February 8, 2025
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Religion

Ash Wednesday: Christians urged to show compassion towards the needy

By

Gloria Abutu

 

 

As Christians the world over observe Ash Wednesday, they have been urged to show compassion and generosity to the needy, especially in the face of the current hardship being experienced in the country.

 

The Parish Priest of Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church, Bekaji, Yola, Reverend father John Iyekowa made the call while speaking to Radio Nigeria on the significance of Ash Wednesday.

 

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season.

 

It is a period for sober reflection where Christians are encouraged to turn inward, acknowledge their imperfections, and seek spiritual renewal.

 

Reverend Father John Iyekowa noted that Ash Wednesday is observed to remind Christians on the need to to draw closer to God in true repentance.

 

According to Fr. Iyekowa, the ashes applied in the form of a cross on the forehead of the faithful on the day, symbolizes mortality and a commitment to a more intentional and meaningful life.

 

“We mark ourselves with the sign of the cross with ashes from the burned Palm which were blessed and used during palm Sunday, and this symbolizes that we came from dust, and to dust we shall return.”

 

“So instead of spending your energy and time on the flesh, this is a time to also look at the spirit because the soul in you is what endures forever.”

 

“Jesus tells us not to fear him who can destroy the body but to fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell. So this is a time to subdue our flesh, it is a time to nourish the spirit,” he added.

 

Speaking on the pillars of the lenten season which are prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the cleric urged Christians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by showing love, humility, forgiveness and sacrifice for the benefit of others.

 

Father Iyekowa added that those who are not able to fast should embrace abstinence from certain luxuries, as a sign of selflessness and sacrifice.

 

“When it comes to spiritual things, we should live a good life; we should try to be more loving and compassionate by sharing what we have with the people around us, especially in these difficult times,” Fr. Iyekowa said.

 

He also charged leaders to reflect on their actions and strive to overcome the temptations of corruption and embezzlement which according to him, has plunged the country into poverty and underdevelopment, while urging them to to live up to their responsibilities by providing security and infrastructure for meaningful development.

 

“This 40 days of lent is a time for us to pray like Christ, who overcame temptation from the devil.

Some of our politicians can not resist the temptation of embezzlement. We must learn to should emulate Christ.”

 

“My message to the government and Christians in this period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving is that we should try and overcome the temptations that destroy our economy and destroys our country, let us love our country. It is our responsibility to repair our country, so that we can all live well,” the cleric appealed.

 

Reverend Father John Iyekowa therefore called on Nigerians to intensify prayers over the socioeconomic challenges bedeviling the nation so as to experience peace, prosperity and progress.

 

The core message of Ash Wednesday centers around repentance, reflection, and humility.

 

The primary objective of Ash Wednesday is to pay homage to Christ’s 40-day fast and practice of self-discipline in the desert where he was tempted by Satan before beginning his ministry.

 

This offers Christians an opportunity for deep reflection on the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ which is celebrated on Easter Sunday.

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