16/06/2024
THE JOY OF LOVE AND BROTHERHOOD
Where there is love, there is joy. Where there is joy, there is peace. And where there is peace, there is brotherhood. These are spices for happy living and a healthy society. Paul is right in his admonitions: “Let each of us please our neighbour for the good, for building up…. Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:2 and 7). It calls for a productive use of time. Indeed, time is a precious commodity to us to be used wisely, because time wasted can never be regained. Remember the saying, “Yesterday is a cancelled cheque, tomorrow is a promissory note. Only today is cash in hand.”
Interestingly, Most Revd Wilfred Chikpa ANAGBE, CMF, the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Nigeria, has again used his time wisely to love, to cause joy, to maintain peace, to strengthen the bond of brotherhood and importantly, speak for the defenseless of our society in which many are now addressed as the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). This is considering what rob him of productive time and what contributes to improving productivity, not just as the Chief Shepherd of God’s flock but as a compassionate being.
This is where we speak of coherent action whereby actions are coordinated and built upon one another so as to have punch, impact and significance for human advancement. Such positive acts are considered by Richard Rumelt as products of "focus or concentration". When this is the case, one’s actions are pleasing, accepted, supported and honoured. Pleased by his coordinated and well built-up actions, the Catholic Bishop of Spokane, Most Revd Thomas DALY received Bishop ANAGBE in audience that lasted for two hours of private meeting.
Bishop DALY was excited to receive a brother Bishop from Africa and expressed concern over the killings and kidnappings in Nigeria. He said he learned of it last year from a Nigerian nun who reported it at their International Catholic Education Summit in Rome. Thus, the killing in Nigeria and Benue in particular by Fulani herdsmen is not only an ugly phenomenon of particular concern to Bishop ANAGBE but of concern for discussion at international conferences and to others like Bishop DALY, the Auxiliary Bishop of Sam Josè, California and the Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on Education; a strong Devotee of Mary with a special devotion to our Lady of Lourdes; former Rector of St Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California.
Undeniably, life is sacred and worth living. Considered this way, we ought to live for one another – making a transition from community for myself to that of myself for the community. This is where we speak of success. It begins with love. Although defined in different ways by different people since some see it in power, money, title and recognition, success is also and chiefly “the concept of ‘reaching down’, of being able to help your fellowman”, says George Shinn. Success then, according to Shinn, “is really love in its purest sense. When you have learned to love – really love – everything and everybody, you have found happiness and the secret of success.” Therefore, while we have time, let us love unconditionally. This is because “There is a certain satisfaction, mental and spiritual, that one gets from love.”
We appreciate Most Revd Wilfred Chikpa ANAGBE, CMF for his love and always acting the voice of the voiceless. God bless and keep you. “You are what you repeatedly do; excellence then is not an act but a habit”, says Aristotle. Also, we appreciate Most Revd Thomas DALY and Revd Father Theophilus HWANDE, VC for their fraternal affection and solidarity. May God bless all people of goodwill all over world. Love is stronger.
Father Patrick Tor YUGH
Chronicler,
Catholic Diocese of Makurdi.
Tue 4th June, 2024.
