Dear Bishop Greg, and my dearly beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, I stand before you with a heart overflowing with joy and gratitude. For the last few days I have been reflecting on my journey over the last 25th years of ministry, and I find myself deeply moved by the profound mystery of the priesthood and the fulfilling life to which God has called me. Bear with me, for my reflection today is going to be entirely on the beauty of this ministry.

My journey to the priesthood began in September 1992 when, at the age of 18, I entered the spiritual year program. That foundational period set the trajectory for my entire life. Nine years later, in 2001, at the age of 27, I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Otukpo, Nigeria. I remain eternally grateful to God, to my home Bishop and Diocese for trusting me with this sacred ministry.

Following ten fruitful years of pastoral service at home, I was sent forth on a missionary apostolate. For the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of serving the wonderful people of God across various communities in Gippsland: Morwell/Churchill, Leongatha/Korumburra/Foster/Yarram, Traralgon, and now in my current ministry here at the Cathedral Parish, Sale.

Reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew 22:34-40, I am reminded of the core ministry of the priest: leading the faithful to understand and embrace the Gospel message. This text takes us into the heart of Jesus’ controversies with the religious authorities in Jerusalem during his last days. For the purpose of this day, I want to look at just one aspect of passage: Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ question about the greatest commandment. To the question: what is the greatest commandment? Jesus responds with clarity, pointing to one word: love, which is expressed in two directions: vertically and horizontally. Jesus says,

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind… You must love your neighbour as yourself.”

In these words, Jesus challenges every single one of us to live out this double commandment of love. This is the primary call not only for the priest, but for every baptised Christian gathered here today. However, the priest bears a specific responsibility to lead the faithful in this vocation to love, just as a parent has the responsibility to teach the children same. I am particularly challenged today, knowing that I cannot authentically teach anyone to love God or our neighbour if this is not practically demonstrated in my own daily life. To do otherwise would be a deception—a form of "Pharisaism." For this reason, I humbly ask for your prayers today, that I may always practice what I teach and preach.

You may want to know (or maybe not) that the life of a priest is inherently one of sacrifice; the priest lives not for himself, but for others. This is the very essence of the love to which he is called. From the moment of his ordination, the priest pledges unconditional love for God. But, as Saint John reminds us in 1 John 4:20, we cannot love the God we cannot see if we fail to love the brother or sister we can see.

One question we may ask now is: How then do we translate this love of God to love of neighbour? The answer is not far fetched. Exodus 22:20-26 gives us some practical examples of this love: do not oppress the stranger, do not mistreat the widow or the orphan, remain diligent and kind to the poor, the marginalised, and the less privileged. So, while we demonstrate our love of God through a dedicated life of prayer, immersing ourselves in Holy Scripture, and faithfully abiding by His Word, the church calls on us to also recognise and serve God in the poor and marginalised, and be willing to extend mercy and forgiveness to others, if no other reason, for the sake of God. This can be very challenging and sacrificial sometimes, but this is the call of Jesus. And remember, charity begins at home.

25 years ago, the Bishop handed me the chalice and paten and exhorted: “Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to Him. Know what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate; model your life on the mystery of the Lord’s cross.” That final charge—to model my life on the Cross—carries the profound weight of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, which is defined entirely by love. I recall that moment each time I lift up the host, and lift up the chalice.

Today, I look back at my ten years of ministry in Nigeria and my last 15 years here in Gippsland, and my heart is full of joy. I came to Australia as a missionary, but you welcomed me as a brother, a father, and a friend. You became my family. In your kindness, your patience (even when I preach for too long), and your deep faith, I have seen the very face of Christ. You have taught me how to love.

Through the gift of the Priesthood, you allowed me entrance into your lives at the most sacred moments—to baptise your children, to bless your homes, to feed you with the Holy Eucharist, to share a meal together and share in your joys, to offer comfort and God’s mercy in times of grief. Every smile shared, every moment of laughter, every tear wiped away, and every prayer offered together (in word, in music, in singing, in liturgy), has been a profound gift to my own soul.

This brings to my mind the words of this song: “It pays to serve Jesus…”

As we continue this Holy Mass, I ask you to keep praying for me, and pray for your priests. Pray that I may continue to model my life on the mystery of the Lord’s Cross with the same joy I felt 25 years ago. Thank you, Bishop Greg, and thank you, my dear community, for walking this journey with me. May the Lord, who began this good work in us, bring it to beautiful completion. Amen.