HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY, QUEEN AND PATRONESS OF NIGERIA. INDEPENDENCE DAY!
THEME: That we may come to Know God!
BY: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)
HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OCTOBER 1 2022
Is.11:1-10; Ps.72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17; Eph.2:13-18; Matt.2:13-15,19-23
“To those who seek to protect their egos, true peace is always a disturbance,” says Anthony de Mello. Again, Lucky Dube reminds us that we live in a crazy world, where leaders do whatever they want. This has been the state of the Nigerian State these 61 years. But imagine what it’ll be like to have a country where Ibos are at peace with Hausas, Yorubas love Ibos, Binis love Fulanis, Esans love Ijaws… It’ll be like the state of bliss that Isaiah describes in today’s first reading. But this kind of peace doesn’t seem possible; at least not in Nigeria, and certainly not in other parts of the world. We’ve tried for 62 years now, and we’re still failing. Why?
In the first reading, Isaiah hints at the answer. The wolf lives with the lamb, the panther lies with the kid, calf and lion feed together… and they do not harm themselves because THE WHOLE COUNTRY IS FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, as the waters cover the sea. St Paul goes on to remind us that it’s in Christ Jesus that those who used to be far apart have been brought near, for Jesus breaks down barriers and becomes our peace. Friends, Joseph and his family ran away from Herod’s violence so that Jesus will live, to bring us peace. In the same way, we must strive to know God better, shun dissension and let Christ’s peace reign. It’s not enough to fly logos of togetherness when we’re not really at peace with one another. Let’s do something today to lessen the hate, and increase the love.
Let us pray
O God of creation, direct our noble cause, and guide our leaders right, help our youths the truth to know, in love and honesty to grow, and living just and true, great lofty heights attain, to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign, Amen.
Good morning dear. Happy Independence Day, and Happy New Month of October. Don’t forget to take up your rosaries for October Devotion today.
Have a great day ahead!
