Dear friend, today's message is a challenge to us all. God made us out of

pure love and expects us to extend same love to others (Neighbours: poor,

sick, orphan, widow, less-privileged) through charity/self-giving! "You will always have the poor among you," says the Lord. Everyone knows and wants what is good, but not all is willing to give same to others in love. Think about this.

 What about you? Indeed, no matter how rich or poor your status you still have something to share with others- this is the 'Heart' of our Christian Calling. Jesus said, "Go, and do the same yourself" (Lk. 10:37).

Sing:"Whatsoever you do...what you do unto me."

 Note that the Jewish traveller in (Lk.10:25-37) was rich, but made poor and sick by the robbers who attacked him. We see the good Samaritan helping the injured Jew instead of neglecting him and passing by just like others did.

Some people don't just want your progress/happiness/joy. Let us respect everyone, "A person is a person, no matter how small or poor he/she may look."  No matter your situation right now, "you still matter to God".

 Remember, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." In as much as you remain a child of God through your Baptism into Christ, He sends help at the unexpected time and through an unexpected giver as a loving Father! Sing: "Aimo asiko lo n damu eda, oro mi lowo Oluwa lowa". No wonder Ps.67 tells us, "As for me in my poverty and pain let your help, O

God, lift me up...The poor when they see it will be glad and God-seeking hearts will revive; for the Lord listens to the needy...". What are you waiting for?

Seek the face of the Lord, and your situation becomes history! God pursues

Us with an unchanging/ unquenchable and undeserved love, because he wants us by his side daily! Sing: "With an everlasting love, you care for me O Lord"

 Dearly Beloved, let us be friends and make for peace wherever we go. If

they enjoy peace only when you are not around, then you need to consult

your God for help (Such a person is not charitable). Charity must begin at home, but must not end at home. "It is ignorance that made the rat call the cat to a fight/battle." If you are not sure, don't act; ignorance is not an excuse.

 "My people perish for lack of knowledge". Let us walk humbly, act justly,love tenderly and all will be well again with our homes, nation, and the world. We pray for the grace to stand to the end. sing:" Aforiti lo ni oun gbogbo...tepa mo ise ore mi...ma wuwa be aronipin"

 I conclude with the words of Fr. J. Pichappilly, "The world is full of People who are desperate need of neighbour. We cannot pass by the needy untouched and untouchable. Be merciful and get involved with others who suffer."

Happy Sunday dear one.

 Fr. Balogun Stephen

Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan