The Sunday homily delivered by Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba for the Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year A) has called on Christians to rediscover the deeper meaning of God’s law, stressing that its true essence lies in love for God and neighbour rather than mere observance of rules.

Speaking on Sunday, February 15, 2026, the cleric reflected on the day’s liturgical readings drawn from 15:16–21, 2:6–10, and the Gospel passage from 5:17–37. The homily centred on the theme: “The essence of keeping the law is to love God and love our neighbours as ourselves.”

Christ as the Fulfilment of the Law

In his reflection, Rev. Fr Olowolagba emphasised that Jesus Christ stands as the full revelation of divine truth, explaining that Christ did not abolish the law but fulfilled it by revealing its deeper meaning. According to the priest, the life and teachings of provide believers with a living example of how God intends humanity to live.

Akahi News gathered that the homily highlighted Christ as the “perfect picture of God’s will,” whose life demonstrated not only obedience to divine commandments but also the spirit behind them. Referencing 1:14, the priest noted that Christ embodies both truth and life, offering believers the spiritual strength needed to live according to God’s expectations.

He further explained that before Christ’s coming, many understood the law primarily through its literal interpretation. However, the Gospel message, he said, invites Christians to move beyond external compliance toward interior transformation guided by love and grace.

From the Letter of the Law to the Spirit of the Law

A key message of the homily was the distinction between the “letter” and the “spirit” of the law. Rev. Fr Olowolagba taught that while the law establishes principles of behaviour, Christ provides understanding and meaning that make obedience possible.

Drawing from 8:1–4, he explained that believers are empowered by the Spirit to live righteously, not through fear or obligation but through renewed hearts shaped by divine love.

The priest stressed that Christian morality goes beyond avoiding wrongdoing; it demands reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration of relationships. He noted that Christ’s teaching places urgency on reconciliation, urging believers to seek peace with others before engaging in acts of worship.

Quoting the admonition in 4:26 — “In your anger do not sin” — the homily encouraged faithful to resolve conflicts promptly, warning that unresolved anger can weaken both spiritual and communal life.

Love as the Core of Christian Living

According to the reflection, the wisdom presented in the readings ultimately leads to one central truth: the law finds fulfilment in love. Rev. Fr Olowolagba urged Christians to love God wholeheartedly and extend that love to others through compassion, patience, and understanding.

Observers noted that the homily resonated strongly with contemporary challenges facing many communities, where divisions and misunderstandings often overshadow the call to unity and charity. By emphasising reconciliation and mutual respect, the message reinforced the Church’s teaching that authentic faith must be expressed through actions that promote peace and harmony.

A Call for the New Week

As the faithful prepared to begin a new week, the priest concluded with prayers for divine grace and renewed commitment to living out the Gospel values in everyday interactions. He encouraged believers to become channels of God’s blessings so that others may encounter love through their words and actions.

The homily serves as a reminder that Christian discipleship is not measured solely by adherence to rules but by the depth of love shown toward God and humanity — a message that continues to hold relevance in both spiritual and social life.

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