The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, His Lordship, Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo has charged Nigerians on the need to imbibe the quality of Valor and virtue for speaking the truth as Christians celebrate this year’s Palm Sunday.

This was made known in a release signed by his Lordship and was made available to CEOAFRICA.

Bishop Badejo stated that everyone has a role to play, whether as a Christian, Muslims and other religion in imbibing the quality of valor and virtue for speaking the truth, especially to all those who would suppresses it.

‘’Christians, Muslims and all others must ride the colt of courage at all times, wearing the garment of truth and justice, into this “Jerusalem” called Nigeria and speak the truth to all those who would suppress it, he said.

Speaking on the significance of Palm Sunday as it relates to imbibing the quality of valor and virtue for speaking the truth, Badejo highlighted that, the triumphant entry of “Jesus” into Jerusalem affirms God’s sovereignty over all other powers. It challenges all leaders to lead with the fear of God, lay down their own lives in service; rather than exploit and destroy their own people for their selfish interests. It also invites all the citizens to recognize, applaud and support good, unselfish leaders who work for peace and reconciliation”.

Sadly, His Lordship Badejo said “Many parts of the world today are in turmoil and suffer from selfish and unjust leaders. In Nigeria, for example; the only thing that seems sustainable is corruption, injustice, hypocrisy and impunity in high and low places. The Country therefore needs courageous, servant-leaders and individual who like, Jesus, will courageously speak the truth and live by it”.

Exegetically, Bishop Badejo affirms that the Bible teaches that Jesus embarked resolutely on his way to Jerusalem in spite of the fate that awaited him and spoke the truth courageously. The faithful, coming out to meet him in procession and exultation, carried palm fronds and branches in his honor, as is still done today. The gesture signifies victory and well-being, as the palm tree is normally regarded as a provider of shade, shelter, beauty stately dignity and even nourishment. Carrying it is therefore a prayer and a desire, for sustainability of life and humanity. In Jerusalem, the people threw the palms in the path of Jesus in recognition of him as a servant leader and king, the Bishop submits.

Palm Sunday is the celebration of the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the place where he was to be crucified. It is also known as Passion Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week which is the holiest week in Christendom when Christians celebrate the most intense moments of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the first Sunday during the year when the faithful listens together during worship, to the full account of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Palm Sunday and its relationship to the passion of Jesus Christ reminds us all that true glory is only found in self-giving and sacrifice. It is celebrated every year on Sunday before Good Friday which precedes Easter Celebration.