Nigeria at 60, we thank the Lord

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, QUEEN AND PATRONESS OF NIGERIA: Ish 11:1-10, Eph. 2:13-22, Mt. 2:13-15.10-23. At a time when the hope of the nation is shattered, where news of ethnic and political clash fills the air, a time of coronavirus pandemic and cry of starvation, we hear the cry for freedom, restructuring and agitation for self identity, we put our hope in God as we mark sixtieth Independence Anniversary. We join the Nigerian Church to ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria, that Jesus who is the peace between us, as Paul puts it in today's second reading, will break down barriers which keeps us apart. The picture created by the Prophet Isaiah in today's first reading could be liken to the present situation in Nigeria: The poor in the society were marginalised, corruption is everywhere and many other abominable acts are perpetuated. It was in the height of all these anomaly that God’s voice was heard through the prophet Isaiah.

That same voice of God also re-echoes through the word of God, at this time in Nigeria when the justice system is questionable and the rights of many are being trampled upon. At the time when many agitates on their perceived marginalisation. The tension among many who seek self identity and political inclusion is on the increase. The rate of insecurity in our country, which has cost the lives of innocent Nigerians: Catholic Priests and innocent children's blood are spilled. In today’s Gospel, Joseph is warned in a dream to take the child Jesus with Mary and flee to Egypt. Israel as a country like Nigeria had serious problems at that time thereby making Israel unsafe for the baby Jesus. This is a strong message for us, that as bad as Nigeria may appear, God will do something in us, with us and for us such that a Nigerian can change the entire world. God does not have to make things perfect in other to work, He knows how to write perfectly on crooked lines and perfect everything in us.

May the Lord help us as citizens of this great Nation, that the message of hope will come true in our lives, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of Nigeria, that God will grant a lasting peace to our country Nigeria! Amen!! Stay safe and save life, Jesus loves you and Happy Independence Anniversary!!!

Revd Fr Samuel Frederick.