Ash Wednesday: Cleric tasks Christian faithful on prayer, almsgiving

Rev. Fr. Samuel Azi, Assistant Parish Priest of Church of Assumption Chongo’pyeng in Jos, has advised Christian faithful to be more prayerful and give alms to the needy during lent season.

Azi gave that advice in his Ash Wednesday sermon, marking the commencement of lent season, in Jos.

According to Azi, prayer, almsgiving and fasting remain key components of lenten period and Christian faithful must emulate Christ in this regard.

“Lenten season operates on a tripod: Prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

“Christians must use this period to pray for themselves and their neighbours. You should also use the things you fasted from to give alms.

“You have to show love and care for the needy in the society; it’s an opportunity to share what you have with the poor. By doing so, your reward on earth and in heaven will be great,” he said.

He further called on Christian faithful to use the lenten period to pray for the progress of Nigeria and for its leaders to lead right.

“This is a period of sober reflection, a period Christians should use to sincerely pray and ask God to heal our land.

“This country is sick, a lot of things are not right, so, we should fast, pray and ask God to direct our leaders to do things for the greater good of all,” Azi said.

He also advised Christian faithful to stay away from sin, adding that God will only listen to their prayers if they approach him in sincere repentance.

Ash Wednesday signifies the commencement of the Lenten Period leading to Easter, when Jesus Christ was resurrected.

The ashes symbolise both death and repentance. During the period of 40-day prayer and fasting, Christian faithful show repentance and mourning for their sins, because Jesus died for them.