Religion

Good Friday: Clerics Call for Selfless Leadership

By Web News 286

By our correspondents

Some Christian worshippers in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Friday observed Good Friday, which signifies the suffering, death, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Our correspondents, who monitored the situation, report that the events featured the re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s suffering, death, and crucifixion, while clerics used the occasion to challenge political leaders in the country to be more sacrificial and selfless, as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

At Saint Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre, a Passion Play was presented by youths in the church.

The play showcased the trial, suffering, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the reactions of his attackers, the weeping of his followers, as well as the carrying of his body to the tomb.

Some of the expressions during the play included: “You saved others, why can’t you save yourself?”, “Father, remember me in your kingdom,” and “My God, why have you forsaken me… It is finished.”

In an interview, the Assistant Cathedral Administrator, Reverend Father Anthony Fasakin, said the suffering and death of Jesus Christ was a sacrifice for the forgiveness and redemption of mankind from sin and death.

“It took the infinite God to surrender His only Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice to redeem mankind. Our leaders must learn from Jesus, who was described as a poor king, and meet the yearnings of the masses,”.

Reverend Father Fasakin, who urged political leaders to emulate Jesus Christ, noted that political activities ahead of next year’s general election must not derail them from meeting the aspirations of the people.

Speaking in the same vein, the Pastor-in-Charge of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Imole, Alase, Moniya, Ibadan, Pastor Isaiah Fajuyagbe, urged political office holders to strive for peace and development in the nation.

Pastor Fajuyagbe noted that leadership comes with great sacrifice and selflessness, which must not be compromised.

He also urged followers to be alive to their responsibilities by supporting those in leadership positions, adding that the death of Jesus Christ should serve as a moment of sober reflection for the development of mankind.

In his submission, the Shepherd-in-Charge of Celestial Church of Christ, Founder’s Parish 2, Wire and Cable, Apata, Ibadan, Prophet Imoleayo Akinnagbe, admonished Christians to maintain holy lives, as exemplified by Jesus Christ in his journey for the redemption of mankind.

Prophet Akinnagbe, who said Jesus Christ had paid the supreme price for humanity’s freedom, emphasised that living holy lives remains the best way to appreciate his sacrifice, rather than crucifying him a second time.

He also urged Christian faithful to use the season to pray for the nation’s leaders and for national prosperity.

Similarly, the Venerable Superior Evangelist Emmanuel Shoyoye of Celestial Church of Christ, Covenant Parish, Jiboye, Apata, Ibadan, enjoined Christians to use the period for prayers and reflection on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ.

Evangelist Shoyoye noted that Good Friday symbolises the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity, serving as a reminder of God’s love and redemption.

Reflecting further on the significance of the day, he explained that the sacrifice of Jesus’ crucifixion extends beyond Christianity, with its impact felt across cultures and societies, while also emphasising the need for forgiveness and the triumph of hope over adversity.

Edited by Olaolu Fawole

Feature

Good Friday, and It’s Significance

By Web News 271

By Taiwo Akinola

Good Friday is one of the most solemn and important days in the Christian calendar. It is observed during the Holy Week preceding Easter Sunday, to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. For Christians around the world, the day represents a profound moment of reflection on sacrifice, redemption, and the depth of God’s love for humanity.

Good Friday is significant primarily because it marks the fulfillment of the Christian belief that Jesus willingly suffered and died to atone for the sins of humanity. According to Christian teachings, His crucifixion was not merely a tragic event but a divine act of salvation. Through His suffering, Christians believe that humanity was offered forgiveness and the opportunity for reconciliation with God. This belief forms the foundation of the Christian message of grace and redemption.

Another important aspect of Good Friday is the spirit of solemn remembrance it inspires among believers. Churches hold special services where passages from the Bible recounting the trial, suffering, and crucifixion of Jesus are read. Many Christians observe the day through fasting, prayer, and meditation, reflecting on the meaning of sacrifice, humility, and obedience demonstrated by Christ.

Good Friday also teaches powerful moral and spiritual lessons. It reminds believers of the values of love, selflessness, and forgiveness. Despite facing betrayal, injustice, and suffering, Jesus is believed to have responded with compassion and forgiveness. This example encourages Christians to practice patience, mercy, and kindness even in difficult circumstances.

Furthermore, the significance of Good Friday is closely connected to the joy of Easter Sunday. While Good Friday focuses on suffering and sacrifice, it prepares believers for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, which symbolizes victory over sin and death. Together, these events form the central message of hope in Christianity.

In essence, Good Friday is not only a day of mourning but also a day of deep spiritual meaning. It calls Christians to remember the sacrifice made for humanity, to reflect on their faith, and to renew their commitment to living lives guided by love, humility, and compassion.

Religion

Low Turnout as Churches Hold Good Friday Services

By Web News 844

Some Christian worship centres in Ibadan witnessed a low turnout of members during the Good Friday service observed across the country as part of the Easter celebration.
Radio Nigeria correspondents, who monitored the situation, report that the church services were short and solemn, and vehicular movement in the metropolis was also not heavy.

At the Church of the transfiguration, Anglican Communion, Ikolaba, the procession was moody and serene while hymns rendered reflected the death of Jesus for the remission of sin.
  

The scenario was not different at the Cathedral of Saint James, Oke Bola, Saint Anne’s Anglican Church, Molete, and The Methodist Church Nigeria, Ekotedo.

In a sermon entitled: When the Innocent Dies”, an assistant priest at the Church of the Transfiguration, Anglican communion, Ikolaba, Rev, Afolabi Olusola said Jesus was innocent of the crime levelled against Him.
Reverend Olusola pointed out that blood of innocent Nigerians was equally being shed either for rituals or political purposes.

On its part, The Provost, Cathedral of Saint James the Great, Oke Bola, The Very Reverend David Olagbaju noted that Jesus’ crucifixion epitomized perfect love for the well-being of humanity, urging Nigerian leaders to show concern about the welfare of others.    

The Very Reverend Olagbaju pointed out that the cooperation of the citizens would manifest when leaders prioritized their well-being.

The Presbyter, Methodist Church Nigeria, Ekotedo, Dugbe, Ibadan, Very Reverend Abraham Akinyode, urged Nigerians to be selfless and love others.
 Some members said the death of Jesus was significant to them.

Expectedly, some churches in recognition of the day not only dramatized the entire stages and processes that Jesus went through before His death but also held special services to acknowledge the day.

In Christendom, Good Friday signifies the day Jesus was tried before Pontius Pilate, suffered, crucified and died while on the cross.         

Fasilat Lawal/Funmi Obagbayegun/Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Low Turnout at Worship Centres Marks Good Friday in Parts of Ibadan

By Web News 925

Worship centers in Ibadan recorded low turnout as Good Friday is observed across the world.

Good Friday is observed by Christians to acknowledge the trial, suffering, crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Christian adherents commemorate the day by acting the out the event through carrying of the cross and accepting to be beating a rally.

In Ibadan, the situation was a total deviation from the usual annual event as most of the churches visited only held their services at different period of the day.

 At Saint James Cathedral, Oke Bola, few members were present during two separate services to mark the day.

 Radio Nigeria observed that songs rendered reflected the death of Jesus on the cross for the redemption of mankind

The situation was not different at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Ekotedo where the members converged to commemorate the day.

In an interview the presbyter of the church, Very Reverend Abraham Akinyode said Jesus demonstrated selflessness not by meeting the needs of people but by dying on the cross.

Very Reverend Akinyode used the occasion to lament the spate of kidnapping for ransom and attacks on farmland by herdsmen, saying failure of government to address the crises might lead to famine.

Very Reverend Akinode appealed to political leaders in the country to be selfless and initiate policies that would alleviate the suffering of the masses.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Good Friday: Let us serve God, humanity through sacrificial love – Clergy

By Web News 883

The minister in charge of Molete Baptist Church, Challenge Ibadan,The Reverend Edward Alabi has asked Christians to rededicate their lives to the service of God and humanity through sacrifice and love.

The Rev. Alabi was of the opinion that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was not a pleasant experience as charges against him, including mingling with sinners and preaching on Sabbath day and against payment of taxes, among other reasons were trumped up and baseless.

Restating Jesus experience on the cross of Calvary, the clergyman noted that the day the crucifixion took place, now referred to as Good Friday was indeed a sad and agonizing one going by the manner in which he died.

The Reverend Alabi queried that if Jesus could sacrifice so much for man to have abundant, fulfilled life, it then behoved Christians to appreciate Him by living a life of love, tolerance, sacrifice and service to God and humanity.

He said Judas did not have the in depth knowledge of the ministry of Jesus Christ which was rather spiritual than physical, and that was why he exposed him to those who crucified him.

Adewumi Faniran

Religion

Clerics Urges Christians to Imbibe Lessons of Lenten Season

By Web News 635

As today commemorates Good Friday and the end of Lenten season which goes along with the forty days fast in Christendom, Christian faithful have been advised to allow the lessons they learnt during the period to always reflect in their daily lives.

This formed the focal points of a cross section of clerics in Ado-Ekiti who spoke on the significance of Good Friday, as captured by Correspondent Anthony Ojo.

Religion

Significance and Lessons of Good Friday

By Web News 989

This day, far away on a skull shaped hill called Golgotha, in Jerusalem, stood an old rugged cross.

 it was a cross the world so much despised, being an emblem of reproach, suffering and shame.

 Yet, it was on that same cross; a great king who did not commit any offense was crucified to atone for the sin of humanity.

 Not minding the shame, this king, Jesus Christ, left his glory and endured that cross for the sake of humanity. 

 Apparently, the event of that day was nothing short of a horrible, unimaginable, inexplicable, humiliating and worst of treatment meted out to Jesus Christ till he breathed his last on that gloomy day which today is being remembered as Good Friday.

 It was the most gruesome killing ever recorded in the history of mankind. 

The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus, lacerated his flesh with lashes, smote his head with a reed, placed on it crown of thorns and nailed him to the cross. 

Darkness enveloped the entire land as blood flowed from his head to the feet with groans of pain, anguish and sorrow mingled with love.

Though, so dark a day it was, yet so good, as the wrath of God against the sins of men, met with mercy at the cross, demonstrating the peak of God’s love for a world that discountenanced him, and willingness to forgive, even the most despicable among men.

By this sacrifice, the ultimate price of forgiveness for humanity was totally paid, the righteousness of God was vindicated and man was reconciled to God.  

Light conquered darkness and sin was conquered by love.

 Satan and death became vanquished, the power of sin subdued, and a new chapter was opened in man’s relationship with God.

 Man regained freedom and the hope of eternal life

Thus, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ unarguably became the boast and glory of the Christian faith.

 Good Friday is also considered “good” by Christians because as terrible as that day was, it paved the way for eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which was three days after his death.

 Considering what the crucifixion of Jesus Christ symbolized, it therefore behoves on Christian faithful and the entire human race to have a deep reflection on how the message of the cross can be applied to save the nation from the challenges bedeviling it.

 Leaders in all sectors of national life should emulate the heart of love Jesus Christ demonstrated despite the agony of the cross, to see their position as an opportunity to deliver the masses from incessant suffering, occasioned by socio-economic and political upheavals.

 Just as Jesus forgave all, individuals, families, friends, aggrieved members of political parties and even world leaders should use the occasion of the Good Friday let go of all offences and forgive one another just as Christ did to mankind.

 If God did not spare his only son so that man could be restored, then, every Nigerian should forsake all manners of sin and live as a good ambassador of Christ for positive transformation in the society.

 Only then, can the nation witness the much desired peace, joy, stability, harmony and blessings which God intended for humanity.

Olaitan Adeitan