Word of God Sunday: Rev. Fr Peter Adeyemi Urges Christians to Read, Live and Share the Scriptures
Christians were challenged to deepen their relationship with the Scriptures as Rev. Fr Peter Adeyemi delivered a powerful homily on Word of God Sunday, January 25, 2026, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Lagere, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Speaking during the celebration of the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) — officially designated by the Catholic Church as the Sunday of the Word of God — the priest outlined a clear three-stage pathway for authentic Christian living: reading and understanding the Word, living the Word, and sharing the Word generously with others.
Akahi News gathered that the homily drew deeply from the day’s liturgical readings:
- First Reading: Isaiah 9:1–4
- Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10–13, 17
- Gospel: Matthew 4:12–23
Rev. Fr Adeyemi’s message resonated strongly with parishioners, blending biblical insight, historical context, and practical Christian ethics.
Reading and Understanding the Word: The Foundation of Faith
In the first stage of his message, Rev. Fr Adeyemi emphasised the importance of reading the Word of God with understanding. He noted that many Christians own Bibles yet rarely engage deeply with the Scriptures, often limiting their encounter with God’s Word to what they hear during Sunday Mass.
According to the cleric, the Bible is not merely a religious book but a living channel through which God continues to speak to humanity. He urged families, youths, and church groups to cultivate the habit of daily Scripture reading, reflection, and study.
Akahi News learnt that the priest encouraged parishioners to move beyond surface-level familiarity with biblical passages and instead seek clarity, meaning, and personal application. He explained that understanding the Word equips believers to discern God’s will, resist moral confusion, and remain spiritually grounded in a rapidly changing world.
Making the Word Our Own: Living What We Read
The second stage of the homily focused on internalising and practising the Word of God. Rev. Fr Adeyemi stressed that knowledge of Scripture alone is insufficient unless it transforms daily behaviour, relationships, and decisions.
He challenged Christians to allow the Word to shape their attitudes toward forgiveness, honesty, compassion, service, and unity. According to observers, the priest reminded the congregation that Christianity is not only about religious rituals but about living Christ’s values in the marketplace, classroom, family, and community.
Akahi News gathered that the cleric warned against selective obedience to Scripture — choosing convenient teachings while ignoring challenging ones. He urged believers to become living witnesses of the Gospel by reflecting Christ’s light in their conduct.
Sharing the Word: A Call to Generosity and Mission
The third stage of the message centred on the responsibility of Christians to share the Word of God generously with others. Rev. Fr Adeyemi explained that faith grows when it is shared and that every Christian is called to be a missionary in his or her own environment.
He encouraged parishioners not to be shy about speaking the Word of God in love, whether through personal conversations, social media engagement, community outreach, or acts of kindness that reflect Christ’s teachings.
According to reports monitored by Akahi News, the priest described evangelisation not as aggressive preaching but as consistent Christian living that naturally attracts others to the light of Christ.
Historical Insight: From Darkness to Great Light
Drawing from the first reading in Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew, Rev. Fr Adeyemi provided a historical explanation of the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali, which had once lived in darkness but later witnessed a great light.
He explained that these regions were geographically close to hostile enemies, making the people live in fear, insecurity, and spiritual uncertainty. This darkness, he noted, was not only physical but psychological and spiritual. The coming of Christ brought illumination, hope, and liberation from fear.
Akahi News gathered that the priest connected this biblical narrative to contemporary realities, reminding Christians that fear, ignorance, and moral confusion still represent forms of darkness today. He urged believers to continually seek the light of Christ through the Word of God.
Unity in Christ, Not Personality Worship
Referencing the second reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians, Rev. Fr Adeyemi emphasised the theme of unity in Christ. He cautioned against divisions in the Church based on personal preferences, personalities, or loyalty to particular priests.
The cleric reportedly condemned the practice of attending church solely because a favourite priest is celebrating Mass. He reminded the congregation that the true centre of worship is Jesus Christ, the “great light,” not any individual minister.
According to Akahi News, he encouraged Christians to maintain a spirit of unity, humility, and reverence for the universal Church, recognising that every priest serves the same Christ and the same mission.
A Prayerful Conclusion for Global Christianity
Rev. Fr Adeyemi concluded his homily with a short but heartfelt prayer for Christians all over the world. He prayed that the celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God would open hearts to see God’s light clearly through Scripture and inspire believers to live and spread that light faithfully.
Observers noted that the prayer reflected the core message of the homily: enlightenment, unity, commitment, and missionary responsibility rooted in the Word of God.
Why the Message Matters Today
Analysts believe that the priest’s message is particularly relevant in an era marked by misinformation, spiritual confusion, and social fragmentation. The emphasis on reading, understanding, living, and sharing the Word offers a practical roadmap for personal growth and communal harmony.
Akahi News gathered that many parishioners described the homily as spiritually refreshing and intellectually enriching, reinforcing the Church’s ongoing call for deeper engagement with Scripture.
As the global Church continues to promote biblical literacy and authentic discipleship, messages such as Rev. Fr Adeyemi’s serve as timely reminders that the Word of God remains a living force capable of transforming individuals and societies alike.
For more faith-based stories, reflections, and community reports, stay connected with Akahi News.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News www.akahinews.org
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