By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The Venerable Olusegun Akinola, Vicar of Anglican Church of the Resurrection Duboyi (ACORD), Abuja has admonished Christians to emulate the humility and sacrifices of the Lord Jesus Christ during his sojourn on earth.
This is even as the Clergy man asked the followers of Jesus Christ to be prepared for the second coming of the Messiah by giving themselves to him totally; and doing his will, pointing out that nobody knows when the Lord Jesus Christ will come again.
Speaking in his Palm Sunday homily titled: ‘Watch! The King is Coming!! in the church auditorium at Duboyi, Lokogoma Road in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Ven. Akinola impressed upon Christians to reflect on the life and time of Our Lord Jesus Christ and to be prepared to meet him on the Last Day.
According to him Christians must follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ in order not to miss heaven, stressing that although Jesus Christ knew about what danger he faced he was ready to endure pains for the benefit of mankind, just to fulfil the will of God.
He therefore urged Christians to persevere in their faith and stand firm when faced with difficult choices to make, arguing that it is important for every Christian to “Watch and Pray” for nobody knows when the Lord Jesus Christ will come.
Quoting the scriptures in the New Testament book of Mark chapter 13 verse 32 which said: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father’, Ven Akinola encouraged Christians to take heed, watch and pray: for nobody knows when the Lord Jesus Christ will come.
The Vicar however reminded his parishioners of the importance of Palm Sunday, saying that the significance of the day should not be lost on them as the faithful enter into the Holy Week leading to Easter.
Meanwhile, Ven Akinola had earlier before Sunday church service led a Palm Sunday Procession of worshippers to march from Sunnyvale Estate, Lokogoma junction through the Apo- Galadimawa road before terminating the procession in ACORD Abuja premises.
Armed with Palm branches, the procession which was supported by the Boys Brigade brass band sang choruses and hymns along the way including the popular “Hossana! Hossana! Hossana! in the Highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”.
The procession caused a bit traffic snare but the motorists understood the significance of the day as they waited patiently for the faithful to cross the major roads before making their ways through.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, historically the most sacred time of year for all Christians just as the event in the Christian scripture especially in the New Testament; marks Jesus Christ’s entering into Jerusalem and being greeted by the people waving palm branches.
Also, for Christians, it is a reminder of the welcoming of Jesus into their hearts and of their willingness to follow him and his ways. Palm Sunday is followed by weeklong activities when the faithful worship everyday in the church leading to Maundy Thursday (Washing of Feet of the faithful by the priests and Good Friday (Crucifixion Day) when Jesus Christ was killed and buried.
Then He resurrected on the 3rd Day called Easter Sunday which is the bedrock of the Christian faith and the most significant day in the life of every Christian who prophecies Lord Jesus Christ.
