By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
The Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, has urged Christian and Muslim faithful to ensure national transformation through prayers and exemplary behaviour.
Badejo, in his Lent/Ash Wednesday message, said it was significant that the two religions were observing the Lent and Ramadan seasons almost simultaneously this year.
He, therefore, urged followers of the two religions not to ignore their obligations to exert religious, moral and spiritual influence on the world.
“The faithful of all statuses need to be sincere and live out their commitment; until then, the poor, the weak and oppressed, will continue to miss the dividends of true authentic religion, like fraternity, justice, peace and love.
“Lent urges a return from the dust of our weakness and sinfulness to the good will and plan of God who is always ready to welcome the wayfarer home.
“The time is long overdue for pilgrims of hope to earn that divine promise and positively transform every nation and people of the world,” he said.
Badejo described Lent as a life-long invitation to repentance and friendship with God and fellow human beings.
“Lent is also a call to remember who man really is, a frail creature of a holy God.
“To keep man humble, God Himself told him at creation: ‘Dust you are and to dust you shall return (Gen. 3:19).’
“That is one of the purposes of Ash Wednesday ashes; applied right at the start of lent, repentance in humility,” he said.
The catholic bishop urged true pilgrims of hope to understand that observing Lent keeps one on the track of holiness to salvation.
According to him, fasting, repentance, prayer and meditation on God’s word, and giving support to the poor and needy, among other good deeds, lead to self-purification.
He adds that Lent rotates on the fulcrum of repentance, self-denial and renunciation.
“We are led to give up something in order to make up for our failing and obtain a higher good.
“This can mean forgiving those who hurt us, fasting and abstaining to provide for the needy, letting go of our pride and privileges to serve others, and giving up our comfort to make space for the weak and vulnerable.
“Also, giving is an essential part of Lent and observing Lent in this way enriches our witness and deepens our faith in one human brotherhood.
“If only all who claim to know God would heed the call to sincerity of heart by the prophet Isaiah (Is. 58), the world would be a much better place.
“If leaders at every level shun hypocrisy, truly work for peace and cease auctioning the poor and weak for influence and wealth, Lent would have greater meaning and impact,” Badejo said. (NAN)
