The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has called on the Federal government to take decisive action to end the incessant killings and acts of violence across the country, describing them as unjust and inhuman.
In a Homily titled Death is Not the End of Life for Believers delivered on Sunday at St. Augustine Pastoral Area, Waru Abuja in commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, Archbishop Kaigama prayed that the gruesome massacres of innocent Nigerians would receive high-level government attention.
He said: “As Christians, we pray too that the unjust and gruesome massacre of our dear brothers and sisters in Nigeria will receive a high-level attention from our government, which should bring the perpetrators to book and bring an end to these incessant killings of human beings.
“We remember in a special way the souls of the victims of these killings and commend them to the grace and mercy of God, that He may grant them merciful judgment and grant them admittance into His kingdom.
“Though we may not take up arms to fight for justice, like Judas Maccabaeus and his compatriots did, but in the name of the common humanity that we share, we passionately and firmly call on our dear government to rise up to the occasion and bring a permanent end to this inhumanity.
“The government must take responsibility for the protection of human life, as those seeking political office often promise during their electoral campaigns.”
The Cleric urged Christian to reflect on their ways of living and the “end reality that awaits every one of us. One day, we shall leave this world, and when we do, where do we think we will end up? What will people say of or remember us for?”
“As we sojourn in this world, try to be kind when no one is watching you. Forgive when it is hard. Help someone even when it costs you time or money. Do not gossip with or assassinate anyone’s character. Do not hold grudges. Be the kind of person people can count on, and don’t just go to church and call it a day. Build a real relationship with God. Talk to Him like He is your friend. Read the Bible like it is a letter written to you. Pray not just for things, but to know God better.
“Let your faith change how you act at home, at work, with your family, and with strangers. Live your life such that people will say, I want to be like him/her. Let us live our own lives in a way that honours the memory of our departed loved ones, by living the beatitudes, by being peacemakers, by being pure in heart, by hungering for righteousness.
“May God heal our land and grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed, especially the victims of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
