Christians are today celebrating Good Friday, the yearly reminder of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and supreme model of believers. The death of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary remains the central paradox upon which the Christian faith is based. The paradox arises from the suffering and humiliating death of Jesus on the one hand, and his divinity on the other. Christian believers for over 2000 years have annually celebrated His death for its vicarious and atoning value.
Ordinarily, Good Friday should be a day of sorrow and of mourning over the death of an innocent person who did no harm to anyone, but who was nevertheless hated, humiliated and crucified for proclaiming the truth to the world. The events of the day thus throw up the question: What is good about this day of wickedness, anguish, sorrow and death? But taken within the context of atonement and seen in the light of the resurrection and the salvation Jesus won through his death, it is understandable that this Friday should be universally acclaimed as “Good Friday” by Christians all over the world.
However, beyond the ritual of re-enacting the crucifixion and other acts symbolising the passion of Christ on this day and around this time, Good Friday is significant as a day of meditation on the cross and its meaning not only for the Christian life, but for all meaningful life. Nigerians’ propensity for seeking success and prosperity while rejecting the pains and sacrifices that must be endured before hand, contradicts the call to sacrifice that Good Friday represents. A disposition towards crass materialism, excessive wealth accumulation, blind pleasure and conspicuous consumption is clearly at variance with the spirit of this holy day.
Unlike the spirit of sacrifice exemplified in the suffering and death of Christ on Calvary, many Nigerians are generally averse to the idea of suffering today for tomorrow’s gain. As a people they seem to lack the patience for long-term investments that would yield wholesome returns at a later date. Many would rather cut corners and engage in corrupt deals for instant gratification than endure the sweat and tears upon which real lasting wealth and well-being are built. Life on the fast lane and on easy street – a life punctuated by short-cuts to riches and success more appealing to too many. That is why corruption thrives so well in Nigeria’s national environment. That is why in spite of Nigerians’ highly visible religiosity, there is a great difficulty translating the lofty ideals and values of the two major religions into daily living.
This year’s celebration of Good Friday yet again assumes a special significance for all Nigerians. The public holiday being observed today is an opportunity for the much desired introspection. The other side of the event of Calvary for Christians is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead which is celebrated on Easter Sunday. Good Friday this year should be seen as a day to (among other ideals), rekindle hope in the possibility of a new Nigeria – a new Nigeria populated by inspiring and self-sacrificing leaders, as well as hard-working and law-abiding people; a new Nigeria dominated by men and women who appreciate and celebrate daily in their private and public affairs the dynamics of deferred gratification. Jesus has pointed the way to what constitutes sacrificial leadership, which in turn promotes good governance. He has laid down his life, teaching the world humility, fortitude, suffering, sacrifice, justice and true love. He has affirmed that it is the way to guarantee authentic peace – a peace that endures. As Christians mark Good Friday today, may all Nigerians take these truths to heart so that it shall be well with the nation.
May they celebrate the ideals and values of Good Friday, be prepared to sow seeds of self-sacrifice today for tomorrow’s glory.
