The Catholic Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze has stressed the need for all Nigerians and the world at large to begin to plan on how to adapt to the glaring changes that the future portends in view of the various lessons inherent in the pandemic that have claimed thousands of lives. Archbishop Augustine Akubeze who said this recently at a homily he delivered at St. John Vianny Catholic Church, Benin City, Edo State, noted that the COVID-19 season, though devastating to the world, should be seen as special time for conversion to God, to seek new ways and new paradigms on political, social and economic level of all humanity.
The theme of the Homily entitled “Jesus is the only way, truth and life” emphasize the need to depend totally in Jesus to show us the way to the Father. “The readings of today tells us the best way to give concrete expression of our Christian faith is to believe in Jesus who came to show us the way to the Father.” He said, the Apostles, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit were able to resolve the crisis among the believers by picking wisely seven men of good repute from among the people and commissioned them to supervise the charitable works of the community. This, according to the Archbishop, enabled the Apostles to devote all their energies to the ministry of the word. The prelate reminded Christians, in the second reading of the day, from 1st Peter 2:4-9 that they are a chosen race, royal priesthood, a royal nation and Jesus’ assurance in the gospel of John 14:1-12, to the Apostles.
“He assures us today that our belief in God will not be in vain, so long as we look up to Him. The life is like a road, the road may be plain or mountainous, having shady trees or no protection at all. The road may be dark or foggy with no lights. The road may be bumpy or rough. The road may be filled with despair, frustration, intense pain. The road may be filled with fear, sickness and hopelessness as we currently experience with COVID-19 pandemic ravaging our world. But if Christ is with us we are safe.” He encouraged all, that Christ knows the route better than anyone else, as he has walked through it before, and will surely lead us to the end. Archbishop Akubeze also urged the people of God to examine themselves and make amends where necessary
