Rev. Fr. Marcel Ajoket, the Parish Priest of The Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Parish Dakabela and Diocesan Communication Director has called on Christians to embrace compassion towards the poor, cautioning against mistreatment, neglect or exploitation of the less privileged in society.
Delivering his homily on Sunday, Fr. Ajoket stressed that Christians should refrain from speaking against the poor or despising them simply because they have the power to do so.
He noted that poverty should never be equated with laziness, failure, or a lack of effort.
“Most people see the poor as those who have failed to work and are lazy, not knowing that what you have is from God so that you can share with the poor,” he explained.
“God is our Father, and as His children, we must learn to share.”
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Luke about the rich man and Lazarus, Fr. Ajoket highlighted the dangers of ignoring the plight of the suffering while indulging in material wealth and worldly pleasures.
He described how Lazarus endured hardship at the gate of a wealthy man who feasted daily, only to later be carried to eternal rest in Abraham’s bosom after death.
Fr. Ajoket lamented how some people today waste food while others struggle to get a meal, stressing that believers should emulate the faith of Lazarus by trusting God even in times of lack.
“Even if you don’t have, one day God will come to your help just like He did for Lazarus, who was recognized in heaven after his suffering on earth,” he said.
The priest emphasized that recognition before God is not based on earthly riches or social status but on acts of kindness and righteousness.
“In this world, the rich are recognized, but in heaven, the poor who trust God can also be recognized. For you to be recognized, you need to have good actions on earth,” he added.
However, he cautioned that not all poor people are automatically recognized in heaven. He urged Christians to remain faithful and righteous regardless of their circumstances.
“Accept your condition and be on God’s side. Don’t be poor and at the same time keep doing bad things. You can’t be recognized in heaven too,” Fr. Ajoket warned.
The priest also reminded Christians about the importance of community and fellowship, noting that some people only turn to others when in trouble.
“We should always be with people, not only when we are in problems. Let us not be people who look for others only when we need help,” he said.
Reflecting further on the gospel, Fr. Ajoket explained that the rich man did not necessarily steal his wealth but failed because he ignored and undermined the poor at his doorstep.
“The rich man was enjoying the riches he worked for but he was taken to hell because he undermined and ignored the poor. That is the danger of selfishness,” he remarked.
In a strong caution to the current generation, Fr. Ajoket condemned the practice of exploiting the poor as a means of amassing wealth.
He observed that in pursuit of riches, some individuals resort to cruelty, manipulation and even violence against the vulnerable.
“Let us not miss heaven because of using other people for personal gain,” he emphasized. “Some people can even kill others or create pain in order to gain riches.
Don’t eat from the poor, don’t steal from the poor, don’t use the poor.”
Fr. Ajoket’s message echoed the broader Christian call for mercy, justice, and stewardship, reminding believers that earthly possessions are temporary while eternal life is everlasting.
His homily served as a call to action for Christians to reexamine how they treat the less privileged in their communities, urging generosity, compassion, and solidarity as marks of true discipleship.
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