EASTER JOY AND OUR JOURNEYING WITH MARY
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)/BEGINNING OF THE MARIATHON FOR 2025, AT OUR LADY QUEEN OF NIGERIA PRO-CATHEDRAL, 04.05.2025. HOMILY BY ARCHBISHOP I.A. KAIGAMA.
READINGS: ACTS 5:27–32, 40B–41; REVELATION 5:11–14; JOHN 21:1–19
THEME: EASTER JOY AND OUR JOURNEYING WITH MARY
With hearts filled with Easter joy, we gather today in this Pro-Cathedral not only to celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Easter but also to mark the beginning of our Mariathon – a sacred journey in the month of May dedicated to our Blessed Mother Mary, the Star of the New Evangelization and Queen of Apostles. I welcome you all to this annual event to pray for the success of the apostolate of Radio Maria here in our Archdiocese and all over the world; and I warmly welcome the coordinator for Africa Jean Paul Kayihura, from Rwanda, also, the President of Radio Maria in Abuja Archdiocese, Sir Raphael-Jude Ude, KSM, the Director, Fr. Sylvanus Ameh, and the many other dedicated volunteers who in just three years have made Radio Maria known by many. Since they rely only on donations, we urge everyone to help Radio Maria to sustain this important service of evangelization.
As we honour Mary in this Mass, I recall the Preface of Our Lady, Mother of Africa, celebrated 30th April when we prayed:
“…. In your infinite goodness
you have given to the virgin Church
the model of true worship in the Virgin Mary.
She is the Virgin who listens,
who embraces your words with joy,
treasuring them in the silence of her heart.
She is the Virgin of prayer,
who sings of your mercy in her canticle of praise,
who shows concern for the bridegroom and bride of Cana
and intercedes for them with her Son,
who prays with the apostles in oneness of mind and heart.
She is the Virgin Mother,
who gives birth to your Son
by the power of the Holy Spirit
and at the foot of the Cross is proclaimed as mother
of the people of the New Covenant.
She is the Virgin who offers,
presenting the Firstborn in your temple
and sharing in his self-offering
beside the tree of everlasting life.
She is the Virgin who keeps vigil,
awaiting the resurrection of her Son
with unwavering hope
and looking forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit
with steadfast faith….”
We look forward to the conclusion of this journey with Mary, the Mariathon, marked by a special Rosary procession on the 30th of May.
In today’s Gospel, the Risen Jesus appears to His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. It is a tender and powerful encounter. Peter and the other apostles have returned to fishing – perhaps overwhelmed by the confusion of recent days. Not long before this moment, Peter had denied Jesus three times. The other disciples had fled in fear. But now we see a new and transformed group of apostles – bold, fearless, and unwavering in their witness. What made the difference? The answer is simple but profound: The Resurrection – the same reason we are boldly called Christians. Jesus is alive.
They had seen him, touched him, and eaten with him. Their lives were forever changed. They could not keep silent. Even when they were flogged for preaching in the name of Jesus, they rejoiced that they had been found worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. This is not an ordinary joy – it is Easter joy, the joy that flows from knowing Christ, crucified and risen. They are no longer afraid. Like them, we too are called to be witnesses – even when it is inconvenient or costly. And who is the first and most faithful witness to Christ if not Mary, our Mother? From the annunciation to Calvary, and now glorified in heaven, she remains the model of faithful discipleship.
And in this call to mission, we see an invitation for each of us to cast our nets once more, to renew our fervor in evangelization, and to journey with Mary in proclaiming the Good News.
As we continue our Easter journey, today’s readings draw our attention to the power of the Resurrection and how it transformed the disciples from fearful men into bold and daring witnesses of Jesus Christ. In particular, the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles shows us the courage and conviction of Peter and the other apostles, who, even in the face of persecution, declared: “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29).
The apostles had discovered that obedience to God is more life-giving than human approval or comfort. Their witness reminds us that faith is not just about comfort or prosperity – it is about conviction, truth, and fidelity, even when it costs us something. We are called to be witnesses – in our homes, workplaces, and society.
Sometimes we may face ridicule or rejection. The world may not always welcome the message of Christ. But like the apostles, we must have the courage to say: “We must obey God rather than men.” How can we be witnesses today? By living with integrity and honesty when others compromise; by standing for the truth in a world of confusion; by showing mercy and forgiveness, when the world chooses vengeance; by professing Christ not only with our lips but with our lives. Let us not be afraid to obey God above all else, even when the world resists.
In the encounter the apostles had with Jesus, Jesus restored Peter to his position as head of the apostles and of the early church and gave him a second chance, having failed the first time, by denying Jesus. Three times, Peter affirms his commitment to care for the flock of Jesus. As a leader, you have the duty to protect the interest of your flock; to care for them, and not to feed on them. And this also requires some courage and willpower. That is what most of our leaders today lack. No matter what oppositions and challenges we face, we must stand for truth and justice.
We must never give up on the mission God has given us, especially as leaders. The disciples had laboured all day without any success. But as their hopes were fading, it was then that they heard the voice of Jesus, which they did not recognize, saying, “Lads! Have you any fish? And they answered, ‘No’.” Jesus’ presence made the whole difference. Weary body and wet clothes, and empty nets are lots we often experience in our lives. But we are called in life, not to give up even if the last cast has brought in nothing, we need to try again.
As we begin this Mariathon, we remember that May is traditionally the Month of Mary. And how fitting that it falls during the Easter season! Mary is not only the Mother of Sorrows; she is also the Mother of the Resurrection, the one who waited in hope, who believed when others doubted, and who rejoices now in glory. Mary is the quiet, praying heart of the early Church. She is the Mother of Evangelization, encouraging us to go forth with joy and boldness.
Let families gather to pray the Rosary daily; let us care for the poor and sick, offering Marian charity; let our youth imitate Mary’s purity and courage; let us be generous in supporting missionary works, echoing Mary’s “yes” in our own lives.
As we continue our earthly pilgrimage, let us ask Mary to intercede for us. May she accompany us during this month of May and always lead us ever closer to her Son. With her maternal care, we cannot be afraid. With her example, we cannot be idle. And with her intercession, we cannot fail.
