Fr Simon Terzungwe Challenges Christians to Make Christ the Centre of Their Lives

By Nformi Desmond

The Assistant Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Parish, Monkin, Rev. Fr. Simon Terzungwe, has challenged Christians to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and make Him the centre and foundation of their lives.

Fr. Terzungwe gave the charge during his homily for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, at St. Peter’s Parish, Monkin, while reflecting on the Gospel passage in which Jesus asked His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?”

The priest said the question was not merely directed at the disciples of Jesus but remains a personal challenge to every Christian.

According to him, Christians must move beyond knowing what society says about Jesus and develop a personal and genuine faith in Him.

He noted that Peter’s declaration, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” represented a profound confession of faith and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, Lord and Son of God.

Fr. Terzungwe cautioned Christians against seeking only the blessings and miracles of Christ while ignoring His commandments and the demands of discipleship.

He urged the faithful to examine their relationship with Christ and ask whether He is truly the foundation of their daily lives.

The Assistant Parish Priest also drew lessons from Peter’s imperfections, stressing that God does not require people to be perfect before using them for His purpose.

“God can take an imperfect person and, through grace, make that person an instrument of His purpose,” he said.

Reflecting on the First Reading, Fr. Terzungwe further described authority as a responsibility entrusted by God, rather than merely a privilege.

He called on parents, priests, teachers, political leaders, employers and others in positions of authority to use their influence to serve, protect and build others rather than oppress them.

The priest urged leaders to replace the question, “How many people can serve me?” with, “How many people can I serve?”

Drawing from St. Paul’s message in the Second Reading, he reminded the congregation that everything comes from God and should ultimately be directed towards His glory.

Fr. Terzungwe encouraged Christians to demonstrate their faith through forgiveness, service, honesty and steadfastness, particularly during difficult moments.

He concluded by urging the faithful to hold firmly to Christ when confronted by the storms of life, stressing that possessions, positions and human relationships may change, but Jesus Christ remains the solid foundation of the Christian faith.