29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (MISSION SUNDAY) AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP PARISH SOKOTO.

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (MISSION SUNDAY) AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP PARISH SOKOTO. 18th October, 2026 The celebration of the Holy Mass began at 9:11a.m. with a procession led by Rev. Fr.Jude okpanchi , Rev. Fr Okolo Solomon Ositadinmma, alongside the catechist, lay readers, and altar knights. The celebration continued with the singing of the Kyrie and Gloria, followed by the Liturgy of the Word appropriate for the 29th Sunday in ordinary time. The Gospel was proclaimed by Rev. Okolo Solomon Ositadinmma, from the Gospel according to John Theme: United in Christ, Called to Salvation and Witnessing to God’s Love In today’s homily, we are reminded that Beloved in Christ, today’s readings remind us that God’s love is not limited to a particular tribe, nation, or group of people. His salvation is offered to all who seek Him sincerely, believe in Him, and walk according to His will. In the first reading, the Lord declares that even foreigners who join themselves to Him, serve Him, and keep His covenant will be welcomed into His holy mountain. God calls His house a house of prayer for all peoples. This teaches us that nobody should be rejected because of their background, social status, or origin. If God welcomes all who come to Him in faith, we too must learn to love, accept, and treat one another with dignity. The Responsorial Psalm invites all the nations to rejoice because the Lord has made His salvation known. God has not hidden His goodness from the world. Every day, we experience His mercy, protection, and faithfulness. Therefore, our lives should be filled with gratitude and praise. Even in difficult moments, we must remember that the Lord remains faithful to His promises. In the second reading, St Paul reminds us that salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ. To believe in our hearts and confess with our lips that Jesus is Lord means more than simply speaking His name. It means trusting Him, obeying His word, and allowing His teachings to transform our daily lives. St Paul also asks an important question: How can people believe if they have not heard the message? This is a call for every Christian to become a witness of the Gospel through our words, actions, kindness, and love. In the Gospel, Jesus prays for His disciples and asks the Father to protect them, sanctify them in the truth, and make them one. Our Lord knows that division weakens our witness, while unity reveals the love of God to the world. Jesus desires that we live in unity, just as He and the Father are one. Sadly, many families, communities, and even Christian groups are wounded by jealousy, gossip, unforgiveness, hatred, and unnecessary conflicts. We may profess one faith, yet allow pride and bitterness to separate us. Today, Jesus calls us to examine our hearts. Are we instruments of peace or causes of division? Do our words bring people closer to God, or drive them away? Christian unity does not mean that we must all be identical. It means that, despite our differences, we remain united in love, truth, humility, and faith in Christ. Dear brothers and sisters, our mission is clear: to welcome others as God welcomes them, to proclaim the Good News as St Paul teaches us, and to live in the unity for which Jesus prayed. Let us not merely speak about God's love; let us demonstrate it in our homes, workplaces, churches, and communities. May our lives become a living Gospel that draws others to Christ. May our faith overcome prejudice, our love overcome hatred, and our unity become a testimony to the presence of God among us. Let us pray 🙏 : Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for offering salvation to all peoples. Strengthen our faith, sanctify us in Your truth, and unite us in Your love. Remove every spirit of hatred, division, jealousy, and unforgiveness from our hearts. Make us courageous witnesses of Your Gospel and instruments of peace in our families, our Church, and the world. May everyone who encounters us experience Your goodness and come to know Your saving love. Amen. May the love of Christ unite us, the truth of God guide us, and the joy of salvation remain with us always. Amen! The Liturgy of the Eucharist followed, culminating in the consecration of the Holy Eucharist. The faithful received Holy Communion with deep reverence and devotion. The Mass concluded at 11:20a.m. with the final blessings imparted by Rev. Fr. Okolo Solomon Ositadinmma #SundayHomily #CatholicFaith #Isaiah56 #Psalm98 #Romans10 #John17 #UnityInChrist #GodsLove #SalvationForAll #FaithInJesus #ProclaimTheGospel #ChristianUnity #CatholicChurch #WordOfGod #JesusChrist #PrayerAndFaith #GospelReflection #BeAnInstrumentOfPeace #Amen ✍️ Pascal chibueze