As Christians begin the Lenten season, a cleric, Rev. Fr. Leonard Ojorgu, on Wednesday, urged them to give alms, fast and pray to attract God’s mercy and favour.
Ojorgu, who is the Assistant Parish Priest, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Ediba, Calabar, mad the advice during a special mass to celebrate Ash Wednesday.
According to him, lent is a time when Christians prepare for Easter, by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.
Ojorgu drew his homily from the Book of Genesis 3:19, while reminding Christians that they were made of dust; and to dust; they shall all return.
Genesis 3:19, says, ‘’In the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread til thou return unto ground; for out of it was thou taken, for dust art and unto dust shall thou return’’.
“The Lenten season is very important in the Christian calendar. It is a time for us to draw closer to God in fasting and prayers.
“As Christians, we should use this period to give alms to the poor, visit the sick, the orphanage and the less privileged in the society.
“Our country, Nigeria, is facing economic and security challenges; as Christians, we should also use this period to pray for the revival of the nation’s economy and peace in all the troubled areas.
“During this period, Christians should make positive impact on individuals and the nation as a whole by living exemplary lifestyle continuously,’’ he said.
A Catholic faithful, Mr William Ilem, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview that “the Lenten season is a period of sober reflection for Christians.
“The fasting season will be fruitless, if Christians fail to put smiles on the faces of their neighbours.
“Lent is a period of reconciliation and exchange of gifts.’’ (NAN)
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