Lenten Season an Invitation Not to Give Up amid Adversity, Nigerian Archbishop

In his invitation to the people of God under his pastoral care to reflect on the theme, “Return to the Lord”, the Archbishop highlights the importance of embracing repentance and the mood of sorrow throughout the season of Lent.

“Today, dear friends, marks the beginning of our 40-day journey, which will come to an end with Easter when we begin a new life with full reconciliation with God,” he says, and adds, “I warmly welcome you to this season of grace when our reflection on the suffering and death of Christ in a special way puts us in the mood for sorrow and repentance for our sins and our sinfulness.”

The Archbishop encourages the people of God to strive “to be more aware of the presence of God” within the 40 days that mark Lent so as to be “freed from the bondage of sin to enjoy the glorious liberty of children of God.”

He says that the Lenten journey is uniquely marked by the three traditional practices of prayer, fasting and alms giving.

Through prayer, Archbishop Adewale says, people make room in their hearts as they communicate with God.

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By fasting, the Archbishop of Lagos explains, the people of God deny themselves of food and other forms of bodily pleasure so as to free themselves from any form of material distraction that could stop them from rising up to God in Prayer.

As for Alms giving, he explains that Christians take upon themselves the work of Christ, bringing hope and consolation to those considered lesser members of the society.  

Explaining the essence of Ash Wednesday, the 61-year-old Archbishop says, “We place ashes on our heads and when we do so, we make a public declaration that we are dust and that we are nothing without God and the good news of salvation.”

“We accept that our friendship with God has been weakened by God and so declare to the world that we depend on the mercy of God. And as we mark ourselves as beneficiaries of God’s mercy, we take advantage of the opportunity to start afresh and begin anew,” he says.

The Nigerian Prelate who has been at the helm of Lagos Archdiocese since August 2012 expresses optimism that the Lenten season will lead many souls to conversion ahead of Easter celebrations.

“Our Lenten journey will be successful if we keep step with the Master,” he says, and adds, “He will take us by the hand and lead us in the path of righteousness through the waters of rebirth and renewal into the glorious liberties of the children of God at Easter.”

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.