Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba Teaches on the Permanent Indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Believers
In a deeply reflective and spiritually uplifting homily delivered on Sunday, January 18, 2026 — the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) — Rev. Fr. Stevenson Olowolagba, a respected priest of the Osogbo Catholic Diocese and Parish Priest of St. Dominic Catholic Church, Ifewara, Osun State, challenged believers to understand the depth and permanence of their baptism into Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Drawing from the liturgical readings — Isaiah 49:3,5–6; 1 Corinthians 1:1–3; and John 1:29–34 — Fr. Olowolagba centred his homily on the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer. According to Akahi News, the homily resonated strongly with parishioners as it linked prophecy, apostolic authority, redemption through Christ, and the witness of John the Baptist into one coherent message of Christian identity and mission.
Theme of the Homily
“When a person is baptised by the Holy Spirit into Christ, the Holy Spirit enters the life of the believer and becomes a permanent experience of the believer.”
Rev. Fr. Olowolagba explained that Christian life is not merely about religious observance but about an ongoing relationship with God made possible through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. He emphasised that the Spirit does not come temporarily but dwells permanently in those who belong to Christ (cf. John 14:16–17).
Akahi News gathered that the priest repeatedly reminded the faithful that the Spirit empowers believers to live holy lives, bear witness to Christ, and participate actively in God’s mission of salvation to the ends of the earth.
Isaiah’s Call: A Light to the Nations
Reflecting on the first reading from Isaiah, Fr. Olowolagba highlighted the prophetic call of the servant of God, who was chosen from the womb to become “a light to the nations, so that God’s salvation may reach the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).
He noted that this calling mirrors that of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5) and ultimately finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself “the Light of the world” (John 8:12). Despite experiencing rejection, humiliation, and apparent failure, the servant in Isaiah never lost trust in God.
According to Akahi News, Fr. Olowolagba stressed that believers must learn perseverance in ministry and life, trusting that God’s purpose often unfolds beyond visible success (cf. Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 10:36).
Paul’s Apostolic Calling and Humility
The second reading from 1 Corinthians revealed Paul’s divine calling as an apostle — a messenger, witness, and missionary of Christ. The priest explained that Paul’s authority came from God, not from human approval (cf. Galatians 1:1). Despite challenges and divisions in the Corinthian Church, Paul remained faithful to his mission.
Some members of the Corinthian community questioned Paul’s authenticity, but Christ Himself affirmed that divine calling is initiated by God alone: “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16).
However, Fr. Olowolagba cautioned against spiritual pride. Paul’s calling did not make him superior to others. He remained a brother among believers (Romans 12:3). The Church, he reminded the faithful, belongs to God, not to individuals or factions (1 Corinthians 3:5–9).
Akahi News learnt that the homily encouraged church leaders and members alike to cultivate humility, unity, and mutual respect in Christian communities.
The Church as a Holy People Set Apart
The priest explained that believers are sanctified in Christ and called to live distinct lives. Holiness is not separation from society but dedication to God’s values and purposes (cf. 1 Peter 1:15–16; 2 Corinthians 6:17–18).
He reminded the congregation that no believer is lord over another because God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34). All Christians are servants of Christ, accountable to Him alone (cf. Matthew 23:8–11).
Grace and peace, he added, flow from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. When believers receive God’s grace, they are reconciled to God and humanity (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:18–19; Romans 5:1), fostering love, unity, and fellowship in the Christian community.
Christ the Lamb of God and the Mystery of Redemption
Turning to the Gospel of John, Fr. Olowolagba focused on John the Baptist’s proclamation: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
He explained that the lamb symbolises sacrifice, purity, and redemption. Christ is the true Passover Lamb who offered Himself willingly for the salvation of humanity (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 9:26–28; Isaiah 53:7).
The priest recalled Abraham’s declaration on Mount Moriah: “God Himself will provide the lamb” (Genesis 22:8). This foreshadowed God’s ultimate provision of Jesus Christ as the sacrificial substitute for sinners, revealing the immeasurable love of God (John 3:16; Romans 8:32).
According to Akahi News, parishioners were reminded that redemption is entirely God’s initiative and gift, not human achievement.
John the Baptist’s Witness and Obedience
Fr. Olowolagba praised the faith and obedience of John the Baptist, who preached and baptised without physically knowing the Messiah. He acted solely on God’s word, trusting that the Messiah would reveal Himself at the appointed time (cf. Luke 1:76–79; Malachi 3:1).
When the Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove, John recognised Him as the chosen One of God. The dove symbolised peace, purity, gentleness, and the presence of the Spirit (cf. Genesis 8:8–12; Matthew 3:16).
He explained that the Holy Spirit descended upon Christ once-for-all, permanently and powerfully, equipping Him for His earthly ministry (cf. Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38).
The Permanent Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
A central emphasis of the homily was that the Holy Spirit does not merely visit believers but remains permanently in them. Just as the Spirit remained on Christ, so also does the Spirit abide in every baptised believer (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9–11; Ephesians 1:13–14).
Fr. Olowolagba encouraged the faithful to consciously cooperate with the Spirit through prayer, obedience, holiness, and love. The Spirit empowers believers for righteous living, spiritual discernment, and effective witness (cf. Galatians 5:16–25; Acts 1:8; John 16:13).
Akahi News gathered that this message offered reassurance and hope to worshippers as they stepped into a new week.
Major Lessons from the Homily
1. God Calls His Servants for a Universal Mission
Believers are chosen to reflect God’s light and extend His salvation to all nations (Isaiah 49:6; Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 13:47).
2. Faithfulness Amid Trials Strengthens Spiritual Maturity
Apparent failure does not cancel divine purpose (Psalm 66:10–12; James 1:2–4).
3. Divine Calling Requires Humility and Service
Leadership in the Church is service, not domination (Romans 12:3; Mark 10:42–45).
4. The Church Belongs to God Alone
Christ remains the foundation and owner of the Church (1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:19–22).
5. Believers Are Called to Holiness and Distinct Living
Christian identity demands moral separation from sinful practices (2 Corinthians 6:17–18; 1 Peter 2:9).
6. Grace Brings Reconciliation and Peace
God’s grace restores relationship with Him and others (Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20).
7. Christ Is the Sacrificial Lamb Who Takes Away Sin
Salvation is rooted in Christ’s sacrifice (John 1:29; Hebrews 10:10; Revelation 5:6).
8. God Is the Ultimate Provider of Redemption
Human salvation flows from divine initiative (Genesis 22:8; John 3:16).
9. Obedience to God’s Word Precedes Revelation
Faithful obedience positions believers for divine encounter (John 14:21; Hebrews 11:6).
10. The Holy Spirit Abides Permanently in Believers
The Spirit empowers, guides, and sustains Christian life (John 14:16–17; Romans 8:11).
Spiritual Charge to the Faithful
As the homily concluded, Rev. Fr. Olowolagba prayed that believers would consciously experience the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives. He urged them to walk in peace, faith, obedience, and love, allowing the Spirit to shape their character and mission.
Akahi News gathered that many parishioners left the Mass spiritually refreshed, renewed in faith, and encouraged to live out their Christian calling with deeper commitment.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News www.akahinews.org
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