“Peter rose and said to the apostles and the elders, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God who knows the heart bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us; and he made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you make trial of God by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” And all the assembly kept silence;”
Excerpt, First Reading, Thursday 22nd May 2025 – ACTS 15:7-21.
So, it is really good to be religiously adherent to the teachings of our religious sect.
Such loyalty to conformity to the tenets of our religion enables a seamless worship.
This type of conformity also furthers the cause of uniformity and oneness of purpose and identity of such religious sects.
Take practising Catholics for example. We should be baptised. Then ensure that we have also done confirmation.
For those of is who will get married, we must get married in the Church.
We are to attend Mass at least on Sunday and other days of obligation.
We should be in the state of grace to solemnly participate in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and receive the Holy Communion.
Then, we must also fast and observe abstinence according to the teachings of the Church.
We are required to join and be active members of at least two pious societies in the Church. Etc.
Now, it is really good to adhere to all of the above and others not mentioned.
All of these make us good Christians and staunch practising Catholics.
However, will only doing these take us to heaven?
As a staunch practising Catholic, because I must be in the state of grace to receive the Holy Communion at Mass, I may come to church early enough to corner a Priest and make him hear my confession.
After quickly doing the penance, I will actively and solemnly participate at Mass.
Unfortunately, right after that Mass, I may go back to my every day life and plunge myself back into the life that caused me to sin and commit those same sins that I just confessed and did the given penance.
Therefore, while I may be flaunting my religiosity before the eyes of the world, and I am seen and perceived as a pious person, in my closet, I am busy grappling with deliberate repeated sins.
Dear friend, today’s teaching makes it clear to us that, we can only be saved by the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We must know that religiosity will not save us.
Once in Christ, His Spirit that is in us avails us the grace to live above our temptations.
My fear friend, for the sake of emphasis, it is good to conform to all that make good Christians. However, we can only be saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#SAINT_RITA_OF_CASCIA! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo
22nd May 2025.
Bearing Good Fruits
“Jesus said to his disciples, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Wednesday 21st May 2025 – JOHN 15:1-8.
So, prosperity in our source of livelihood and vocations is good and can as well be regarded as blessing from God.
However, can such also be regarded as bearing good fruits as can be seen in today’s teaching?
This question arises because, it is not only good people who believe and follow the teaching of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that prosper.
Even those whom the world perceive them to be terribly bad people are also seen to be prosperous.
See a prostitute, she plies her trade, becomes prosperous and earns her livelihood from there. She spreads her tentacles by recruiting more willing youngsters to expand her trade.
She then builds an empire from the proceeds of prostitution.
Before the world, she could be perceived as a ruthless business woman who has become prosperous by dint of hard work and the ‘blessing of God’.
My dear friend, Jesus Christ, though he is the king of kings and the Lord of lords came into this world, ministered and died in penury.
Even the cross he died on and the tomb he was buried in were not his own.
Christ Jesus in the course of his ministration was never known to preach about prosperity. It was even some generous women who catered for the welfare of him and his apostles.
Well, even if he did or attempted doing so, the people would have possibly not believed him. He simply did look or represent that.
Dude was even morn in a manger. At the stable of donkeys and cattle.
He grew up with a father whose best known trade is a cut and nail carpenter. The type that makes the bench and table where Chucks and Mr. Bassey sit under the ‘dogon yaro’ tree to play draft.
So, what then could be said to be an example of this good fruits that Christ is this particularly anxious about?
Possibly, it could be for one to be as charismatic as Reinhard Bonke, and gather a stadium full of people for ministration.
Or, possibly, like the Apostle Paul who looked intently at the man born a cripple and said to him, “Stand up on your feet” and the man sprang up?
Well, if we could be any of these and much more, it is very good and welcome.
However, that will be going too far and demanding too much from mere mortals like us.
So, what then should it be?
Dear friend, when we wake up in the morning and grab a broom to sweep. We should sweep both our frontage as well as that of our neighbour.
At the end of the month when we collect our salary, we must ensure that we spend equitably on our family.
Husbands should and must be faithful to their wives and wives should and must be faithful to their husbands.
Children must obey and keep instructions given by their parents, schools, places of worship and the government. We all should and must be law abiding.
My dear friend these good fruits is just living our every day as good people. That’s all!
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo
21st May 2025
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Wednesday 21st May 2025 – JOHN 15:1-8.
So, prosperity in our source of livelihood and vocations is good and can as well be regarded as blessing from God.
However, can such also be regarded as bearing good fruits as can be seen in today’s teaching?
This question arises because, it is not only good people who believe and follow the teaching of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that prosper.
Even those whom the world perceive them to be terribly bad people are also seen to be prosperous.
See a prostitute, she plies her trade, becomes prosperous and earns her livelihood from there. She spreads her tentacles by recruiting more willing youngsters to expand her trade.
She then builds an empire from the proceeds of prostitution.
Before the world, she could be perceived as a ruthless business woman who has become prosperous by dint of hard work and the ‘blessing of God’.
My dear friend, Jesus Christ, though he is the king of kings and the Lord of lords came into this world, ministered and died in penury.
Even the cross he died on and the tomb he was buried in were not his own.
Christ Jesus in the course of his ministration was never known to preach about prosperity. It was even some generous women who catered for the welfare of him and his apostles.
Well, even if he did or attempted doing so, the people would have possibly not believed him. He simply did look or represent that.
Dude was even morn in a manger. At the stable of donkeys and cattle.
He grew up with a father whose best known trade is a cut and nail carpenter. The type that makes the bench and table where Chucks and Mr. Bassey sit under the ‘dogon yaro’ tree to play draft.
So, what then could be said to be an example of this good fruits that Christ is this particularly anxious about?
Possibly, it could be for one to be as charismatic as Reinhard Bonke, and gather a stadium full of people for ministration.
Or, possibly, like the Apostle Paul who looked intently at the man born a cripple and said to him, “Stand up on your feet” and the man sprang up?
Well, if we could be any of these and much more, it is very good and welcome.
However, that will be going too far and demanding too much from mere mortals like us.
So, what then should it be?
Dear friend, when we wake up in the morning and grab a broom to sweep. We should sweep both our frontage as well as that of our neighbour.
At the end of the month when we collect our salary, we must ensure that we spend equitably on our family.
Husbands should and must be faithful to their wives and wives should and must be faithful to their husbands.
Children must obey and keep instructions given by their parents, schools, places of worship and the government. We all should and must be law abiding.
My dear friend these good fruits is just living our every day as good people. That’s all!
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo
21st May 2025
Who is Your Moses?
“The Lord said to Moses, “Go down; for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves; they have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them; they have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshipped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!”’ And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people; now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may bum hot against them and I may consume them; but of you I will make a great nation.” But Moses begged the Lord his God, and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?”
Excerpt, First Reading, Thursday 3rd April 2025 – EXODUS 32:7-14.
So, do we by any chance feel that God wanted the consent or approval of Moses before bringing down his wrath on the Israelites in today’s teaching who were worshipping a molten calf as their god?
In His fierce anger, He would have quickly sent down blazing coals to consume the whole population. After which, He would inform Moses on the next line of action.
Nevertheless, God is kind, loving, generous, merciful and forgiving. Our God is a God of endless second chance. He is the God that gives another chance.
God, therefore, by virtue of the intervention of Moses, gave the Israelites a second chance.
Just like Moses stood in the gap for the Israelites, so, also those of us who are fortunate to still have our parents alive, enjoy the privilege of having them constantly intercede for us.
Notwithstanding that God gives endless opportunities for us to make amends, if and when we decide to take that convivial nature of God for granted and we persist in our sinful ways, there is an extent to how much intervention our Moses can have on our behalf.
So, one day na one day, monkey go go market, him no go come back.
A word should be enough for the wise.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo
3rd April 2025.
Excerpt, First Reading, Thursday 3rd April 2025 – EXODUS 32:7-14.
So, do we by any chance feel that God wanted the consent or approval of Moses before bringing down his wrath on the Israelites in today’s teaching who were worshipping a molten calf as their god?
In His fierce anger, He would have quickly sent down blazing coals to consume the whole population. After which, He would inform Moses on the next line of action.
Nevertheless, God is kind, loving, generous, merciful and forgiving. Our God is a God of endless second chance. He is the God that gives another chance.
God, therefore, by virtue of the intervention of Moses, gave the Israelites a second chance.
Just like Moses stood in the gap for the Israelites, so, also those of us who are fortunate to still have our parents alive, enjoy the privilege of having them constantly intercede for us.
Notwithstanding that God gives endless opportunities for us to make amends, if and when we decide to take that convivial nature of God for granted and we persist in our sinful ways, there is an extent to how much intervention our Moses can have on our behalf.
So, one day na one day, monkey go go market, him no go come back.
A word should be enough for the wise.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo
3rd April 2025.
Retreat While there’s Still Time
“Jesus was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marvelled. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons” . . . . . . . . . . . . He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.
Excerpts, Gospel Reading, Thursday 27th March 2025 – LUKE 11:14-23.
So, the machete as well as a knife, their usage is based on the intent.
We could use a knife to slaughter a cow and use the machete to butcher the meat.
A cow that was tethered to a pole, one stealthily comes to use a knife and cut off the rope and when accosted by the owners, he uses a machete to hack them down.
Now, these are one and the same items, their usage is determined by the intention of the users.
It is just like the social media, which by the way, is a very beautiful creation, it usage and application are widely determined by the plans and intentions of the users.
Some of us upload contents that their value and circulation would be monetised and subsequently get us enriched.
However, there are some of us who have given to crashing into discourse that we have scanty or no knowledge about. And we are very deft at doing this.
We will crazily crash into other users posts and start pontificating as if we are the repository of consulate knowledge as far as that issue is concerned.
Since we are ferociously vociferous on the app, we quickly attract our likes as well as those who are equally biased to our leanings and very quickly the subject will soon be diverted and centred on individuals or on a particular person.
Consequently, when those of us with superior knowledge wade in and begin making very clear sense and want to steer the discourse back to the original topic, those of us who crashed in, on noticing our seeming folly will resort to blatant attack on persons, blackmail and hauling of insults.
Such scenerio are more visible when the topic is centred around politics. Hence, camps for and against soon take sides and try to sway conversations to suit their political leanings. It is mostly those who are truly neutral that tend to make the most sense.
The prevailing discourse during Jesus’ era on earth were power (rulership) and religion.
Hence, when Christ cleansed a certain mute of demons, those who were seemingly from the other religious camp swooped on him with their blackmail.
Dudes were like, “No be lie?” Then the cohorts will respond, “ Na lie nah! Na juju nahim him dey use.”
Dis kain mata, e don yey wen be start. So, all dis things wey we dey do for social media, especially Twitter, now X, e don tey wey e start o!. No be now. Even Jesus self, e happen to am. But God pass dem sha.
Those of us notoriously spreading the false narratives, God is just bidding His time, allowing us the opportunity to retreat from our falsehood. Because, God vex no dey good o. Although, Him no dey quick vex. But, wen Him come vex, our end go bad!!!
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
- Akase F. Agabo
- 27th March 2025
Prelude to Christmas
“The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” . . . . . . . . . . . . Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; . . . . . . . . . . . . And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I know not man?” And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
Excerpts, Gospel Reading, Tuesday 25th March 2025 – LUKE 1:26-38.
So, today, the Church celebrates the solemnity of the Annunciation.
This Annunciation, my dear friend is the solemnity that begins the course of Christmas.
If we count as from today 25th March to 25th December, it will be exactly 9 months.
Suffice to say, at the angel’s message from God, the Blessed Virgin Mary immediately conceived the Child Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
It has been established that life begins at conception. Does anyone still hold some doubts about that or still desires further clarification?
If solemnity of the Annunciation that the Catholics celebrate today is not enough to clarify us on the issue of life beginning at conception, then, we must also have doubts that Jesus Christ came into the world as truly God and truly man.
Assuming the day that your father lay with your mother and you were conceived your quickly took some drugs that flushed out her body metabolic system, hence, you were conceived, but, you were never given birth. And subsequently you mother never had any children again.
Do you think your mother wouldn’t live in regret for the rest of her life for what she did?
It is so graciously good that the Blessed Virgin Mary is truly a mother.
Furthermore, those of us who still ask questions about the Hail Mary prayer, here is your evidence.
Today, the angel Gabriel said to the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!. . . . . .”
Reading the Holy Bible further on in the same chapter, the Blessed Virgin Mary quickly left to go visiting with her cousin Elizabeth – the wife of Zechariah both of who are the parents of John-de-Baptist who was already 6 months in the womb of his mother.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby John leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” – LUKE 1:41-45.
Now, we can see how historical occurrence that shaped our faith equally formed and necessitated the Hail Mary Prayer.
Holy Mary mother of God! Pray for us and for the whole world!
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
25th March 2025.
Excerpts, Gospel Reading, Tuesday 25th March 2025 – LUKE 1:26-38.
So, today, the Church celebrates the solemnity of the Annunciation.
This Annunciation, my dear friend is the solemnity that begins the course of Christmas.
If we count as from today 25th March to 25th December, it will be exactly 9 months.
Suffice to say, at the angel’s message from God, the Blessed Virgin Mary immediately conceived the Child Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
It has been established that life begins at conception. Does anyone still hold some doubts about that or still desires further clarification?
If solemnity of the Annunciation that the Catholics celebrate today is not enough to clarify us on the issue of life beginning at conception, then, we must also have doubts that Jesus Christ came into the world as truly God and truly man.
Assuming the day that your father lay with your mother and you were conceived your quickly took some drugs that flushed out her body metabolic system, hence, you were conceived, but, you were never given birth. And subsequently you mother never had any children again.
Do you think your mother wouldn’t live in regret for the rest of her life for what she did?
It is so graciously good that the Blessed Virgin Mary is truly a mother.
Furthermore, those of us who still ask questions about the Hail Mary prayer, here is your evidence.
Today, the angel Gabriel said to the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!. . . . . .”
Reading the Holy Bible further on in the same chapter, the Blessed Virgin Mary quickly left to go visiting with her cousin Elizabeth – the wife of Zechariah both of who are the parents of John-de-Baptist who was already 6 months in the womb of his mother.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby John leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” – LUKE 1:41-45.
Now, we can see how historical occurrence that shaped our faith equally formed and necessitated the Hail Mary Prayer.
Holy Mary mother of God! Pray for us and for the whole world!
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
25th March 2025.
Pray for Discernment
“Naaman, commander of the army of the Syrians . . . . . . . . . . . . was a mighty man of valour, but he was a leper. Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little maid from the land of Israel, and she waited on Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “Would that my Lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”
Excerpt, First Reading, Monday 24th March 2025 – 2 KINGS 5:1-15.
So, this whole part of the Holy Bible came about because Naaman, the Syrian General was a leper.
However, what made it very more interesting is that God was going to use this ailment to get Himself known and worshipped in far away places than where He was traditionally known.
And who else to use than a little girl who was a maid to the General’s wife.
She was one of the spoils of war and she was carried off so she would one day become a concubine to one of the Syrian soldiers. Lucky enough for her, in the interim, she was made a slave in the house of the General.
Now, this is where the story gets more interesting. Naaman who is described to be such a great and mighty warrior, so highly placed and respected that he was only second to the king of Syria, descended so low to listen to and follow the counsel of a little slave girl.
This decision will eventually take him from Syria his country to Israel, a far away country.
My dear friend, at this rate, one is not alluding that we should or must take counsel from every Tom, Dick and Harry at any time and act upon it.
What we must do is that, we should be prayerful, asking God to avail us the grace to discern and know His counsel, irrespective of who it could be coming from.
Dear friend, once we accept that everyone is important, we have taken care of half of the problem. And, we, too, like Naaman, the Syrian General who was cleansed of his leprosy, we would be equally, so, positively directed.
Folks, have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo
24th March 2025.
Excerpt, First Reading, Monday 24th March 2025 – 2 KINGS 5:1-15.
So, this whole part of the Holy Bible came about because Naaman, the Syrian General was a leper.
However, what made it very more interesting is that God was going to use this ailment to get Himself known and worshipped in far away places than where He was traditionally known.
And who else to use than a little girl who was a maid to the General’s wife.
She was one of the spoils of war and she was carried off so she would one day become a concubine to one of the Syrian soldiers. Lucky enough for her, in the interim, she was made a slave in the house of the General.
Now, this is where the story gets more interesting. Naaman who is described to be such a great and mighty warrior, so highly placed and respected that he was only second to the king of Syria, descended so low to listen to and follow the counsel of a little slave girl.
This decision will eventually take him from Syria his country to Israel, a far away country.
My dear friend, at this rate, one is not alluding that we should or must take counsel from every Tom, Dick and Harry at any time and act upon it.
What we must do is that, we should be prayerful, asking God to avail us the grace to discern and know His counsel, irrespective of who it could be coming from.
Dear friend, once we accept that everyone is important, we have taken care of half of the problem. And, we, too, like Naaman, the Syrian General who was cleansed of his leprosy, we would be equally, so, positively directed.
Folks, have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo
24th March 2025.
Faith in God not Man.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Excerpt, First Reading, Thursday 20th March 2025 – JEREMIAH 17:5-10.
So, we are aware that nature has so made it that no matter where trees are planted, there comes a particular season in the year when they must shed their leaves so as to grow new ones.
This applies even also to a tree that grows beside an all season flowing water body.
So, also it is with each of us who puts their trust in the Lord.
Though, the Lord is with us as our shield, protector and provider, we are yet not immune from the life of mere mortals.
Therefore, we will still fall sick. Nevertheless, the ailment will not claim our life. Even if it fatally ends, our soul will yet not be lost.
We will also toil and sweat to earn our daily living as do other mortals. Only, by the blessings of the Lord, our toils and sweat shall meet and satiate our needs.
As we traverse through life, we will meet those who will cheat us as well as those who will steal from us. However, due to the shield of the Lord on us, no matter how much that will be taken from us, yet we will not will never go under or be grounded.
People will lie against us and say all manner of calumnies against us, just so as to vilify us to the world. Yet, in all of these, His banner over us that is love, will vindicate us from them all.
My dear friend, such it is, when we put all our faith, hope and trust in God without faltering, wavering or giving up.
And, like a tree that sheds its leaves, after every storm, we will bounce back renewed, refreshed and stronger.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo
20th March 2025.
Excerpt, First Reading, Thursday 20th March 2025 – JEREMIAH 17:5-10.
So, we are aware that nature has so made it that no matter where trees are planted, there comes a particular season in the year when they must shed their leaves so as to grow new ones.
This applies even also to a tree that grows beside an all season flowing water body.
So, also it is with each of us who puts their trust in the Lord.
Though, the Lord is with us as our shield, protector and provider, we are yet not immune from the life of mere mortals.
Therefore, we will still fall sick. Nevertheless, the ailment will not claim our life. Even if it fatally ends, our soul will yet not be lost.
We will also toil and sweat to earn our daily living as do other mortals. Only, by the blessings of the Lord, our toils and sweat shall meet and satiate our needs.
As we traverse through life, we will meet those who will cheat us as well as those who will steal from us. However, due to the shield of the Lord on us, no matter how much that will be taken from us, yet we will not will never go under or be grounded.
People will lie against us and say all manner of calumnies against us, just so as to vilify us to the world. Yet, in all of these, His banner over us that is love, will vindicate us from them all.
My dear friend, such it is, when we put all our faith, hope and trust in God without faltering, wavering or giving up.
And, like a tree that sheds its leaves, after every storm, we will bounce back renewed, refreshed and stronger.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo
20th March 2025.
That Still Small Voice
“And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking,. . . . . . . . . . . .”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Monday 17th March 2925 – LUKE 5:1-11.
So, mostly in Nigeria, several artisans who indulge in one form of a craft or the other, they so much dislike to be directed or told what to do.
This attitude is noticed mostly from those artisans that can not read and write or those that can barely do it.
Once one makes a remark on their work or proffers a suggestion, some of them are always quick to retort, “Do you want to teach me my work or do you want to take it over from me and do it yourself?”
Some, however, are very amenable to suggestions.
Simon, the son of Jonah, falls into the category of the former who are quite opposed to having some supposed interlopers or one ‘I too know’ to poke nose into their trade.
However, Simon was already awed by the teaching of Jesus Christ.
Though, already enamoured by Christ’s teaching, notwithstanding, Simon still displayed some form of protest before going ahead to obey and do as requested by this strange itinerant Rabbi who took possession of his boat and was ordering him around.
Lesson: one can never have an encounter with Christ Jesus and remain the same.
Subsequently, when Simon did as he was instructed to do by the strange itinerant preacher sitting in his boat, he made the catch of his life and at a very unpredictable and unusual time.
Lesson: we must learn to accept the outcomes of situations and not allow them dictate our emotions. Such situations may have happened for a reason yet to be known to us.
Simon may possibly not have been the only fisher man so disappointed the previous night.
Due to the anger and frustration of the fruitless all night expedition, those to whom the request was first made to them would have refused and angrily walked away.
Rowing up into the deep water and casting out the net is the easiest thing ever in the world any fisher can do.
However, Simon’s protest, as would any other average artisan wasn’t for the hard work, it was rather for the fruitlessness of such efforts and for the supposed insult that such a request was coming from someone who supposedly doesn’t know ‘jack’ about fishing.
It was like when the Prophet Elisha told Naaman the Syrian General to go deep himself 7 times in River Arabah and he would be cured of his leprosy.
The General was grieved and felt insulted. And he was going to turn and go all the way back home.
This was until a silent discerning still small voice spoke through one of his lieutenants.
If healing from your leprosy is what you seek, what is the big deal going to dive 7 times in one obscure river? If the dude had asked you to do something much bigger and serious, won’t you have been prepared to do it and get cured? – 2 KINGS 5:1-15.
So, it was also with Simon. That same silent discerning voice ministered to him and he was willing to listen and obey.
“If I had caught some fish, I would have been eager to rush off to the fish market and sell them before the big buyers will buy and go and my fish will start getting dry and spoilt.
Moreover, if I have toiled all night without catching a single fish, what is the big rush running home empty handed that I will not allow this ‘manchi’ a few seconds in my boat to yearn all he’s got to say to these people who are always never satiated from hearing people talk?
As it is, today’s First Reading says that we should practice hospitality ungrudgingly, one to another. – 1 PETER 4:7-11.
Elijah, while running away from Jezebel, he hid in a cave. God asked him to come to the entrance and hear Him speak.
There was a mighty wind that shifted rock. There was even also an earthquake. Then, there was fire.
In all of these, God was not in them.
Then, there was a silent cool breeze. Elijah rushed to the entrance and God spoke to him in a still small voice. – 1 KINGS 19.
Dear friend, we should always seek to listen to the small silent voice. It is the discerning voice of reason.
Simon listened and yielded to that silent discerning still small voice and he encountered Christ Jesus and his life was never the same again.
We, too, can be like Simon, Peter.
Folks, have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week.
#SAINT_PATRICK! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
17th March 2025.
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Monday 17th March 2925 – LUKE 5:1-11.
So, mostly in Nigeria, several artisans who indulge in one form of a craft or the other, they so much dislike to be directed or told what to do.
This attitude is noticed mostly from those artisans that can not read and write or those that can barely do it.
Once one makes a remark on their work or proffers a suggestion, some of them are always quick to retort, “Do you want to teach me my work or do you want to take it over from me and do it yourself?”
Some, however, are very amenable to suggestions.
Simon, the son of Jonah, falls into the category of the former who are quite opposed to having some supposed interlopers or one ‘I too know’ to poke nose into their trade.
However, Simon was already awed by the teaching of Jesus Christ.
Though, already enamoured by Christ’s teaching, notwithstanding, Simon still displayed some form of protest before going ahead to obey and do as requested by this strange itinerant Rabbi who took possession of his boat and was ordering him around.
Lesson: one can never have an encounter with Christ Jesus and remain the same.
Subsequently, when Simon did as he was instructed to do by the strange itinerant preacher sitting in his boat, he made the catch of his life and at a very unpredictable and unusual time.
Lesson: we must learn to accept the outcomes of situations and not allow them dictate our emotions. Such situations may have happened for a reason yet to be known to us.
Simon may possibly not have been the only fisher man so disappointed the previous night.
Due to the anger and frustration of the fruitless all night expedition, those to whom the request was first made to them would have refused and angrily walked away.
Rowing up into the deep water and casting out the net is the easiest thing ever in the world any fisher can do.
However, Simon’s protest, as would any other average artisan wasn’t for the hard work, it was rather for the fruitlessness of such efforts and for the supposed insult that such a request was coming from someone who supposedly doesn’t know ‘jack’ about fishing.
It was like when the Prophet Elisha told Naaman the Syrian General to go deep himself 7 times in River Arabah and he would be cured of his leprosy.
The General was grieved and felt insulted. And he was going to turn and go all the way back home.
This was until a silent discerning still small voice spoke through one of his lieutenants.
If healing from your leprosy is what you seek, what is the big deal going to dive 7 times in one obscure river? If the dude had asked you to do something much bigger and serious, won’t you have been prepared to do it and get cured? – 2 KINGS 5:1-15.
So, it was also with Simon. That same silent discerning voice ministered to him and he was willing to listen and obey.
“If I had caught some fish, I would have been eager to rush off to the fish market and sell them before the big buyers will buy and go and my fish will start getting dry and spoilt.
Moreover, if I have toiled all night without catching a single fish, what is the big rush running home empty handed that I will not allow this ‘manchi’ a few seconds in my boat to yearn all he’s got to say to these people who are always never satiated from hearing people talk?
As it is, today’s First Reading says that we should practice hospitality ungrudgingly, one to another. – 1 PETER 4:7-11.
Elijah, while running away from Jezebel, he hid in a cave. God asked him to come to the entrance and hear Him speak.
There was a mighty wind that shifted rock. There was even also an earthquake. Then, there was fire.
In all of these, God was not in them.
Then, there was a silent cool breeze. Elijah rushed to the entrance and God spoke to him in a still small voice. – 1 KINGS 19.
Dear friend, we should always seek to listen to the small silent voice. It is the discerning voice of reason.
Simon listened and yielded to that silent discerning still small voice and he encountered Christ Jesus and his life was never the same again.
We, too, can be like Simon, Peter.
Folks, have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week.
#SAINT_PATRICK! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
17th March 2025.
Respect is Reciprocal
“So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Thursday 13th March 2025 – MATTHEW 7:7-12.
So, the rule in today’s teaching is straight forward, clear and simple. It is yet another form of tit-for-tat.
So, if we so desire to be respected, we, too, must first show respect.
First, we must have self-respect. Then, we must also show and be seen to be very respectful of others.
The word on the streets that says, “Respect is reciprocal” mustn’t be taken for granted, it is very real my dear friend.
It is always better to be respected than to be liked.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
13th March 2025.
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Thursday 13th March 2025 – MATTHEW 7:7-12.
So, the rule in today’s teaching is straight forward, clear and simple. It is yet another form of tit-for-tat.
So, if we so desire to be respected, we, too, must first show respect.
First, we must have self-respect. Then, we must also show and be seen to be very respectful of others.
The word on the streets that says, “Respect is reciprocal” mustn’t be taken for granted, it is very real my dear friend.
It is always better to be respected than to be liked.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
13th March 2025.
Tit for Tat.
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Tuesday 11th March 2025 – MATTHEW 6:7-15.
So, the reasoning in today’s teaching is just the way it is. It is tit-for-tat.
If we hold grudges against someone who did us some wrong and we refuse to forgive and let go, do we think we will get respite from God?
Today’s teaching says, God, too, will also not forgive us the sins we have committed against Him. Tit-for-tat!
Come to think of it, remaining unforgiving and holding a grudge against one who wronged us in itself, is it not a sin?
Similarly, now that we are in the season of Lent, if we embrace the Lenten practice of skipping some meals and observing abstinence, yet we remain unforgiving to those who wronged us and maintain a harsh disposition towards then, we will certainly not gain any Lenten indulgence. We go jus dey do keto make we slim.
God says in today’s teaching that, He too, will be far away from us.
Nevertheless, even if we over feed from eating all our daily meals and indulge in all that pleasure us, but we are forgiving of all who wronged us and choose to be loving rather than hostile, God in turn will also act likewise towards us.
That,☝️ my dear friend, is the import of today’s teaching and impart of Lent. Love above everything.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
11th March 2025.
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Tuesday 11th March 2025 – MATTHEW 6:7-15.
So, the reasoning in today’s teaching is just the way it is. It is tit-for-tat.
If we hold grudges against someone who did us some wrong and we refuse to forgive and let go, do we think we will get respite from God?
Today’s teaching says, God, too, will also not forgive us the sins we have committed against Him. Tit-for-tat!
Come to think of it, remaining unforgiving and holding a grudge against one who wronged us in itself, is it not a sin?
Similarly, now that we are in the season of Lent, if we embrace the Lenten practice of skipping some meals and observing abstinence, yet we remain unforgiving to those who wronged us and maintain a harsh disposition towards then, we will certainly not gain any Lenten indulgence. We go jus dey do keto make we slim.
God says in today’s teaching that, He too, will be far away from us.
Nevertheless, even if we over feed from eating all our daily meals and indulge in all that pleasure us, but we are forgiving of all who wronged us and choose to be loving rather than hostile, God in turn will also act likewise towards us.
That,☝️ my dear friend, is the import of today’s teaching and impart of Lent. Love above everything.
Have a fantastic day folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
11th March 2025.