“Roll Away the Stone”: Rev. Fr Peter Adeyemi Calls Faithful to Deeper Trust in Christ at 5th Sunday of Lent

A Homily Rooted in Faith, Delay, and Divine Purpose

At the SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Lagere, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Rev. Fr Peter Adeyemi delivered a profound and soul-searching homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent (Year A), drawing the faithful into deeper reflection on faith, divine timing, and spiritual renewal.

The cleric, who serves as the Dean of Priests in the Ife Catholic Deanery within the Osogbo Catholic Diocese, began his homily with striking rhetorical questions that immediately stirred the conscience of worshippers:

Do I live in the flesh or walk according to the grace of God?
Am I guided by worldly desires or by the Spirit of God?

According to Akahi News, these questions set the tone for a message that was both challenging and transformative.

The Power of Faith in the Face of Delay

Anchored on the readings from Ezekiel 37:12–14, Romans 8:8–11, and John 11:1–45, the homily reached its climax in the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.

Reflecting on the relationship between Jesus, Martha, and Mary, the priest emphasised the importance of intercession—how the sisters reached out to Christ on behalf of their brother.

He charged parishioners to emulate this act of faith, asking: How often do we truly connect with God—not just for ourselves, but for others?

Akahi News gathered that Rev. Fr Adeyemi highlighted a crucial spiritual truth: the delay in Jesus’ arrival was not neglect, but divine intention.

“The reality of God’s glory,” he explained, “often lies in what we perceive as delay.”

He noted that in human experience, delays often lead to complaints and doubt. Yet, from a divine perspective, such moments are opportunities for greater manifestation.

This raises a deeper reflection: When God seems late, could He actually be preparing something greater than we imagine?

“Do You Believe?” — The Question That Defines Miracles

The priest drew attention to Jesus’ question to Martha: “Do you believe that your brother will rise again?”

He stressed that faith is not passive belief but an active force capable of unlocking miracles.

In this Lenten season, he urged the faithful to deepen their trust in Christ, reminding them that belief is often the bridge between despair and divine intervention.

But then comes a probing thought: Do we truly believe in God’s power—or only when circumstances seem favourable?

Three Commands That Transform Lives

Rev. Fr Adeyemi further unpacked the significance of Jesus’ three commands in the raising of Lazarus, presenting them as a spiritual roadmap for Christian living.

1. “Roll Away the Stone”

He explained that the stone symbolises the barriers in our lives—sin, fear, doubt, and even the comfort zones that keep us bound in spiritual stagnation.

The priest challenged the congregation not only to remove their own obstacles but to help others do the same.

“Roll away every stone,” he prayed, “that hinders the fullness of God’s grace in your life.”

This invites reflection: What stones have we allowed to remain because they feel comfortable, even when they keep us from God?

2. Jesus Calls Lazarus by Name

The direct command to Lazarus, he noted, signifies the personal nature of God’s call. God knows each person individually and calls them out of their own “tombs” of sin, fear, and limitation.

Akahi News learnt that the priest emphasised the importance of listening to God, especially when making life decisions.

In a world full of noise, do we still recognise the voice of God when He calls us by name?

3. “Unbind Him and Let Him Go”

This final instruction, directed to the crowd, underscores the communal nature of faith. God places people in our lives to support, uplift, and liberate us from what binds us.

The priest reminded the faithful that no one journeys alone; divine help often comes through others.

This leads to another profound question: Are we instruments of freedom for others—or silent observers of their struggles?

A Call to Listen, Trust, and Act

As he concluded his homily, Rev. Fr Adeyemi urged parishioners to cultivate the habit of listening to God in every venture of life.

He reassured them that God provides all that is necessary for the journey of life—but only to those who remain attentive and faithful.

According to Akahi News, the message resonated deeply with worshippers, many of whom were seen reflecting quietly after Mass.

The homily of the 5th Sunday of Lent served as a powerful reminder that faith is not merely professed—it is lived, tested, and revealed, especially in moments of delay and uncertainty.

Through the story of Lazarus, the faithful were called to remove obstacles, respond to God’s voice, and support one another on the journey of salvation.

As the Lenten season progresses, one question lingers in the heart:
If Christ stands before the tombs in our lives today, will we have the courage to roll away the stone?

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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