Shun Violence Despite Challenges For God Is With Us, Archbishop Okeke Preaches At Easter

Despite the prevailing economic and security challenges, Nigerians have been advised to shun violence as away of venting their frustration, and imbibe the virtue of hope that the afflictions will be over.

Archbishop of Onitsha Catholics Diocese, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke gave the admonition in his Easter message to Nigerians.

Archbishop Okeke quoting St. Paul’s message in Romans 8: 31 which says “If God is for us, who can be against us”, stated that despite the problems people are facing such as increasing insecurity, killings, destruction of properties, economic difficulties and many more, God has not abandon His people.

He said that though hope is fading in minds of people due to the challenges, the only antidote is to keep hope alive, work and pray, noting that the message of Christ’s resurrection is that God keeps his promises of salvation to humanity.

“In the face of the many challenges facing our society today, especially the increasing insecurity, killings, destruction of properties, economic difficulties and many more, the virtue of hope seems to be fading gradually. Hope seems to be eluding us. However, nothing brings hopes back to life like the Easter event, Christ has risen from the dead. It was from the darkest depth of the tomb that the joy of Easter arose.

“The message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ silences the hopelessness of the tomb. St. Paul assures us that if God is for us, no one can be against us. (cf. Rom 8; 31). Our experiences prove to us that God is for us because he has given us his only begotten son. He sent his son into the world to be our saviour and redeemer. This is sufficient for us to know that God loves us so much that he can never abandon us to the power of evil men and women. No matter who they are. God is on the throne. He is on our side and can never fail us. Nothing is impossible with Him (Lk 1:37).

“Therefore, My Brothers and Sisters, let us fix our eyes on him who is the author and finisher of our faith. Let us intensify our prayers and be closer to God. As we pray, we work, we do the needful but not to join the men and women of violence. Always remember that this difficult time will pass, the difficult people too will pass but God has the final word. God who raised Jesus from the dead can handle our problems.

“Happy Easter beloved brothers and Sister, Let always allow hope to be strong in our lives. Peace be with you,” Archbishop Okeke concluded.