Homily for the Inauguration of St. Gabriel Pastoral Region: A Jubilee of Hope (Mark 1:21-26)

By Most Rev. Francis Obafemi ADESINA

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today 14th January 2025 is a momentous occasion in the life of our Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, as we gather to inaugurate the St. Gabriel Pastoral Region. It is a day of thanksgiving, joy, and, above all, hope. In the light of this Jubilee of Hope, we are reminded of God’s enduring presence in our lives and in the life of our local Church.

The Gospel passage from Mark 1:21-26 is presented for our reflection as we gather to inaugurate the St. Pastoral Region and the Episcopal Vicar appointed for this Region, Very Rev. Fr. Jude-Marie EZEIGBO will make a public profession of his Catholic Faith and take Oath office. The word of the Lord call our attentions to see powerful themes of the Gospel passage: Themes of liberation, authority, and renewal that speak to the heart of our journey together in this new pastoral region.

The Power of Jesus’ Authority

The Gospel of Mark opens a glimpse into the early ministry of Jesus. It tells us that Jesus entered the synagogue in Capernaum, and as He taught, the people were amazed. They were struck not only by the content of His teaching but by the authority with which He spoke. “He taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes” (Mark 1:22).

What does this authority mean for us, especially as we begin this new chapter with the St. Gabriel Pastoral Region? The authority of Jesus is not simply a matter of power or control; it is the authority of God’s truth, authority of love, and authority of healing. It is the authority that brings order to chaos, light to darkness, and hope to despair. In this Jubilee of Hope, my dear brother-Priests, Consecrated Persons and beloved Laity, each one of us is invited to rediscover the power of Christ’s teaching and His presence among us. Jesus’ words have the power to transform us individually and as a community, and as pastoral region.

As we look forward to the years of pastoral work ahead in St. Gabriel Pastoral Region, we must be conscious of this authority. The authority of Christ is not something to be feared or resisted but something to be embraced and shared. We are called to be disciples who, in union with the Church, bear witness to this divine authority and bring its transformative power into our Parishes, Stations, our neighborhoods, homes, and hearts.

The Healing Power of Jesus

In the Gospel passage of Mark 1, immediately after Jesus teaches, He demonstrates His authority by casting out an unclean spirit from a man possessed by it. “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Jesus commands, and the unclean spirit obeys (Mark 1:25). This dramatic event underscores the dual power of Christ: His authority to teach and His power to heal.

As we inaugurate the St. Gabriel Pastoral Region, we are reminded once again that the Church’s mission is not only to teach but also, to heal. The world around us is wounded by so many forms of suffering—sickness, poverty, despair, division, and injustice. The world is in need of healing, and we, as the Body of Christ, are called to bring Christ’s healing touch into these areas of brokenness in our society beginning from our parishes and stations.

The Jubilee of Hope invites us to become instruments of healing in the lives of those we encounter. This is not just a spiritual or sacramental healing but a call to be present to the physical, emotional, and social needs of our brothers and sisters. Like Christ, we must respond with compassion and action, bringing the message of hope to those who need it most.

The Mission of St. Gabriel Pastoral Region

The name of our new region, St. Gabriel, is significant. St. Gabriel is known as the messenger of God, sent to announce great moments of salvation, like the annunciation to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) and the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20). Gabriel’s role is one of bringing hope through the message he delivers.

In this Jubilee of Hope, we are called to be messengers like St. Gabriel, bearing the good news of Christ’s saving love and power. This pastoral region is a new beginning, a fresh opportunity to serve as bearers of hope in our Diocese. It is a call to be evangelists in our communities, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and its transformative power. As we embark on this mission, we are reminded that no matter how small our efforts may seem, they are significant in the eyes of God.

A Jubilee of Hope: A Call to Renewal

A Jubilee year is a time for renewal, a time for grace and transformation. It is an opportunity to reset our lives and our commitments. Today, we are not just inaugurating a new pastoral region; we are inaugurating a new season of grace for our Diocese. A season where we renew our faith, rediscover our mission, and deepen our communion with one another.

The Gospel of Mark reminds us that Jesus came to bring us a new reality. His words and actions were not just about curing physical ailments but about bringing about a spiritual renewal in the hearts of His followers. As we embark on this Jubilee of Hope, let us renew our commitment to the mission of Christ. Let us recommit ourselves to living as His disciples, spreading His message of peace, reconciliation, and healing.

Conclusion

As we celebrate the inauguration of the St. Gabriel Pastoral Region, let us remember the powerful message of today’s Gospel: the authority of Jesus to teach and heal, and the invitation to become messengers of hope. The challenges of the world may seem daunting, but as we celebrate this Jubilee of Hope, we trust that Christ’s authority is with us. He calls us, like St. Gabriel, to bring His message of hope and salvation to all.

May this new pastoral region be a source of blessing and grace for all who live within it. May it be a place where the light of Christ shines brightly, where the broken are healed, and where every person encounters the transforming love of God. As we go forward together, let us be filled with hope—hope in the power of the Gospel, hope in the healing of our communities, and hope in the eternal promises of Christ.

May God bless the St. Gabriel Pastoral Region, and may His peace be with all of us as we embark on this new journey together.

Amen.