01/10/2026
*SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF NIGERIA (YEAR A) THURSDAY, 1ST OCTOBER, 2026.*
*Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Ephesians 2:13-22; Matthew 2:13-22*
REFLECTION: *A SHOOT FROM THE STUMP OF JESSE: PLANTED IN JUDEA, WATERED IN GALILEE*
Chidiebere Okechukwu..
Today, the Church in Nigeria celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. Pope Saint John Paul II led the Church in Nigeria in the consecration of Nigeria to the Blessed Virgin Mary, during his visit in 1982. So, it is fitting because, on this day, 1960, Nigeria got her Independence; hence the celebration.
The Nigeria of today needs prayers, and this is beyond the different prayers for Nigeria composed by the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria. The time is now a prayer from the self, to action of the self; hence, prayer and good action.
The judiciary needs to work in accordance with the Rule of Law, and must be truly independent. Many of us have lost hope in the Judiciary. We doubt if the common man can actually get justice in Nigeria when faced with the high and mighty. The pocket now speaks because no one can talk. If you talk, it can be termed hate speech. The Church leaders and the people flock around these corrupt people and take the piece of cake the offer, the Jacob's porridge. This is the birth of silent betrayals.
The electoral process is a mess. Most of our representatives cannot pass the test of integrity and we are today wailing. This is why many of our youths are into all kinds of rituals. *Some even try to leave the country, that is, "Japa" and they hope that they won't "Japada" (deported).*
The fate of the youth is not known, since there are no jobs for those with certificates, yet many are trooping into the Universities and many graduate yearly. There is wickedness here and there. Who then will save us? We need the root from the stump of Jesse.
This could be the plight of the time of Isaiah in his days, according to the first reading (Isaiah 11:1-10). Thus, God had to inspire Isaiah to write that "there shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord."
This supreme judge shall judge justly with the above spirits, unlike many of the cases in Nigeria, Africa today. This Grace shall be impartial and shall uphold the Law. This "Grace" , Christ shall strike the wicked with his rod. He shall bring peace in such a way that the goat shall dwell with the lion. By implication, the strong shall not oppress the weak and the mighty rich shall be at home with the low-poor. The Nations will seek this Grace and his glory shall all look for.
This is a warning to the leaders in Nigeria and Africa today. Integrity is the key and there should be serenity in leadership. Leadership shouldn't be a do or die affairs. And if it happens so, the rod of Christ is raised today, as spoken by Isaiah, for the wicked will not keep ruling over the land of the righteous lest the righteous themselves become evil (Psalm 125:3). We need a leader whose days shall be filled with justice and great peace forever, as said of Christ in the responsorial Psalm (72:7).
The second reading from Ephesians 2:13-22 brings back our consciousness to the fact that we have been redeemed and made one by the precious Blood of Jesus Christ, therefore, we should be one in him. *For in Christ, and through him, we all have access in one Spirit to the Father.*
Therefore, we are no more strangers but elects in God, through Christ. Let those who lead, lead with diligence and those who help should do so too with diligence. No need for fighting and quarreling. This message is to all the children of God. *The best part of us is for us to embrace humanity more than religiosity.* When we live in love, then, this is achievable. *Fighting against one another will do us no good and killing the stars of others can lead to doom.*
This is examplified in the gospel reading (Matthew 2:13-15) where the shoot from the stump of Jesse was made to flee from the wickedness of the King. Jesus, born in Bethlehem in Judea, a place of praise (supposedly) was now persecuted to be sent to Egypt, the land that was once hostile to the Israelites. This should tell you something. *The once enemy of your fathers can still be your friend and saviour.*
When the king died, he, Jesus, came back and dwelled in Nazareth of Galilee, where he performed his first miracle. Thus, the shoot from the stump of Jesse, who was planted in Bethlehem of Judea, was watered in Nazareth of Galilee and he watered and nurtured those there too.
Significantly, *do not chase out a man of innocence because he might be the grace of the time.* God has a way to do his things. You can be chasing him and lead him into his destined miracle, as testamented in the life of Joseph (Genesis 41:40).
*Therefore, by the mandate of God and by the connection of faith in the gospel of Matthew 2:13ff, where Jesus returned unkilled, may God preserve you in this time and keep you safe from harm. May you become the root of breakthrough in your family and the bringer of good fortunes, so that your name shall be used as the example of those that are blessed and as the pointer in your lineage and address that will be used to identify many unto favours, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.*
*PEACE 🕊️*