“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.
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
Is Casting Lots A Pagan Practice?
“And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “Lord, who knows the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was enrolled with the eleven apostles.”
Excerpt, First Reading, Tuesday 14th May 2024 – ACTS 1:15-17, 20-26.
So, some of us that indulge in gambling, when we pick our betting numbers, we would go back home, put the ticket inside the Holy Bible and pray on it for about three days. Then, we would return the ticket and play our bet.
On such days that we are lucky enough to be part of the one millionth person to so win, we would quickly attribute such winnings to the supposed prayer ritual that we undertook. It could or couldn’t be true.
Then, we would also supposedly attribute it to the aspect of casting lots in today’s teaching☝️above from the Scriptures.
Nevertheless, some of us would agree that the act of putting our betting ticket in the Bible and praying over it is just an exercise in futility.
God cannot be bottled up and used whenever and however at our whims and caprices just as if we like some magician. God is bigger than such rituals.
Nevertheless, casting lots was a way of life during the time of Christ’s earthly life.
The Roman soldiers that crucified Christ Jesus also cast lots to decide who shall take his inner seamless garment – “so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” – JOHN 19:24.
So, my dear friend, casting lots is not a completely prohibited issue, neither is it somewhat of an exclusive practice of pagans.
Christians too, still cast lots. Just as it was🔺️above with the apostles of Jesus Christ in today’s teaching.
When we are faced with the situation of making a choice out of the remaining best, like the early Church did. We too, must pray fervently about it.
When the Holy Spirit ministers to us on the best choice, then, good. However, if not, and, when we run against time, after our prayer, we can, and we should cast lots.
By the way, haven’ we been doing that already?
When we are going to fill vacant office(s), having prayed and possibly fasted about it, don’t we go ahead to conduct election to elect people into the office(s)?
That is it! It is equally akin to casting lots.
Casting lots, notwithstanding, the cardinal point to note is PRAYER. First, we must pray about it. This is very, very important. As matter of fact, it is more ‘importanter’ that election or casting lots.
The Apostle Matthias, the second twelfth apostle, the subject matter of today’s teaching therefore, wasn’t a product of casting of lots, rather, he was a product of prayer.
My dear friend, that thing we want to do, or are doing right now, or that which distresses us, we should pray about it. prayer changes things. Prayer is the key.
#SAINT_MATTHIAS! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo.
Excerpt, First Reading, Tuesday 14th May 2024 – ACTS 1:15-17, 20-26.
So, some of us that indulge in gambling, when we pick our betting numbers, we would go back home, put the ticket inside the Holy Bible and pray on it for about three days. Then, we would return the ticket and play our bet.
On such days that we are lucky enough to be part of the one millionth person to so win, we would quickly attribute such winnings to the supposed prayer ritual that we undertook. It could or couldn’t be true.
Then, we would also supposedly attribute it to the aspect of casting lots in today’s teaching☝️above from the Scriptures.
Nevertheless, some of us would agree that the act of putting our betting ticket in the Bible and praying over it is just an exercise in futility.
God cannot be bottled up and used whenever and however at our whims and caprices just as if we like some magician. God is bigger than such rituals.
Nevertheless, casting lots was a way of life during the time of Christ’s earthly life.
The Roman soldiers that crucified Christ Jesus also cast lots to decide who shall take his inner seamless garment – “so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” – JOHN 19:24.
So, my dear friend, casting lots is not a completely prohibited issue, neither is it somewhat of an exclusive practice of pagans.
Christians too, still cast lots. Just as it was🔺️above with the apostles of Jesus Christ in today’s teaching.
When we are faced with the situation of making a choice out of the remaining best, like the early Church did. We too, must pray fervently about it.
When the Holy Spirit ministers to us on the best choice, then, good. However, if not, and, when we run against time, after our prayer, we can, and we should cast lots.
By the way, haven’ we been doing that already?
When we are going to fill vacant office(s), having prayed and possibly fasted about it, don’t we go ahead to conduct election to elect people into the office(s)?
That is it! It is equally akin to casting lots.
Casting lots, notwithstanding, the cardinal point to note is PRAYER. First, we must pray about it. This is very, very important. As matter of fact, it is more ‘importanter’ that election or casting lots.
The Apostle Matthias, the second twelfth apostle, the subject matter of today’s teaching therefore, wasn’t a product of casting of lots, rather, he was a product of prayer.
My dear friend, that thing we want to do, or are doing right now, or that which distresses us, we should pray about it. prayer changes things. Prayer is the key.
#SAINT_MATTHIAS! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
-Akase F. Agabo.
SEEKING PEACE?
“Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, every man to his home, and will leave me alone; yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Monday 13th May 2024 – JOHN 16:29-33.
So, what really is TRIBULATION?
Various dictionaries have almost the same or very similar definition of the word TRIBULATION, viz:
Distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution. Also, a trying experience. – MERRIAM-WEBSTER – online.
Grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering. – DICTIONARY.COM – online.
Problem or difficulty. Difficult situations and unpleasant experiences. – CAMBRIDGE DICTIONARY – online.
Meanwhile, the synonyms or another word for TRIBULATION are: affliction, agony, anguish, distress, excruciation, hurt, misery, pain, rack, strait(s), torment, torture, travail, woe, adversity, hardships, suffering, etc.
TRIBULATION is therefore, something terribly unpleasant and uncomfortable.
We’ve got to find peace in the Lord Jesus if we must ‘untribulate’.
In today’s teaching, Christ Jesus tells us that, in him, we will have peace, but in the world we will have the unpleasantness we are labouring to define☝️above. TRIBULATION!
However, one may ask, where then should one be or go if not in the world?
It is supposed that in heaven, one would have peace but mustn’t one die first before going to heaven?
Of course, it is true, nevertheless, Christ told us already that he has overcome the world. Therefore,” My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” – JOHN 17:15-16.
My dear friend, though we are still in the world, since we have been ransomed by Christ, all we need to do to save ourselves from tribulation is to believe in Christ Jesus. That’s all.
Dear friend, once we believe and we are convinced that we really do, the Holy Spirit immediately takes over from there. Things will never be the same again.
All we hence, need to do, is to become very purposeful in our everyday life. Remember, God is more persuaded by our deliberate positive efforts to become better.
Have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week ahead folks.
#OUR_LADY_OF_FATIMA! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Monday 13th May 2024 – JOHN 16:29-33.
So, what really is TRIBULATION?
Various dictionaries have almost the same or very similar definition of the word TRIBULATION, viz:
Distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution. Also, a trying experience. – MERRIAM-WEBSTER – online.
Grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering. – DICTIONARY.COM – online.
Problem or difficulty. Difficult situations and unpleasant experiences. – CAMBRIDGE DICTIONARY – online.
Meanwhile, the synonyms or another word for TRIBULATION are: affliction, agony, anguish, distress, excruciation, hurt, misery, pain, rack, strait(s), torment, torture, travail, woe, adversity, hardships, suffering, etc.
TRIBULATION is therefore, something terribly unpleasant and uncomfortable.
We’ve got to find peace in the Lord Jesus if we must ‘untribulate’.
In today’s teaching, Christ Jesus tells us that, in him, we will have peace, but in the world we will have the unpleasantness we are labouring to define☝️above. TRIBULATION!
However, one may ask, where then should one be or go if not in the world?
It is supposed that in heaven, one would have peace but mustn’t one die first before going to heaven?
Of course, it is true, nevertheless, Christ told us already that he has overcome the world. Therefore,” My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” – JOHN 17:15-16.
My dear friend, though we are still in the world, since we have been ransomed by Christ, all we need to do to save ourselves from tribulation is to believe in Christ Jesus. That’s all.
Dear friend, once we believe and we are convinced that we really do, the Holy Spirit immediately takes over from there. Things will never be the same again.
All we hence, need to do, is to become very purposeful in our everyday life. Remember, God is more persuaded by our deliberate positive efforts to become better.
Have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week ahead folks.
#OUR_LADY_OF_FATIMA! #Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.
REMAINING RESOLUTE
“But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, I should have reason to bear with you, O Jews; but since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves; I refuse to be a judge of these things.” And he drove them from the tribunal.
And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to this.”
Excerpts, First Reading, Friday 10th May 2024 – ACTS 18:9-18.
So, do we believe that an honest man cannot be cheated?
Okay, let say one boards a vehicle going from point A to B. Then suddenly one of the passengers inside the vehicle starts with this age old scam, “I serve my oga for good 12 years him no gree settle me, so I thief him money.”
Or, with another popular line, “Abeg make we just help am, but all of us go follow share the money.”
Or, this one of their ‘usuals’, my oyinbo oga send me to buy one chemical wey dem sell 1 kilo for N359,000. But somebodi come tell Me say, I go get am for Berger yard as low N50,000.
For an honest person, none of all such talks would interest them.
Nevertheless, for those of us who have ‘longa throat’ once we hear something that has to do with money, our ears will just open wide like radio antenna.
Then, the ‘jigbiti’ guys will capitalise on our greed to scam us.
Or, for men who have cause to stay outside way into the night and have to pass through or transact at busy hubs during these hours of the night.
It always takes an absolutely disciplined fellow to keep a straight face from those ‘daughters-of-jezebel’ (still not meaning to take a swipe on women) crawling the night that time.
As a matter of fact, even when one maintains composure even to the high heavens, some of them would still dare to yell at you, “Uncle, you wan fvck?”
Similarly, a new antics by kidnappers was recently uncovered.
People driving in a rickety car would deliberately brush a posh car. This happens mostly at usually isolated places. When the owner stops and comes out fuming, a gum will be pointed at him. Then, he and his posh car would be whisked away.
In another, instance, it could be a nagging and quarrelsome wife (not taking a swipe on women, though). She would nag, and quarrel and even stand in the way of her husband when he wants to depart the scene for a breathe of some fresh air outside.
If he dares raise his hand to brush her aside, she change gears into another realm, “If know that you’re a real man and your mother born you well, just dare touch me or even lay a single finger on me.”
Dear men, do not ever betray the ‘brotherhood’ and fall for such antics.
Rather, find a away to go out without touching her. However, if that isn’t possible, just sit back and soak in all the vituperations. She go taya. She must to taya, den she go stop. Den una love go continue.
In today’s teaching, we noticed that when Gallio the Proconsul dispersed the Jews on account of the frivolity of their accusations against Paul, in anger, they seized Sosthenes (the keeper of the synagogue) and beat him up inoder to anger Gallio.
Nevertheless, what did Gallio do? Dude kept a straight face.
Just like the honest man in the vehicle from point A to B who never heeded to those scammers and the correct brother man who didn’t lay a finger on his dear wife as challenged, Gallio also didn’t give a damn about their shenanigans.
Dear friend, when by the grace of God, when we have reached that Gallio-s level of ‘straightness’, nothing fit shake person again o!
Folks, have a fantastic day and a pleasant weekend.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo.