THE SOLEMINITY OF MARY QUEEN AND PATRONESS OF NIGERIA, THE HOPE FOR PEACE

Ish 11:1-10, Eph. 2:13-22, Mt. 2:13-15.10-23. As we celebrate the anniversary of Nigeria independence today, the Church invites us to celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. The Church in Nigeria consciously joins every Nigerian on this day, not only to celebrate the anniversary of our national independence, but also to pray and renew our confidence in the maternal intercessions of our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. With one voice, the Church in Nigeria calls on our Lady to intercede for Nigeria in distress. The picture created by the Prophet Isaiah in today's first reading, could be compared to the current scene in our country Nigeria, as we mark 59th Independence Anniversary. The Prophet recounts how injustice has become the order of the day. The prophecy came at a time, when the poor in the society were marginalised, corruption was at its peak everywhere and so many abominable things. It was at the height of these anomaly that God’s voice was heard through His Prophet Isaiah.

That same voice of God re-echoes, at this time in our country Nigeria when the justice system of the country is challenged. When will the prophecy of Isaiah (11: 6-8) about a time of peace, when the 'lion and lamb' will live in harmony and 'children play with dangerous animals' and remain unharmed, be realized? Today's Gospel narrative serves to remind us of the darkness of our world, similarly, to some extent the sadness and selfishness that has enveloped our country, Nigeria. Today’s story reminds us that Herod is real, not only in Jesus’ time but in ours as well. Herod is in the news everyday. Herod is our indifference that prevents compassion, that promotes hate and anger that destroys love, violence and anxiety that defeat peace. To be truly independent therefore, is to be dependent on God and do what is right. As a country, we cannot claim to be independent unless we learn to depend on God and do what is right. The leaders must learn to lead with the fear of God, while you and I must play our part as good citizens. Nigeria is a great country blessed with rich human and natural resources, all we need to do is to harness our efforts in unity, change our mentality and learn to see ourselves as our brothers' keepers.

May the Lord help us as citizens of this great Nation to be obedient and make our Nation a better place to live, where peace and harmony will get a chance! Amen!! Good morning and Happy Independence Anniversary!!!