Daniel Okoh, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has urged Christians to be beacons of hope and agents of change, despite the situation in the country, in the spirit of the Palm Sunday celebrations.
The CAN President made the plea in a message to Christians on Sunday.
Okoh also urged them to emulate the virtue of unity, as exemplified by Christ.
He again called on Nigerians to set aside their differences, prejudices and grievances like the people of Jerusalem in the Biblical accounts, to foster harmony, reconciliation and understanding, adding that in times of adversity, “love can conquer all.”
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The message reads, “In reflecting on the lessons of Palm Sunday for contemporary Nigerian society, we are called to emulate the virtue of unity exemplified by Jesus Christ.
“Just as the people of Jerusalem set aside their differences to welcome the Prince of Peace, let us set aside our prejudices, grievances, and animosities to foster a spirit of harmony, reconciliation, and understanding among ourselves.
“At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, as we navigate through turbulent waters and strive towards a more prosperous and equitable society, let us draw strength from the enduring message of Palm Sunday. Let us remember that in times of adversity, faith can move mountains and bridge divides, and love can conquer all.”
The CAN president added that “witnessing the unfolding events in our nation, let us heed the call to action embedded in the spirit of Palm Sunday.”
He encouraged Christians to be “beacons of hope and agents of positive change” in their communities, while “extending a hand of friendship to our neighbours, showing kindness to the marginalised, and upholding justice for the oppressed.”
“In conclusion, as we embark on this journey of reflection and renewal during the holy season of Palm Sunday, may we be guided by the timeless teachings of Christ, and may we emerge as a stronger, more united Nigerian society, bound together by the common values of peace, justice, and solidarity,” the statement read.
Palm Sunday is a Christian feast celebrated on the last Sunday before Easter to commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, as contained in the Biblical account of the four gospels.