DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: EXCERPTS FROM THE HOMILY OF ARCHBISHOP MARTINS

Today being the Divine Mercy Sunday, the Metropolitan archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev Dr Alfred Adewale Martins, adorning a Divine Mercy themed chasuble, presided over the Holy Mass amidst strict observance of the social distancing rules.

The Mass which was broadcast live on Hallelujah TV had three priests, a few altar servers, a few religious and about 6 choristers in attendance, positioned far apart from one another.

I'm his homily, the archbishop dwelt extensively on Divine Mercy and mentioned the deeds of Mercy.

ON THE EXERCISE OF MERCY

His Grace said we can exercise mercy by deeds, words and prayer.
"Pray for your neighbour and you'll become a conduit of bringing mercy to them. Deeds of mercy are necessary especially in these days of COVID-19."

APPRECIATION OF DEEDS OF MERCY BY THE PEOPLE

"We've seen an immense contribution of deeds of mercy by parishes bringing in contributions to the needy."

His Grace commended the parishes, establishments and individuals who responded to the Archbishops's appeal for donation of relief packages for the needy in this period.

He said the archdiocese also helped 78 parishes to bring relief materials to their parishioners.

He said: "The Pope has also contributed towards helping government to stem the spread of corona virus."

His Grace also revealed that relief packages were also sent to orphanages and homes of the disabled, such as the Pacelli School for the Blind and others.

ON SHARING OF PALLIATIVES

He urged governments to review the strategies for distributing the palliatives to the populace.

The people in charge of sharing the palliatives must not be partisan in sharing palliatives and and should not convert palliatives to their personal use.

REPERCUSSION FOR UNFAIR SHARING OF PALLIATIVES:

"Anyone who does that should expect the anger of the Lord to be visited upon them, because when the poor cries, the Lord hears and answers them."

ON PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS:

"People should adhere to social distancing and hand washing guidelines."

ON THE OUTLOOK OF THE PANDEMIC

"The projection the of World Health Organisation concerning Africa is frightening."

ADVICE TO GOVERNMENTS

He urged governments to arrest the fallout of the lockdown, especially the insecurity which was brought about by loss of livelihood.

Government also tasked to address the extra judicial killing of people by law enforcement agents.

ADVICE TO PROFESSIONALS

He said health experts should brainstorm on finding a way to curtail the spread of the virus.
He suggested the establishment of at least one test center in each local government of the States of the federation.

ON THE WAY FORWARD

"If there's a rat in the house, you don't suspend your activities to go after the rat, you set traps for the rat and go about your daily activities."

We must ensure COVID-19 doesn't spread and at the same time, our economic and worship activities must not to held to ransome.

CALL FOR PRAYERS

Pray the divine mercy for our country and the Rosary daily asking Mary, help of the sick to intercede on our behalf.

May all our activities find favour in the sight of the Lord. Amen.