TIME FOR STORY

 *MONDAY, September 4, 2023* 


Weekday (22)

First Reading. 1Thessalonians 4: 13-18

Psalm. 96: 1, 3-5, 11-13 (R.  13b)

Gospel. Luke 4: 16-30


TOPIC FOR REFLECTION


 *A PROPHET HAS NO VALUE IN PLACE.* 


STORY! STORY!.......STORY.


Once upon a time, there was a man called Rev. Fr. John who was born in Abule in Lagos, he had both his primary and secondary school there in Abule, Lagos. 

His friends and acquaintances are the local guys with whom they grew together. 

He was very active in the Church and of course, his weaknesses were all known to his family members, his friends, his church members, and his community. 

Yet, the worst is that his father is a security man in a school, while the mother sells Tomatoes and pepper to sustain the family.


Now, with this background of his, he later decided to go to the seminary to become a priest in Lagos Archdiocese. Finally, he was ordained a Priest for the Lagos Archdiocese.


After his ordination, he was celebrated, and appreciated by all family and friends, although some will wonder, you mean John is now a priest?


Do you know that someone knowing his childhood humble background may see or have these feelings about him?


1. Na wa oh, so John is now praying for me, John whom I know very well. This may run in some people's minds.

2. Few or none may go to John with strong faith to ask Him to pray for them. For any spiritual matter, they will prefer another Priest or even prefer to go to an outside Pastor, Prophet, Evangelist, or even a Traditionalist to seek spiritual assistance. In fact, some may even spend thousands to transport themselves to see a person they feel is more spiritual than Rev. Fr. John; yet, here with them is Fr. John who can attend to their spiritual problem for free.

3. I guess, knowing his humble beginning is like saying, what can he offer spiritually, seeing him as the street schoolboy of the days back. 

4. However, if there is a need for any financial assistance, among the first they call is Fr. John. As if he should please bring the church money to solve their financial problem. 


My dear, the lists are endless, Family members and friends of most Priests do not regard their brothers and friends as spiritual persons, but as financial problem solvers. It is a sad situation, but it is a reality.


The scenario enumerated above was what happened to Jesus in His hometown. Despite applauding Him for speaking very eloquently like the prophets, He was looked down upon; is this not the son of Mary whose father is a carpenter? 


Jesus reading their minds said, I know you will say I should perform the same miracle I performed in Capernaum here, and told them that a prophet is not regarded in His hometown. This made them want to stone him. 


So, my dear, if you have a priest that comes from your family, cherish him, he is also spiritual like the other priests whom you go to. 


Respect your child, brother or friend who is a priest, seek his spiritual assistance, and not only financial assistance.


 *Peace ✌️ be with you.* 


 *Rev. Fr. Segun Oladeji, CRS.* 


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