THE Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend (Dr) Henry Ndukuba, has reminded all Christians and leaders at every level that the Lent season is a time for consecration and total surrender to God.
He emphasised this point during his homily at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Abuja recently, at the penitential service of Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes, which marks the beginning of the 40 days of fasting known as Lent in the Church calendar.
Archbishop Ndukuba noted that there is a common misconception that the period of fasting is a time of trials. However, he explained that life is filled with trials, and none of them are uncommon. He reassured the congregation that the Lord we trust will not allow us to be tested beyond our capacity.
“Lent is not a time of trial but a time for consecration, a time to prepare our hearts to be with God and holy before Him,” he stated.
The Primate derived his message from 1 Corinthians 9:24–27, suggesting that Lent is a period of sacrifice, servanthood, and the eternal hope of glory. He explained that Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, during which ashes are imposed on the faithful. This practice, rooted in the Old Testament, symbolizes penitence, repentance, and the seeking of forgiveness from God.
“A forever more and we enjoy forgiveness and redemption forever more. This is the salvation that the church celebrates this season in preparation for the feast at Easter.
Easter is a time we prepare to celebrate the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He emphasised that God expects everyone, regardless of their position or status, to make sacrifices, following the example of Christ, who surrendered Himself as a sacrificial lamb for the atonement of sins.
“This is why we call on everyone to serve dutifully and sacrificially in every area where God has placed us, whether in the office, on the farm, in the market, in business, in our churches, or schools. Let us do all these things to serve God and humanity. I pray that we all look beyond the material gains of this world to see the glory of Heaven and strive for peace with God and one another.”
He urged leaders at all levels to make positive sacrifices for the benefit of the nation, putting aside their personal interests.
As human beings, he stated, it is expected of Nigerians to serve both God and humanity, living exemplary lives that are worthy of emulation.
According to him, “We learn to sacrifice, just as Jesus did. He came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. We should learn from Jesus, who fasted for forty days and nights as an act of sacrifice. We want to see our leaders make sacrifices for the good of this nation.”
Primate Ndukuba urged Nigerians to seek God’s presence this season, encouraging prayers together, irrespective of religious affiliations, to foster unity and promote tolerance among various faiths in the country.
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