The Borno State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Christian faithful to be ambassadors of reconciliation and peace in their communities.
CAN Chairman in Borno State, Most Rev Dr John Bogna Bakeni who said this in his Easter message on Saturday in Maiduguri, urged the government and security agencies to rise up to the responsibility and duty of securing lives and property.
Bakeni, who is the auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Catholic Diocese reminded that Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and His victory and triumph over death, evil and darkness.
He maintained that Easter comes with a lot of spiritual benefits and lessons. “We learn sacrifice, 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 imbibe the virtues of love, unity, prayer, peace, faith, Justice, kindness, generosity, charity and goodness to one another, extending this to our Muslim brothers and sisters; and even those who do not have any religion.”
He admitted that this year’s Easter celebration comes amidst hash economic realities, rising insecurity and blood bath in different parts of the country, kidnapping and abduction that have become the order of the day.
“I urge the government and all security agencies to rise up to the responsibility and duty of securing lives and property,” he charged.
He added that, “At Easter, we put on the light of Christ, let us bring this light wherever we go, in our homes, churches, offices or places of work, businesses and everywhere. Let us continue to be ambassadors of peace and reconciliation in our communities.”
Bakeni further enjoined Christians to rejoice, share gifts and love with those around regardless of religious affiliations. “Let us be ambassadors of peace, justice, hope and unity.
“May Jesus Christ, the prince of peace, grant us that peace to our troubled world and country, Nigeria. May God bless you and I wish you all a peaceful celebration,” he prayed.
