Pentecost Sunday: Year B – May 23, 2021. Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:1-24,29-31,34; Galatians 5:16-25; John 15:26-27; 16:12-15. Theme: Come Holy Ghost Sunday Synopsis The first reading recounts the Pentecost event. The second reading discloses that the spirit brings about love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control. In the gospel, St. John recalls Jesus’ assurance that the spirit is the helper. Our liturgy challenges us to invite the Holy Spirit to come down again in our time to revive the Church, sustain its unity and protect it from all harm. Introduction Beloved in Christ, today…
Author: Justine John Dyikuk
Recently, the words objectification and commodification have gained currency because of violence against the girl-child. From street hawking to rape, forceful marriage and denial of right to education, child-labour has taken a different dimension in our country today. The recurrent cases of abduction of schoolgirls is a direct affront on girl-child education. Coming at a time that the world is clamouring for inclusion of women in politics, violence against the girl-child brings to the fore issues around objectification and commodification of women. To objectify simply means to treat someone as an object rather than a human being. For instance, a…
1. With fraternal greetings, we bring you 15 adaptations from Pope Francis’ 55th World Communications’ Day Message (WCDM) from an African pastoral context. You would recall that the message which was released by the Vatican on 23rd January 2021, the eve of the feast of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalists is titled “Come and See” (Jn. 1:46): Communicating by Encountering People Where and as They Are.” The message which suggests that seeing is one of best ways by which the Christian faith is communicated, speaks to the heart of authentic human communication. 2. In a society…
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord: Year B – May 13, 2021. Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Responsorial Psalm Ps 47:2-3,6-7,8-9; Ephesians 1:17-23, 22-23 & Gospel Mark 11:15-20. Theme: Ascension: The Exceptional Goodbye “Goodbye’s the saddest word I’ll ever hear. Goodbye’s the last time I will hold you near. Someday you’ll say that word and I will cry. It’ll break my heart to hear you say goodbye” – Celine Dion Sunday Synopsis The first reading narrates how Jesus ascended into heaven after empowering his disciples to preach the good news. In the second reading, St. Paul implores us to lead a…
The globalised nature of the 21st century with all its ingredients of sophistication in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has turned the world into what the philosopher and media theorist, Marshall McLuhan calls “The Global Village.” The ease with which people do business, access and share information through surfing the Internet has drawn the attention of educationists and media experts on the need for students to be abreast with what is happening around. Although media literacy is critical to the overall development of the Nigerian child, children-issues have not been given enough attention by educationists. A good number of school…
With a borrowed concept of democratization from the United States of America, it is critical for Nigerians to reflect on the instruments of national power in the light of the prevailing situation of security in our county. The unwholesome activities of Boko Haram insurgents, armed bandits, commercial kidnappers, suspected Fulani herdsmen and secessionists indicates that the security agencies are overstretched, our security has been compromised or we are living in a failed state. From American perspective, the instruments of national power include diplomacy, information, military and economy. By way of clarification, national power stands for “the sum of all resources…
Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B – May 2, 2021. Readings: Acts 9:26-31; Ps 21:26-28,30-32; 1 John 3:18-24; Gospel – John 15:1-8. Theme: A Call to Discipleship! Sunday Synopsis The first reading (Acts 9:26-31) reveals that despite facing persecution, Saul, a new convert preached fearlessly. The second reading (1 John 3:18-24) discloses that our love must not be only in words but in action as well. The message of the gospel (John 15:1-8) invites us to discipleship by being grafted on Christ, the vine. In the face of opposition and persecution, we are charged to embrace the call to discipleship…
Nigerians have been worried about the seeming silence of President Muhammadu Buhari over the ugly state of affairs in the country. While he keeps mum, his lieutenants are busy speaking on behalf of the Presidency. Apparently, the current administration speaks from different sides of the mouth. It is not clear what style of political communication the government of the day is employing. This is where the question “Is it the presidency that makes the president or the president which makes the presidency?” We may not need to look far to find a similar perplexing question. The reader would recall that…
Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B: Vocation/Good Shepherd Sunday – April 25, 2021. Readings: Acts 4:8-12; Ps 117:1,8-9,21-23,26,28-29; 1 John 3:1-2 & Gospel – John 10:11-18. Theme: Being True Shepherds! Sunday Synopsis In the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 4:8-12), we are told that filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter dared the rulers and elders by stating that it is only in the name of Christ that we can be saved. St. John tells us in the second reading (1 John 3:1-2) that when what we are to be in the future is revealed, we shall be like him. Jesus…
1. Christian leaders have often being reprimanded for taking truth to power. Critics have always demanded clerics to operate within the confines of the sacristy. To be sure, the Church does not operate in a vacuum. It subsists within a secular society. Although the relations between Church and State might involve diplomacy, like Christ, pastors of souls have a divine mandate to speak truth to power no matter whose ox is gored. In the wake of untold hardship occasioned by visionless leadership, it would be a grave scandalous for a Christian leader to stand aloof. It is either he sides…
Anywhere there is evidence of tokenism, cronism (cronyism), favouratism, clientelism or nepotism, public good suffers. The phenomenon of abuse of office by public holders in Africa has taken its toll on the continent. The viciousness with which public Institutions are skewed in favour of family members and cronies defames public leadership and leaves it without a name. Once voted into office, they forget the social contract they entered into with the people. There are various examples of governments in Africa where public treasury is slaughtered on the altar of family ties. In Libya for instance, it is alleged that Moammar…
Nigeria is blessed with human and natural resources. However, the country has been dwarfed by the leadership conundrum. The divisive tendency of the citizenry has further compounded the problem. Apparently, the Executive, Judicial and Legislative arms of government have not provided the needed soothing balm for the country’s malaise. The common man has often looked up to the media, the fourth estate of the realm, for possible solution. Granted that the media often flies on high pedestal, the country has not gained altitude in terms of ensuring national consciousness. It is imperative to investigate how the press is a vehicle…
Spy Wednesday was the day Judas Iscariot arranged for a human merchandise. “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him” (Mt. 26:48) he had told the bloodthirsty Jews. The symbolic eating in the same plate with Jesus at the last supper (Cf. Mark 14:18) could not even deter him. Apparently, the meal emboldened him to act fast. Come to think of it. For just thirty pieces of silver he betrayed his Master (Cf. Matthew 26:15). Well, there is a context. He was the treasure of the Apostles and periodically helped himself from the common purse (John 12:6). As such,…
The Solemn Liturgy of Chrism Mass is a two in one event. It commemorates the day in which the Lord instituted the sacrifice of Holy Mass and Holy Orders. The words: “Do this in memory of me” (Cf. Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:18-20 & 1st Corinthians 11:23-25) testify to the ancient caravan. By this command, Jesus ipso facto consecrated them priests of the New and Everlasting Covenant established by Christ. Since Bishops enjoy the fullness of the priesthood (Diaconate, Priesthood and Bishopric) as the direct successors of the Apostles, they ordain priests as co-workers “to consecrate the Christian people and offer…
Easter is around the corner. From Ash Wednesday when we received ashes to remind us about our immortal nature, the need for humility and repentance, we have been journeying with Christ through the traditional Lenten observances of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. What is more, by following Jesus in the Via Dolorosa, (Stations of the Cross), the Church expects us to reflect on the lessons of this Holy Season. Ash Wednesday was principally supposed to prepare us spiritually for the Holy Week Ceremonies. I am, therefore, delighted to share with you some insights on holy week ceremonies. If we must reflect…
They are gods to be glorified, worshiped and adored. Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Cf. Daniel 3:16-28), their subjects constitute a fertile ground for intimidation as they rule with a fait that is beyond compare. No one dares them. In their self-conceited grandeur, they pontificate without challenge or resistance. They create “the golden statue of themselves” as an object of adulation for all. Those who dare must have a skin of iron. To survive, you have to massage their ego and teach others same. With sounds “horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, or any other instrument(s),” they demand cult-worship from…
I am deeply convinced that the story of Susanna is itself a gosple of a sort. It reveals the raw instincts of wealth, sex and power (male chauvinism) in a society where the weakest becomes victim. The characters in this story speak for themselves. We start with Susanna’s parents who trained their daughter to be a virtuous woman. Hilkiah her father must have been a devote Jew who carried his religious convictions and cultures to Babylon. Remembering Zion, this family must have been soaked in the rabbinic lines: “How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land.” To…
The Deputy Speaker of the House Representatives, Rt. Hon Ahmed Idris Wase came under fire on March 10, 2021 for refusing to consider a petition which was forwarded by the Mutual Union of Tiv in America (MUTA) through Mark Gbillah, a member representing Gwer East Federal Constituency of Benue State in the House of Representatives. The petition had to do with Tiv people who were dislodged from their ancestral homes due to the lingering herdsmen crises in Benue State and other states within the Middle Belt. Hon. Wase had responded that: “If they are in America could they really be…
Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year B – March 21, 2021. Readings: Jer. 31:31-34; Ps 50:3-4,12-15; Hebrews 5:7-9; Gospel – John 12:20-33. Theme: Lifting Others Up! Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the Prophet Jeremiah reveals that the Lord will make a Covenant with the House of Israel. In the second reading, St. Paul states that Christ “learnt to obey through suffering.” The gospel message invites us to change the situation of others by demonstrating love to them just likes Christ who said: “When I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all people to myself.” Introduction Beloved in…
The cliché “ideas rule the world” suggests that a zero index as regards ideation constitutes a huge deficit for good governance. In developed climes, engineers, scientists, captains of industry and other stakeholders are produced in the classroom. This shows that mass mobilisation for sustainable change is a consequence of qualitative literacy and showing poverty the exit door. Where illiteracy and material poverty thrive, a docile citizenry emerges. From Plato to Socrates, Aristotle to Aquinas and Augustine to Albert Camus, public intellectuals shape history. In both theocratic and secular states, intellectual power has always been an open cheque for transitioning to…
Being a Valedictory Speech Presented to Graduands of Sarkin Yamma Community College of Education (SYACCOE), Tilden Fulani by SYACCOE Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Justine DYIKUK during the Thanksgiving Mass of Class of 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Jimpi, Toro LGA, Bauchi, Bauchi State on 14/03/2021. While I congratulate you on this feat, I would like to begin by asking: “What about Graduation?” For graduands like you, graduation might mean “finishing school.” Well, I am sure you will soon realize that you are just beginning. You would also realize that life itself is a school that one does not graduate from…
Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B (Laetare Sunday) – March 13, 2021 Readings: 2 Chronicles 36:14-16,19-23; Ps 136:1-6; Ephesians 2:4-10; Gospel – John 3:14-21. Theme: Living by the Truth! Sunday Synopsis The first reading recounts how Israel lived falsehood by following foreign gods which led to the Babylonian Captivity. In the second reading, St. Paul urges us to live “the good life,” through the Truth which that is revealed in Jesus Christ, whom God raised. The Gospel reading presents Jesus as the Son of Man, the Truth, the Life and the Light. We are urged to shun the works of…
Pope Francis’ recent visit to the Iraqi the cities of Baghdad, Najaf, Ur, Mosul, Qaraqosh and Erbil has witnessed various interpretations. The ancient land of Mesopotamia is the birthplace of Abraham, the famous father of the three monotheistic religions. The Iraqi region which has seen unprecedented ethno-sectarian conflicts in the last two decades is home to the oldest Christian sects in the world. Alongside other ethnic sects like Arab Sunnis, Yazidis, Kurds and Shiites, the Christian minority suffered great persecution. With an atmosphere of religious extremism and intolerance, Christians in Iraq have paid the supreme price. With Churches decorated by…
The escalating rate of crime and criminality with particular reference to ungodly activities of armed bandits, killer-herdsmen, commercial kidnappers and Boko Haram has left the country aghast. Series of abduction of school children has become a big business in Nigeria. The viciousness with which these illegal activities are carried out in succession signals organized crime. Although pundits finger conspiracy theories, the media in Nigeria appears napping. Apparently, the media has not shown leadership as the fourth estate of the realm. Sadly, there is dearth of investigative reporting. While media outfits are quick to break the news, there is hardly any…
In progressive societies, the quality of governance is measured by the conduct of public officials. Leadership by example often gives birth to docile followership. A leader who is worth his onions should be near perfection in words and actions. The recent verbal diarrhea by some public office holders across the country is reckless, needless and scandalous. Perhaps these leaders have forgotten that many years after they have left office, posterity would judge them. This means that whatever is said in public must be thought through and be for the good of all. Recall that the Executive Governor of Bauchi State,…
Today, our country Nigeria is confronted with multiple security challenges such as the unwholesome activities of killer-herdsmen, commercial kidnapping (especially of school children), Boko Haram insurgency, herder-farmer clashes and agitations by separatists. This is in addition to the hash economic condition and lack of employment. It is amidst these challenges that the Lenten Season offers an opportunity for prayer, reflection and introspection towards finding our balance as individuals and a state. The Season of Lent was ushered in on 17/02/2021 with Ash Wednesday celebration. During that solemn ceremony, the Christian faithful were urged to embrace prayer, fasting and almsgiving.…
Experts are of the view that interpersonal relationships fail and crises escalate in society because people have not discovered that Creative problem solving (CPS) skills are a huge resource for social cohesion. This is principally because either problems are not recognised or they identified but are not dealt with appropriately. For peace practitioners, CPS skills are highly sought after as indispensable tools for not only identifying but solving escalating tensions and communal problems. CPS is a way of identifying opportunities when conventional thinking fails. This is to solve existing problems. It encourages waring parties to find fresh perspectives and come…
Various commentators have blamed the Nigerian Masses for the ugly state of affairs in the country. In a society where those in positions of authority display paternalistic attitudes by arrogating to themselves the monopoly of wisdom that they are always right, prominent lawyers under the aegis of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have decried that Nigerians do not hold their leaders accountable. Some of the legal luminaries who spoke during the First lecture to commemorate the Anti-Land Charge 2018 protest in Lagos agitated for change. This charge comes at the heels of a culture of impunity and manipulation of the masses…
Few days into his administration, the new President of the United States of America, Joe Biden overturned Trump’s transgender military ban. According to White House, “Transgender service members will no longer be subject to the possibility of discharge or separation on the basis of gender identity.” Data from Department of Defence indicates that there were 8,980 active duty transgender troops in 2019. The White House statement added that: “President Biden believes that gender identity should not be a bar to military service, and that America’s strength is found in its diversity.” Both Americans and their friends abroad are processing this…
Recently, a white-woman identified as Tracy Zille took to her Facebook-Page to lambast Africans. She allegedly disclosed that Africans cannot produce anything apart from anointing oils, prayers and wealthy pastors. While stressing that rich men of God are “Made in Africa,” she boasted: “We produce toothpaste, you produce anointing oil and prayers. Don’t insult me for telling you the truth. We used our money to build universities and science research facilities. You used your money to build big churches and to buy your pastors and prophets big cars and houses.” In a series of posts on her social media handle…
