THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2020
OUR LADY QUEEN AND PATRONESS OF NIGERIA (SOLEMNITY)
Isaiah 11: 1-10, Ephesians 2:13-22, Matthew 2 : 13-15. 10-23
LET US ALL WORK TOGETHER
Today we have a double celebration in Nigeria. A secular and religious celebrations. Today it is 60 years since Nigeria has been independent from colonial rule. After 60 years of being on our own, what have we achieved? Looking at the state of Nigeria today, one may even ask if we are actually moving forward or backward. With all the numerous troubles we have in Nigeria such as bad leadership, terrorism, insecurity, corruption and embezzlement, inflation, political instability and many others, it is obvious that many people in Nigeria are not finding it easy in life.
In the first reading of today, we see that we should never lose hope that things can get better. Many of us have given up on our country. The prophet Isaiah tells us that God has promised a day when there will be peace and tranquility. Everything will be fine, no rancour and quarreling among peoples, we will sincerely treat one another well, we shall all be happy because we will not act from selfish interests.
We mark today also the dedication of our country Nigeria to the blessed virgin Mary. We need the intercession and care of our Mother to be able to overcome all the hurdles we pass through in life. In the gospel reading, we see how Mary rescued her son from the hands of the soldiers of Herod who had come to kill him. She ran to Egypt to keep the child safe. In the same way, Nigeria can only be safe if we place our country in the hands of the blessed Virgin Mary. She is our mother, she will never allow us to be lost or be devoured by the monsters around us.
Today we also pray for all of us and for our leaders, that almighty God will continue to bless our land. We pray that the blessed Virgin Mary will continue to intercede for us. God help us. Amen.
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP
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