The Catholic faithful of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Funtua, gathered on Sunday, 4 October 2026, to celebrate the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time with a solemn Eucharistic celebration centred on the call to bear good fruits in response to God’s love, blessings and trust.

The Holy Mass commenced at 6:15 a.m. with a procession led by Rev. Fr. John Ochekwu, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Reuben Ahmodu, seminarians, the catechist, lay readers and altar knights.

The celebration continued with the singing of the Kyrie and Gloria, followed by the Liturgy of the Word proper to the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Gospel: The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

The Gospel, taken from Matthew 21:33–43, was proclaimed by Rev. Fr. Reuben Ahmodu. The passage presented the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, in which Jesus used the image of a vineyard to speak about God’s relationship with His people and their responsibility to respond faithfully to His love.

“We Are God’s Vineyard”

In his homily, Rev. Fr. John Ochekwu reflected on the Parable of the Vineyard and the Tenants, drawing attention to the recurring image of the vineyard in the biblical readings.

He explained that, in the First Reading, the Prophet Isaiah uses the vineyard as an image of God’s relationship with the people of Israel. God planted His vineyard, carefully nurtured it and provided everything necessary for it to produce good fruit. Yet, despite His care, the vineyard produced wild grapes instead of the good harvest He expected.

According to Rev. Fr. John, this represents the failure of the Israelites to respond appropriately to God’s love, care and blessings. Although God had prospered and provided for His people, they responded with disobedience, injustice and sin instead of gratitude and righteousness.

The priest noted that the message remains relevant to Christians today. God has invested greatly in the lives of His children, giving them life, talents, opportunities, relationships, material resources and spiritual gifts. Like the vineyard, these gifts are expected to produce good fruits.

He identified such fruits as love, righteousness, kindness, justice, self-control, forgiveness, compassion and gratitude, stressing that it is not enough merely to receive God’s blessings. Christians must use those blessings responsibly and allow their lives to become fruitful for God and for others.

A Call to Gratitude and Responsible Stewardship

Rev. Fr. John also emphasised the importance of gratitude and responsibility, reminding the faithful that everything entrusted to them ultimately belongs to God.

He encouraged Christians to recognise their families, professions, talents, positions, possessions and even their faith as gifts that come with corresponding responsibilities. These gifts, he explained, must be used faithfully and responsibly for the good of others and the glory of God.

The priest further highlighted the importance of justice and equity, noting that God values justice and expects His people to treat others fairly. He therefore challenged the faithful to examine how their actions affect those around them, particularly the poor, vulnerable and those entrusted to their care.

“What Kind of Fruit Am I Producing for God?”

Rev. Fr. John reminded the congregation that their choices have consequences. While good choices produce good fruits, sinful and selfish decisions can ultimately lead to destruction.

Just as the owner of the vineyard expected the tenants to account for what had been entrusted to them, God also expects every Christian to give an account of how they have used the gifts and opportunities received from Him.

In conclusion, he reminded the faithful that they are God’s vineyard, carefully planted, nurtured and cared for by Him. Their lives, therefore, must bear fruits that reflect God's love and goodness.

He encouraged the congregation to undertake a personal examination of conscience and ask themselves:

“What kind of fruit am I producing for God?”

Eucharistic Celebration

Following the homily, the celebration continued with the Profession of Faith, Prayer of the Faithful, Offertory Procession and the presentation of gifts.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist followed, culminating in the consecration of the Holy Eucharist. The faithful participated reverently in Holy Communion, receiving the Body and Blood of Christ with devotion.

The Holy Mass concluded at 8:15 a.m. with the final blessings imparted by Rev. Fr. John Ochekwu.

The celebration served as a reminder to the faithful that God's blessings are accompanied by responsibility, and that every Christian is called to cultivate a life that produces good fruits of faith, love, justice and service.