By John Dike, Osogbo
The Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola, has called on all Catholics to embrace a life of holiness, vigilance, and charity as the Church begins the liturgical season of Advent, a period of expectation and spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Delivering his homily during the First Sunday of Advent at the St. Benedict Cathedral, Osogbo, he reflected deeply on the message of the day’s Gospel reading from Matthew 24:37–44. He said the text serves as a clear reminder that the return of Christ will come suddenly and unexpectedly, just as the flood came in the days of Noah.
According to him, many people today, like those in Noah’s time, are consumed by worldly activities of pleasure, distractions, and material pursuits, while neglecting the spiritual preparation necessary for eternal life.
He regretted, “We give so much time to worldly things instead of reflecting on where we are going after our earthly journey.
“As it was in the time of Noah, he entered the Ark while many others were lost in merriment, unaware of the destruction that was coming. The same warning is given to us today.”
But he warned that no one knows the hour when the Son of Man will return, stressing the importance of constant readiness.
“You must live a good life and not be afraid of death because it is a reality.
“We must prepare at all times so that we will meet God and be at peace with Him when our time comes.”
Bishop Oyejola described Advent as a sacred opportunity for Christians to return to God with sincerity, deepen their faith, and renew their spiritual commitments.
He noted that this season calls for watchfulness, repentance, and acts of charity, as these are essential virtues in the Christian journey.
The prelate also spoke about the current hardships and difficulties facing many Nigerians, acknowledging the growing economic pressure on families across the country. Despite this, he urged the faithful not to lose hope but to seek strength in God, who never abandons His people.
He said, “The challenges we are facing should not drive us away from God.
“Rather, they should bring us closer to Him. Advent is a time to encounter God personally, to listen to Him, and to open our hearts to His presence even amid suffering.”
He appealed to Catholics to make good use of the Advent season by attending confession regularly, reconciling with God and with one another, and building stronger bonds within the Christian community. He further encouraged parishioners to extend compassion to the less privileged.
The cleric counselled, “As Catholics, you must go to confession, visit fellow members, and care for the poor, the needy, and the oppressed in society.
“This season calls us to generosity and kindness, especially toward those who are struggling.”
He called on all faithful to prepare spiritually, morally, and socially for the coming of Christ, both at Christmas and at the end of time.
With the lighting of the first Advent candle, the Church has begun its journey toward Christmas, a period of hope, renewal, and joyful expectation.
