By Jesusemen Oratokhai
As the Lenten season unfolds, Bishop John Akin Oyejola of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo has urged Catholics not to embrace passive hope.
In his Lenten address for 2025, the bishop stressed that while hope in God’s promises sustains believers through hardships, faith without action is meaningless.
He warned against using trust in God as an excuse for inaction, especially in times of economic hardship and societal decline.
“Hope in God should push us to take bold, constructive steps; not hold us back in wishful thinking,” he declared.
Addressing Nigeria’s leaders, Bishop Oyejola condemned the culture of self-interest and corruption, which has left many citizens struggling.
He called on political, traditional, and spiritual leaders to work with integrity and prioritize the well-being of the people.
“We are failing God and our people. The righteous must lead for the people to rejoice,” he warned, referencing Proverbs.
He urged Catholics to use Lent as a time of self-examination, ensuring their faith inspires them to work hard, act justly, and demand accountability from those in power.
With the Jubilee Year of Hope as a backdrop, the bishop’s message serves as both a spiritual wake-up call and a rallying cry for tangible change.
