@JustAdaugoijele Happiest of birthdays to you, ma. May the blessings, graces and protection of God Almighty be upon your life today, tomorrow and always, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
This is wishing you many more beautiful and fulfilling years ahead, in peace of mind, joy and abundance.
Cheers!
DOES JESUS ACTUALLY HATE POVERTY AND POOR PEOPLE?
Recently, a Nigerian pastor and the founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie claimed that Jesus never visited a poor man’s house and that Jesus hates poverty and poor people. This teaching is not only erroneous but both disturbing and misleading. Such falsehood should not be allowed to spread as it will contaminate the Gospel of Christ.
Looking at the ministry of Jesus Christ, Jesus himself defines his mission in these terms: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me... He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor...” (Luke 4:18). This text is foundational to understanding the mission and ministry of Christ. The poor were the primary audience of Jesus’ ministry.
The assertion that Jesus “never visited a poor man's house” lacks scriptural backing. For one, Peter’s house (Mark 1:29-31), where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, was not a mansion. Peter was a fisherman, a working-class man - not a wealthy aristocrat.
What about Mary, Martha, and Lazarus who fed Jesus and his disciples? Yes, they gave Jesus food, but nowhere does Scripture say they were “rich.” They were hospitable, not wealthy by biblical standards. Hospitality does not equate wealth (Luke 10:38–42; John 12:1–8).
In Luke 6:20, Jesus praised the poor: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” And in Luke 6:24, he rebuked the rich: “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” Clearly, Jesus did not “hate poor people.”
Let’s be very clear: Poverty is not a virtue, but neither is wealth a sign of divine approval. Jesus never taught prosperity as a gospel. He taught surrender, sacrifice, love, and justice. If we follow the logic that “Jesus hates poverty = He hates poor people,” then what do we do with Matthew 25:35-40, where he identifies with the poor? “I was hungry, and you gave me food... naked, and you clothed me…” He says, “Whatever you did to the least, you did to Me.”
As a matter of fact, Jesus became poor himself: “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that through His poverty, you might become rich.” (2 Cor 8:9) The “riches” here are not material but spiritual grace and salvation.
Nowhere in the Gospels did Jesus equate financial prosperity with holiness or divine favor as taught by many men and women of God today. Remember the rich young ruler (Matt 19:16–24) who came to Jesus asking what he could do to possess eternal life? Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. Jesus did not applaud his wealth; He challenged it.
In the early Church, believers sold their possessions and distributed to those in need (Acts 4:32-35). The apostles did not teach that faith would make everyone materially rich - but that in Christ, we have all we need. To preach that Jesus hates the poor is not just bad theology, it is a moral and pastoral error. It alienates and discriminates the very people Jesus came to comfort (see Isaiah 61:1) and promotes a gospel of greed, not grace.
Let us please be properly guided. Jesus does not hate the poor. He loves them, walks with them, and includes them at His table. Let us be cautious of any gospel that forgets the cross and idolizes cash. It is not the Gospel of Christ.
Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch
THE SEX YOU MUST NOT HAVE 😳
The Consequences of Sexual Sin
Sex is sacred. God created it for the sanctity of marriage, yet many have perverted it, leading to destruction, suffering, and damnation. St. Alphonsus Liguori warns:
"Many who are in hospitals suffer because of the consequences of sexual sin."
The Bible repeatedly condemns immoral sexual acts, warning of divine punishment and the influence of demons over those who defile their bodies.
Here are the types of sex you must NEVER engage in:
1. Sex with a Boyfriend, Girlfriend, Live-In Partner, or Married Outside the Church: A Cursed and Unholy Union
Sex outside the Sacrament of Matrimony is fornication. Living together without a valid Church marriage is an offense against God, inviting spiritual curses and demonic influence.
An exorcist once revealed that Satan warned him never to bring couples to a Church wedding, saying, "These couples living in an unholy union already belong to me." This statement aligns with the reality that sin separates us from God and gives the devil a stronghold over souls.
1. Hebrews 13:4 – "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge."
2. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10*– "Know you not that the unjust shall not possess the kingdom of God? Do not err: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers… shall possess the kingdom of God."
A True Marriage is Blessed by God
A valid sacramental marriage strengthens couples against the devil’s attacks. A wedding outside the Church lacks divine blessing, leaving the couple vulnerable to spiritual harm. Will you choose God’s blessing or remain under the devil’s claim? The choice is yours.
2. Sex with a Married Man or Woman – Adultery is a grave sin. "Thou shalt not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14)
3. Sex with Your Boss – No job is worth your soul. If harassed, resign and trust God for a better opportunity.
4. Sex with a Spiritual Mentor (Pastor, Priest, or Advisor) – It is a sacrilege to defile a spiritual bond. It is better to die than to scandalize the faithful. "Woe to him by whom scandals come!" (Luke 17:1)
5. Sex for Grades or Promotion – A righteous person will trust in God's providence rather than trade dignity for temporary gain.
6. Sex with In-laws, Siblings, or Relatives – Incest is detestable before God. "None of you shall approach any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the Lord." (Leviticus 18:6)
7. Sex with Neighbors or Colleagues – This complicates life and leads to emotional and spiritual damage.
8. Sex with Platonic Friends – Friendship is meant to be pure. Do not corrupt it with lust.
Sex Before Marriage (Fornication) – "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from fornication." (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
9. Sex with Homosexuals and Lesbians – God created man and woman for marriage. "Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind: because it is an abomination." (Leviticus 18:22). It is a sin that cries heaven for vengeance. There are many crimes that happened on this sexual affair.
10. Sex with Animals (Bestiality) – "Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to be defiled therewith." (Leviticus 18:23)
11. Masturbation, Pornography, and Use of Sex Toys – These acts are disordered and separate the purpose of sex from its sacred function.
THE EVIL CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL SIN
Sexual immorality brings curses upon individuals and society. It opens doors to demonic oppression, sickness, and poverty. Many suffer because of the sins of the flesh.
The Fate of Sodom and Gomorrah – These cities were destroyed by fire because of homosexuality and sexual perversion. "And the Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven." (Genesis 19:24)
Lent is a 40-day journey of transformation.
Prayer - Deepen your relationship with God.
Fasting - Detach from distractions.
Almsgiving - Love your neighbor.
Make this Lent count!
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ, when I lie down,
Christ, when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
An umbrella cannot stop the rain but it allows us to stand in the rain. Faith in God may not remove our trials and burdens but it gives us strength to overcome them.