Author: Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

Human, son, brother, friend, Igbo, Christian, Catholic, priest, theologian and citizen.
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#SV – Skewed Ambition

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

“Beloved:Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,then peaceable, gentle, compliant,full of mercy and good fruits,without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peacefor those who cultivate peace. Where do the warsand where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passionsthat make war within your members? You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain;you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. You ask but do not receive,because you ask wrongly, to spend … Continue reading #SV – Skewed Ambition

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#SV – Gritty Faith

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

The very reason that makes Christianity beautiful is the same that makes it challenging. For example, love is central to Christianity: Love is something beautiful, yet Christian love is very challenging because it includes the “love for enemies and prayers for persecutors” (Matt.5:44). Another example is the nature of Christian faith. On the one hand it is that absolute assurance of God’s abiding presence and help for which no one can ever dispute (Is.50:7). On the other hand, this faith is tested in good works and in suffering. The Apostle James makes it clear that faith without good works cannot … Continue reading #SV – Gritty Faith

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#SV – Fixing the Interior

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalemgathered around Jesus,they observed that some of his disciples ate their mealswith unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. —For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews,do not eat without carefully washing their hands,keeping the tradition of the elders.And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed,the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds. —So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him,“Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the eldersbut instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” He … Continue reading #SV – Fixing the Interior