Rev. Fr Pius Odediran: “Do Not Reject God’s Invitation to Salvation” — Powerful Message for 28th Sunday

Rev. Fr Pius Odediran, a respected Catholic priest of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo who has spent 26 years in the Catholic priesthood, has called on Christians to respond wholeheartedly to God’s invitation to salvation, warning against allowing worldly pursuits, sin and pride to prevent them from enjoying the blessings of God’s kingdom.

In his message for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, titled “Call to Salvation,” the cleric reflected on the biblical imagery of God’s heavenly banquet, explaining that although God’s invitation is extended to all, believers must make conscious spiritual efforts to respond to the call and live lives worthy of His presence.

God’s Invitation Is Open to All

According to Rev. Fr Odediran, the first reading presents God’s promise to prepare a banquet of rich food for His people, remove the veil of mourning covering humanity and destroy death forever.

He explained that the invitation carries great promises, including the wiping away of tears and the experience of divine blessings. However, Christians must make the necessary spiritual efforts to reach the mountain of the Lord and partake in the blessings He has prepared.

The priest described this mountain as God’s divine presence, a place above sin and worldly disturbances, where people encounter Him through prayer, holiness and obedience.

He stressed that God’s invitation to salvation is not restricted to a particular group of people, but believers must remove every limitation that prevents them from responding faithfully to His call.

“We can never go to this mountain and remain or return empty,” he emphasised, encouraging Christians to develop the spiritual determination required to remain in God’s presence.

Christ Gives Us Strength to Answer God’s Call

Reflecting on the second reading from St Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, Rev. Fr Odediran highlighted the importance of relying on Christ for spiritual strength.

He recalled St Paul’s declaration: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The priest explained that Paul’s confidence came from his satisfaction with his place in Christ, enabling him to face different circumstances without allowing them to overwhelm his faith.

He encouraged Christians to trust in God’s ability to strengthen them as they respond to His invitation, reminding them that the Lord provides what they need to fulfil His purpose.

The cleric also drew attention to Paul’s appreciation of the generosity of the Philippians, who supported him in the work of the Gospel.

According to him, their generosity demonstrates the importance of supporting God’s mission and trusting in His provision.

He further recalled Paul’s assurance that God would supply the needs of His people according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Do Not Become Too Busy for God

Explaining the Gospel parable of the wedding feast, Rev. Fr Odediran noted that Jesus’ invitation to the heavenly banquet represents God’s call to humanity to enter His kingdom.

He observed that the invited guests in the parable missed the opportunity because they prioritised their personal engagements and worldly interests over the invitation of the king.

The priest warned that many Christians risk making the same mistake when they become so occupied with work, business, pleasure and other earthly pursuits that they neglect their relationship with God.

“They focus on their work while they reject the Lord of the work; they are busy with life while they reject the Lord of life,” he said.

He urged Christians not to allow the demands of everyday life to prevent them from responding to God’s call to prayer, fellowship, love and holiness.

According to him, the invitation to salvation requires more than merely identifying as a Christian. It demands a sincere willingness to draw closer to God and live according to His teachings.

He added that the rejection of the invitation carries serious spiritual consequences, while the good news is that God continues to extend His invitation to humanity.

The priest explained that through baptism, the gift of creation in God’s image and the gifts entrusted to each person, believers have reasons to recognise their relationship with God and respond faithfully to His call.

The Wedding Garment: A Call to Holiness and Repentance

Another important aspect of the Gospel message, according to Rev. Fr Odediran, is the wedding garment worn by guests at the banquet.

He explained that the wedding garment represents the proper spiritual disposition required of those who accept God’s invitation.

The priest warned that Christians cannot claim to accept God’s invitation while deliberately holding on to sin, pride and other attitudes that contradict the life God expects of them.

He noted that, just as the king provided wedding garments for the guests in the parable, God has made faith and salvation available to humanity through Jesus Christ.

However, he stressed that accepting the invitation must be accompanied by a sincere commitment to holiness and a willingness to live in accordance with God’s will.

According to the cleric, refusing to put on the appropriate garment was an insult to the king. In the same way, Christians must not take God’s grace for granted or presume that belonging to the Church automatically removes the need for personal conversion.

He called on believers to examine their lives and ensure that their words, actions and attitudes reflect the faith they profess.

“Who Shall Climb the Mountain of the Lord?”

Drawing from Psalm 24:3–4, Rev. Fr Odediran reminded Christians that those who ascend the mountain of the Lord are people with clean hands and pure hearts, who do not worship idols or tell lies.

He explained that God’s mountain and banquet should be associated with cleanliness, courage, holiness, order and obedience.

The priest encouraged Christians to examine their consciences, abandon sinful practices and cultivate the virtues necessary for a fruitful relationship with God.

He emphasised that responding to God’s invitation requires spiritual discipline, sincere prayer and a willingness to overcome the obstacles that stand between believers and the Lord.

He also urged Christians to remain conscious of the eternal significance of their daily decisions, noting that worldly achievements and pleasures should never take the place of their relationship with God.

Conclusion: Be Ready for God’s Banquet

Rev. Fr Pius Odediran’s message for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time challenges Christians to recognise that God’s invitation to salvation is both a privilege and a responsibility.

While God freely offers His grace and calls everyone to His kingdom, believers must respond through faith, prayer, love, repentance and a life of holiness.

His reflection on the banquet, the strength that comes through Christ and the significance of the wedding garment reminds the faithful that the Christian journey requires more than receiving an invitation; it requires a sincere commitment to live in a manner worthy of it.

The cleric concluded with a call for prayer that Christians may be found worthy of God’s heavenly banquet and receive the blessings He has prepared for those who faithfully respond to His invitation.

Akahi News encourages readers to reflect on the central question raised by the Sunday message: Are we making room for God in our daily lives, or are worldly pursuits preventing us from answering His call?