Refuge

The pandemic has affected and confused all the segments of life at all levels. John Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja, Nigeria, one of the speakers of the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress, Budapest has written reflections on this extreme situation: “we have learnt to reach out to God in various ways, even with closed mosques and churches. We have also learnt the wonderful lesson that there is only One God, who listens to our prayers regardless whether we are Muslims or Christians. These are powerful lessons that we must not throw away neither after the crisis is over, nor later when the places of worship are once again open. Though the COVID-19 has inflicted a lot of distress on us, this sacrifice should not be in vain.”

The Archbishop recalled that Nigeria, such as other countries across the world, introduced strict precautionary measures to stop the spread of the contagion: cities have been locked down, regular hand washing and social distancing have been asked from people. But, as John Onaiyekan expressed, it became very soon clear that these measures were not practicable for most of the people of the Nigerian society.

Just to mention, how one can wash hands frequently when does not even have water to drink. Or think about the stay home rule, how to comply with it without having reserves of livelihood? In the villages and city slums people are living in crowded rooms, with no chance to any form of distancing. The Archbishop then added: “Everyone, regardless to their religion or faith finds refuge by praying to God, and asks Him to free us from the threatening disaster. The predicted disaster has not taken place – added the IEC speaker – and I do believe, along with many Nigerians, that God has shown us his mercy and power.”

Should you intend to know more about Archbishop John Onaiyekan, click HERE for further information.

Source: qposts.com

Photo: IEC