The Chairman, Borno State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Dr. John Bakeni has urged Christian faithful in the state to put on the likeness of Christ and imbibe the virtues of love, unity, prayer, peace, faith, Justice, kindness, generosity, charity and goodness to one another.
Bakeni charged that these virtues should not only be extended to Christians, but also their Muslim brothers and sisters; and even those who do not have any religion, in the spirit of the Easter celebration.
The CAN Chairman who is the Auxillary Bishop, Catholic Dioceses of Maiduguri gave the charge on Saturday in his Easter message shared to journalists in Maiduguri.
Bishop Bakeni said,” I bring you greetings of peace my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I wish to felicitate with you as we celebrate Easter this year, 2024. May the peace of the risen Christ be with you now and forever.
“Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. His victory and triumph over death and darkness. Preceding his resurrection, he had to undergo his passion, suffering and death. Christians accord it so much importance because it is the basis and the foundation of their faith and believe in the resurrection. That is the promise that awaits every believer – the gift of eternal life.
“Easter comes with a lot of spiritual benefits and lessons. We learn humility and selfless love that God has towards us and we are expected to extend same to our brothers and sisters. Through his passion and death, we have been buried with Him-Christ in baptism, we also have been raised to new life in him (Rom. 6:4).
“We therefore put on the likeness of Christ. Let us therefore embrace the virtues of love, unity, prayer, peace, faith, Justice, kindness, generosity, charity and goodness to one another, including our Muslim brothers and sisters; and even those who do not have any religion.
” At easter we put on the light of Christ, let us bring this light wherever we go, in our homes, churches, offices/places of work, businesses and everywhere.
“Let us continue to be ambassadors of peace and reconciliation in our communities. Matt. 5:14, you are the light of the world—-V14-16, Let your light so shine before people, so that seeing your good works they will give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
” As we celebrate, let us rejoice, share our gifts and love with all those around us regardless of our religious affiliations. Let us be ambassadors of peace, justice and unity.
“May God bless you and I wish you all a peaceful celebration,” the cleric admonished.
