Rev. Fr. Marcel Ajoket, the Parish Priest of The Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Parish Dakabela and the Diocesan Communications Director, has called on Christians and community leaders to reaffirm their loyalty to Jesus Christ as the sole King of the universe.
He made the remarks during the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King, a major feast in the Catholic Church that marks the end of the liturgical year.
Speaking to faithful gathered for the Sunday Mass, Fr. Ajoket centered his homily on the theme of authentic leadership, sacrifice and the need to uphold Christ’s kingship above all earthly influences.
His message strongly echoed the values of humility and self-giving, urging believers to guard against anything or anyone replacing Christ in their lives.
“Let no one take the position of Christ in your life,” he proclaimed, emphasizing that Christians must remain grounded in faith regardless of the changing tides of the world.
He warned that many people unknowingly surrender their loyalty to material possessions, social influences, or worldly powers, gradually displacing Jesus from the throne of their hearts.
Fr. Ajoket stressed that the integrity of leadership begins at a personal level. He reminded the congregation that every individual is first a leader of themselves before they lead families, communities, or nations.
True leadership, he said, is modeled after Jesus Christ, whose kingship was revealed most profoundly through suffering and sacrifice.
He urged political, religious and community leaders to be fully present with their people in all circumstances, whether joyful or challenging. “Leaders must accept to be with their people in both good and bad situations.
Leadership calls for sacrifice,” he said. He used Christ’s Passion as the ultimate example, explaining that Jesus willingly endured humiliation, suffering and death for the salvation of humanity.
Drawing from the events of Christ’s crucifixion, he noted how Jesus accepted the painful journey not for personal gain but out of deep love for humanity.
“People laughed and mocked Christ when He accepted to sacrifice Himself to save the world. But today, no one mocks Him. Instead, the whole world praises Him,” Fr. Ajoket said, highlighting the timeless reward of sacrificial leadership.
He encouraged leaders not to fear going through difficult circumstances for the sake of those they serve. Authentic leadership, he said, demands selflessness, patience, endurance and a readiness to bear challenges on behalf of others.
If leaders were willing to sacrifice like Christ, he added, families, communities, and political structures would be transformed.
“Leadership is not only political. It starts with yourself,” he explained.
“Then it goes to families, and from there to wider society.” He challenged Christians to examine how they lead themselves through their decisions, morals, and daily choices, before seeking leadership roles in society.
Fr. Ajoket also expressed concern about the increasing influence of materialism and ungodly practices in society.
He warned Christians against prioritizing worldly attractions over spiritual values. “Many people have given earthly things the power to become kings and queens over their lives,” he said.
He noted that money, social status, and certain cultural practices, such as dependence on witchcraft have slowly replaced Christ’s position in the hearts of many believers.
He further explained that placing faith in witch doctors, wealth, and other worldly sources creates spiritual danger and distances people from the true King of the universe.
“Let us be people who will not allow other powers to take our attention and push Christ behind,” he warned. “Because when Christ is no longer King in your life, you are destined to doom.”
The priest called on Christians to recommit themselves to Christ, resist temptations that divert their attention, and embrace a lifestyle that reflects the values of Christ the King love, humility, truth, and sacrifice.
Fr. Ajoket’s message served as a timely reminder of the true meaning of Christian discipleship.
He urged the faithful to go into the new liturgical season with renewed strength, steadfast faith, and hearts centered on the Kingship of Christ.
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