From Sinner to Saint: A Priest's Message on Why You Can Never Be Too Bad to Change—or Too Good to Fall

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick

In a powerful homily delivered on the feast of St. Augustine, the Dean of Iguobazuwa Deanery, Very Rev Father Benjamin . A. Brodricks delivered a stark and unforgettable message: no one is beyond God's mercy, and no one is immune to temptation. He used the dramatic life story of St. Augustine to challenge his congregation to stop procrastinating change and to abandon the dangerous lies of spiritual overconfidence.

Speaking on the Gospel reading where Jesus warns that "you do not know the day or the hour," Father Brodricks highlighted a common human flaw. 

He pointed out that many people, including those in Nigeria, live as if their future is guaranteed, constantly postponing important acts of reconciliation, honesty, and faith.

 This behavior, he noted, mirrors St. Augustine's own early reluctance to convert, captured in his famous prayer: "Lord, make me holy… but not yet." The priest cautioned that such delays could be fatal, as death gives no warning.

The homily also confronted the issue of hypocrisy, a widespread problem where individuals live a double life. "A trader cheats when no one is watching," he said, and "a civil servant takes bribes because 'Oga no dey.'" 

Fr  Brodricks a Diocesan Priest, who however grew, baptised, confirmed and worshiped in the Augustinian Community of St Augustine Catholic Church in Benin City, further stressed that this attitude is a grave mistake because God sees all things, and His judgment will come "when He is not expected."

St. Augustine's life, which began in worldly pleasure and ambition before his complete transformation, serves as a powerful lesson.

 The saint's journey from a life of sin to one of deep faith proves that no one is too far gone for God's forgiveness. At the same time, the priest warned against spiritual pride, reminding the faithful that even a revered figure like St. Peter denied Jesus.

Fr Brodricks concluded with a direct call to action, especially for Nigerian leaders and citizens. He urged them to follow Augustine's example by immediately abandoning corruption and living righteously.

 "The greatest tragedy is not death; it is being unprepared for eternity," he stated, leaving his congregation with a final, searching question: "If Christ comes for you tonight, will He find you ready?"