Author: Deji Okegbile

GOOD FRIDAY: BEYOND FUNERAL LITURGY

GOOD FRIDAY: BEYOND FUNERAL LITURGY

Posted by | Apr 10, 2020 | , , , |

Following the betrayal, arrest, desertion, false trial, denial, condemnation, beatings, and mockery of Jesus, Pilate bowed to the pressure of the temple leadership and the crowds, and  Jesus was nailed to the cross. Today we acknowledge the power of the cross in our lives with a consideration how the apostles might have gathered that night 2000 years ago together in fear and prayer reflecting on all that happened. This year’s Good Friday has come in the middle of the global coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic. From the global helplessness and lock-down, how do we reflect on the deadly effects of the...

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WEDNESDAY OF THE HOLY WEEK: Ministry, not a guarantee for spiritual life or health: Judas’s example.

WEDNESDAY OF THE HOLY WEEK: Ministry, not a guarantee for spiritual life or health: Judas’s example.

Posted by | Apr 8, 2020 | , , |

14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over – Matt. 26:14-16 Colin S Smith in one of his books, ‘Heaven, So Near – So Far: The Story of Iscariot,’ retells the gospel story from the perspective of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. Judas, the son of Simon was bribed to betray Jesus (Jn 6:71). Judas’s life and ministry...

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Overturning the Tables and Seats of Pandemic Vendor(s).

Overturning the Tables and Seats of Pandemic Vendor(s).

Posted by | Apr 6, 2020 | , |

In the evening of Palm Sunday, Jesus went to the Temple and found vendors who have set up their wares in the Temple court. Jesus is angry. Unlike an African Proverbs that says, “No matter how hot your anger may be it cannot cook,” Jesus anger, not only cleansed the Temples, Jesus’ anger restored the Temple. Jesus got angry because the Temple was not being used for prayer as it was intended but for profit by those who are taking advantage of the poor. Beyond the debate in the churches and among theologians across the world about the overturning...

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HOSANNA, a Saviour in Pandemic: A Divine or Political Impulse?

HOSANNA, a Saviour in Pandemic: A Divine or Political Impulse?

Posted by | Apr 5, 2020 | , |

The word “Hosanna”, a Syriac word means “save now,” or “save,” a form of acclamation used among the Jews in the celebration of their great festivals. “Hosanna,” the cry of the crowds 2000 years ago was the shout of the throngs as Jesus entered Jerusalem for His last week of public ministry. This movement, the noise and all the action was more than a parade or prophetic but a protest. In the context of Christian history, Passover, when Jews from all over gathered to share in the feast day of liberation was a big deal in Jerusalem. It is...

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LENT OF REMEMBERING (Day 37) – Prayer of humility

LENT OF REMEMBERING (Day 37) – Prayer of humility

Posted by | Apr 2, 2020 | |

1 Lord, I have given up my prideand turned away from my arrogance.I am not concerned with great mattersor with subjects too difficult for me.2 Instead, I am content and at peace.As a child lies quietly in its mother’s arms,so my heart is quiet within me.3 Israel, trust in the Lordnow and forever! – Psalm – 131 Lent of Remembering reminds us that humility is a prerequisite for meaningful prayer. Humility in the sense is not of self-denigration (which is not true humility, but actually a form of pride); rather, ‘humility in its original, earthy sense of remaining down-to-earth...

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