Nigerian Bishop calls for a world of “one love and one heart”

By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Bishop Emmanuel Badejo of Oyo Diocese, Nigeria, has enjoined Christians to be inspired by the example of the unity of the Holy Trinity in the face of a “world in disarray.” He made this call during his homily on Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. 

Citing several examples of unrest and social ills in the world, the Bishop called on Christians to work together to create a world of peace and harmony.

The Holy Trinity 

“Look all around us, from the United States of America to Europe to Africa, there is division, discord, disharmony, distrust, and terrorism. Racism in America, in Europe. Killings in Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Libya, but also, in Nigeria, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo, and in other places.” said the Bishop

“Many live for disunity and hatred. Some even use God as a means of division. Such a pathetic world!” he added.

But “the Holy Trinity is the exact opposite of all this” continued Bishop Badejo. “It expresses integrity, the fulness, and completeness of divine love. It is obedience, fidelity, steadfastness, perseverance, faithfulness.” 

According to the Bishop, in contrast to our world in “disarray, turbulence and chaos”, the love and integrity of the Trinity have never changed nor diminished.” This is why “everything divine still functions in perfect rhythm.”

Call to peace

Bishop Badejo said that the Second Reading (2 Cor 13: 11-13) encourages Christians to “greet one another with a holy kiss.”

He pointed out that while this may be impossible due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we must cling to the characteristics of the Godhead: “fidelity, kindness, love, humility.” These, he stressed, “cannot be quarantined, isolated or locked down.”

Citing a song entitled “Spiritual Healing” by Toots Hibbert, the Bishop said that the world needs spiritual healing that will “restore perfect love which transcends all human capacity.”

Living the life of the Holy Trinity

Bishop Badejo pointed out that the “Trinity is community and family in the truest, most eminent sense.” He added that “in the ideal family, there is love, forgiveness, harmony, peace, caring for the other and unity.” Therefore, “we can only solve the problems we have today by living the life of the Trinity.”

He stressed that “we are one in Jesus” and together, we can wipe out racism and division from the world. He reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rm 8: 38) and enjoins everyone to work together in “one love and one heart” for a better world.

Concluding, Bishop Badejo prayed that through the love that unites the Holy Trinity, all will be well with families and countries around the world.