Fr. Immanuel Unekwuojo Ogu

This year... We will still trust God, Shall we? #NewYear – at Shintaku, Nigeria

The God who is Almighty! He will not fail you, He will not leave you, He will hold you by the hand and lead you through the valleys and the hills. Hold on to Him, in the heart of the fire. You will not be burnt. You will not tire! He will be God for you today, tomorrow, and the day after forever! -Isaiah 43:2 – at Abuja, Nigeria

Homework... On some days, I have the grace to do homework with the twins Ọjọ́numa (Kianna) and her sister Ọjọ́niko (Gianna) when they are around, and it's an amazing feeling. I get to learn new things and even relearn old things I knew before in new ways. It's always a great and humbling experience! I also think about the scores and results when they submit, wondering if I got all the sums right... You know! But then again, this is not just about the twins' sums. Just like their homework, we all have to do 'homework' in life and living. In filling in the gaps, cutting and gluing, counting and balancing in real life. The filling may come with cuts, shaking, and pulling that can hurt real people and strain relationships and connections. People's mental state even be forever altered and sadly so. The tremors and eventual quakes are necessities and the home work a conducive 'sine qua non'. If you find yourself doing the homework or getting hard-knocked in the sum of someone else's homework, take the chance, ask God for the grace to not become a deep end or be lost in the deep end of it all. Be kind when you do your sums of life, and give yourself and others all the graces you can afford to give. And on the days when the homework is a 'God' one, keep your heart longing, your soul thirsty, and your spirit hungry enough to do a few sums between you and your God. It will stick, I promise! There's more to say, but I just want to say hold on to yours and make it count. Just tip the odds and love yours! I have and I still do until the end. Immanuel Unekwuojo Ogu Friend, Brother, Lover, PRiEST . . . #surepriest #fadaiscoming #grace #blessings #digitalpulpit – at Abuja, Nigeria

THE OTHERS SUNDAY November 08 2026 Wis. 6:12-16 ||1 Thess. 4:13-18 ||Matt. 25:1-13 Dear pilgrim, today I am going out on a limb to tell you that sometimes, hear me, sometimes, you do not have to be exceptionally religious, particularly kind, or even a good person to avoid certain disasters in life. All you need is to have some sense! Let me explain. In Matthew 25:1-13, the foolish virgins were not necessarily wicked; they were simply unprepared. And sometimes, that is all it takes to lose an opportunity you prayed so hard for. Wisdom is not just knowing what to do; it is having the sense to do it at the right time, perhaps with, to, and for the right people, and in the right place too. As the first reading tells us, wisdom is readily found by those who seek her. Like the wise virgins, many of us have worked hard to bring some extra oil, spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. But here is where I want to challenge you. There are the wise, the foolish, and THE OTHERS, those who do not even bother to show up for the wedding at all! This speaks to the dangerous culture of nonchalance in our time and clime, sometimes disguised as enlightenment. We have people who no longer pray, no longer care, and no longer seek God, yet are quick to dismiss everything about faith. Yes, question things. Use your reason. Test every spirit, as Scripture teaches. But do not confuse audacious ignorance with intelligence, or a crisis of faith with freedom. Some may simply be acting out their traumas, even those of us in ministry. Do not throw away your faith because someone has packaged rebellion beautifully on social media. Bring some EXTRA oil of wisdom, common sense, trust in God, love for yourself and others, and right living. Your faith needs preparation, not just public declaration. The ask today is not so simple, but it is doable. Stay awake! Keep your heart longing, your soul thirsty, and your spirit hungry for God. As St. Paul admonishes the Thessalonians, desist from the hopelessness of living as though tomorrow is guaranteed, or as though somebody else can do your praying, loving, forgiving, and preparing for you. So, let us live prepared, not frightened; hopeful, not careless; faithful, not indifferent. I pray for you today. May we never be locked out in the dark, cold nights of life and beyond when the Bridegroom comes, and may we have enough oil, whatever yours is, to keep our lamps burning, even through the longest nights of our souls. God bless you! – at Abuja, Nigeria

A prayer for you in November! May you find the grace and light to journey through life in all its fullness. May you find strength in moments of weakness, hope in seasons of uncertainty, and succour in difficult times. May life be kinder to you, may your heart find peace, and may God's goodness meet you at every turn. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – at Abuja, Nigeria

Amen! . . . #surepriest #fadaiscoming #grace #allsoulsday #digitalpulpit – at Abuja, Nigeria

ALL SOULS DAY! For the ones we've loved and lost, Lord, have mercy! May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen! 2 Maccabees 12:46 – at Abuja, Nigeria

CROWDED ALL SAINTS -SUNDAY November 1, 2026 Apocalypse 7:2-4,9-14 ||1 John 3:1-3 ||Matthew 5:1-12a Dear Pilgrim, don't not let them whine you ooo! You are worth all the blessings you receive. You see eh! That same glory Scripture says we fell short of because of sin is still the glory God wants us to share in (Romans 3:23). All of us! Yet every day, we wake up to the evil one trying to convince us that we have lost our place before the mercy seat. Through our mistakes, past failures, people's opinions, and even the things we regret, the accuser keeps telling us we are not good enough. Do gree for anybody! I would like to remind you that you are not alone in this journey. John sees a great multitude, so many that nobody could count them, standing before God's throne, dressed in white. They came through great tribulations, but they made it! If we have fallen short of glory, it means there is still glory to rise and return to. The accuser can remind you of where you fell, but he cannot stop God's mercy from lifting you. People may keep calling you by your mistakes, but God calls you "child," and that is exactly what we are! So, when doubts crowd your heart, go to God, submitting in prayer, and say, "You can tell me, my Lord." He is always willing and ready to breathe life into your spirit. He is God like that! The Lord is willing to lead us up the hill and speak His words into our lives, for His words are spirit and life. In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes, showing us that the blessed life is not necessarily the loudest, richest, most comfortable, or most celebrated life. In our times and climes, where everybody wants to trend, win arguments, show off achievements, pull others down, and prove a point, Jesus teaches us another way. You may be crowded by bills, family expectations, unanswered prayers, workplace pressure, sickness, disappointments, or people constantly dangling your past before you, but do not allow the crowd around you to drown the voice of God within you. Today, we are called to acknowledge God's love in the world and before the world. Empty your heart of the pride, bitterness, hatred, and attachments to sin that crowd out His grace. Being blessed is not about having everything go your way; it is about belonging to God and allowing Him to shape the way you live. Be gentle. Be merciful. Make peace. Stand for what is right, even when it costs you. We are God's children now, and we shall see Him as He really is. I pray for you today that we may be strong enough to choose God amidst the crowd. Amen. Fr. Immanuel Unekwuojo Ogu Catholic Diocese of Idah . . . #surepriest #fadaiscoming #solemnityofallsaints #digitalpulpit – at Abuja, Nigeria

Dear You, Whatever burdens you, please bring them to God in prayer while you do your own possible bit. He hears you; He can hold your pain, even the pain you cannot explain. He bring you joy too. May you find the peace you seek today. Amen! 1 Peter 5:7 – at Abuja, Nigeria

Tired thoughts after midnight, If there is even a 1% chance, fight. That's what Affie showed me, and she was right. Against the forces, you will helplessly light, But find a dangling strand of grace and hold tight. In your pushing season or your pulling season, Don't fret; you will not perish in that prison. Do not flee every time you seem to find a reason. May it be what it is, your heart is not freezing. Red flags and bulls, White flags and rules. . . . #surepriest #fadaiscoming #grace #poetry #digitalpulpit – at Abuja, Nigeria

God is the ZIG to your ZAG! When the road of life takes crooked turns, God remains faithful. When you wander, He calls you back. When you stumble, He offers you His hand. When you lose your way, His love keeps pointing you home. Dear Pilgrim, your life may be zigzagging, but you are never beyond the reach of God’s love. Even when your path takes unexpected turns, God knows how to lead you home. - Isaiah 30:21 – at Abuja, Nigeria

Yes He is! . . . #surepriest #fadaiscoming #grace #blessings #digitalpulpit – at Abuja, Nigeria

ZIG-ZAG SUNDAY, October 25, 2026 Exodus 22:20-26 ||1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 ||Matthew 22:34-40 Dear Pilgrim, today we are called to love up to God and love around us to our fellow humans. In Exodus 22:20-26, God mercifully turns up the answer page for us, reminding us to care for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger, one of whom is set before us at every turn in life. Love is not just what we profess in church; it is how we treat the poor, the vulnerable, the stranger, and even those who cannot repay our kindness. Lord, have mercy! But then again, I would like to tell you about those days when push comes to shove, when our portion in life becomes an endless, dark, dreary, and miry stretch of zigzag paths, and the self we should love our neighbors like becomes hard to love. Sometimes, the person who needs your love most is you. When shame, fear, guilt, despair, betrayal, or disappointment leaves you struggling to find yourself, loving others can become an uphill task. Perhaps you have been orphaned, widowed, or estranged from God spiritually, physically, emotionally, or mentally by the idolatrous choices you have made in your desperate bid to find yourself again. But do not let your brokenness become an excuse to break others. Neither should your pain become a prison that keeps you from receiving love. Hear me today! God is the zig to your zag! In Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Notice that last part. You cannot keep pouring from a heart you refuse to let God heal. And you cannot claim to love God while cheating your worker, humiliating your spouse, insulting people online, or ignoring the hungry person at your gate. Our faith must show in our choices. As St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians, the Gospel is meant to transform the way we live. God loves you that much. Reach for Him, and let His love teach you how to become loving, lovable, and worthy of love. See ehn! Do all it takes to not lose yourself in bitterness, self-hatred, or indifference. Return to God. Forgive yourself. Seek help when you need it. Make amends where you have caused hurt. Show kindness to someone who is struggling. You are made in the image and likeness of a God who is love. You were made to love and be loved. May He grant us the grace to bring His hand and His heart to the world in love and more. God bless you! . . . #surepriest #fadaiscoming #grace #blessings #digitalpulpit – at Abuja, Nigeria

Pápá Johannes II... Priest, Bishop, Pope, then saint, It was worth the whole strait. The Pope who made an era count, Flung doors open for fresh air and grace to mount. The One of whom grace asked more than enough, Built through pain, blessed, and left tough. Left home with a promise of waiting chains, But came back with a heart open to heaven's gains. Marked for doom, Yet crowned under Peter's dome. Walked the earth, To bear God's grace-scented breath. For always until today A saint who still holds us to this day! Amidst our daily fuss Pope Saint John Paul II, pray for us! . . . #surepriest #fadaiscoming #grace #blessings #digitalpulpit – at Abuja, Nigeria

The word for you today is PEACE. In all you do today, may you find peace of mind, peace in your body, and peace in your soul. May your heart be calm, your burdens be lighter, and your steps be ordered by God. May you be blessed beyond your expectations and become a blessing to yourself and everyone who encounters you today. No worry eh... E go soon enter! What God has prepared for you will not miss you. Keep the faith. Do your best. God is at work! Numbers 6:24–26 – at Abuja, Nigeria

Dogs, gravel, and grace... That is what I want to tell you about from 'ere I sit. Spending time with this little guy named Rain, Who looks to me as though he knows the pain. Let me tell you ab't one of my dogs named Caesar. A German shepherd, he was a really loyal pleaser. By his name, he asked for all that belonged to him, And the chances of me refusing were always slim. Always telling me a tale of me, my life, and God. Yes, the One who for my sake did shed His blood, That we all might not fall with a deafening thud, Stuck and led for good by His crook and loving rod. Many times we have groped in dust and gravel, Called to be lost under the weight and the gavel. We used to think we had it figured out, Until we were thrown off and fell out, Left standing on our lost limbs and unpaid dues, Wandering and wondering about in the blues, Now believing that love is painful, Forgetting that God is faithful. Grit failed but for the Almighty and His grace, Watch'n the little guy make my feet His lighted place. I think of you, him, her, then me and all of us, And I lose the reason to make a fuss. Come back home from earth's breadth'n length. Be done searching for a new way to repent. So if you can hear me, I came to tell it all: That in the gravel, there is grace after a bad fall. . ©Immanuel Unekwuojo Ogu FR. 1810'26 – at Abuja, Nigeria

HEADS! SUNDAY, October 18, 2026 Isa 45:1,4-6 ||1 Thess 1:1-5 ||Matthew 22:15-21 Dear Pilgrim, some days God uses you to lift another; other days, He sends someone to lift you. Such are His beautiful ways. In Isaiah 45:1, He holds Cyrus by the right hand to subdue nations. There are battles you will win because God strengthens your hands, and others you will survive because He sends someone to hold you up. Never be too proud to receive help or too busy to offer it. Today, ask yourself: whose burden is God asking me to carry, and whose hand must I humbly allow Him to send my way? The hard truth is that walking with God requires the grit and grace to stay steady and consistently dedicated to the same God you have chosen. On some days, He holds us by the right hand to subdue nations spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, and more. On some other days, He holds others by the right hand to subdue nations for your sake. In 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, we see faith, love, and hope at work. We are called to subdue nations for each other in prayer, constantly remembering one another in faith, love, and hope. It is a duty we owe others and a blessing we receive from God through others. Do not be so proud that you cannot ask for help, or so selfish that you cannot become help for someone else. While reaching for the grace to help and the grace to be helped, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God. This is not a 50/50 arrangement between God and Caesar. Return to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, including what God has placed in your hands for the common good, and give God all that belongs to Him. Your taxes, civic duties, honesty at work, and responsible citizenship matter. You cannot cheat your customers, falsify figures, collect a bribe, or misuse public funds and then hide behind your prayers, tithes, and offerings. E no go work! Give Caesar what is Caesar's, but never give Caesar the place that belongs to God. No politician, employer, relationship, or earthly power deserves the worship that belongs to your Creator. Dear pilgrim, do not allow the things God gives you to become the things that take you away from Him. Give God all the glory and power, and be fully declared for Him, so that He can be fully God for you, to you, by you, for others, and for nations. May God give you the grace to be a blessing and the humility to receive one. May God be Head over all for you. Amen.