the Lord which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.”
Excerpt, First Reading, Wednesday 15th May 2024 – ACTS 20:28-38.
So, parents, particularly the man of the house is responsible for the right moral and spiritual care and upbringing of the family, especially the children.
This gives fact to the saying, “An apple doesn’t fall far away from its tree.”
As a man is, so very likely is his child/children going to turn out to be.
Notwithstanding, as parents, we could strive assiduously and bring up our children as uprightly as demands the society and God, but once we lose guard for a breath’s moment, fierce wolves in man’s disguise will quickly swoop on them for their nefariously corrupt purposes.
The ‘yahooboy’ who butchered his supposed girlfriend sometime ago in Rivers State, Nigeria comes from a home.
The youths that incinerated Deborah in Sokoto State, Nigeria for supposed blasphemy very likely come from homes, each with a father figure.
The youth who falsified her JAMB examinations scores and corruptly accepted prize money for making the highest score also comes from a home with a father and a mother.
The parents of Awwalu Salisu the ‘keke’ (tricycle) rider in Kano State, Nigeria who returned the N10 million someone forgot in his keke would certainly be very proud of him.
As parents, when we do our lot in bringing our children rightly without loosing guard even when they may be temporary away from our immediate reach or environment, we would still be mindful of our responsibilities and obligations toward them.
After doing all we should do and could do, we will commit all others into the care of the Almighty God, just as was with Judas Iscariot whom despite dwelling in the presence of Christ couldn’t be contained.
This is equally akin to a shepherd and members of his congregation.
The chief shepherd is to justly care for the spirituality of his flock, feeding them with what rightly is, what should and what is supposed.
This is the thrust of today’s teaching ☝️above as instructed by Saint Paul to elders of the Church at Ephesus.
Little wonder, members of a particular fellowship or congregation suddenly begin mimicking or outrightly doing as the chief shepherd does.
As parents, the type of influence we weigh on our children, so, it is, with the chief shepherd/Pastor with members of his congregation.
And as children are gifts from heaven, given to us freely as blessings from God, just so, the Apostle says of the congregation in the care of Pastors, as ransomed by the blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
So, my dear friend, as the Apostle Paul sounds today’s warning to Pastors, it shouldn’t also be lost on us as parents, as well as siblings, friends, colleagues at work, business partners, also to teachers, coaches, instructors, etc.
Dear friend, we must take heed to care for whomever God has put in our life as they didn’t occur in our life by mistake.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
Excerpt, First Reading, Wednesday 15th May 2024 – ACTS 20:28-38.
So, parents, particularly the man of the house is responsible for the right moral and spiritual care and upbringing of the family, especially the children.
This gives fact to the saying, “An apple doesn’t fall far away from its tree.”
As a man is, so very likely is his child/children going to turn out to be.
Notwithstanding, as parents, we could strive assiduously and bring up our children as uprightly as demands the society and God, but once we lose guard for a breath’s moment, fierce wolves in man’s disguise will quickly swoop on them for their nefariously corrupt purposes.
The ‘yahooboy’ who butchered his supposed girlfriend sometime ago in Rivers State, Nigeria comes from a home.
The youths that incinerated Deborah in Sokoto State, Nigeria for supposed blasphemy very likely come from homes, each with a father figure.
The youth who falsified her JAMB examinations scores and corruptly accepted prize money for making the highest score also comes from a home with a father and a mother.
The parents of Awwalu Salisu the ‘keke’ (tricycle) rider in Kano State, Nigeria who returned the N10 million someone forgot in his keke would certainly be very proud of him.
As parents, when we do our lot in bringing our children rightly without loosing guard even when they may be temporary away from our immediate reach or environment, we would still be mindful of our responsibilities and obligations toward them.
After doing all we should do and could do, we will commit all others into the care of the Almighty God, just as was with Judas Iscariot whom despite dwelling in the presence of Christ couldn’t be contained.
This is equally akin to a shepherd and members of his congregation.
The chief shepherd is to justly care for the spirituality of his flock, feeding them with what rightly is, what should and what is supposed.
This is the thrust of today’s teaching ☝️above as instructed by Saint Paul to elders of the Church at Ephesus.
Little wonder, members of a particular fellowship or congregation suddenly begin mimicking or outrightly doing as the chief shepherd does.
As parents, the type of influence we weigh on our children, so, it is, with the chief shepherd/Pastor with members of his congregation.
And as children are gifts from heaven, given to us freely as blessings from God, just so, the Apostle says of the congregation in the care of Pastors, as ransomed by the blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
So, my dear friend, as the Apostle Paul sounds today’s warning to Pastors, it shouldn’t also be lost on us as parents, as well as siblings, friends, colleagues at work, business partners, also to teachers, coaches, instructors, etc.
Dear friend, we must take heed to care for whomever God has put in our life as they didn’t occur in our life by mistake.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo