Today is Ash Wednesday, it is observed in Christendom across the globe to mark the beginning of annual Forty Days Lenten season.
The Lent which is mandatory for all Christian faithful as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, will lead to Easter celebration.
To commemorate the day, some denominations, such as Catholic and Anglican Churches organise service during which the foreheads of the congregations will be marked with ashes.
Speaking on the significance of Ash Wednesday, the Administrator in charge of St. Louis Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, old garage, Ado-Ekiti, Reverend Father Benedict Joseph said it affords Christians to retrace their steps back to God.
Also, the Archbishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Ifaki Archdiocese, Most Reverend Sunday Ogunlere emphasized that the Lenten season prepares Christians for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
On his part, the founder of Holy Trinity Authority Prophetic Church, Ikere road Ado-Ekiti, Prophet James Omitade, noted that the lessons of the season should be put into practice beyond the period.
Venerable Simeon Olajobi of Emmanuel Anglican Cathedral, Okesa Ado-Ekiti, was of the opinion that Nigerian leaders should use the period to reflect on the leadership styles of Jesus Christ who came to serve humanity.
Similarly, Reverend Joshua Alonge of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Oke-Oro-Ekiti, Ijero Local Government enjoined political leaders to pray for right direction to surmount insecurity, kidnapping, banditry and hunger in the country.
The clergymen stressed the need for Christians to move closer to God, because they would give accounts of their deeds on Earth before their Creator.
They also called on Christians to use the Lenten period to pray, amend their ways, read Bible and engage in alms giving so as to enjoy uninterrupted blessings of God.
INT/LANRE OMOTOSO
