By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, Gabriel Ojeleke Abegunrin on Sunday, tasked Nigerians to be hopeful of better days despite the present situation in the country
The Catholic Archbishop who gave the task in his Easter message to Nigerians to commemorate this year’s Easter celebration, said Easter stands as a unique period that signified hope.
According to ArchBishop Abegunrin, ” Easter calls us to a renewed understanding of the sanctity of the human life and to promote it with vigor”.
He emphasized, ” Easter is indeed a season of Hope. Although our dear country still wobbles, we must still cling to hope, a hope in the resurrected Christ, knowing as St. Paul; said, ‘that hope does not disappoint us.
” Finally, Easter is the celebration of life over death, Jesus is not held by the darkness of the tomb, he breaks forth into life and also promises to give life to all who come to him”, he said.
ArchBishop Abegunrin added, “Easter calls us to a renewed understanding of the sanctity of the human life and to promote it with vigor. No one should be prevented from enjoying the gift of life from God, both natural and supernatural life.
” We must therefore stand together to shun all anti-life practices, eradicated the culture of death among us, ranging from the promotion of abortion to contraceptives. It is our earnest prayer that the life, love and peace of Christ will reign supreme in our lives, Amen”.
Speaking further on Easter celebration, ArchBishop Abegunrin stated that, “the season reminds us primarily of God’s immense love for all his Children, expressed in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ”, adding, ” Three major things flow from the resurrection of Jesus Christ; three things that matter really.
” In his resurrection, Jesus shows us his redeeming love; Jesus invites us to peace; and Jesus sends us out to others to change the world.Jesus shows us his redeeming loveIt was God’s love that made the son undergo the torture of the Cross to redeem the human race.”
ArchBishop Abegunrin maintained that ” it was for Love that he gave His only Son. It was for love that Christ himself did not hesitate to submit and surrender himself into the hands of his executioners.
” And finally, it was for love that He rose so that he can offer us the gift of eternal life. Therefore, the Easter message challenges to respond to God’s Love especially by loving our neighbors. We have something to imitate in the intimate and tender love of the risen Lord. Jesus draws us into his own resurrected life, we must learn to draw others to share in our lives as well. Jesus invites us to peace”.
Related
