Guardian

“He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God…” (Psalm 40:3)

THE young man watched in horror and disbelief as his shop, housing goods worth millions of naira, was razed down by the early morning inferno. Many others, like him, ran about frantically, making effort to salvage possessions. It was too late. The flames, with renewed vigour, consumed all in its path and even sent some persons to the grave.

This December 2012 blaze at Jankara Market, Lagos Island, is a reminder of the many sad incidences of last year that plunged many homes into sorrow and hardship, and left bitter scars.  We recall, with sadness, various plane crashes and road accidents that killed many eminent Nigerians, including military men and politicians.   The year also passed with much bloodletting and insecurity as members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect held sway in many northern states, killing and maiming innocent lives. Churches, mosques and military installation were not spared. For many skeptics, 2012 was to be the watershed of Nigeria’s disintegration. Thank God, we are still together!

In the political front, intrigues featured prominently, as members of the ruling class and the opposition tried to out-do each other in mudslinging, propaganda, backstabbing and half-truths. Of course, there was little from government to show that it was genuinely concerned about the welfare of the common man. What with removal of fuel subsidy in January 2012 and a nation-wide strike that almost grounded the economy. We are yet to recover from pains of the subsidy sleaze that was uncovered, following agitation by Nigerians for better management of oil resources.

The year witnessed unprecedented flooding that ravaged communal lands, submerged countless buildings and rendered thousands impoverished.  It might be good to forget some of the harrowing experiences. But it is better to recall the past so that we can appreciate the faithfulness of the Lord who always gives us opportunity to begin anew.

Despite the limitations of the past year, the Lord is saying: it is never too late to begin life anew. Who says you cannot get up again because your business went bankrupt last year? Who says there is no genuine reason to keep on living because you lost some very dear one?  I say, rise up and shine! Dry your tears and be determined to make the best use of every second, minute and hour the year offers. God is not finished with you. There are still projects he wants you to complete; there are lives to be touched; there are breakthroughs coming your way, if only you would allow God to take the centre stage. It is never too late to get that plum job or build a new house. Have you been jilted by your fiancé? Dry your tears. Get up. You can still be married to that dream man this year. With God, nothing shall be impossible.

The New Year is a fresh beginning. We are to examine our lives and see areas that need amendment. No matter the extent of our shortcomings, God is calling on us today to come back to Him and renew our strengths. Like newborn babies, we are required not to dwell on the shadows of past ills but begin anew. God has promised to heal our wounds, trauma, sorrows and apprehensions.

He assures us that nothing happens without His consent. Every experience we pass through is permitted that we might grow stronger and appreciate how helpless we are without His guidance and protection. Every now and then, He enables us to realise that we should never place hope and happiness on any thing or anybody, except Him. After all, some day, all things shall pass away, even that person you love so dearly.

As a nation, it is not too late to start all over again with sincerity of purpose. God is telling our leaders, especially those who have not been faithful to the demands of their offices, to rise and make amends before it is too late. We must begin to claim, with confidence, the promise of God: “I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you…” (Gen: 12: 2)

We must be ready to hold our leaders accountable for their actions. We must also be active participants in the onerous task of building a virile nation.

May God cause a positive transformation in our lives and in the nation in 2013. Amen.

Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu is the Director, Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos