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As Christians begin the observance of 40 days Lenten season, Rev. Fr. Cyprian Mbamara of the Abeokuta Catholic Archdiocese has called for self-denial.
Mbamara gave a sermon at Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church in Lusada near Lagos, to mark 2022 Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday heralds the commencement of the Lenten season – a 40-day period of abstinence and sober reflection by Christians.
The 40 days precede Easter during which Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Lenten season is commonly referred to as Lent and is characterised by prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
On Ash Wednesday, ashes are placed on the foreheads of Catholics and some other Christians in the form of a cross, signifying that they are dust (humans) and would return to dust in death.
Lent is aimed at deepening Christians’ love for and commitment to Christ.
Mbamara urged Christians to pray, fast and give alms to the needy during Lenten season.
He added that they should abstain from eating meat and spending lavishly.
According to the cleric, Christians should eat what they desire less, during the Lenten season.
“Eating meat is generally understood as being a life of luxury, as many who cannot eat or afford meat whether chicken or beef, see it as a reserve for the rich whereas, fish, egg or milk are believed to be affordable by even the poor.
“Many will not ordinarily prefer these dairy products where there is meat to be eaten since it is more desired and enjoyed.
“Therefore, we, as Christians, must humble ourselves during this period of Lent, and be like the poor, eating the things we less desire,” he said.
Mbamara, however, advised that the Lenten season should go beyond the rituals of taking ash and engaging in fasting, saying that it must create true Christian virtues.