As the world celebrate the Ash Wednesday, Catholics has been enjoined to reflect on the life of Christ during the period of Lent which herald the Easter period.
Speaking to Newsecho, the parish priest of Immaculate Heart Catholic church Orji Rev Fr. Dr. Cosmas Edochie admonished Christians to reflect on the life of Christ during the period.
He disclosed that Ash Wednesday is in the liturgical calendar of the church which encompasses the mystery of Jesus Christ which is the mystery of sorrow.
He noted that it marks the beginning of Lent which is the period of fasting and prayer for forty days as exhibited by Christ in preparation for his death on the cross. He stated that it’s a period of reflection on the suffering, passion, and death of Christ.
He noted that it’s a period of penance and humility which reminds Christians of their mortality and the need to seek for repentance and forgiveness of their sins.
He maintained that it’s also a period of self discipline, fasting and prayer , giving to charity and attending Church services as a way to prepare themselves for Easter and for spiritual growth and renewal.
He disclosed that the believers are expected within the period to limit food intake, refrain from much social outings, examine their conscience, seeking reconciliation with God.
Speaking on the Ash, the parish priest disclosed that the ash is gotten from the blessed palm fronds used in the previous palm Sunday which is assembled and burnt. The Ash is what is used on Ash Wednesday to place a mark of the cross on the foreheads of the Faithfuls which symbolises that man is dust and will return to dust. It’s also a gentle reminder to Christains to amend their ways .
He urged Christains to give out to charity without blowing their trumpet as the Lord who sees in secret will reward them in due course.
According to him, this years Ash Wednesday witnessed massive turnout as members attended before commencing the day’s activities.
Regarding the forthcoming election, he told the members to perform their civic responsibility by casting their votes and elect leaders who will bring development to the country and frown at those who who give out prophesies and predictions of who will win the election thereby bringing controversy in the already distabilized society and urged them to desist from such act.
