ABEOKUTA – Rev. Kehinde Oyewunmi, the Parish Priest of Christ African Church Cathedral, Igbore, Abeokuta, has urged Christians to imbibe Christ’s life and uphold his teachings on love and sacrifice.
Oyewunmi made the appeal on Sunday in Abeokuta in his sermon to commemorate “Palm Sunday” celebration.
Christians celebrate Palm Sunday, every Sunday preceding Easter in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
The cleric said that Palm Sunday celebration signals the beginning of the Holy Week, which is the last week in Lent in the orthodox Christian calendar.
According to him, the Holy Week is a time for prayer, penance, reflection and spiritual works.
The cleric advised Christians to use the Holy Week to refocus their lifestyle and shun acts that are unpleasant to Christ and his church.
“I want Christians to use this period to show love to their neighbours by lifting the burden from the shoulders of those around us who may be experiencing some form of difficulty.
“This is a time you can offer help and assistance to the less-privileged, sacrifice yourself for good work because Christ had sacrificed and showed love to each and every one.
“So it is a pay back period for we Christians to reflect that godly love to our neighbours.’’
He also enjoined Christians to use the Holy Week to pray for peace and security and also for the success of the election.
Meanwhile, as the nation awaits the results of the Presidential and National Assembly elections conducted on Saturday, Nigerians have been urged to take the outcome of the results as the will of God.
Pastor Olusola Adewumi of the Christ Apostolic Miracle Church, Ikole in Ekiti State made the call in his sermon to mark Palm Sunday in Ikole, Ekiti State.
Adewumi attributed the successful conduct of violence-free elections in the country to the prayer and fasting by Nigerians and Christians in particular during the Lenten period which would soon come to an end.
He said “only the creator chooses a leader; whoever emerges as winner should be supported for the progress and unity of the country.
“Let us prevail on our fellow brothers and sisters to accept the outcome of the elections, be it the seat of the President or National Assembly.’’
The cleric further urged Christians who were observing the ongoing Lent not to go back to those worldly activities that they had shunned during the fasting period.
He said “you must strive to maintain the cordial relationship with your creator so that your spiritual life will continue growing and pave way for abundant blessings.’’
According to reports, some worshippers could not attend service as they monitored latest developments from Saturday’s elections.
Some of the worshippers were also seen browsing their cell phones for possible release of the election results online, while some called their friends to get updates.