Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Lagos West, Rt. Revd James Olusola Odedeji has said living life devoid of self-aggrandizement does not start and end with the Lenten season.
He made the observation in a statement made available to Church Times on Thursday, March 28. The 2024 Christian Lenten Season comes to an end on Saturday, March 30.
According to Odedeji, the end of the fasting period should rather be the beginning of a renewed commitment to the cause of God and humanity.
His words, “We are once again in that season of the year when we mark the trial, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is indeed worth remembering that it was that self-sacrifice that opened the door to heaven to those who know and follow Him acceptably.
“We must always remember that Christ, the Prince of Peace, reigns and His true followers are looking forward to his second coming. It is, therefore, appropriate that Nigerian Christians, after forty days of self-denial by fasting in the Lenten season, remember that it does not all end here.”
Odedeji said Christians should always be God-conscious in their actions, whether in public or private life.
“They should realise that God is everywhere,” Odedeji said.
The Anglican bishop also noted that the Easter season reminds us that righteousness exalts a nation, and sin is a reproach.
He enjoined leaders in the country and Nigerians in general, to be Christ-like and live as those believers in Antioch, where disciples were first called Christians.
The cleric in the statement congratulated Nigerians for witnessing another Easter celebration despite the harsh economic realities.
He however urged all to celebrate the season with eternity in focus
About Lent
Lent is that time of the year when Christians separate time to fast and pray before Easter which marks the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is linked to the 40 days and nights of fasting that Jesus observed while he was physically on earth
The season begins in many Orthodox churches on Ash Wednesday. During Lent, many Christians observe a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, self-denial, and spiritual discipline. The purpose of the Lenten season is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ—to consider his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial, and resurrection.
Some other Christian denominations however do not observe this tradition. Many Pentecostals for instance have different days of fasting usually at the beginning of the year. Major Pentecostal denominations like the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Winners Chapel, and the Moutain of Fire and Miracles have observed their fasting period at the beginning of the year.