Palm Sunday Allure Shouldn’t Blind Us to “grim realities” of Jesus’ Crucifixion, Persecution in Nigeria: Catholic Bishop

“Let us be resolute in doing what has to be done to attain salvation,” the Local Ordinary of Oyo Diocese, who also serves as member of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication since his appointment in December 2021 says, referring to the book of Isaiah.

He notes, “Passion week is full of difficult and tough moments but Jesus, knowing that the hour was coming near, nonetheless, goes resolutely towards Jerusalem.”

In obedience to the Father, Jesus, focused on his mission, manifested such compassion that he wept over Jerusalem as he t, Bishop Badejo says, and adds, “God’s arm is not too short to save.”

“It is that dogged consciousness that kept Jesus going,” he says in his April 13 reflection shared with ACI Africa in which he urges his compatriots to “drink from the same cup of (Jesus’) courage and trust in God.”

The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, who doubles as the President of the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS), an entity of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) relates the event of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and His passion.

“We already hear the story of the passion of Jesus in order to keep the memory of his passion right in our minds,” he says in his reflection, and emphasizes, “Jesus’ majesty and royalty cannot be separated from his passion and crucifixion.”

Palm Sunday, Bishop Badejo says, “fully depicts the incontestable but humble kingship of Jesus. Although he had often earlier turned down such big acknowledgment, Jesus, going to Jerusalem was no longer shy of his kingship.”

Jesus showed dominion and authority over all around Him, when he told his disciples to get Him someone’s colt that had never been used before and the answer to give if anyone challenged them, he recalls the Gospel narrative of Jesus entry into His city, Jerusalem.

He continues, “There is a lesson for us here. Jesus is truly king and has dominion over all, even his adversaries. He can be trusted, even when things seem to go wrong. Let us stick with him.”

Bishop Badejo goes on to encourage the people of God in Africa’s most populous nation to also seek solace in the Psalm of David, which he says is “useful to pray with, even when we see imminent trials and tribulations.”

“Why are you cast down my soul? Why groan within me? Hope in God, I will praise him Still, my savior and my God” he says referring to Psalm 42:11, and adds, “Our famous Church hymn is very appropriate. Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.”

Bishop Badejo appeals, “Let us truly rejoice that we proclaim a competent king all around our city. Let us imbibe his courage, humility, and love and believe firmly that he will grant us victory in our trials too.”