Christ’s Mission Is to Bring Light into Life’s Darkness – Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba

The central mission of Christ as the Light of the world took centre stage in the Sunday reflection of Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, celebrated on January 25, 2026. Drawing from the readings of Isaiah 8:23–9:3, 1 Corinthians 1:10–13,17, and Matthew 4:12–23, the priest reminded believers that Christ’s coming into the world was divinely timed and purpose-driven — to bring light into the darkness of human lives.

Akahi News gathered that the reflection emphasised personal purpose, unity among believers, and the responsibility of Christians to walk in the light and become witnesses across generations.

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Every Believer Has a Divine Purpose

Opening his message with the greeting of peace, Rev. Fr Olowolagba stressed that every believer is sent into the world for a specific purpose by God. He observed that many people live without clearly understanding why God brought them into existence, and as a result, their lifestyles remain unchanged even after conversion.

According to the priest, a life that is not examined and directed by divine purpose becomes spiritually stagnant. He explained that believers who walk closely with Christ are guided in discovering God’s plan for their lives, citing Matthew 4:12–17 as a reminder that obedience and spiritual sensitivity unlock divine direction.

Akahi News learnt that the imprisonment of John the Baptist marked the turning point for Jesus to begin His ministry in full force — a lesson that sometimes one season must end for another divine assignment to emerge.

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Ministry Is Not Competition but Collaboration

Reflecting on the second reading from 1 Corinthians, Rev. Fr Olowolagba cautioned against rivalry within the Christian community. He noted that believers are servants working together in different capacities and should never see ministry as a competition.

He encouraged ministers and believers alike to prepare themselves for seasons when their assignments may be completed and new generations raised by God to continue the work. Quoting Ephesians 4:11–12, he explained that God continually raises witnesses to build up the Church and sustain the mission across generations.

Observers noted that the priest highlighted humility and willingness to step aside when one’s assignment is fulfilled as essential virtues for sustainable spiritual leadership.

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Why Christ Began His Ministry in Galilee

The reflection further explored why Jesus deliberately began His ministry in Galilee. According to Rev. Fr Olowolagba, Galilee was strategically located along major trade routes, heavily populated, and open to new ideas — making it fertile ground for spreading the message of salvation.

This choice fulfilled ancient prophecies in Isaiah 9:1–2 and Isaiah 42:6–7. Christ’s mission, he said, was always people-centred, focused on bringing light to those living in spiritual darkness, referencing John 8:12.

Akahi News gathered that the priest described Christ as the Light who transforms lives trapped in despair, ignorance, and spiritual death, offering humanity the freedom to choose light over darkness through repentance and the nearness of God’s kingdom.

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Walking in the Light as a New Week Begins

As the faithful prepare for the new week, Rev. Fr Olowolagba urged believers to allow the light of Christ to guide their decisions, actions, and relationships. He reminded Christians that Christ’s mission continues through their daily witness, compassion, and obedience to God’s will.

The reflection concluded with a prayerful wish that the peace of the Lord remains with all believers and that Christ’s light becomes their compass in every situation.

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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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