Michael OKEOLA

 

The Catholic Bishop of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, on Sunday, 5th April, presided over the Easter Sunday Mass at the Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Cathedral, Oyo, in a joyful celebration marking the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

The celebration brought together priests, religious, and numerous faithful who gathered to mark the climax of the Holy Week and the beginning of the Easter season in an atmosphere filled with joy, hope, and renewed faith.

 

In his homily, Bishop Badejo began with a resounding call to praise, declaring, “Today is the day of Alleluia,” as he contrasted the solemnity of the Lenten season with the joy of the Resurrection. He reminded the faithful that for the past five weeks, the Church had journeyed through a period of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and reflection, but that Easter Sunday marks a turning point—a celebration of victory and new life.

 

The Bishop described Alleluia as the language of heaven, emphasizing that despite the challenges and hardships faced in society, including economic struggles and uncertainty, the Resurrection assures believers of ultimate victory. According to him, “in spite of everything, when the final trumpet sounds, we will hear it and we will sing Alleluia.”

 

Reflecting on the significance of the day, he explained that the Resurrection represents the victory of God over the world, light over darkness, and good over evil. He stressed that without the Resurrection, it would be difficult to sustain hope in the face of suffering, but through Christ’s triumph, believers are assured that joy follows sorrow and victory comes after the Cross.

 

Speaking on the realities of life and society, particularly in Nigeria, the Bishop acknowledged the many challenges facing the nation but urged the faithful not to lose sight of God’s blessings. He noted that even the gift of life is a grace that should not be taken for granted.

 

He further called on Christians to focus their prayers not only on material needs but on spiritual growth and salvation. Citing the example of the Good Thief on the Cross, who asked only to be remembered by Christ, the Bishop emphasized that God responds to sincere prayers rooted in faith and humility.

 

The Bishop also reflected on the manner in which Christ conquered the world—not through violence or revenge, but through love, forgiveness, and total surrender to God. He highlighted Christ’s words on the Cross as a model for Christian living, urging the faithful to let go of hatred, embrace forgiveness, and trust in God’s justice.

 

Challenging the congregation, he warned against professing faith without living it, stressing that true discipleship requires transformation. He called on Christians to become agents of light in a world often overshadowed by darkness, noting that failure to shine as light allows darkness to prevail.

 

At the heart of his message was the assurance that Christians belong to a Kingdom that will ultimately triumph—a Kingdom built on truth, love, forgiveness, and life. He encouraged the faithful to live as witnesses of the Resurrection, reflecting Christ in their daily actions and relationships.

 

In his concluding prayer, the Bishop invoked God’s blessings upon the faithful, praying for renewal and restoration in their lives, families, and the nation at large. He prayed that just as Christ was raised from the dead, God would raise His people to new life and hope.

 

Before the final blessing, Bishop Badejo expressed appreciation to the older members of the Church who actively participated in the Easter Triduum, commending their commitment and dedication. He encouraged the youth to learn from their example and emulate their steadfastness in faith and devotion.

 

The celebration ended on a joyful note, with the faithful departing in the spirit of Alleluia, renewed in hope and strengthened in their faith in the Risen Christ.