The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Oyejola, has called on Nigerian Christians to be beacons of hope in the country.
In the midst of the prevailing challenges, the cleric urged Christians, especially Catholics not to be part of the problems confronting Nigeria.
The charge was contained in the bishop’s Easter message titled: “Pilgrims of Hope: Walking in the Light of the Resurrection.”
Addresing the faithful, Bishop Oyejola said, “May the peace of Christ continually abide with you. Easter celebration marks the resurrection of the Lord from death. With faith and enthusiasm during the Lenten season, we walked the way of the cross with Christ as convinced pilgrims moving towards the joy of Easter. As pilgrims of hope towards eternal life our journey is still in progress with resurrection of the body in view after our eternal sojourn. While still alive in our imperfect human nature, Easter reminds us that we are pilgrims on a journey of hope. We walk in the light of the empty tomb, knowing that Christ has conquered death and sin, and that we have been given new life in him.
“The journey of hope is not always easy. We face challenges and obstacles along the way. We experience darkness and uncertainty. But as pilgrims of hope, we know that we are not alone. We have the presence of Christ with us guiding and strengthening us. We can say with Saint Paul: “death where is your sting and to the tomb where is your victory?” The Lord has risen as he promised. Death did not have the last laugh, the Lord Jesus Christ did. The resurrection of Christ remains the landmark event that defines our faith; the core of Christian message stands on the resurrection of Jesus Christ as St. Paul affirms in (1 Cor. 15: 14), “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”
On the need for Christians to be beacon of hope in the country, Oyejola stated, “The reality of the resurrection of Christ portrays undying hope that after darkness comes the bright sunlight; the triumph of evil over good is temporary. Easter is a celebration of joy, joy of eternal life given by God freely to his beloved children. The joy that we celebrate at Easter is the joy that no one can take away from those who feely accept and follow Jesus in the path He has paved for them (John 16: 22). The message of Easter from the Lord Himself is a message of life, peace, hope, healing, restoration and assurance of eternal life.”
Urging them to be good citizens, Oyejola said, “In our country filled with darkness in the different forms it manifests itself and despair in all interpretations it can be given, Easter reminds us that no matter how difficult our circumstances may seem, God is always with us, working for our good. It reminds us that we have been given new life in Christ, and that we are called to live as children of the light. As pilgrims of hope, we are expected to walk in the light of the resurrection with enthusiasm and faith. To speak about the physical darkness that pervades our nation, the moral deficit in public service and palpable suffering induced by poverty in the land is to risk being termed a prophet of doom; we must however, be resolute in calling evil for what it is and pray for a better tomorrow. As good Christians and Catholics in particular, we must not be part of the problem. We must live in the presence of Christ, to trust in his goodness, and to follow in his footsteps. We must be beacons of hope in a country that desperately needs it.”
“In John 20 : 20 – 21, Jesus says to his disciples, “Peace be with you.” These words, spoken in the aftermath of his resurrection, are a message of hope and reconciliation. The peace of Christ is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of God’s love and forgiveness in our lives. His greeting: “Peace be with you” was an indication that he had conquered death and with it the fear of death. His victory was first and foremost a victory over death in all its ramifications – physical, spiritual, moral and psychological.
“As followers of Christ, we are called to live out the message of peace in our daily lives. This means practicing forgiveness; letting go of grudges and forgiving those who have wronged us. It involves seeking reconciliation, by actively working to restore relationships and build bridges to connect with people of goodwill. We are to stand up for justice and collaborate with others to create a more just and peaceful world. Finally, the peace of Easter requires that we show love and compassion to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“Dear people of God, may the light of the resurrection shine brightly in your hearts and in your lives. May you know the presence of Christ and his peace, guiding you and strengthen you in the pilgrimage of life. May God sustain you as pilgrims of hope, walking in the light of the risen Christ in glory. May you be transformed into authentic messengers of hope and reconciliation, bringing peace to all those around you. I wish you a happy, fruitful, grace filled Easter celebration in good health and protective care of God always. Be assured of my prayers for you families and intentions,” he concluded.
