Theme: ‘No peace for the wicked!’Dear friend, it is possible to be at peace even amidst ups and downs of each day as we see in our nation today; but not possible to have inner peace when all you think about is to take away the little joy in others.

This is pure wickedness. Hence, you can't give what you don't have!!! Christ gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of peace such that the world cannot give nor take away. Jn.14:27 tells us, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

It is the Spirit that reveals the Glory of God in the baptised, in the

church, and in the world. He makes the impossible possible! He will remind, teach, and guide you to peace, perfect peace. Psalm 67:1 tells us, "May God be gracious & bless us...so will your ways be known upon the earth and all nations learn your saving help...with fairness you rule the peoples, you guide the nations on earth." The Holy Spirit is Christ's best gift to the world. To enjoy this gift however, Jesus says, "Remain in my love...so that your joy (Peace) may be complete". Sing: "Wa o, Emi Mimo o, Metalokan jowo wa sokale... "Come Holy Ghost creator come..."

In Acts.15:1, we read about the early Christian community void of Peace because of the teaching/imposition of a few with power, but not authority to act.

They forgot love at home and disturbed others with laws. The apostles declared, "We hear that some of our members have disturbed you with their demands & have unsettled your minds (i.e. taken away your peace). They acted without any authority from us ooo...". However, we and the Holy Spirit of peace have decided to restore your peace & never to burden you beyond the essentials... these are to obey the commandments and love one

another. We still have such people with wicked desires/intentions towards others in our world, nation, parishes, and homes today. In recent times we have the Boko Harams and cattle herdsmen killings. What kind of spirit is leading you & to where? Imagine a person with Appollo in the eyes, bad vision sets in, and he wants lead people/judge things rightly. Sing: "No night in Zion, there is no night there, Alleluia there is no night there...and we need no candle light" reggae song

We go after money, power, wealth at the expense of people’s lives and properties. People work more to buy more, thinking that more thigs will fill their emptiness and make them happy. Na Lie o!!! Note: "Money can't give us peace! you can purchase soft beds, but not buy sleep, you can buy good food, but not appetite, and you can buy good books, but not wisdom etc". Sing:

"Some have food but cannot eat, some can eat but have not food...some have legs but cannot walk, some have mouth but cannot speak, some have eyes but couldn't see...". Be grateful for all d Lord has done for you, that you are still alive is an assurance of great things to come. Nigeria go better someday soon! Keep watch in faith and Peace with unlimited love will over flow in your home!

Finally, in this year of mercy, let us give room for peace and forgiveness!

Tranquillity is external, while peace is essentially internal. It's a

state of inner calm, which God alone can give. Hence, there is no peace for the wicked. Let our Christian life be not just a, "No action, talk only" things. To change the world, begin with the self! God help us all. Our Lady

Mother of Africa prays for us!!!

  Fr. Stephen Balogun