Easter message by the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Dr. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo
Worries at Easter
Easter is here, Thank God for that! Alleluia resounds, but how many Nigerians can sing it? How many people in the world can celebrate Easter? “Truly, the Bible says The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all who live in it” (Ps. 24:1). And “God so loved the world that he sent his only Son so that all who believe in Him might be saved” (Jn3:16). But how many can celebrate Easter in Ukraine, Haiti, Gaza, in Yemen, Sudan or the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Plateau, Borno and Zamfara States and other places in Nigeria, in our homes and Churches? There are places where it is getting harder and harder to even have any hope due to war, violence and bloodshed. We should all be worried and roused to prayer and action. The world is in a mess and the Easter message of sublime love must prevail!
The Reality of Easter
Easter the celebration of risen Christ who won victory for over death through sacrifice for humanity. Easter brings joy but it thus indicts all leaders and people in positions of influence who refuse to use their position, power, resources and influence to generate joy by prosecuting and stopping evil around them, be it in society, the family or the Church. We all, especially leaders, are called to deploy everything at our disposal, intelligence, finances, technology, art, creativity and power to create a better world for all. It is evil and malicious hypocrisy for any leader to claim ignorance or helplessness when evil is destroying people and property all around them. On such leaders will God’s judgement fall severely.
Jesus Condemned Hypocrites
Jesus condemned the political leaders of his time for neglecting the law, justice, mercy and good faith as we see today in Nigeria. (Matt 23:15-36) Our political leaders who control and enjoy public resources and have all the powers of coercion in their hands stand most condemned for merely explaining away terror, insecurity, violence, death and destruction in the land, rather than deal with these without fear or favour. Leaders who fail in this are mere thieves and brigands who themselves have come only to steal the people’s resources livelihood and peace. Such leaders can only celebrate an empty Easter. Jesus was different, he came to serve not to be served. He applied all he had at his disposal to save his followers. To all our leaders I ask: What have you sacrificed to merit your status and mandate? Just as Easter crown cannot be authentic or real without the sacrifice and cross of Good Friday, in the same way your leadership cannot be real if you lay claim to no sacrifice.
Woe To False Shepherds and Heralds
We Christians must interrogate our sincerity as followers of Christ and emulate the Master Jesus in holiness and obedience to God. We must embrace the total Christ who came to serve not to be served and who laid down his life for the common good. Our priests, pastors and prophets must shun falsehood, speak the truth and live by works for mercy and compassion at all times. We must stop preaching only the sweet prosperity gospel by means of smart language and wise sounding words which make the cross of Christ pointless and give people false hopes of success without hard work (1. Cor. 1:17).
Easter Means That Hope Cannot Disappoint Us
To all Christians I say with St. Peter: Be patient and enduring in your faith because “Christ suffered for you and left you an example for you to follow in his steps” (1Pet. 2:21-25) emulate him for through his bruises we have been healed. We should remember particularly that we have a mandate to spread the joy and hope of Easter in spite of current challenges through our sacrifice, for God turns everything to the good of those who love him (Rom 8:27). This is the promise of Easter. We must do our utmost to complete what is left to be done in the victory of Jesus Christ, to make it effective, and felt by all. Make someone smile at Easter, but remember that you are also someone! This is our task. Let hope not be lost because Jesus is risen. Alleluia Happy Easter to all, to Nigeria and to the world.
