By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
As Christians celebrate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (Good Friday), the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, has urged leaders and Nigerians to emulate Christ’s sacrifice.
Badejo made the remark in his Good Friday message made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ibadan.
Badejo enjoined all leaders, people in authority and Nigerians to emulate Jesus in order to improve society and institutions.
The catholic bishop emphasised that Good Friday teaches us the best qualities of leadership in service, humility and love.
He noted that Good Friday represents all the challenges and problems in life, at work, in family and country at large.
According to him, those problems will be solved not just by praying, but by serious, honest and selfless efforts by everyone to do good and oppose sin and evil.
“Nigeria is not beyond repair, but it is righteousness that exalts a nation.
“Good Friday is the day on which Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, giving His life on the cross for the salvation of the world.
“That is exactly what is good about it, even though his suffering and death are painful and unjust.
“Jesus Christ, the son of God, gave his life in love and humility, leaving His glory aside. By His death on Good Friday, Jesus taught us that there are benefits in making sacrifice for the good of others.
“Such suffering or sacrifice, like that which a mother makes for her children, or a friend for another, is pleasing to God.
“Good Friday invites us to repent, do away with sin, but do something for the good of others and thus, enjoy God’s favour,” he said.
Badejo remarked that Easter Sunday is the celebration of the victory of Jesus Christ, which reminds all that the victory of good over evil is inevitable.
He said that, just as all conspiracies against Christ’s resurrection could not stand, similarly, all the evil happening in the world cannot stop the celebration of Easter as planned by God.
“That is why Christians rejoice at Easter. Alleluia! Easter Sunday answers all the questions of Good Friday. Why should good people suffer sometimes?
“Well, because God always has a superior reason and for allowing such to happen.
“If Jesus had not died, salvation would never have come. To all who suffer, I say: “Be comforted: with Jesus, Good Friday is not the last word, Easter Sunday victory is.
“I urge all Nigerians to emulate Jesus’ way of love and sacrifice for others,” Badejo said. (NAN)
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