Father Oyode

Do not date, marry or enter into long term business relationship with anyone who says “I prioritise my happiness over everything ”. They are operating at the lowest level of consciousness. At elevated consciousness, PURPOSE trumps Emotions. Many times, I have done things that didn’t make me happy but were necessary for the fulfilment of my purpose.
Sometimes, I have endured relationships that didn’t make me happy but were relevant for my purpose.

Those who prioritise happiness never truly become happy. They are always in pursuit of happiness in clubs, alcohol, drvgs, s*x addiction or obsessed with money. They are addicted to the euphoria called happiness. They leave relationships that no longer give them butterflies in their tummy even if that relationship has a potential to lead to a great future for them. They are controlled by feelings and not purpose.

Everyone else can be driven by the feeling of happiness, but not you who’s carrying the seed of greatness. You will be uncomfortable sometimes. You will endure some painful but purposeful relationships. You will stay away from drvg or alcohol addiction because they destroy the cells in your brain vital to your pursuit of a higher purpose. You must enjoy happiness like a passing feeling - enjoy it momentarily and let it pass while you focus on Reality.

I have never prioritised my happiness. I just focus on getting things done - building things that solve social, scientific , technological or economic problems. While at it, I face unhappy moments and sometimes, I get a little dose of fun. I treat both the unhappy moments and the happy moments the same way - as euphoria. My focus is on the goal - not the feelings that I encounter on my way to securing the goal.

Stop walking away from people because they no longer make you happy. Only walk away if they no longer align with your values, vision and purpose.

My name is Charles Awuzie and I have evolved beyond feelings of happiness.

Feel free to share

📌

We walk through October with Mary

The skull, the red robe, the books a d writing materials, the candle and light - St. Jerome

Before today ends, let us quickly meet the "man of the day" - a saintly biblical scholar, exegete, theologian, Priest and doctor of the Church, and also the significance of the elements associated with him: the skull, red robe, books and writing materials, candlelight; and above all, his shortcomings (weaknesses)

Saint Jerome was born around the year 347 AD, likely in Stridon, a town on the border of Dalmatia and Pannonia in the Roman Empire. Jerome was ordained as a priest around 379 AD in Antioch. Saint Jerome's role in the compilation of the Bible primarily revolves around his translation of the Vulgate, which significantly influenced the biblical canon recognized by the Western Church. The name "Vulgate" comes from the Latin word vulgata, meaning "common" or "commonly used," illustrating its role as the Bible for the ordinary or common people who spoke Latin.

As a Biblical Scholar and Exegete, Jerome was commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 AD to produce a reliable and unified Latin translation, as various Latin versions were in circulation, and many were inconsistent. Jerome translated the Old Testament directly from the Hebrew texts (instead of the Greek Septuagint, which had been used in earlier translations), and he revised the New Testament from earlier Latin versions. The Vulgate was declared the official Latin Bible of the Roman Catholic Church and it continued to be the foundational text for Catholic theology, liturgy, and teaching for centuries.

When Jerome is portrayed in art, he is often depicted with several symbolic elements, which are: the skull, red robe, books and writing materials, candlelight, etc. The skull symbolizes the transience of life and the inevitability of death, reminding viewers of the importance of living a life oriented towards God and eternal values. The red robe is reflective of a cardinal's robe, despite never being a cardinal as we know today. This attire is anachronistic but symbolizes his status as a Church leader and scholar. The book and writing instruments represent Jerome's scholarly pursuits, particularly his work on translating the Bible, reflecting his contributions to Christian theology and education. While the candle or light is sometimes included to signify the light of wisdom or the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding his translations and teachings.

One of Jerome's major shortcomings was his temper. He was known for his quick temper and often "sharp tongue." He did not shy away from vehemently defending his theological positions, which sometimes led to strained relationships and conflicts with other scholars and church figures.

He died on September 30, 420 AD, in Bethlehem, where he had spent much of his later life in a monastic community that he had founded along with some of his close followers, including Paula and Eustochium. Saint Jerome is recognized as the patron saint of translators, librarians, and scholars, particularly those involved in the study of the Bible and theology. His extensive work in translating the Scriptures and his deep commitment to scholarly pursuits have made him a fitting patron for those in similar fields. His life and works continue to inspire and guide Bible scholars and theologians in their studies and spiritual growth.

Our research group in the biblical department of our University has St. Jerome as our patron, mentor and guide.

Shalom!
©️ Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri