Our Lady, Queen, And Patroness Of Nigeria, Solemnity

Isaiah 11:1-10
Ephesians 2:13-18
Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

NIGERIA MUST STRIVE TO BECOME GREAT AGAIN! PLEASE! LET US KEEP ON PRAYING FOR NIGERIA!!

Today the Catholic Church in Nigeria celebrates Our Lady Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. Today also being the 1st of October is Nigeria Independence Day. In today’s first reading, Prophet Isaiah announces that a shoot springs from the stock of Jesse. That same scion is what Herod wanted to destroy in today’s gospel. To that effect, many children were killed. But no one can stop what God has planned ever since the beginning of the world. Christ is the fulfillment of God’s prophecies and promises. The Three wise men in the gospel, pay him homage and presented gifts while Our Lady pondered over everything in her heart.

What do these readings offer us as Nigerians and what lessons can we derive from them? A nation that does not care for its people but allows disorderliness, injustice, and violence to decay its society is heading for Doom. A nation that promotes inequity will remain unbalanced. A nation that kills her own children will end up being barren. Our prayers will work if we are ready to work together

Our preaching seems not to be heard and the conscience of the nation seems not to wake up from its slumber. What can make Nigeria rise from her long sleep? What can make a nation strive from moral decadence to true patriotism? Only God knows! I think persistence in prayer, the strive for peace and an enduring determination from all of us can afford us a better future. These are basic features of one’s love for one country if the majority are ready to work together.
Again, we must reecho the several appeals made by the Catholic Bishops Conference against violence that “ those who have power, must desist from actions and policies that continue to plunge the nation into violence and crisis.”. Let us stop the violence by turning our weapons of war into productive tools fora better tomorrow.

There are people who want us to flee from our Fatherland. There are also those in this life who do not like our existence as Christians and they can do anything to haunt us down, tear us apart, and cut short our lives. Some are merchandise of evil such as corruption, ritual killing, fraud, terrorism, kidnapping, poli-tricks, etc. As we work for peace may Christ our Lord- the Prince of peace help us. As we pray together today for this nation-Nigeria, God will wipe away our tears and allow his justice, peace, and harmony to flourish in our nations. May our Lady and St. Joseph continue to intercede for us. Amen.

Happy New Month!
Happy Sunday!
Happy 64th Independence Day Nigerians!

God bless us all! Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho