The Holy Spirit as Our Compass on the Pilgrimage to Eternity — Reflections on Rev. Fr. Stevenson Olowolagba’s First Sunday Homily of 2026
Rev. Fr. Stevenson Olowolagba has called on Christians to embrace the Holy Spirit as their unfailing guide on life’s pilgrimage, as he delivered his First Sunday of 2026 homily marking the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Drawing richly from Scripture, the priest urged believers to remain steadfast in faith despite trials, divisions, and uncertainties, reminding them that God’s promise of renewal and glory remains sure.
The homily was anchored on the theme: “The Holy Spirit is our compass on our pilgrimage journey to eternity,” and reflected on the readings from Isaiah 60:1–6, Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6, and Matthew 2:1–12.
Isaiah’s Vision: From Ruins to Radiance
According to Akahi News, Rev. Fr. Olowolagba began by situating the First Reading from Isaiah within its historical context. The prophet, he explained, addressed a people who had returned from exile only to meet a devastated Jerusalem and a temple lying in ruins.
Rather than allowing despair to prevail, Isaiah proclaimed a powerful vision of hope — a future Jerusalem restored in splendour, filled with light, riches, and divine glory, to which all nations would stream bearing gifts. This prophetic vision, the priest noted, points ultimately to the fulfilment described in Revelation 21, where God’s renewed city becomes the dwelling place of a purified humanity.
“I am the Lord; I will do this swiftly in its due time” (Isaiah 60:22), the homilist emphasised, describing the verse as God’s assurance meant to keep the hope of the returnees alive even amid hardship and disillusionment.
Division as a Barrier to God’s Presence
Rev. Fr. Olowolagba observed that the challenges faced by the returnees were not merely physical but deeply spiritual. He noted that division among the people, fuelled by bitterness, hatred, anger, and unresolved hurt, became a major obstacle to authentic worship and peace.
According to reports monitored by Akahi News, he stressed that division is among the most disturbing realities that confront God, because it prevents believers from coming together to serve and worship Him wholeheartedly. Where division thrives, peace becomes elusive, and the community’s witness is weakened.
The Mystery of Christ and God’s Purpose for Believers
Turning to the Second Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians, the priest reflected on what St Paul describes as “the mystery of Christ.” Rev. Fr. Olowolagba explained that God’s external purpose is to form a new body of people on earth — united believers who love God supremely and live out that love in concrete ways.
The second divine purpose, he added, is inward and transformative: to mould each believer into a mature person filled with the fullness of God (cf. Ephesians 3:14–21). This spiritual maturity, he noted, is not optional but central to the Christian vocation.
Akahi News gathered that he further reminded the faithful that, through Christ Jesus, humanity now has direct access to God. There is no longer any intermediary barrier; Christ Himself is the way, and all believers are called to serve God responsibly in this new covenant reality.
The Magi: Guided, Tested, Yet Unshaken
Reflecting on the Gospel account of the Epiphany, Rev. Fr. Olowolagba drew attention to the journey of the three Magi, who were led by a star to the newborn King of the Jews. Their journey, he noted, was not without challenges, uncertainties, or detours, yet they refused to be discouraged.
According to Akahi News, the priest highlighted that their perseverance was rewarded with overwhelming joy when they finally encountered the Christ Child. In worship, they paid homage and offered gifts, recognising in the infant Jesus a king far greater than any earthly ruler.
The Holy Spirit: Our Guiding Star Today
In a powerful application of the Gospel message, Rev. Fr. Olowolagba reminded the congregation that, in today’s Christian journey, the Holy Spirit plays the role of the guiding star. It is the Spirit of God, he said, who leads believers step by step to Christ and deeper into the truth of God’s word.
He acknowledged that Christians are bound to face challenges, temptations, and trials on their pilgrimage toward eternity. However, he encouraged the faithful never to lose heart, quoting the assurance that “He who lives in us is greater than he who lives in the world.”
A Blessing for the New Week and New Year
As the homily drew to a close, Rev. Fr. Olowolagba offered prayers and words of encouragement for the new week, new month, and the unfolding year 2026. He urged believers to remain anchored in truth, guided by the Holy Spirit, and united in love and service.
“May you never stray from the truth,” he prayed, extending Christ’s peace to all.
Observers noted that the homily resonated deeply with the faithful, setting a reflective and hopeful tone for the year ahead.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
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