THIS IS MY [NATIONAL] BODY Pt.2: THE EUCHARISTIC NATURE OF THE NYSC
I never liked the idea of partaking in the NYSC. It felt (and still feels, I’m enrolled as I’m writing this) like a waste of one year I could have used for other things. I recognize the usefulness of a nation building exercise like this, but it cuts against the grain. However, I did notice, underneath all the stress, some interesting things, usually theological things. I’ve written on two of them here and here. For this post, I want to note some similarities between Jesus sharing his body and blood in the Eucharist and the NYSC’s function.
Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." (Matthew 26:26)
The NYSC takes youths fresh off getting their Bachelor’s, and drills them for three weeks in a paramilitary camp. We are trained to be orderly, and respectful, to learn to march in formation, and in uniform. Our anthem has the lines “…under the sun…” (Like living pieces of bread, raised by soldier yeast and baked in sunlight), or vines pruned and soon to be crushed. We are broken up and distributed throughout the country, for each region, state, local government, and employer to subsume or “eat” into themselves, they eat the represented “body” of Nigeria (and since we’re talking about youths, the eschatological significance is seen here: this body will grow into an integrated Nigerian future typified in the present unity). The Nigerian state says "Take, eat; this is My body."
Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. (Matthew 26:27)
Where we are posted, we are expected to assimilate and be diligent. We are to “pour” our lives for that one year. Like blood, we are to give life to the Nigeria in wherever we are. They are told to drink, and we are the wine, the blood. In some places, especially schools in the rural areas, where quality teachers are lacking, it is the corps members that keep the schools running, the life of the schools depends on them.
"For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:28)
According to Wikipedia, NYSC was created on 22 May 1973 as an avenue for the reconciliation, reconstruction, and rebuilding of the nation after the civil war. It was established based on decree No. 24 that stated that the scheme was created "with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity". In other words, it was created to aid the “remission of sins” concerning the Nigerian civil war, a “new covenant” in order to unify what had been divided, in order to save what was lost.
This is just a sketch of the few things I’ve noticed, there may be more. If you see anything I missed, I’d love to read them in the comments section. What do you think? I’ve been seeing the religious side of patriotism lately and it seems my hunch is paying off. Thanks for reading, God bless you.