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The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has called on Christians in Nigeria to live up to their calling as the “light of the world” and to take responsibility for fostering a better society.
In his Christmas message delivered on Wednesday, the revered cleric urged Christians to lead by example in addressing the corruption and moral decay prevalent in the country, rather than placing blame on institutions or public servants.
“I appeal to Christians not to forget that we are the light of the world, the city on the hill that cannot be hidden. Christians must not allow the structural weaknesses, the foibles and failures of the Nigerian state, to become an excuse for doing wrong.
“We cannot continue to blame the Constitution, the Judiciary, the Police, or other public servants for the corruption in our society,” Bishop Kukah said.
He noted that corruption is another word for not keeping the words and promises made by Christians at baptism.
“We swore to be faithful to Christ at baptism before we encountered the Constitution. The Constitution is a human instrument with limitations and flaws. However, the Word of God is a divine command and inerrant. Good Christians have the laws of God written in their hearts (2 Cor. 3:3) They need no other law,” he added.
On the day Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Bishop Kukah reminded them that the message of Jesus to the world is, peace, joy, love, justice and reconciliation.
He lamented that the forces of secularism are determined to empty Christmas of its core essence which is the good news of joy and light to the world.
“Christmas is increasingly being seen as another holiday or at best, one of the greatest opportunities for smart business returns. We have refused to accept the warning of Jesus that we cannot serve two masters (Matt. 6:2). Today, our world is ravaged by the effects of the seven deadly sins, Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, and Sloth.
“The world has lost its moral compass, and violence has engulfed our world. The drums of war and death now threaten to drown the good news of the joy that Jesus brought into the world. Nowhere is this tragedy better expressed than in the place where Jesus was born.
“Today, the baby Jesus lies not in the innocence of swaddling clothes in Bethlehem but in the pool of blood that has now engulfed Gaza and its surrounding communities,” Kukah said.
He noted that Christmas offers Christians a time for deep personal reflections on the values and virtues of the Christian witness.
While noting that note that some progress has been made in the area of security in Nigeria in his message, Bishop Kukah, however, noted that “we are not out of the woods yet.
“A comprehensive work plan to secure our nation, with clear datelines, must be put in place. Insecurity is the first child of corruption. We cannot win the war against insecurity without addressing the issues of unemployment and violent religious extremism which create the conditions for violence.
“Religious extremism can only be resolved if the government employs the force of the law and prosecutes the perpetrators as criminals and murderers.”
The Bishop also reflected on the tragedies of stampede that happened in Oyo State, Anambra and Abuja recently, stating that the failures of government to respond concretely toward ending the horrible crisis of hunger and desperation has created the conditions for these avoidable tragedies.
While noting that it is the duty of government to ensure minimum dignity for our people, Bishop Kukah urged the government to work more closely with institutions that help to promote the common good of our society.
He prayed that God grants eternal rest to the dead and console their families.
