At the Wednesday Mass held at Augustine University (Chapel of Mary Mother of the Church) on 3rd December, 2025, the Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Alaba Akinwale, OP, urged students and staff to reclaim the lost art of attentive listening in a world filled with distractions.

In his homily, Fr. Prof. Akinwale highlighted that while young people often find activities like soccer exciting, the same enthusiasm is rarely shown in attending Mass or engaging with Scripture. He encouraged the congregation to reflect deeply on the Bible passages of the day, reminding them that Jesus went up the mountain to sit and teach, a symbolic “high place” where people bring their brokenness to be healed.

“The altar is our mountain of encounter,” he said. “If healing is not needed, then there is no need for religion. We come to Mass not just to listen, but to be nourished physically and spiritually, and to receive strength to share with others.”

Fr. Prof. Akinwale drew attention to the symbolism of Jesus blessing the loaves of bread, noting that it represents thanksgiving and sharing, similar to the distribution of Communion. He emphasized that the faithful are called to heal others through words and actions, using the strength they receive from the Mass.

The Vice-Chancellor concluded by stressing that reading Scripture is not enough. “Don’t just read a text, listen to it. We have lost the ability to listen in our generation,” he said, calling on students and staff to approach both the Word of God and the Eucharist with renewed focus and mindfulness.

The homily was a reminder that attentive listening is essential for spiritual growth, healing, and meaningful participation in the Mass, particularly for the younger generation navigating a distracted world.