By Valentine Obienyem
Fr. Lawrence Akwuba’s preaching today during the 5:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph the Worker Parish covered the three readings in a style that could be described as “homiletically ornate.” Thoughtful and well-prepared, his homily demonstrated evidence of sedulous research and conveyed the lessons with depth and clarity.
The first reading focused on Abraham’s call, and Father began by differentiating between common and personal vocations. He explained that common vocation is shared by all believers through baptism, calling each of us to live holy lives and fulfill our responsibilities according to God’s standards. In contrast, personal vocation is unique to each individual, rooted in the purpose for which God created us. Using Abraham as a prime example, Father illustrated how a personal vocation often requires courage, trust, and a willingness to leave comfort and certainty behind in obedience to God’s call.
Father then linked this distinction to Abraham’s call, using the terms call and vocation interchangeably, perhaps reflecting his grounding in Latin studies. Any priest familiar with Latin would recognize the roots: voco, vocare, vocavi, vocatum – all meaning “to call.”
Father highlighted Abraham as a quintessential example of personal vocation, illustrating how a divine call can demand courage, trust, and a willingness to leave everything familiar behind. In Abraham’s case, his obedience exemplified a profound faith that begins with hearing God’s call and culminates in faithfully following it, even into the unknown.
He explained Abraham’s situation: a pagan of seventy-five who did not yet know God, called to leave everything behind for a land of promise. Father highlighted how marvelously Abraham responded, trusting God completely. He also cited the first four apostles, who followed Christ without question, and Matthew, who left everything at Christ’s call.
As Father spoke about Abraham, I couldn’t help but connect it to Iraq. Not many people realize that Abraham was from what is now Iraq. Even the Garden of Eden is suspected to have been in this region because two of the rivers associated with it – the Tigris and Euphrates – still exist there. The ancient city of Nineveh is also in present-day Iraq. This historical and geographical context made Abraham’s journey feel even more remarkable.
Father asked, “What did God ask of Abraham?” His answer: God asked Abraham to take a leap of faith, and Abraham obeyed without seeking extraordinary signs.
He then challenged us to reflect: how often do we respond to God’s call without hesitation or doubt? Drawing the connection to Lent, Father reminded us that this season is a time to examine our own lives and renew our commitment to follow God faithfully. Just as Abraham trusted God in the unknown, we are called in our daily lives, whether at work, in business, or within our families, to act according to His standards.
A businessperson must practice honesty, a professional diligence, and all of us integrity and faithfulness in our choices, allowing God’s call to guide our actions.
Turning to the Gospel reading on the Transfiguration, Father noted that one purpose of this event was to reassure the apostles. After the profound confession at Caesarea Philippi, following which He revealed that He would journey to Jerusalem to suffer and die, the apostles were deeply troubled and uncertain about what lay ahead. The Transfiguration, Father explained, served as a moment of divine reassurance, offering them a glimpse of Christ’s glory and a direct experience of God’s presence. It was a powerful reminder that even in the face of fear, suffering, or confusion, God provides consolation and strengthens our faith. Father emphasized that in our own lives, we often seek comfort through superstition, fortune-telling, or purely human solutions, yet the true source of consolation and guidance is God Himself. By trusting in Him, especially during times of distress, we can find courage, clarity, and the spiritual renewal necessary to continue faithfully on our journey.
Father also highlighted the voice from heaven during the Transfiguration, which proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” He explained that this divine command was not only meant for the apostles in that moment but continues to echo for all believers today. Father reminded us that God speaks to us in many ways: through scripture, prayer, conscience, and the events of our daily lives, and that our spiritual growth depends on our willingness to truly listen. To listen, he emphasized, means more than hearing words; it requires attentiveness, humility, and obedience, allowing God to shape our decisions, guide our actions, and direct the course of our lives. Just as the apostles were strengthened and clarified in their mission through this divine voice, we too are called to orient our lives around God’s guidance, trusting His wisdom above our own understanding or the distractions of the world.
After Mass, I stood outside discussing with my good friend and teacher, Dr. Franklin Umeh, when Father came around. I asked him, “Father, why do you preach with the wisdom of an old priest who has gathered a lifetime of experience?” He smiled, indulgently having understood my question. I hope you too now understands it? Those around us agreed with my assessment.
I have attended his mass severally and can say with surety that Father prepares for his homilies like a soldier preparing for war. When he speaks, we are left in awe, as he delivers lessons in the mellow metaphysics of experience, even though he is still in his late twenties or early thirties.
Fr. Akwuba’s preaching is a remarkable combination of deep preparation, insight, and the calm authority of someone seasoned far beyond his years – what else should one expect from a qualified and trained Catholic priest?
