"IT IS PAY-BACK TIME"

When the choir begins "It Is Pay-Back Time," the mood in the church naturally shifts to one of deep, personal gratitude. Written by Jude Nnam, this piece is a staple for the Offertory and Thanksgiving processions in Nigerian parishes. The verses walk us through a quiet reflection on Christ’s sacrifice and the sheer scale of divine forgiveness. It asks a question every believer wrestles with: "How can I repay the Lord?"

The refrain provides the answer, turning that quiet reflection into an active, communal offering. As the congregation steps out of their pews to bring their gifts to the altar, the choir lifts up a direct prayer to the Holy Trinity. We ask the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost to accept the gifts we bring. It is a very direct, unpretentious text that perfectly captures the spirit of the Catholic Offertory—we give back a small token in return for a love that is completely beyond our understanding.

Musically, the song builds from the thoughtful, unison-like verses into a warm four-part harmony in the refrain. It is the kind of piece that settles the congregation and focuses everyone on the altar, reminding us that our thanksgiving is a response to a sacrifice already made.