HOW MANY TIMES

How many times must we remain indifferent to the sufferings of others, before he understands that without true love of God and for neighbour all on earth is vanity?

How many times must we continue to experience all forms of natural disaster, before we understand that the end is near; and we need to repent from our sins and come back to God?

How many signs must we continue to see, before we realize that the injustice we do to the poor and the defenceless is a crime against humanity?

How many time must our leaders understand, that lack of employment and opportunities for job creation for our youths is the major cause of crime and corruption in the society today?

How long must the killing of the innocent people go on, before we learn to value life as a precious gift from God, and it deserves respect?

How many times must we remain silent to watch the ungrateful individuals abuse the efforts and attempts we made to enable them to occupy their present place of honour; yet, after countless promises during election, we are chased out from their lands, our homes in bondage, thus, making life unbearable for all?

How many times must we continue to be deceived by those who were employed to protect life and properties; most of them turn out to be a terror in a society known to be a peaceful land?

How many times must our society remain in pain, lamentation and in distress, before we begin to use the available resources in our land to better the condition of living and for the benefit of all?

How many times must the evil men continue preaching peace, while they keep promoting the production of sophisticated arms and ammunition to wage war and encourage the production of horror films, instead of building schools for our children?

How many times must the rich keep complaining about oppression, injustice, negligence and insecurity in our society, even as they continue to oppress the poor because they have no one to speak for them?

How many times must we continue to seek protection from those appointed to serve our fatherland in equity, fairness and justice, but we are forced to pay a token before at least we can be listened to let alone demanding for justice?

Let us not forget that when we are aware of our problems it will become easier for us to have a solution for them. We will never be able to eliminate our setbacks or weaknesses if we do not know about them. Knowledge creates awareness in us. Awareness helps us to think about our problems and work for solutions. It is our duty to reflect on our problems and look for solutions that will bring transformation in us.

Saint Benedict Joseph Labre says, “every time you hear the clock strike, remember that you are not master of the coming hour and think at the same time of all that our Saviour endured in order that you might possess eternal life”. Let us have faith in God in these dark moments; He will lead us through.

 
Prisca Onyinye Nwokorie is a  Roman Catholic Nun. She belongs to the religious order of “Oblates of St. Benedict Joseph Labre” in Italy. She is a graduate of the University of Bari where she obtained her Bachelor’s and Masters’ degrees in “Information and Communication Technologies for the Production of Software” and “Computer Science” respectively. Currently, she is carrying out research work on “E-learning for Developing Countries”.

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