A video circulating on social media shows Roman Catholic priest Reverend Fr. Emmanuel Obeng Codjoe delivering a candid and thought-provoking sermon, urging his congregation to confront personal struggles with desire and temptation.

According to Fr. Codjoe, holiness begins with honest self-reflection and deliberate change.

Speaking in Twi to laughter and applause from parishioners, he addressed questions often left unspoken in church circles about human attraction and personal desires.

“Someone will say, ‘Father Codjoe, when you see ladies, do you have feelings?’ Sit there and say whatever you want. I am not a tree, neither do [ladies] look like trees,” he said, drawing laughter from the congregation.

His remarks highlighted the reality of human experience while challenging believers to channel their desires in ways that honor God, stressing that no one is immune to struggle.

“We are all struggling. We are all trying our best by the grace of God that we shall be pleasing to [God]. Be there, you think it is easy? They are all included. So, let us change,” he stated.

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With the Lenten season underway, Fr. Codjoe encouraged parishioners to commit to practical acts of goodness and self-discipline.

“This Lent, tell yourself, it is possible,” he said, urging worshippers to resist destructive emotions and impulses.

“Anger, lust, and worldly pleasures have consumed you… that national service person in your office, hey, let that child go. For once, be good,” he added.

He challenged members of the congregation to become sources of kindness in their workplaces and communities.

“Let that guy, let that lady say that ‘Oh, there was a good man in my office. He helped me. There was a good lady in my office, she helped me.’”

Fr. Codjoe also reminded believers of Christ’s teachings on sin and intention:

“Let us try this. Go beyond the law because Christ tells us, even if you watch, you fantasize, you have committed sin,” he said, urging a deeper, introspective understanding of moral life beyond mere rule-following.

“I have feelings, and we are all struggling to control our sexual desires.”

Roman Catholic Father, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obeng Codjoe, told his congregation as he spoke about personal desires. pic.twitter.com/i0J4Rpyy7H

— THE STATE NEWS (@THESTATENEWSS) February 17, 2026