The Bishop on the Niger, Anglican Communion, Anambra State, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, has called on Christians to embrace a deeper, more meaningful observance of the Lenten Season by fasting not only from food and drinks but also from worldly desires and sinful habits.
Delivering his homily at the Calvary Chapel, GRA, Onitsha, Bishop Nwokolo emphasized that God is more concerned about inward transformation rather than outward religious display.
‘Not the outward show, but the inward disposition of the heart is what God is looking for,’ he said, adding that during the Lent, God searches for men and women with sincere and contrite hearts.
Bishop Nwokolo warned that unchecked desires often pushed people beyond the bounds of reason, leading to numerous atrocities in society.
‘Desire makes us go beyond reasonability. Many wrongdoings are rooted in uncontrolled desires,’ the Prelate said.
The Bishop urged Christians to use the Lenten period to reassess their lives, align their priorities with God’s will, and lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
‘As you draw near to God, He will draw near to you. Humility on your part will make God lift you,’ he stressed.
Nwokolo further clarified that fasting should not be limited to abstaining from food alone but should include denying oneself other bodily attractions and pleasures.
‘Always control your body; do not allow your body to control you. When you fast, do not try to impress people but to please God,’ he admonished.
He encouraged the faithful to forgive others, change their perception of reality, deny themselves certain valuable comforts, and consciously curtail what they eat during the season.
Bishop Nwokolo left the congregation with two key take-home messages: to seek God with humility and righteousness, and to realign their priorities in accordance with God’s purpose.
