1st Sunday of Lent: Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba Urges Faithful to Reject Pride and Embrace Obedience

The First Sunday of Lent opened with a powerful call to spiritual renewal as Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba reflected on the dangers of pride, disobedience and self-sufficiency in the life of believers.

Preaching on the readings from Genesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7, Romans 5:12–19, and Matthew 4:1–11, the cleric reminded Christians that the Lenten season is not merely a ritual observance but a journey back to grace.

According to him, the central theme of the day’s message revolves around the act of disobedience — a rebellion rooted in humanity’s desire to determine its own destiny apart from God.

The Clay and the Potter: Humanity’s Origin and Identity

Drawing from the Book of Genesis, Rev. Fr Olowolagba described God as the divine artist who shaped humanity from the dust of the earth.

“We are the clay and You are the Potter; we are all the work of Your hand,” he cited from Isaiah 64:8, emphasising the intimate relationship between God and humanity.

He explained the linguistic connection between “Adam” (man) and “Adamah” (ground soil), noting that the similarity in sound underscores mankind’s origin and destiny — formed from the earth and destined to return to it.

Yet beyond the physical formation, he stressed that God breathed into man’s nostrils the breath of life, infusing an immortal soul — the principle that animates and sustains human existence.

“Every person’s life is a gift from God,” he said. “We live because we are linked to Him.”

The Garden, the Trees, and the Tragedy of Disobedience

Rev. Fr Olowolagba further reflected on the two significant trees in the Garden of Eden: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

He explained that while the Tree of Life symbolised happiness and fulfilment, the second tree represented a divine boundary — a command that required trust and obedience.

The tragedy, he noted, was not merely about eating a forbidden fruit, but about humanity’s desire to possess a superior knowledge that would enable them to define good and evil on their own terms.

“The act of disobedience is related to the desire to acquire a superior sort of knowledge which could make human beings determine their own destiny,” he explained.

He described this as the root of man’s pride, self-sufficiency, and lawless autonomy — a mindset that strains the relationship between humanity and God, disrupts harmony among people, and unsettles peace with nature.

The priest observed that the fall of Adam and Eve marked humanity’s descent “from grace to grass.” However, he reassured the faithful that God’s mercy did not abandon mankind.

From Grass to Grace: The Victory of the Second Adam

Referencing St Paul’s letter to the Romans, Rev. Fr Olowolagba highlighted the contrast between the first Adam and the Second Adam — Christ.

Through disobedience came sin and death; through obedience came reconciliation and life.

He pointed to the Gospel reading where Christ was tempted three times in the wilderness but triumphed over Satan each time by relying on the Word of God.

“Christ defeated Satan three times, relying on God,” he said, adding that believers too can overcome temptation by depending on divine grace.

Quoting the Lord’s assurance, “My grace is sufficient for you,” he encouraged Christians to fortify themselves spiritually during the Lenten season.

The Three Pillars of Lent

The cleric urged the faithful to embrace the three pillars of Lent: prayer, almsgiving, and self-denial.

According to him, these spiritual disciplines are not burdens but pathways to restoration and strength.

“If we follow the three pillars of the Lenten season — self-denial, almsgiving and prayer — we shall become overcomers in Jesus’ name,” he declared.

He concluded by praying that as believers step into this season of grace, they may be strengthened and renewed.

A Call to Interior Conversion

Lent, Rev. Fr Olowolagba emphasised, is a time to confront pride and return to humble obedience. It is an invitation to rediscover humanity’s dependence on God and to reject the illusion of self-made destiny.

As Christians begin the sacred forty-day journey, the message remains clear: disobedience fractures relationships, but obedience restores them.

The peace lost in Eden can be regained through Christ.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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