A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Andrew Mozia have urged Christians to constantly seek divine wisdom, embrace spiritual virtues, and live lives dedicated to the service of God and humanity.
He emphasized that Christians should stop chasing vanity and selfish interests.
The Priest made the call on Sunday morning in a Homily he delivered during the celebration of Holy Mass at the Catholic Mass Centre, Maris Schools, Amachai, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State.
Delivering a deeply reflective sermon based on the parable of the ten virgins and the teachings of Saint Paul, Fr. Mozia emphasised that coming into the presence of God should never be regarded as a waste of time, but rather as an alignment with the Spirit of Wisdom.
”Without wisdom, we are finished.
“It is the spirit of wisdom that guides your utterances, your actions, and your decisions, teaching you when to speak, when to remain silent, and how to conduct yourself.
“A life without the Spirit of God is like a moving corpse,” Fr. Mozia declared.
Drawing lessons from the Gospel parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins, the Priest stressed that life does not end on earth, noting that every human being will eventually give an account of their stewardship to God.
He explained that the “extra oil” carried by the wise virgins represents Christian virtues, as well as corporal and spiritual works of mercy, which cannot be borrowed or transferred at the last minute.
”It is not enough to simply attend church, our faith and worship must reflect in the way we talk, act, and relate with others.
“Virtues are personal commitments that secure our place in heaven,” he said.
Fr. Mozia decried the prevalent culture of materialism and short-sightedness in modern society, where many live as though there is no accountability after death.
He attributed the country’s current plight to widespread selfishness among leaders and citizens alike, asserting, “we are where we are today in our country because of selfish interests, when people assume public office, they often forget about serving God and humanity.
“Life experience should teach us that everything in this world is vanity upon vanity; there is nothing you accumulate here that will follow you to the afterlife.”
He challenged public office holders and Christians to use their positions, talents, time, and treasures for the public good rather than personal enrichment.
He called on Christians to cultivate the fear of the Lord which he described as the beginning of wisdom and to consistently ask whether their thoughts, words, and actions bring glory to God and foster peace within society.
”Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied,” Fr. Mozia prayed.
The Holy Mass featured special thanksgiving by the Catholic Men Organization (CMO), families that had harvest thanksgiving, among other church activities.
