Nigerian Bishop calls for a
world of “one love and one heart”
 |
| Bishop Emmanuel Badejo |
Bishop Emmanuel Badejo of Oyo Diocese calls for an end to
racism and violence and invites everyone to collaborate to create a world
modeled after the example of the Holy Trinity.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ
Bishop Emmanuel Badejo of Oyo Diocese, Nigeria, has enjoined
Christians to be inspired by the example of the unity of the Holy Trinity in
the face of a “world in disarray.” He made this call during his homily on
Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.
Citing several examples of unrest and social ills in the
world, the Bishop called on Christians to work together to create a world of
peace and harmony.
The Holy Trinity
“Look all around us, from the United States of America to
Europe to Africa, there is division, discord, disharmony, distrust, and
terrorism. Racism in America, in Europe. Killings in Yemen, Lebanon, Syria,
Libya, but also, in Nigeria, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo, and in other places.”
said the Bishop
“Many live for disunity and hatred. Some even use God as a
means of division. Such a pathetic world!” he added.
But “the Holy Trinity is the exact opposite of all this”
continued Bishop Badejo. “It expresses integrity, the fulness, and completeness
of divine love. It is obedience, fidelity, steadfastness, perseverance,
faithfulness.”
According to the Bishop, in contrast to our world in
“disarray, turbulence and chaos”, the love and integrity of the Trinity have
never changed nor diminished.” This is why “everything divine still functions
in perfect rhythm.”
Call to peace
Bishop Badejo said that the Second Reading (2 Cor 13: 11-13)
encourages Christians to “greet one another with a holy kiss.”
He pointed out that while this may be impossible due to the
Covid-19 pandemic, we must cling to the characteristics of the Godhead:
“fidelity, kindness, love, humility.” These, he stressed, “cannot be
quarantined, isolated or locked down.”
Citing a song entitled “Spiritual Healing” by Toots Hibbert,
the Bishop said that the world needs spiritual healing that will “restore
perfect love which transcends all human capacity.”
Living the life of the Holy Trinity
Bishop Badejo pointed out that the “Trinity is community and
family in the truest, most eminent sense.” He added that “in the ideal family,
there is love, forgiveness, harmony, peace, caring for the other and unity.”
Therefore, “we can only solve the problems we have today by living the life of
the Trinity.”
He stressed that “we are one in Jesus” and together, we can
wipe out racism and division from the world. He reminds us that nothing can
separate us from the love of God (Rm 8: 38) and enjoins everyone to work
together in “one love and one heart” for a better world.
Concluding, Bishop Badejo prayed that through the love that
unites the Holy Trinity, all will be well with families and countries around
the world.
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