By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Christian faithful in Nigeria today joined their counterparts across the world to mark Palm Sunday, signalling the beginning of the Holy Week also called Passion Week in Christendom.
The day symbolises the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem where he triumphantly rode on a donkey a week before his resurrection.
To mark the important day, members of Anglican Church Of The Resurrection Duboyi (ACORD), Abuja led by the Vicar,Venerable Olusegun Emmanuel Akinola marched through the major streets of the neighbouring Lokogoma-Galadimawa axis of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) singing “Hosannah, Hosannah, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
The procession lasted for half and hour before the congregation returned to the church auditorium in Duboyi where the Curate, The Reverend James Anene Ajah, delivered the Palm Sunday Sermon with the topic: ‘Following the Example of Christ’s Patience’. He said the significance of the day must not be lost on Christians.
Said he: “The significance of Palm Sunday and Triumphant Entry should not be lost on any Christian as it is a reminder for Christians to welcome Jesus Christ into their hearts and to be willing to follow him”.
The Reverend therefore told the church to ask themselves if Jesus Christ is in their lives, pointing out that life without Jesus Christ is not worth living.
Speaking further, Reverend Ajah described Jesus Christ as a man who is very detailed, humble and an epitome of patience as he endured even onto death just as he buttressed his point by quoting the holy scripture in Ephesians 4:2 which said:”with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love”.
The Clergyman also admonished Christians to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus in their relationship with fellow man, citing Philippians 2:5-7 which said: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness”.
Prayers were offered to God to guide the Christian faithful during the Holy Week which will continue throughout the week with daily church service leading to the Holy Thursday (Washing of Feet and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Friday called Good Friday.
