Nothing just happens. Our destination in life isn’t a random thing. Each comes with a destiny, bright, glowing and glittering. No destiny comes dimmed or dark. Our choices either make it to glow and glitter the more or dimmed or darkened.
Born in the image and likeness of God, growing deeper into this image and likeness or getting off its tracks, is always a choice one makes, not necessarily on one fell swoop, rather in a very culminating processes of both ones conscious or unconscious lifestyle.
Eighty years isn’t a walk in the park, it isn’t either a tea party, not in the least a dance for the weak.
Strength is the hallmark of this age, grace the garland and God’s mercy the garment. It is not by power and might. It is given to those who He chose to give.
Ahead of the 80th birthday celebration of His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, it becomes very challenging to unravel the personality of this Prince of the church, whose life is seen as fulfilled, not with frivolities, titles and material accomplishment, rather one that yielded to the call of God, made best out of the call to impart his world in a very unique way.
He seems to be an envy of many and rightly so he is. Nothing extra ordinary about him, but there is something about him though normal but expresses and displays in a very extraordinary way.
Life may appear complex and a race in the maze. Though it seems so, but his engagement with life and the aura of confidence, competence, simplicity and total trust in God makes the whole life complexity easy and simple.
Ordained at a very young age, became a Bishop and Archbishop at a comparatively young age also. Cardinal Onaiyekan has seen it all. The only thing left is to behold the radiation of the glorious face of his maker in bliss of heaven when the time comes.
He has paid his deserving dues both as the Prince of the church and as the elder statesman both in politics, religion and social justice . His voice has neither been muffled in the face of injustice nor stutter speaking out eloquently in truth.
He has carved a niche for himself so much so, no conversation is deemed done and dusted without the clamour for the lending of his voice.
He rings a bell! His. His bell isn’t a broken one of discordance, halo effect, nepotism and corruption. His is of truth, social justice, peace, security and basic good life for all.
Unworthy I am to begin to untie the various laces of his achievements and accomplishment, let those who have the grace and competence embark on such an arduous job.
Mine is to celebrate a man with the grace of God overly on him. A man who chose the path of celibacy, poverty, chastity etc over the ways of the world, neatly paved for him.
I celebrate John Cardinal Onaiyekan ahead of his 80th birthday celebration. Life begins at 80th for some, for others it is already a twilight.
Age is just a mindset. Though our body changes, pains and weakness set in, with many age related illnesses. In all these the mind can chose to be strong, young, vibrant,energetic and savvy .
This I have seen in him. Asking him to keep this positive vibe and energy is my prayer for him.
As he will always say, “my passport and visa are ready, patiently and eagerly waiting at the lounge to be called to board” , such should be our approach to life regardless of age. Time ticks!
For us he is a gem so rare, only God knows the caret value of this gem.
For us, his race is amazing and breathtaking. Only God knows if the race is on the right track.
For us, the reward of his diligence, discipline and hardwork is a crown, only God knows what crown so deserving for his stewardship.
We celebrate, cherish and honor him. May same honor he so enjoys among men, be a foretaste of his heralding moment before his creator, when the time comes.
From Ilorin , Abuja to the entire Christiandom the excellence of his heart resonates. The world isn’t unknown about him , not when his voice of truth, reasoning and justice cuts asunder every plank, iron and rock of socio- political anomalies.
Happy fabulous 80th birthday in advance. The grace of God abounds for you and his will for you will be done!
Let us all key into this celebration of life, one gesture he will appreciate while strong and alive, not the usual funfair and flamboyance at death, when the soul is long gone to the maker. 80 years isn’t 8 years!!
Let get ready for 2nd of Feb, days away to clink glasses, dance amazingly, for the life of 80 years of our Cardinal is glorious and imparting to humanity.
Jarlath Uche Opara Jarlathuche@gmail.com.
