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#SV – The Unyielding

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

Protest against injustice would require, besides the very act of legitimate protest, some other factors. It is important to protest through legitimate and legal means and channels; It is necessary to protest from the standpoint of knowledge – knowledge about one’s rights and responsibilities, about what the law forbids and allows, and so on; It is also valuable to protest with the right strategy – coordination and targeted protest is important to achieve results; There is a spiritual dimension to protest against social injustice. It is faith that could strengthen the resolve to never give up; Finally, there is something … Continue reading #SV – The Unyielding

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Bridging Generations

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

Should I tell you the truth? Well, I assume you would want to hear it. The truth is that I never intended putting up anything on this blog today. I was rather researching on the concept of ‘discernment’ when I stumbled on the paragraph below. The paragraph is an excerpt from Pope Francis’ opening address at the Synod of Bishops on Young People titled ‘The Faith and Vocational Discernment.’ I find the piece very interesting for both young and old people all over the world, irrespective of creed, colour or religious belonging. I think it is an instruction that we … Continue reading Bridging Generations

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#SV – The Nine

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

Often, our faith is measured by our attitude of gratitude. We often tend towards big things, and we end up neglecting important things. We reserve our gratitude for the ‘all expense paid meal at an exquisite hotel’ and never for the rain that made the food grow; we prefer to be grateful for the lump sum of money that is wired to our account by our rich parents than that poor aunty who calls to check on us. Here is even something more intriguing: An attitude of gratitude will never demand gratitude from others for acts of benefaction, but will … Continue reading #SV – The Nine

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THE PIUS ADESANMI LIGHT

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

March 10: Ethiopian plane crash. Among the 157 victims were 2 Nigerian professors. One of them, Pius Adesanmi, a 47 year-old Professor of English and African Studies at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, a fierce social critic, whose voice resounds in the Nigerian political space. Adesanmi was engaged fully in the political issues that happened in Nigeria (and Africa by extension), he was a sought-after speaker, very active on social media, unfazed by the toxic attacks of politicians and partisan associates. He focused on issues. Adesanmi’s death came a day after the most contentious, election that was adjudged as lacking credibility. … Continue reading THE PIUS ADESANMI LIGHT

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#SV – Not Enough?

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

When we believe, and if we really have faith in Christ, then it compels us to live according to the right dictates of our consciences. In a world that is filled with hate, we bring love and compassion and affection; in a world that discriminates and segregates, we preach and live peace and unity and solidarity; in a world that struggles for power on the basis of wealth and military might, we manifest the power of God in acts of kindness and charity; in a world that gloats in possessions and in corruption, we show the example of contentment, simplicity, … Continue reading #SV – Not Enough?

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#SV – Amos’ Woes

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke

To close our eyes to the sufferings of others just because we can claim some level of comfort, is to lose our humanity in all its entirety. One key mistake we often make in life is to think that everything is okay once everything is okay with us. Yet, our humanity is shared by many others who may not be privileged as we are, others who may be different as we are; others who may be victims of circumstances that they had no hand in. Let us ask ourselves: How did the little boy who beg on the streets of … Continue reading #SV – Amos’ Woes