The head of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, Most Rev. Dr. John Bakeni, has encouraged Christians in the state to act like Jesus and adopt qualities such as love, unity, prayer, peace, faith, justice, kindness, generosity, charity, and goodness towards each other.
He emphasized that these qualities should not only be shown to fellow Christians but also to Muslims and even those who don’t follow any religion, especially during Easter.
Bishop Bakeni, who is also an Auxiliary Bishop in the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, delivered this message on Saturday in Maiduguri.
He greeted everyone with wishes of peace and expressed his joy for celebrating Easter in 2024.
Bishop 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”.
He explained that Easter is about Jesus Christ rising from the dead, which symbolizes victory over death and darkness.
He highlighted the importance of Jesus’ suffering and death, which Christians believe paved the way for eternal life.
The Bishop mentioned that Easter teaches important lessons like humility and selfless love, which Christians should extend to others.
He referenced the idea of being like Christ, which means embracing qualities like love, unity, prayer, peace, faith, justice, kindness, generosity, charity, and goodness.
He stressed the importance of sharing this light of Christ everywhere, including homes, churches, workplaces, and communities.
”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”.
Bishop Bakeni urged everyone to be ambassadors of peace and reconciliation, citing a passage from the Bible about being the light of the world.
“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”.
He encouraged people to celebrate Easter by rejoicing, sharing gifts, and spreading love regardless of religious differences. He ended with blessings and wishes for a peaceful celebration for everyone.
”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”.
