By Chiemeka Ugwowo, Abuja
Rev. Fr. Nicholas Djebah Preaches on Compassion, Faith and the Need to Keep Focus on Christ
Rev. Fr. Nicholas Djebah of Saint Gabriel Chaplaincy, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja, has called on Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, urging them not to allow life’s challenges and difficulties to weaken their relationship with God.
Delivering his homily during Sunday Mass on August 2, 2026, Fr. Djebah reflected on the importance of compassion, describing it as a central virtue of Christian life. He explained that compassion means “suffering with others” and accompanying people through their moments of pain, rather than simply trying to remove their struggles.
According to him, true compassion involves sharing in the experiences of others, just as God continues to walk with humanity through difficult times.
The priest used the example of mothers taking their children to school for the first time, noting that the emotional separation between mother and child can be painful, but it is also necessary for growth and development.
He said Christians must learn to accompany one another through difficult moments, adding that suffering can become a pathway through which people experience God’s presence.
Reflecting on the first reading from the Book of Isaiah, Fr. Djebah recalled the return of the Israelites from exile in Babylon and how they faced the difficult task of rebuilding their destroyed homes, temple, and communities.
He said the prophet Isaiah reminded the people that God had always provided for them, just as He provided manna, water, and guidance during their journey through the wilderness.
“God has always been faithful in providing for His people,” the priest noted, urging Christians not to pursue things that cannot truly satisfy them while neglecting their relationship with God.
Fr. Djebah expressed concern over the challenges facing society today, including hardship, insecurity, poverty, and corruption, saying these difficulties often test people’s faith and can lead some into hopelessness.
He warned that when people lose sight of Christ, they may begin to justify wrongdoing in their search for survival or personal gain.
The priest urged Christians never to take their eyes away from Christ, especially during difficult moments, stressing that nothing should separate believers from the love of God.
He encouraged the faithful to become instruments of compassion, justice, and hope by supporting those in need, speaking truth in difficult situations, and contributing to the building of a more humane and godly society.
Fr. Nicholas concluded by praying that God would strengthen believers, open their eyes to the needs of others, and grant them the courage to remain committed to living lives that reflect His love and compassion.
“May our compassion for others lead us to a deeper commitment to God and to the happiness that comes from His presence,” he prayed.
