As the Lenten season gradually paves way for the Easter celebration, Christians have been charged to make conscious effort to leave something behind, by putting to death their old ways of life in this Lenten period, so that they can rise anew with Christ at Easter.
“The beauty of this Lenten season is to leave something behind. It is to die to something. Only those who die can celebrate Easter, because Easter is all about rising and it is only what has died, that can rise. Therefore, an old you, must die, for a new you to rise. Something must die in us.”
The Catholic Bishop of Uromi, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, OSA, reflecting on the preparation for a proper Easter celebration in his homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent, describes God as the greatest gambler, who continues to bet on man, despite man’s persistent betrayal and unfaithfulness. He noted that God is offering man an opportunity to kill something in him, because everything that happens in his life is an opportunity for growth.
“God is the greatest gambler, because he still bets on man even with man’s obvious betrayal of trust. He still takes a chance on us, hoping that we can be better. All of us therefore, are God’s winning card, and he is really proud of us.
“But can we be trustworthy? Can we be trusted? On this day, God is asking if he can trust us, he (God) wants us to rewrite our wrongs.”
The Prelate who was the Chief Celebrant at the Thanksgiving Mass for the 16th edition of St. Patrick’s feast day celebration and cultural fiesta organised by the St. Patrick Edo-Delta Catholic community of Abuja Archdiocese at the Holy Rosary, Catholic Church in Abuja on Sunday, March 17, 2024, disclosed that the customary Easter night fire on Holy Saturday was introduced by St. Patrick.
Giving a brief historical account of the life of St. Patrick, the homilist recounted that St. Patrick was captured as a slave in England and taken to Ireland, and as a slave, he saw the Idolatry practices that was going on there, so after his studies, he went back to evangelize and ensure a total conversion in Ireland. He therefore admonished all, that if they put their trust in God, they will understand that everything that happens in their life, is orchestrated by God for his (God) glory.
The chief celebrant who is also the Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), explained that the occasion is designed specially to celebrate oneness and togetherness. He commended the Edo-Delta people for being dedicated sons and daughters of St. Patrick and urged them to continue in that strive despite the challenges of life.
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