CITIZENS COMPASS —The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has called for unity and love among Nigerian Christians even as the world celebrated Palm Sunday yesterday.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in his Sunday message to Christians urging them to be agents of hope and change, despite the situation in the country, in the spirit of the Palm Sunday celebrations.
Palm Sunday is a Christian feast, celebrated on the last Sunday before Easter, to commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, as contained in the Biblical account of the four gospels.
Okoh also called on Nigerians to set aside their differences, prejudices and grievances like the people of Jerusalem in the Biblical accounts, to foster harmony, reconciliation and understanding, adding that in times of adversity, “love can conquer all”.
He said, “In reflecting on the lessons of Palm Sunday for contemporary Nigerian society, we are called to emulate the virtue of unity exemplified by Jesus Christ. Just as the people of Jerusalem set aside their differences to welcome the Prince of Peace, let us set aside our prejudices, grievances, and animosities to foster a spirit of harmony, reconciliation, and understanding among ourselves.
“At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, as we navigate through turbulent t waters and strive towards a more prosperous and equitable society, let us draw strength from the enduring message of Palm Sunday. Let us remember that in times of adversity, faith can move mountains and bridge divides, and love can conquer all.
“Witnessing the unfolding events in our nation, let us heed the call to action embedded in the spirit of Palm Sunday. Let us be beacons of hope and agents of positive change in our communities, extending a hand of friendship to our neighbours, showing kindness to the marginalised, and upholding justice for the oppressed.”
He urged Christians to be “guided by the timeless teachings of Christ, and may we emerge as a stronger, more united Nigerian society, bound together by the common values of peace, justice, and solidarity.”
