On the occasion of Word of God Sunday, January 25, 2026, Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran delivered a deeply reflective and spiritually stirring homily titled “Call From Darkness to Active Light of Faith.” The message, anchored on the day’s readings from Isaiah 9:1–4, 1 Corinthians 1:10–13, 17, and Matthew 4:12–23, challenged believers to move decisively from spiritual darkness into the transforming light of Christ.

Akahi News gathered that the cleric’s homily centred on hope, repentance, unity, and active commitment to God’s call, urging Christians not merely to hear the Word but to live it courageously and consistently in their daily lives.

God’s Light as a Source of Hope and Deliverance

Reflecting on the first reading from the Book of Isaiah (9:1–4), Rev. Fr. Odediran explained that the prophet Isaiah raises humanity’s hope by announcing God’s decisive intervention in the midst of darkness. According to the priest, the declaration — “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light” — is not merely poetic language but a concrete promise of liberation from fear, ignorance, and spiritual oppression.

He noted that darkness symbolises confusion, hopelessness, sin, and uncertainty, while light represents God’s presence, truth, and power to heal and restore. When God’s light shines, impossible changes become possible, burdens are lifted, doubts are clarified, and confidence is renewed both in God and in oneself.

Akahi News learnt that the priest emphasised a critical responsibility on the part of believers: God’s light can transform only those who deliberately present themselves before it. Avoiding the light, he warned, means remaining trapped in old patterns of fear, resentment, and spiritual stagnation.

Repent, Believe and Follow Christ

Moving to the second reading from 1 Corinthians 1:10–13, 17, the cleric highlighted St. Paul’s disappointment with the Corinthian community, which was riddled with divisions, quarrels, and unhealthy loyalties. Rev. Fr. Odediran observed that such behaviour reflects a community still living in the shadows of darkness and ignorance, despite claiming to belong to Christ.

Paul’s rebuke, he said, remains relevant today, especially when Christians allow rivalry, favouritism, and personal interests to overshadow unity in the Church. He cautioned against promoting one priest, devotional group, or faction over another, stressing that such attitudes betray the essence of the Gospel.

According to Akahi News, the priest reminded worshippers that no authentic Christian community encounters the light of Christ and remains unchanged. True encounter with Christ should naturally lead to humility, reconciliation, mutual respect, and shared commitment to the mission of the Church.

He urged the faithful to examine their personal and communal conduct, asking whether their actions promote peace or deepen division within the Body of Christ.

Christ Fulfils the Prophecy and Brings Healing Light

In his reflection on the Gospel passage from Matthew 4:12–23, Rev. Fr. Odediran explained that Jesus fulfils Isaiah’s prophecy by proclaiming the Kingdom of God, calling people to conversion, demanding immediate commitment, and bringing healing to those in darkness.

Christ’s presence, he said, made a remarkable difference in the lives of the people of Capernaum and the neighbouring regions of Zebulon and Naphtali. His ministry brought deliverance, restoration, and renewed hope, earning Him the symbolic description as the “balm of Gilead.”

The priest challenged Christians to become replicas of God’s light in the world, insisting that every believer’s presence should positively influence their environment — in families, workplaces, schools, communities, and the Church.

Akahi News gathered that he posed a reflective question to the congregation: Are we truly making a difference, or are we simply blending into the darkness around us?

Immediate Response, Not Convenient Obedience

Summarising his message, Rev. Fr. Odediran stressed that responding to God’s call must be immediate and sincere, not delayed or postponed for personal convenience. Drawing inspiration from Luke 9:59–62, he reminded the faithful that discipleship demands conviction, decisive action, and unwavering commitment.

He warned against procrastination in spiritual matters, noting that delayed obedience often leads to lost opportunities for growth, service, and transformation. According to him, authentic faith is expressed not only in words but in courageous daily choices that reflect God’s will.

The priest also reiterated the need to avoid division and consciously promote unity within Christian communities, recognising unity as a powerful witness of Christ’s light in a divided world.

Questions for Personal and Spiritual Examination

As part of the homily’s practical application, Rev. Fr. Odediran invited worshippers to reflect deeply on several personal questions:

• What “net” is Jesus asking you to leave behind today?
• In which areas of your life do you walk more in darkness than in light?
• How generously and promptly do you respond to God’s call?
• Are your actions fostering unity or contributing to division?

Akahi News reports that these questions resonated strongly with many worshippers, serving as a call to renewed commitment, spiritual discipline, and authentic Christian living.

A Call to Live as Bearers of Light

The homily concluded with a strong appeal for believers to embrace their identity as bearers of God’s light in a world increasingly challenged by moral confusion, social division, and spiritual apathy. Rev. Fr. Odediran encouraged Christians to allow God’s Word to shape their choices, relationships, and priorities, ensuring that their lives become channels of healing, peace, and hope.

Observers noted that the message aligns with the broader mission of the Church to rekindle love for Scripture, deepen personal conversion, and strengthen unity among believers.

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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News www.akahinews.org