By Donald Ugwu and Ignatius Okorocha <\/p>\n
Rev. Fr. Uche Secundus Ogu has advised Christians to embrace the virtue of suffering as a necessary condition for obtaining salvation.
\nOgu, the Parish Priest of St Andrew Catholic Church, Orozo, FCT, gave the advice during his homily at the Harvest and Thanksgiving Mass of Christ the King Catholic Church (CKC) Kurudu, on Sunday.<\/p>\n
This is even as the host Parish Priest of Christ The King (CKC) Kurudu,Very Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Chike Dim has admonished Parishioners to give generously to God in thanksgiving for all they received from his through out the year, for God rewards a cheerful giver.<\/p>\n
Continiuing Fr Ogu noted that the notion being spread by some preachers that Christians were not meant to suffer was both unscriptural and deceitful adding that Christ endured suffering and recommended same for the salvation of mankind.
\n“Jesus was the first to undergo torture and persecution for faith. He was scourged and crucified by soldiers for us but he accepted the condition in order to fulfill the will of God,” he said.
\nThe cleric noted that virtually everyone passes through trials and other excruciating difficulties which often threaten their faith in God.
\nHe, however, explained that such conditions did not mean that God has abandoned His children.
\n“Suffering prepares one for eternal life. When you fall, strive to rise again from the ashes of destruction, or despair because when Christ decrees “it is finished”, Christ has taken away your shame, sorrows and weaknesses.
\n“Christ went through both physical and spiritual torture through which He brought comfort to sinners.”
\nReflecting on the theme of the Harvest and the luturgy the priest noted that very many persons destroy their relationships with God by the way they indulge in immoral conducts.
\nOgu reminded Christians to always bear in mind that their bodies are temples of God and should strive not to defy God’s temple.
\n“Ask God for mercy when you defile your body and do not pretend that your pleasures will not deny you a place in the heavenly kingdom on the last day.”
\nAccording to him, couples who always fight, beat up their spouses or spit causes against their spouses and children desecrate God’s temple.
\nThe priest enjoined Christians to give necessary attention to their souls as they attend to their bodies because “inside appearance of your soul is better than polishing the outside.
\n“If you polish your body, also polish your soul as practical Christianity is when you give your entire life to Christ.”
\nOn the Harvest he said it was time to thank God for helping to build the church.
\n“If you are a Christian and you want to grow higher you have to give to God.
\n“When you give, blessings come and if you do not give, blessings cease.
\n“Seek first the kingdom of God and everything is added unto you.”
\nIn a remark to appreciate the worshipping community and the visiting priest, Rev. Fr. Chike Dim (OCD), the CKC parish priest reminded all that God does not abandon anyone who sows seeds<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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