As Christians in Nigeria join their counterparts globally to celebrate Palm Sunday, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev Dr Ignatius Kaigama, has tasked leaders at all levels on intentional leadership.
Archbishop Kaigama stated this at the Pro Cathedral, Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Speaking on more lessons of Palm Sunday, he noted that today’s celebration calls on leaders to be determined to achieve the purpose of their being leaders by providing basic amenities for their people.
In his words “We call on leaders, not to be carried away by people’s hailing and calling titles such as “Your Excellency,” “Distinguished,” “Honorable,” “Your Majesty,” “Your Eminence,” “Your Grace,” etc., but to be determined to achieve the purpose of their being leaders. Political leaders should be aware that in our country today, after election victory, people shout “hosanna” to their leaders, but with hunger and insecurity ravaging our dear country, and when people are at breaking point, they shout in desperation “crucify them, crucify them.”
“The same happens to religious leaders, especially when we promise wealth, healing, miracles, and people don’t see these, because these promises are not rooted in the Lord. They will shout “crucify them,” in our case too, because some of us are deceitful, dishonest, manipulative, and self-centered, and even recklessly use the funds the congregations make great sacrifices to collect.
“Leaders should learn that only once did Jesus allow people to sing His praises. Always, He would shun anyone who tried to praise Him publicly. But today, when He was marked for death, He entered Jerusalem publicly and allowed the multitudes to sing His praises. This was because His hour had come. If you are not ready as a leader to sacrifice your time and life for your people, then don’t allow them to elect you, let alone to sing your praises”, he noted.
While dwelling on the theme for the celebration, “The King who chooses the Cross as His throne”, the cleric explained that Passion Sunday exemplifies the role Jesus played in the salvation of mankind. The day’s readings reveal the true nature of divine love, where Christ lowers himself, serves, and gives without counting the cost.
“His humility becomes His glory. And in that, He sets the pattern for all of us. If we want to rise with Him, we must first learn to bend low in service and love”.
Citing the Gospel reading taken from St. Luke which pictures Jesus riding into Jerusalem humble, and mounted on a donkey which Archbishop Kaigama likened to (Zachariah 9:9, Archbishop Kaigama said “The crowd was ecstatic, shouting and rejoicing, throwing their cloaks on the ground saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” …Passion Sunday draws our attention to the burden Jesus had to bear for our sins and the evils we have committed. He did this out of a most generous and selfless love. He deliberately entered Jerusalem not for a social celebration, but for some painful encounters which included accusations, betrayal, condemnation, insults, beatings, crucifixion, and death”, he explained.
He also encouraged Christians to spiritually renew themselves during this period and experience the joy of the risen Lord.
Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday, commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem during which palms were placed in his path, before his arrest on Holy Thursday and his crucifixion on Good Friday.
The celebration thus marks the beginning of Holy Week, culminating in Easter Sunday.
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