By Juliana Uzoka

For parishioners of St. Murumba Catholic Church, the gateway to thanksgiving lies in devotion, adoration, and commitment to God.

This was the crux of the 2024 Thanksgiving and Harvest Sunday, themed “Supernatural Overflow and New Dawn,” which took place on November 17 at St. Murumba Catholic Church, Jos.

The officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Adebo of Holy Family Parish, Doka Santi, Kano Diocese, and Chaplain of the Charismatic Renewal in his diocese, emphasized the importance of connecting the “mind, body, and heart” to God in thanksgiving. “These should be attuned to the process of thanksgiving,” he said. He added that deep reflections in prayer help the faithful better understand the significance of thanksgiving.

Underscoring the importance of devotion, Father Adebo stated that God values heartfelt dedication more than monetary gifts. “This goes to show we appreciate God through this aspect of our life,” he explained.

The Mass which held in two parts—6 a.m. and 10 a.m.—was officiated by Rev. Fr. Adebo, with the parish priest and his assistant co-celebrating at each session. Although the sermons were identical, the 10 a.m. High Mass had a vibrant blend of participants, including students from Ganaka International School for the Physically Challenged, alongside many other parishioners.

During the homily, Fr. Adebo warned against being mere spectators in church. He lamented the lack of participatory spirit among some congregants, noting that such attitudes cause them to miss out on God’s blessings. “Key into the activities to receive God’s blessings,” he urged, emphasizing the need to “watch and pray” in these perilous times.

Reflecting on the Gospel of Mark 13:24-32, Fr. Adebo highlighted Jesus’ warning to beware of false prophets who claim knowledge of the end times. He reminded the congregation, “But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

He recounted instances of false prophecies causing panic and misguided actions, including a prediction of a three-day solar eclipse that led to frantic purchases of candles and a denomination urging its members to sell their belongings in preparation for the rapture. “Another woman even aborted her pregnancy to be ‘lighter’ for the rapture,” he said, emphasizing the dangers of ignorance and a lack of scriptural understanding. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my Word will never pass away until it accomplishes what it was meant to do,” he reminded them.

The priest urged the faithful to hold fast to God’s Word and apply it to their lives. He listed four realities of life—death, judgment, heaven, and hell—and admonished them to sow seeds in the lives of priests and religious, support neighbors in need, and shun self-centeredness.

In concluding his sermon, Fr. Adebo shared nuggets for a successful life, emphasizing three key principles:

First, the Spoken Word: “Be conscious of what you say to people and what you commit to.” Secondly, time: “Time is everything. It portends the fulfillment of one’s ambition.” And lastly, he said –  Opportunity: “It sometimes presents itself only once in a lifetime. Learn to grab opportunities so that God can change your story.”

Speaking to TWE News, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Cyril Deshi, who celebrated his 33rd anniversary on November 16, called on the faithful to live lives worthy of heaven. “Those who exhibit the spirit of gratitude are most likely to succeed in life, while those lacking it are susceptible to depression and more prone to commit suicide,” he said.

Fr. Deshi further advised against playing God, urging the faithful to allow God to take preeminence in their lives. He noted, “God loves cheerful givers and people with grateful hearts.” Sharing his favorite Bible verses, Psalms 145-150, he emphasized their themes of thanksgiving and praise.

Parishioners echoed similar sentiments. Laity Council Chairman Valentine Afukwandu advised that Thanksgiving should be a daily practice. He also remembered deceased parishioners, praying for the repose of their souls.

Furthermore, Princess Ada Okasa, Chairman of the Thanksgiving and Harvest Committee, highlighted gratitude as a virtue she learned early in life. “God will never allow a giver to be put to shame,” she said.

Sharing her view, Handmaid Chioma Obi likened thanksgiving to the biblical story of the leper who received complete healing after expressing gratitude to Jesus. She expressed joy at the parish’s spiritual approach to thanksgiving, describing it as a deeply prayerful exercise.

The multi-ethnic nature of Plateau State was on full display, with various groups adorning attires of cultural and religious significance, embodying the spirit of togetherness and unity in God. Despite challenges such as banditry and displacement in the region, the day’s celebrations were vibrant and uplifting.

The Holy Mass, typically solemn, transformed into a lively event with energetic gospel songs by the choir and Fr. Adebo’s musical infusions into his sermon. Parishioners danced joyfully, while groups processed with halters symbolizing cows, which were offered to the Lord as tokens of gratitude.

The Thanksgiving processions involved men, women, youth, and children, with every group fully represented. Highpoints included the Exposition of the Holy Eucharist, seed sowing, altar calls, declarations, petitions, sprinkling of holy water, and incense burning.

Parishioners expressed gratitude to God for a successful Thanksgiving and expressed confidence in God’s continued faithfulness in their lives.