Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev (Dr) Calistus Onaga has urged government officials, politicians and other people in leadership positions in Nigeria to return stolen money for the good of the economy.
Bishop Onaga made the call during a homily in celebration of Palm Sunday at the Holy Ghost Cathedral Parish, Ogui Enugu with the theme “The Suffering of Jesus Christ Consoles Us.
”The Catholic bishop in his message to the faithful made reference to the biblical story on Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus Christ and accepted that he was guilty and then returned the money he collected.
He emphasized, “The most important thing in someone’s life is to acknowledge one’s sin, show remorse and be ready to change for good.
“This passion is ushering us into holy week and we are going to enter the holy week in a manner that is undiluted.”
He advised them to always forgive one another and continue to pray for one another, stressing that Jesus died for the sin he did not commit and yet said, “God forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.’
“You can imagine all the degrees of insult and fabrication against one man just to kill him, yet Christ endured all, he endured blackmail.
“If someone wanted to destroy you for no just cause, try and forgive that person. I know it is not easy,” he said.
The cleric admonished the faithful to always endure moments of trials, insults, mental suffering, disobedient children, ungrateful nation and temptations, saying, “You must remember that our savior went through this amidst mockery and that is our consolation.”
Another cleric, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh tasked leaders in Nigeria to always ensure they emulate the virtue of unity and humility exemplified by Jesus Christ no matter the situation and ensure peaceful coexistence.
His Eminence stated this in his message to Christian faithful marking Palm Sunday.
He said in the midst of challenges ranging from insecurity, economic uncertainties amongst others, this period offers everyone a beacon of light and inspiration.
The bishop said, “As we observe Palm Sunday, a day that holds profound significance in the Christian faith, I humbly extend my heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians.
“In the midst of our current realities in Nigeria, where we are confronted with a myriad of challenges ranging from social unrest to economic uncertainties and tensions, the essence of Palm Sunday offers us a beacon of light and inspiration.
“The image of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, instead of a war chariot or an exotic means of transportation, and being welcomed by crowds waving palm branches and laying their cloaks on the ground, serves as a poignant reminder of humility for our leaders and the power of peace and collective faith for all citizens.
“Let us be beacons of hope and agents of positive change in our communities, extending a hand of friendship to our neighbors, showing kindness to the marginalized, and upholding justice for the oppressed.”
Also, Pastor Mrs Ibijoke Ogundipe of the Cherubim & Seraphim (C&S) Movement Church Worldwide, Daki-Biyu District, Kubwa Branch urged Christians to be humble and peaceful in all their dealings.
Mrs Ogundipe who is a prophetess gave the charge in a sermon to mark the Palm Sunday Service titled: “The King of Glory,” in Abuja.
Preaching from Psalm 24 and Matthew 21: 1 to 11, the clergywoman said the Palm Sunday, which signified the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, was done in humility and peace.
According to her, Jesus Christ came in a humble manner into Jerusalem, riding on a colt of a donkey.
“The triumphant entry was a demonstration of the nature of his kingdom.
“If Jesus Christ is worldly, he would have gone for the best and latest car in our contemporary world.
“The kind of Messiah the Jews expected was the one that would liberate them from the hands of the Romans, the powerful nation at the time.
“Jesus did not come with force to conquer the world; he did not conquer the nations, but our hearts and minds,” she said.
Ogundipe described Jesus as “a man of peace and humility personified.”
“These are things we should do as we celebrate him and confess him as our lord and saviour.
“We should, through our character and relationship with one another, prove to the world that we are Christlike,” she enjoined.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State urged government at all levels to show love to its citizens.
The Oyo CAN Chairman, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, made the remarks in his Palm Sunday message on Sunday in Ibadan.
Akinyemiju urged governments to always listen to the citizens, provide for them and give security priority across the nation.
The life of every citizen, Akinyemiju said, must remain sacred because God purchased each one at a great price.
“It is a Sunday to be regarded by Christians as a day to remind us to accept and welcome Jesus into our hearts, just as the worshipers welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem.
“The activities characterising Palm Sunday dictates that anyone can have his/her lives and fortunes change dramatically overnight,” he said.
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