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THE DARKNESS OF DEATH AND THE LIFE IN FAITH By Rev Fr Victor Ibiyemi


JULY 1, THE THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME- WISDOM 1:13-15, 2:23-24, PSALM 29, 2 CORINTHIANS 8:7, 9, 13-15, JOHN 6:63, 68, MARK 5:21-24, 35-43. 

There is no better time to reflect on the darkness of death than these present perilous moments in Nigeria. Just in one week, we had the Plateau killings of about 200 people, the death of about 6 children, from different homes, burnt in the fire and one drowned in a swimming pool, the Bodija abattoir of about five people killed, and the latest- the Fuel Tanker Explosion at Berger-Lagos and according to reports, 67 cars were burnt and many died- burnt beyond recognition. Added to this list of bad news, Nigeria bagged three international disgraceful awards; the Poverty capital of the World, the 9th most dangerous country for women and of course the Super Eagles lost out of the World Cup. All these deaths and many more have portrayed our country not just a shithole but also a deathhole. 

Nigeria has become a threshold of death, a stronghold of sadness and a watchtower of impossibilities. Many persons are tired, many are frustrated, and many have given up already! However, as Christians we cannot give up, no matter how deadly and toxic Nigeria has become, we must not give up. In the Gospel reading, the two stories therein remind and teach us that our Faith in Christ Jesus can reverse any evil situation. There is life in our faith! Faith is what we need in our country to revive these ugly situations- not a dead faith, but a faith imbued in actions! Jarius and the woman with the haemorrhage manifested this active Faith and Jesus brought them joy. 

This kind of faith is not an empty faith. It is a faith that seeks Jesus, that invites Jesus, a faith that acts, a faith that is complemented by efforts, a faith that touches, a faith that shuts up jesters and mockers, a faith that insists, a faith that is true, a faith that is hopeful, a faith that works, a faith that is calm, a faith that sees beyond the present, a faith that is not selfish, a faith that is generous, a faith that accommodates, a faith that is genuine and truthful. Such faith is what we need to revive our dead country, this faith is what is required to give us life. 

Not the diabolical, deceptive and prisoned faith that is peddled around by hungry and vicious imposters. We need to be truthful to ourselves, stand upright in all things, pray absolutely to God, put into actions our faith and convictions, it is only when we do this that Nigeria will be saved from this dungeon of death. May God save us from shameless deaths and bring our nation back to life. AMEN. Happy New Month! In this New Month, you will never be destroyed, you shall live to glorify the name of God.

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