Thursday, October 1, 2026. Solemnity of Our Lady, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. Independence Day! Is.11:1-10; Ps.72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17; Eph.2:13-18; Matt.2:13-15,19-23
“To those who seek to protect their egos, true peace is always a disturbance,” so says Fr. Anthony de Mello, SJ. Again, Lucky Dube does not forget to remind us that we live in a crazy world, where leaders do whatever they want. But imagine what it’ll be like to have a country where Ibos are at peace with Hausas, Yorubas love Ibos, Binis love Fulanis, Esans love Ijaws… It’ll be like the state of bliss that Isaiah describes in today’s first reading. But this kind of peace doesn’t seem possible; at least not in Nigeria, and certainly not in other parts of the world. We’ve tried for 66 years now, and we’re still failing. What then is the problem?
In the first reading, Isaiah hints at the answer. The wolf lives with the lamb, the panther lies with the kid, calf and lion feed together… and they do not harm themselves because THE WHOLE COUNTRY IS FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. St Paul goes on to remind us that it’s in Christ Jesus that those who used to be far apart have been brought near, for Jesus breaks down barriers and becomes our peace. Friends, Joseph and his family ran away from Herod’s violence so that Jesus will live. In the same way, we must strive to know God better, shun dissension and let Christ’s peace reign in our hearts. As we pray our rosaries this month of October, may we gain lasting peace from God, through Mary’s intercession, Amen.
Let us pray
O God of creation, direct our noble cause, and guide our leaders right, help our youths the truth to know, in love and honesty to grow, and living just and true, great lofty heights attain, to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign, Amen.
Happy Solemnity of Mary Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. Happy Independence Day, and Happy New Month.
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